This is the second time Nat has fallen ill! Poor little thing ! Her immune system is still immature and not as effective in fighting off infections. Our heart aches as her tiny body struggles to fight off the viral fever caused by upper respiratory tract infection.
She has been coughing since 08 June evening and we discovered the fever only at about 10pm. From then on it's round the clock monitoring. I had to set the alarm to wake myself up every 1 hour to check her temperature. Am worried that her slight fever may escalate in the night and develop into something worse like meningitis, other pneumoccocal diseases or chronic bronchitis or that she may go into a febrile seizure due to sudden change in bodily temp!!?? What's more Pneumonia can have symptoms similar to that of acute bronchitis which can include a high fever, shaking chills, and shortness of breath. There are so many irremissible possibilities. Chris said I'm paranoid and was just making myself nervous with all the fever related information backed up at the back of my brains...I'd rather be well equipped & extra kiasu than be sorry & regret feeling helpless.
Anyway, the main objective is to bring her fever down. Temperature fluctuated between 38.2 to 38.8 within the night . Paracetamol helped to bring down the temp but once the medicinal effect wore out her temperature started to climb again!! By 0530 on 09 Jun, it got as high as 39 degrees! Her cough didn't improve either! I decided we should rush her to KK immediately. Woke Sunarti up to help with preparation and we set off together with my mum as well. Managed to reach the hospital only at 0630 as Chris missed the first expressway exit after being distracted by sick whimpering Nattie. There was a short queue and soon Nattie was attended to by a nurse who took her body temperature using a thermometer placed under her axilla ( was surprised they didnt use the ear thermometer...wouldn't the temperature be inaccurate?). Her temp was 38.2. Initial heartbeat reading was 182/min. Kinda on the high side.
She was brought to room 11 where I suspect an MO examined her. He checked her breathing and fumbled with her pulse. He was unable to get an accurate reading using a portable heart monitor with attachable clip at the toe. Changed to another equipment which has a elastoplast like attachment - again no reading. Finally he used the most fundamental method ie watch and pulse reading. Sigh I watch on with agony as he displayed his incompetency time and again! Fortunately due to his inexperience and inability to commit to a firm diagnosis as Nattie is only 3 months old he consulted the only paediatrician on shift. She came over rechecked her breathing and reassured us that the baby seems to suffer from the common cold. There was no accumulation of water in her lungs which is good and told us to continue to monitor her fever. She prescribed paracetamol and nasal decongestant. I was relieved to hear that all this is curable.
My mum helped and stayed over the next few days. We took turns to soothe the crying baby. Am so glad I am a lactating mum and that Nattie is able to latch on immediately when she is born. Else I really am not sure where she's gonna find the extra antibodies to help fight off the infection.
FYI on Febrile seizures
Occasionally, a child with a fever will have a seizure. This is called a febrile seizure, and it demands immediate attention from a doctor. The seizures do not seem to be related to the height of the fever, or to the rapidity with which it rises, but a small number of children seem to be predisposed to attacks.
According to BBC news on infant fever, about 50% of the children who suffer one febrile seizure will go on to have another one. About 33% will have a third one.
- While waiting for a doctor to arrive, it is important to follow basic instructions:
Keep the child upright and make sure they are breathing well
Stay with the child and talk reassuringly
Watch for changes in breathing, and make sure that the airways are kept open
Clear the area to prevent injury
Do not restrain as this can cause additional injury
Try placing a soft pillow or blanket under the child's head
Loosen clothing to prevent injury and ease discomfort
If vomiting occurs, turn the head to the side so there is no risk of his choking on inhaled vomit
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