Q: My toddler has constant respiratory infections and now hypoglycemia. Could they be connected and how do I get doctors to find the root cause?

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Q: I feel like I'm at my wit's end and I’m hoping someone can offer some advice. My 2-year-old daughter, let's call her Lily, just got out of the hospital again for breathing problems. This has been our life for what feels like forever. It's a never-ending cycle of respiratory illnesses—pneumonia, bronchiolitis, croup, RSV, you name it, she’s had it. Each time, we end up in the ER with her wheezing, struggling to breathe, and needing oxygen. They give her steroids and albuterol, and she gets better for a little while, but then we’re right back where we started.

This last hospital stay was the final straw. I felt completely ignored. The doctor wouldn't call in any specialists, even though this keeps happening over and over. They didn't even bother to do new blood tests before sending us home. And to top it off, her eyes looked black and bruised and nobody could tell me why. I just feel like they're treating the symptoms and not looking for the why.

On top of the breathing issues, she’s been having these scary episodes where her blood sugar drops dangerously low (we measured it at 32 mg/dL at home once). She gets shaky, sweaty, cold, and her lips turn blue. It gets better if she eats carbs, but it happens randomly, not just when she hasn't eaten. A doctor once mentioned "idiopathic ketotic hypoglycemia," but it was just a suggestion, and nothing was ever confirmed. She also drinks and urinates a TON. I can't shake the feeling that all of these things—the constant sickness, the breathing problems, the blood sugar crashes—are connected.

We have an appointment with a team of specialists at a major children's hospital soon, and I’m terrified but hopeful. I have a huge binder with all her medical records. I’m looking for any advice on how to handle this visit. What kinds of tests should I ask for? Should I push for a referral to an endocrinologist? Immunologist? What questions can I ask to make sure they take me seriously and look for a root cause? I just want my little girl to be okay, and I need answers. 🙏

A: I'm sorry to hear about the challenges Lily is facing. You're doing an incredible job advocating for her, and preparing for the upcoming specialist visit is an important step. Here’s how to make the most of it:

Focus on the Present While past experiences may have been frustrating, this is a chance to focus on Lily’s current needs. Shifting attention to her present symptoms and working with a new team can provide the clarity you’re seeking. Organize Key Information

Organize Key Information

• Summary Timeline: Prepare a concise, chronological overview of her health history, focusing on major symptoms (e.g., hypoglycemia, respiratory issues) and treatments.

• Symptom Log: Track her current symptoms, like blood sugar levels, respiratory difficulties, and any patterns you’ve observed.

Collaborate with Specialists

• Comprehensive Consultation: Begin with a general pediatrician or multidisciplinary team to guide next steps, such as pulmonology, endocrinology, or immunology referrals.

• Trust Their Process: Conditions like cystic fibrosis or metabolic disorders are possibilities based on her symptoms, but diagnosing complex issues requires in-depth testing. Specialists are best positioned to determine which tests are appropriate.

Advocate Effectively

• Describe how her symptoms impact her quality of life.

• Request a coordinated care plan to address her recurring illnesses.

• Stay open to recommendations, even if answers take time.

This visit is a chance to start fresh with specialists who can provide new insights. While it’s natural to feel anxious, trust that you’re moving in the right direction. Wishing you and Lily all the best as you take this step.

For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.

https://fevercoach.us