Babies with hives

I think you did everything right. From being a fairly new mom myself, it seems like there are security levels like homeland security. First, you notice something is abnormal and could potentially be wrong, so we call the advise nurse which is always the first step. Then typically (my pediatricians office always tells me) if the nurse doesn't call back in 30 minutes, you should call back.

Then the next level is if you notice something seriously wrong and you need to go to Urgent Care or the emergency room. You did the right thing by watching his breathing. If it was a life-or-death allergy to something, you knew that his breathing would be impacted and that is when you call 911.

I would definatly call and let them know that the nurse never called you back, so if someone working there isn't relaying the messages or something in the system is wrong they can identify it. I would also call to get a list of common allergies to see if you can pinpoint what gave him the reaction and keep him away from those things. Especially peanuts and shell fish - sometimes even being in the same room can cause reactions.

I would also look into urgent cares clinics. They are popping up everywhere and they are fantastic! They are less expensive than the emergency room, but they take walk-ins and they don't deal with critical people like ERs do so you're not as far down the triage and you can be seen sooner. Also, most are open until 8 or 10 pm and on the weekends. So far this year, I have been in for 3 ear infections and when she ate dirt at an easter egg hunt.

Good luck and be sure to tell your pediatrician next time you are out there.