pediatric question

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Hi, I have been a nurse for 7 years, but have never worked much with pediatric patients or in ICU. My son was hospitalized last week for severe asthma. He was intubated and on a vent for several days. Here's my question- since we have come home (5 days ago), the sclera in both of his eyes is blood red, it looks like broken capillaries to me. He isn't having any vision problems, and we can't get in to see the opthamologist until next week. Just wondering if this is a normal occurence, I have never seen this, so its a little concerning. Is there any way to treat this, or does it have to resolve on its own. Thanks!

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hreddevil,

Why wait until next week? Check and see if your pediatrician can see him sooner. Even if he sends you to the ophthalmologist, you will still have your questions answered.

Kidsrme

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hreddevil,

Why wait until next week? Check and see if your pediatrician can see him sooner. Even if he sends you to the ophthalmologist, you will still have your questions answered.

Kidsrme

He saw the pediatrician yesterday, and that was her recommendation. She said she wasn't sure what the cause was.

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PCVICU and peds oncology.

The scleral hemorrhages are likely due to coughing through constricted airways. I've seen it a few times in intubated asthmatics. They do go away on their own.

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Specializes in ICU.

I agree it probably is from coughing while he was vented. They will go away on their own. Glad your son is better!

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