My 7-year-old started a mild cough and runny nose a few days ago and has seemed to get worse since then. A few of his classmates have had a cough/cold, so I was guessing that's what it is, but the odd thing is that he also has two canker sores - one that appeared last week and is now almost gone, one that just cropped up a couple of days ago. He's had them in the past, but never in conjunction with illness. (He had hand foot and mouth disease when he was 3, so it's probably not that.)
He isn't running a fever, but has had no appetite for the past couple of days, and hasn't wanted to do much besides curl up and read, watch a movie or play his DS. He says he feels "achy," which made me wonder about the flu, but he really doesn't have flu symptoms.
He didn't even finish a cupcake for dessert last night (this is a child who LOVES sweets) and has eaten next to nothing today. He tried some yogurt and fruit earlier and pushed it away, saying he felt sick. His cough has been continuous and junky. We started him on Mucinex today, which he has never taken before.
Does this sound like just a cold, or something more? Should I be worried? When he gets sick I always imagine the worst, like leukemia, even though I know that's pretty irrational.
Get some peroxyl to swish with for his canker sores---those can be horrible and definitely makes you not want to eat/drink anything. Have him take motrin and do a simple bland diet----see how he feels tomorrow and if he is still sick, call the doctor and see them first thing Monday morning. Hope this helps.
Most of the time, this is viral. The cough is probably just drainage. If he doesn't get better with the Mucinex in a couple of days, it wouldn't hurt to go to the pediatrician- if anything for your peace of mind.
No Dear-he has a virus rearing it's ugly head-knocking little one for a loop and worrying mama to tears-nothing more. If your son starts to run a fever, then he has probably developed a secondary , bacterial infection-and may need some medical intervention. It's still early-call the doctor and see what he says-take care-kiss his precious forehead for me-xo!
Our whole family has this virus right now. Starts with a sore throat, then congestion, then the post nasal tickle in the back of the throat and the dry cough, and then you just feel achy. We have all needed to rest for 2+ days in bed or the couch. Three of the four had no fever, I did and went to see the doctor and it seems mine developed into a sinus infection.
Lack of appetite is normal when you are sick. Just make sure he drinks lots of fluids and gets plenty or rest and perhaps pain killer for the aches. If after a few days you actually start feeling worse not better (like I did) then it is time to see a doctor.
Seriously, you sound exactly like me! I always think the same thing as well. I often have several terrible diagnosis' going on as well!
It's really not uncommon for a canker sore to come out when someone has a virus bc this is time they arise, when the immune system is done. Canker sores are a form of herpes, as I am sure you know, which is insanely common, and therefore they will always arise throughout one's life. They say 90% of all people have some form. Anyway, children can also get coxsakie multiple times bc there are many different strains of the virus. My son has had it about 6 times. This could be it and maybe what you are seeing is a coksakie sore and not a canker sore? Also, though this is the time that most kids get sick as all the germs have had time to mix and feser from the start of school. Sounds like a virus!
Are you giving him analgesics to manage the pain and suffering?
I always give these viruses at least 5 days before I call an expert, as long as they are sipping on something. It's common to be off one's food (diet) for 2-3 days. Unless he's excessively skinny, there are no negative side effects to fasting while ill.
The old wive's tale of "Feed a Fever, Starve a Cold" is a good rule of thumb to use. Fever's burn up calories and protein, therefore the good, old chicken soup is the perfect food. Colds are good to starve out with the BRAT diet.
GL!
Sounds like a virus. If he has had canker sores in the past, they will inevitably pop up again. Illness, which is stressful to the body, can bring them on as well. If you are that worried, call or see your pediatrician.
I wouldn't worry too much. Sounds like he has a cold and the canker sore might be a result of the upset stomach, etc. There are many causes for a canker sore. Unfortunately, it takes a few days for them to go away.
I would just keep an eye on it. If it gets really big or changes drastically, I would call the doctor.
We used to always just rinse our mouth with salt water; seemed to always lesson the pain.
Hope the little guy feels better soon.
Post nasal drip sometimes doesn't show you any other symptoms than: lack of appetite (so much gunk in his stomach he's not hungry), cough (usually worse at night when he's laying down), no energy (no food no energy). Personally I am not a fan of mucinex, even the children's dose makes my heart race so I don't give it to my kids. They both have allergies, both have nasonex (sp) I love it. It really works well for us. Also you might want to get him checked for allergies. Fall hay fever started a couple of weeks ago and it can make you feel miserable.
As far as the canker sores, I have always gotten them for a variety of reasons. When I was little I would get them when a tooth was getting loose. When I ate too much food with a very high acid content ( exp. spaghetti sauce or a bag of oranges, fresh lemon aid ect.). Later in life I got them when I first started my period every month (just giving examples I remember you have a boy). Now I get them if my body is off for any reason, too much acid foods, not enough vitamins ect. While I have never tried B-12 for canker sores I've heard it helps. But the best thing I found is an OTC vitamin/supplement called Lysine (you would probably need to split the pill for the right dose) It seriously works well for me so it might for you. Salt water rinse will help too. And, if the canker sores get worse don't wait to get them checked out. Mine got so bad a couple of times I had to go to an ENT to have them burned closed in my mouth. Just keep an eye on them!
Good luck!
