A quick health synopsis...

Austin developed a cough last weekend with a throaty sound...sounded like he had a little post-nasal drip. This was consistent with his teething pattern (a molar broke through this week) which also includes changes in bowel "production", moodiness, and sticking his hands into his own mouth more than usual...all of which had been happening.

Wednesday afternoon, he developed a fever...it stayed in the 101-102 degree range through this morning.

Last night, his breathing became increasingly distressed. When agitated, his respiratory rate climbed above 50 respirations per minute. When calm, his breathing remained shallow and labored, but at least remained closer to 40 respirations per minute. He had a good capillary refill time, no rash, and was not dehydrated or cyantoic, so we felt comfortable waiting for the morning to take him to the pediatrician.

He awoke this morning with a reduced fever (99 degrees) but his breathing remained labored...so off he went to a 10:45 appointment. The doctor immediately noticed his ribs flaring while breathing and gave him a thorough exam. Basically, she heard wheezing with exhalations, but did not hear anything that would lead her to believe that it was pneumonia or RSV. She tried a nebulizer treatment to see if he would improve...theoretically, if he responded well it was likely bacterial, if not, it was likely viral.

After the treatment, Austin's breathing improved significantly, but not greatly. So...the pediatrician believed that he has a viral upper respiratory tract infection. The plan moving forward then was:

• obtain a nebulizer (home health agency delivers one, arranged by MD office)
• go to pharmacy to pick up the medication (Xoponex)
• give him treatments once every 4 hours, decreasing to every 6 hours when appropriate
• follow up with the MD on Tuesday morning

After the appointment, Austin came home, fell asleep for 3 hours and woke up at 4 pm for his treatment. His breathing improved even more afterward, and he has been in an awesome mood since then!! He is due again for another now, so the typing must end...but wanted to keep you guys up to date.

We will check back in tomorrow....