What Causes Recurrent Respiratory Issues In A Child?

Posted on Mon, 10 Mar 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 Answered on

Tue, 1 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : My boy 1yr 5mnts was admitted to hospital for pneumonia (initial stage, according to the doctor) during the 1st week of January. Again during the 1st week of February he was admitted for vomitting and dehydration. After 4 days of discharge from the hospital, he caught cold and begun coughing with a sound from the chest while breathing in his sleep. The doctor gave him CLAMP (Amoxicillin & P. Clavulanate), L Montus syrup, Ambrodil syrup and advise nebulizer. There was improvement but the same came back after a week. The doctor again gave him Cefpodoxime and potassium clavulanate dry syrup and Ambrodil S. The cough and the sound in breathing while asleep was gone for about two weeks. Now the same has come back and we are consulting another doctor. He prescribed CEFPONET dry syrup, KOLDOC syrup and multivitamin. The doctor said his chest is clear and there is nothing to worry about. Sometime the sound from the chest while breathing will be gone and often came back during sleep. He has no fever. Is there any possibility of pneumonia? why do this cough and cold recurs? Was too much antibiotics been given during the past 2 months?

Answered by Dr. Eric Goldstein (28 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Respiratory Detailed Answer: Hello. Thank you for your question. I am sorry that your son has been having these respiratory issues. Something to consider is the possibility that your son is being repeatedly exposed to respiratory illness somewhere. Perhaps in the home, or in the homes of other children. The doctors you are working with, seems to have been able to treat your son appropriately, and rid him of the illness that he experienced at the time. Now that the doctor is saying that your sons chest is clear, I would trust your doctor and not worried about pneumonia. Loud breathing in a child who is otherwise well, is not something you have to worry about. Additionally,we should keep in mind that loud noises from the chest could also be a gastrointestinal issue, ie: reflux. if your son falls ill again, and the doctor says his chest is clear, you may want to consider seeing a doctor who specializes in gastroenterology. But again, if your son is otherwise well, I would leave him alone. In summary, you can trust your doctor when he says your sons lungs are clear. If you are hearing noises but your son is otherwise well, do not worry. If you hear noises and your son is not well and your doctor says his chest is clear, consider seeing a doctor who specializes in gastroenterology.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D