Teething problems....I Think??????

Updated on February 08, 2007
K.W. asks from Olive Branch, MS
19 answers

My 9 mo. old has been teething since he was 3 mos. old. When he was 6 and 6 1/2 mos. old he cut his two bottom teeth and the past few weeks he's been trying to cut his top teeth. However for the past week or so he's been unbearable to handle. He stopped eating his usual rice cereal and baby foods and has only wanted to nurse (but that has even been hit or miss). He not sleeping, nap time he only sleeps 10 minutes here and maybe 20 minutes there. At night when he does sleep he wakes up every hour screaming his head off. I took him to the doctor yesterday because he has been running a temp. and has had a runny nose and really nasty cough. He was diagnosed with RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) and was prescribed Albuterol. Our visit with the doctor was not a pleasant one. He had a waiting room full of kids (that sounded just like my little guy). He literally didn't spend a full minute with us. It was as if he was hearding us all in and out like cattle. We've never had a problem with this doctor before. One side effect of albuterol is gittery and jumpy behavior in infants. So, not the best of drugs to give when we've already had that problem (without meds). Should I continue to give the meds and chaulk it up as a bad virus that needs to run it's course or call and get a second opinion for a doctor that actually wants to hear all about the problems we've been having lately. I know that most of the symptoms he's been having are also symptoms of teething but I'm really starting to worry about him not eating. What to do??? Please help!!!

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.S.

answers from Mobile on

For the teething pain try Teething Tablets..they are made by Hyland and are in the vitamin section at Walmart. They have worked wonderful for my 7 month old who has just cut his 3rd tooth.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.T.

answers from Florence on

I tryed teething tablets you can get them at wal- mart. they really helped my son and there safe to use

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.T.

answers from Nashville on

If things aren't seeming right to you, it is always wise to get a second opinion. At least call the nurse on duty and ask for some advice.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.S.

answers from Auburn on

Been part of the here with you. I didnt have the early teething issue you had/have. But my now 4yr old daughter was about 6 months old when I thought she was just fighting a cold for about 4 days. Her older sister had been diagnosed with GERD at 6 months old after running her to the dr every 2 weeks. It finally helped to have an answer to the problem, but it was so bad, she had bacterial pneumonia 3 times before she was a year old due to the reflux splilling over into her lungs. She was put on liquid Albuterol which effects the nervous system alot worse than the nebulizer. It was only a few months later she was diagnosed with asthma. To make long story short, see if you can get the nebullizer with the mask. It really makes a difference. Hannah would climb the walls and be miserable and sit there and just shake and her eyes would just jump if she could ever get still.

Onto the RSV. Grace was 6mths old and had a cold I thought. But after Hannah being so sick I was timid to run to the dr with every sniffle. But mommy instinct said...GO!!! So we did. Her Dr. brought us in checked her over quickly as you said. Then a monitor was brought in, he came in handed me a paper, told me to go to Baptist Hospital, she had a room waiting... and OH by the way, she is in respiratory distress. He didnt test her in the office. We got to the hospital, she was put in an oxygen tent, quarintined (sp), with tape, gowns and masks and gloves outside the door. No one could enter without the whole outfit. the tests began. The last test was a nose swab that came on the 2nd day in the late pm, and BAM! she has RSV. THe tape etc. was removed from outside the room but she continued breathing treatments every 4 hours with 3 medications for 5 days. I was also informed that the RSV will cause scarring/scar tissue in the lower lobes of the lungs, and most children end up with asthma. She did. And the next 2 years were rough during cold/flu season. It may take us 5-7 days to get over a cough related cold. It would take her nearly 2 weeks. But today she is 4 and has been problem free for 2 years. No asthma attacks etc. in 2 years. Hope this helps some.

Other ideas...Colic..maybe?? there is a nasty green liquid the dr can presribe that has several diff meds mixed together and helps some if it colic. If it is teeth, have you tried a frozen baby wash rag to chew on? Or maybe a pediatric dentist could offer some ideas since the teeth are dropping in so soon. Good Luck

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.C.

answers from Knoxville on

I am a new mom so I dont know much but I believe that if u have doubts about the first opinion then u definately should get another. As moms we kind of have a sixth sense, if u know what I mean. Good Luck.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

V.F.

answers from Jackson on

K. don't stop the med.s rsv is a deadly virsue it kills hunders of babies every year but yes if my doc. would have treated me that away i would get a second opinion rsv is usally found when they do a nose swab and it takes about two hours to come back. also when it comes to teething i have three kids and i would go nuts with out teething pablets they are great these little white pills melts as soon as you put them in your babies mouth so there is no worring bout them getting choked
hope i help
V.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

F.W.

answers from Nashville on

I think that a second opinion would ease your worries. Just go ahead and get one. Your son is probably not eating because he is just about to cut those teeth and it hurts, alot. That is probably why he is waking up. As a matter of fact, that maybe the only thing wrong. Try benadryl. I gave it to my daughter when she was going through symptoms like these. It really made a difference.

As for the medication....... Do what you believe is right. Only you know, don't be afraid to listen to your gut.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.F.

answers from Johnson City on

ok is the baby whezzing at all ?also XOPENEX is a prefered breathing treatment med just for the fact it doesnt make the child jumpy or jittery and in my opion it works twice as good . also with the teething both of my sons had a fever and a runny nose and even coughing because of the sinus drainage you must remember that this can also make his throat sore which can make eating harder , and of coure with the teething itself the mouth tends to stay sore , also just like when you have a cold nothing seems to taste just right so maybe some jello or some puddings would do the trick

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.S.

answers from Montgomery on

Like the other respnses...I wouldn't recommend stopping the medication until you are certain. But, I would absolutely get a second opinion! You do not feel comfortable with the amount/quality of examination you were given.
Worst case scenario, the second opinion confirms the original diagnosis and you can ask if there are other treatments/medications that would be efefctive without the side effects that concern you.

Best of luck,
L.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

N.H.

answers from Knoxville on

hi, I'm sorry for you and the baby,no fun...
I'm a dental asst, not a dr but I can tell you teething is hard for kids but fiber is not a simptom, they can get an infection for sticking stuff in the mouth tring to relive the disconfort, so then the temp comes.
In your case, whith the bad dr experience and the diagnostic I think is a good idea to take him to a different dr for a second opinion.
Give him lots of fluids and love that shure helps.
Hope he gets well soon and good luck.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.R.

answers from Jackson on

My 2 year old had a horrible time teething. It messed up everything from her head to her toes. I took her to the doctor so many times while she was teething because I would be sure she was sick and it was always her teeth! If that were my child, I think I would have to get a second opinion.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.D.

answers from Knoxville on

There is really little you can do.
One thing is try the frozen wash rag, don't run every time he wants up after 10-mins. he is learning that you will come so he is keeping him self up.
just be patient and good luck. we are going through this too, and our son is learning to go to sleep or lay there.
I will not go get him until I feel he has been giving time to fall asleep. Also he may be ready for 1 nap at this time.
good luck again, T.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.C.

answers from Johnson City on

K.,

RSV is nothing to mess with. If the doctor performed tests that showed it was truly RSV, DO NOT discontinue the Albuterol. This is a life threatening disease. My son had it at 7 weeks and was very close to death. I realize that giving the breathing treatments is a pain and I know your son just hates it but don't stop. If the doctor DID NOT perform any tests to verify the RSV, you should definitely get a second opinion to be sure that is what you are dealing with. If he is wheezing, it definitely needs attention.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.B.

answers from Nashville on

i would get a second opinion...if he didnt spend much time with you kid he probably didnt give a correct diagnois...i would try another dr that will sit and listen and not rush you out...

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.O.

answers from Jackson on

Hi K., Several things that you can do. Definately find another doctor. If he doesn't take time to find out the problem than how are you suppose to have confidence in his diagnosis. Sinus infections, ear infections, sore throat, allergies could all cause the temp. Even him teething could cause the temp. I would get another opinion before I stopped the medicine just in case. If he is having alot of trouble teething you might want to try my remedy. I have raised 3 kids and 1 grandchild and everyone of them cut their teeth with the help of ice chips on the gums and also a porkchop bone. I cleaned the bone off of course, and they had a blast with it. One thing I have always done too, especially with RSV, I run a cool mist humidifier 24/7. You would be amazed at the difference from dry air to moist air. Just thought I would give you my 2 cents worth, I hope your baby gets to feeling better. Let me know. God Bless!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.M.

answers from Nashville on

If your baby truly has RSV, DO NOT stop the albuterol. The albuterol will help to break up all the mucus in his lungs and to cough it out. Yes, it makes kids hyper, but I'd rather have that than a baby hospitalized with RSV. There is another medication called Xopenex that we use year year round with my son. It's similar to Albuterol but the jittery side effects aren't as bad. It's a lot more expensive though and insurance companies won't always pay for it.
As far as the teething goes, some kids just handle it better than others. I would focus more on getting his over the RSV first though. Take care.

S.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.D.

answers from Decatur on

Kristie, If he was tested for RSV and he does have it then he needs those breathing treatments badly! I work in Respiratory and RSV can be very dangerous and in some cases deadly if not treated. Even though it may make him jittery or hyper you had rather have him that way other than in the hospital with an I.V. or even worse. Please make sure he gets his treatments. The sooner he gets over this then it will be less likely to pass it on to someone else. Good luck and hang in there I promise it will get better soon. Gob Bless you and your family

R. Hartselle Alabama

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.W.

answers from Chattanooga on

K.,

Did the Doctor check his ears well? There could be an underlying infection there. I am going to suggest that you go to the GNC or local vitamin stor and ask for Hylands brand Chamomilla 30x for teething and irritability. It is a compressed powder pill that will melt in his mouth within 30 seconds. It helps with the pain and also helps relax him. It has worked wonders for my daughter who is now 5 1/2 and I still give it to her when she is cranky or doesn't want to fall alseep at night. It helps to calm and relax. I even take it if I am upset and it helps. It doesn't put you to sleep it just relaxes you a little. It ususally is enough for kids to fall asleep. You can give him 4 per hour until the symptoms subside. My family has been using this for 30 years on all our kids and we have a huge family. I hope your little one feels better soon.

E.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.J.

answers from Biloxi on

If I was you I would get another opinion, RSV is a very bad, If not treated the right way can cause death. My mom is a nurse so i hear about all of these things. I would not stop giving him the meds unti I see another doctor. Good luck on your little guy..Hope he feels better

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches