Rattly breathing in 4yo after anaesthetic- help please!!!

**~ElectricPink~** · 30-10-2010 20:57

My son had grommets inserted yesterday. He was knocked out with a gas anaesthetic. Didn't recover all that well, and had a very 'wet' sounding cough, rattly chest, and runny nose afterwards. He slept it off for a few hours, and seemed fine afterwards so they sent him home.

Tonight the 'wet' cough and rattly breathing is back

it's so bad that he sounds like a cat purring, only much much louder.

Is this a common side effect of the gas anaesthetic? Or could it indicate further problems??

Someone please help!

**icugal** · 30-10-2010 21:04

Give your hospital a ring.... if he has developed any trouble breathing (particularly a stridor... which is a bit of a whistling type sound), it could be very serious.

Better to be safe than sorry...

(If you think he is deteriorating in any way.. just call an ambulance)

**KatiesMum** · 30-10-2010 21:18

definitely call the hospital.

If you cant get through - call Health Direct (link) on 1300 022 436

**icugal** · 30-10-2010 21:21

In the meantime, can you get him to have a bit of a cough for you... it sounds like he needs to get some secretions shifted from his throat/chest.

**~ElectricPink~** · 30-10-2010 21:40

He had a big cough, and then rolled onto his side, and his breathing is now clear. Hopefully it stays that way! I couldn't make any calls as i have no phone credit, but if it starts up again I'll be taking him into the hospital. I have him in my bed tonight so i can keep a close eye on him