When your child is sick, it can be a worrying time, and it’s not always simple to know what type of care they need. Here are some things to think about to help you decide when your child should visit a doctor.
Most childhood illnesses are minor and will get better with self-care, such as rest and over-the-counter children’s medicines. However, if you have concerns about your child’s health, are unsure how to treat their illness, or are worried that you’re unable to do enough for them at home, you should seek advice from a doctor, as it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
How a Pediatrician Can Help
Pediatricians are doctors who specialize in the unique health care needs of all children, from newborns to young adults. They provide a variety of services to meet your child’s healthcare needs and are experts when it comes to diagnosing, treating, preventing, and managing childhood illnesses, conditions, and injuries.
If your child is sick, a quick phone call to your doctor’s office can help determine whether a face-to-face appointment is needed or if they just need time to rest at home. Your doctor is there to help you and work with you to decide the best type of care for your child’s wellbeing. Ensuring your child receives the appropriate care helps them get better as quickly as possible and prevents complications.
Tips to Know When It’s Time To Take Your Sick Child To The Doctor
- Persistent fever. A fever (high temperature) is typically defined as a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. A fever helps the body fight infections by stimulating the immune system. It is a natural response to illnesses. Usually, achild’s temperature should return to normal within 3-4 days. However, if your child has a fever that lasts more than 5 days or that doesn’t improve with child pain relief medicine, such as acetaminophenoribuprofen, you should contact their doctor.Please note, that if your child has a fever along with other symptoms, such as a stiff neck, rash that doesn’t fade when pressed, or breathing problems, you should seek immediate medical attention.
- Vomiting and diarrhea. In most cases, vomiting and diarrhea are signs of a stomach bug, and symptoms usually clear up within 1-2 days. However, babies and young children in particular can get dehydrated very quickly with viruses that cause diarrhea and vomiting. It is, therefore, important to monitor your child closely and seek urgent medical care if you are worried.You should contact your doctor if your child has had more than six episodes of diarrhea within 24 hours, is repeatedly throwing up or unable to hold down fluids, is passing vomit that is green or contains blood, or you think they may be becoming dehydrated.
- Discharge from the eyes. Conjunctivitis, also known as pinkeye, is a common and highly contagious childhood illness that can affect one or both eyes. It is inflammation of the tissue lining the eyelids and can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection. If your child’s eye is sore or itchy, producing discharge, or looks pink, swollen, watery, or overly crusty, you should take them to a pediatrician to get it checked out.
- Ear pain. Ear pain in children can be a sign of an ear infection that may require antibiotics, depending on the cause. Visit your doctor if your child is showing signs of an ear infection, such as ear pain, a fever, discharge from the ear, itching and irritation in and around the ear, irritability, loss of appetite, or difficulty hearing or with balance.
- Urinary problems. Urinary issues in children,such as urinating more or less frequently than usual, an urgency to go, passing urine that appears dark, cloudy, or contains blood, or if urine problems are accompanied by a fever or abdominal, back, or groin pain, you should visit a doctor’s advice as soon as possible. These symptoms can indicate a condition such as an infection of the urinary tract or kidney, or possibly diabetes, and may require further investigation.The doctor will usually request a urine specimen for analysis.
It isn’t always possible to prevent illnesses in children, and oftentimes,they are just a part of growing up. However, following good hygiene practices, ensuring your child eats a nutritious, balanced diet, and getting plenty of exercise and sleep are great ways to keep your child healthy. Ensuring your child is up to date with their vaccinations is also an important way to keep them healthy and to prevent them from catching potentially life-threatening illnesses and diseases.
Sick Child Visits in The Woodlands and Spring, TX
If your child is sick, contact Northwoods Pediatric Center, P.A. for comprehensive, expert care. Our compassionate pediatricians offer a variety of services for your child’s complete health, including child sick visits, well-child visits, and vaccines. We provide personalized, high-quality pediatric care for children of all ages, from newborns to young adults.
To learn more about our services, to arrange an appointment, or to discuss any symptoms that your child is experiencing, call our office at (281) 296-7770. You can also contact us using our secure online appointment request form. Our role is to work with you to keep your child as healthy as they can be!
