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Are Lethargy, Loss Of Appetite, Mild Fever And Breathing Through The Mouth By A Toddler A Concern?
Question: My 2 yr old granddaughter has become lethargic, won't eat or drink & she's breathing thru her mouth. This has been going on for 3 or so hours. She also has a fever of 99.9
Brief Answer:
likely a viral illness
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Lethargy, decreased appetite, increased temp, nasal congestion causing mouth breathing, is most commonly due to a viral illness usually the common cold or flu.
The most common reason for breathing through the mouth is nasal congestion, either with increased discharge or if the turbinates are swollen.
The flu usually causes more severe symptoms than the cold eg muscle and joint pain, severe malaise and weakness, prolonged fever (more than 3 to 4 days).
A decongestant would help relieve her nasal congestion, this can be topical such as normal saline spray (this is over the counter). There are rubs that contain menthol that would also help ease her congestion and decrease mouth breathing.
The appetite decreases with many persons, both adults and children, with the cold. It is important that she drinks even if she does not want to eat.
She can take sips of fluid if she does not want to take a lot at a time.
Paracetamol or Tylenol can help reduce the temperature.
It can take 7 to 14 days to recover from the cold.
If a cough develops, it can sometimes lasts up to 6 weeks.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
likely a viral illness
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Lethargy, decreased appetite, increased temp, nasal congestion causing mouth breathing, is most commonly due to a viral illness usually the common cold or flu.
The most common reason for breathing through the mouth is nasal congestion, either with increased discharge or if the turbinates are swollen.
The flu usually causes more severe symptoms than the cold eg muscle and joint pain, severe malaise and weakness, prolonged fever (more than 3 to 4 days).
A decongestant would help relieve her nasal congestion, this can be topical such as normal saline spray (this is over the counter). There are rubs that contain menthol that would also help ease her congestion and decrease mouth breathing.
The appetite decreases with many persons, both adults and children, with the cold. It is important that she drinks even if she does not want to eat.
She can take sips of fluid if she does not want to take a lot at a time.
Paracetamol or Tylenol can help reduce the temperature.
It can take 7 to 14 days to recover from the cold.
If a cough develops, it can sometimes lasts up to 6 weeks.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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