Mum shares warning signs as toddler's runny nose was symptom of critical illness

26 December 2023 , 20:30

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Rivan is on the road to recovery (Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)

A mum has shared the "scary" symptoms which lead to her son being admitted to Alder Hey Hospital before Christmas in Liverpool.

Lucy Reid's son Rivan was rushed to Alder Hey Children's Hospital after his mum noticed he had a high temperature which she couldn’t control, a runny nose and was losing weight rapidly. Soon after, 18-month-old Rivan started to grunt when he was breathing.

Staff at Alder Hey quickly realised he was suffering from a collapsed lung and pneumonia, likely brought on due to a viral infection. His condition deteriorated and he was put on a high dependency unit (HDU). Now Rivan's family, from Wigan, have praised "angels" at the hospital for saving Rivan's life and getting him home in time for Christmas.

His mum Lucy said: "It’s been a really scary period, especially when Rivan was on HDU, but the staff have been phenomenal and really looked after us. I just want to thank Alder Hey really. It’s the first time we’ve had to use them and will be an unforgettable experience especially regarding the care our son received."

"From being admitted there to going home Rivan was their priority, and nothing was too much to ask. Rivan is now on the mend and we’re so excited to get home and spend our first Christmas together as a family of five. Me and his dad Simon couldn’t thank Alder Hey enough."

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Staff at Alder Hey quickly realised he was suffering from a collapsed lung and pneumonia, likely brought on due to a viral infection (NHS)

The Liverpool Echo reported that Dr Louise Crawley at Alder Hey said: "Rivan was admitted to Alder Hey with very high temperatures and high infection markers. An ultrasound scan showed that Rivan had something called an empyema which is where pus from a chest infection leaks into the gap between the lung and the chest wall.

"This can make children very unwell, so he was treated with IV antibiotics and a chest drain (with the help of Mr Ian Hennessey’s surgical team). Fortunately, I am pleased to say Rivan responded very well to treatment, and he was discharged on oral antibiotics a few days ago. We wish Rivan and his family best wishes for Christmas and the new year."

Little Rivan's time in the HDU was brief and he is now described as being on the "road to recovery". His family have said this festive period at home will be extra special, because it's Rivan's first with his younger sister Orla, who is just five-months-old.

Ellen Kirwin