Sick child visits to the pediatric clinic help parents navigate many childhood injuries or acute illness concerns. From determining if a higher level of care is needed to administering diagnostics to prescribing medications, the pediatrician ensures that the kids get the care they need to feel and act like themselves again. Let’s talk about why these in-office visits are so important and where you can go in The Woodlands and Spring, TX, for comprehensive pediatric care.
Who Should Go to a Sick Child Visit?
Any child who develops acute and persistent signs of illness or injury should see the pediatrician in The Woodlands, TX, during a pre-arranged office appointment. This includes the kids who:
- Have a fever greater than 100.4 degrees F if they are three months old or younger. Have a fever greater than 100.4F.
- Have a fever between 102- and 105-degrees F from three months of age and up. Remove this one
- Cough persistently and/or produce thick, copious mucous
- Complain of severe abdominal pain or have diarrhea, vomiting, or other GI upset which lasts more than two days. Remove the word severe.
- Develop a rash, hives, or other symptoms of a skin allergy or insect bite
- Have a persistent sore throat, stiff neck, headache, confusion, or other unusual symptoms
- Complain of pain upon urination
- Sustain a non-life-threatening laceration or burn
- May have sprained or broken bone
- Have noticeable breath sounds and difficulty breathing
Overall, a sick child visit is in order when a youngster is ill, and the parent suspects acute illness. However, loss of consciousness, breathing cessation, severe bleeding, and other serious conditions warrant a trip to the local hospital ER.
What Happens at a Sick Child Visit at the Pediatric Clinic?
When you bring your child to the doctor’s office, detail his or her symptoms, telling when they started, how severe they are, and what, if anything, seems to relieve them. Be specific about fever and other pertinent signs and symptoms you have observed.
Then, the pediatrician will assess the child’s vital signs, listen to breath sounds, examine the ears, nose, and throat and feel the abdomen. The physician may administer lab tests, such as a urinalysis or throat culture.
Then, you’ll receive a treatment plan for your child, which may include prescription medication or other necessary interventions. The doctor may outline symptoms you should watch for and tell you if and when to call or return to the office.
A Sick Visit Educates Parent and Child
Your child’s doctor may review personal hygiene and safety aspects. These points may include:
- Basic hand washing techniques
- Getting proper sleep, hydration, and meals
- Covering the mouth when sneezing or coughing
- Staying home from school or child care when actively ill
- Sanitizing hard surfaces in the home
- Wearing a bike helmet and proper sports equipment
- Applying sunscreen when out of doors
Also, parents can ask the doctor questions about their child’s ongoing care and illness/injury protection, obtain a referral to a specialist as needed, and arrange follow-up visits.
Excellent Pediatric Care in The Woodlands and Spring, TX
If your child is ill, we will try to get you into the office the same day. At Northwood Pediatrics Center, our five board-certified physicians and their team deliver the compassionate, accurate care your child needs to grow up healthy and happy. Sick visits are a priority on our daily schedule, as are routine well-child visits, vaccines, sports physicals, etc.
To know more, call us today at (281) 296-7770, or you can arrange a well-child appointment online. We have locations in The Woodlands and in Spring, TX. Thank you for allowing us to serve your family!
