Swollen lymph nodes and the ER?!
Question: My 4 year old has swollen lymph nodes all over his body. He hasn't had any sinus problems and hasn't been eating as much as he normal does. He has been running a temp from 98.9 to 102.5. We went to see a RN today and she said he doesn't have strep and sent him to have blood work done... but we wont get the results for another week. And she doesn't beleive in giving kids antibiotics, so she said it would take a month or so for the infection to go away. Is there concern with waiting this long? Should I take him to an ER and hopefully get some kind of answer on what this is?... and hopefully get an antibiotic?
Answers: My 4 year old has swollen lymph nodes all over his body. He hasn't had any sinus problems and hasn't been eating as much as he normal does. He has been running a temp from 98.9 to 102.5. We went to see a RN today and she said he doesn't have strep and sent him to have blood work done... but we wont get the results for another week. And she doesn't beleive in giving kids antibiotics, so she said it would take a month or so for the infection to go away. Is there concern with waiting this long? Should I take him to an ER and hopefully get some kind of answer on what this is?... and hopefully get an antibiotic?
This doesn't sound like an emergency. Kids get viruses and fevers all of the time. Unless the fever is dangerously high, like 105. Then it's an emergency. You did the right thing taking him into the pediatrician's office though.
And the nurse is doing absolutely the right thing with the antibiotics. You don't hand out antibiotics without confirming a bacterial infection first. That's what the blood work is for.
I think she is wrong about a viral infection taking a month to heal though. Usually it only takes two week in my experience.
One other problem that you have here is the blood work taking a week to come back. I think your pediatrician's office could use a better lab that can get the testing done faster than that. But that's moot this time. You have to wait however long it takes to get the current tests back. Next time, ask how long it will take first, and see if there is a better lab if you're not satisfied with the answer.
why haven't you taken him to a pediatrician? geeze
Yes take him to an ER because swollen lymph nodes can mean a number of serious issues.
It doesn't sound like strep because the only lymph nodes that should be swollen are the ones on his neck/throat. And he should have symptoms such as fever, headache, throatache, etc.
It could possibly be cancer..not to scare you. Lymphoma? Like I said..it can mean a number of things. Just take the closest precaution and go to the ER!
GOOD LUCK!!
don't insist on an antibiotic. these are hugely overused, often for viral stuff (vs. bacterial which what they're intended for). they do nothing for viruses and create resistant bacteria. follow the nurses advice and wait for the results.
swollen lymph nodes just mean some kind of infection, not necessarily bacterial. the kid is young, presumably healthy (in general) and his body can do a lot to heal itself. keep him warm, pain-free and make sure he gets plenty of rest.
if he has an upper respiratory infection, you should cut out dairy products as they just create more mucous. substitute soy milk.
It is not unusual for viral infections to last that long, Mono is a good example & seems to be going around. Kids are so prone to infection b/c of their poor hygiene & weaker immune systems. If your child does not have a wet diaper or go to the bathroom (pee) in 8-12hrs, won't eat or more importantly drink for 24hrs, has a fever >101, has increased work of breathing or is difficult to arouse, then you should take him to the ER. Always follow your gut as a parent. Even if you can only say, "Something's just not right." Attempt to control fever with Tylenol & Ibuprophen, Tylenol every 3 hrs & Ibuprohen every 6hrs. So every time you give Ibuprophen, give the Tylenol. Force fluids. Antibiotics may not be the answer, but supportive therapy might be necessary.
Pediatric RN & mom