Panting, fever in 8 mo

[Penny4Them]

mY DS HAS HAD A STUFFY NOSE FOR 8 DAYS. Well today he's panting and now running temp of 102.5. Hes been pulling at ears too. I called after hours ped and they will see him in the am. I'm so concerned with his panting breathing. What test can I ask for that will determine if it's bacterial or viral infection? I don't want to treat a virus w/ abx. If we find out it is bacterial, are abx necessary? Also, anyone seen a correlation b/t panting and ear infection? My DDs have never panted like this so I'm just so worried. thanks for anything you can share.

[mommy2maya]

Are you treating the fever? A fever alone will cause rapid breathing. Labored breathing is typically treated as an emergency. Is he retracting at the chest or neck or wheezing at all?

[Penny4Them]

Hi, I hadn't treated fever but your point makes great sense now. I took him to doc today and they checked his ears/lungs. Confirmed he has a virus, breathing fine, but definitely labored again tonight upon return of fever.

I never knew fevers could cause panting like that. His breathing wasn't labored, just fast.

Thanks for the feedback. I learn something everyday here at MDC.