“Mom/Dad, I don’t feel good today.” is a line parents dread to hear. However, no matter what you do to keep your child from getting sick, illnesses are an inevitable part of growing up. The best thing you can do is to learn how to effectively deal with them when they arise.
Here are some tips from our highly qualified pediatricians here at Northwoods Pediatrics Center to help you best care for your child while keeping their medical situation as less taxing as possible for you and the entire family.
Tip #1 Ensure your child gets a lot of rest.
Like adults, sick children can get very tired, so encourage them to sleep as often as they need to, and avoid strenuous activities, even if they perk up, until they are fully recovered.
Tip # 2 Keep your child well hydrated.
This helps prevent dehydration, which is possible if your child is vomiting or has diarrhea. If they struggle to keep liquids down, try giving them a very small amount of water frequently throughout the day.
Tip #3 Know when to schedule a sick visit.
When it comes to seeking medical assistance for your child, trust your instincts. If you sense that something is amiss, call our office to schedule a sick visit. Your child may require a sick visit if they experience any of the following conditions:
- Allergic reaction to food or insect stings
- Arm or leg swelling
- Bad cough or sore throat
- Dehydration
- Earache or headache
- Fever spikes
- Gastric problems- diarrhea, stomachache, vomiting, etc.
- Loss of appetite
- Painful sores in the throat and mouth
- Skin rash or hives
- Unexplained pain in the body
Tip #4 Attend to your own needs.
Keep in mind that if you deprive yourself of your much-needed rest, you also won’t be able to take good care of your child. Get plenty of rest and mind your relationship with your spouse and your other children.
Tip #5 Ask for help from the people around you.
Whether it is doing the groceries, preparing meals, or driving your other children to school, asking for help from people you trust can significantly lighten your load.
Let your other family members, relatives, and friends know that you need their help. You’ll be surprised at how many of them will gladly lend you a helping hand.
Tip #6 Learn when to seek emergency care.
Your child will likely need emergency medical treatment if they are showing symptoms of a condition that has the potential to cause them permanent harm.
If your child exhibits any of the following symptoms, seek emergency care right away:
- Loss of consciousness
- Difficulty breathing
- Fever accompanied by neck stiffness, confusion, and headache
- Severe or persistent pain
- Feeling unwell following an injury
- Rhythmic jerking (seizure)
- Changes in the color of their skin or lips (blue, purple, or gray)
- Ongoing or worsening confusion, headache, or vomiting following a head injury
Comprehensive Pediatric Care in The Woodlands and Spring, TX
At Northwoods Pediatric Center, our board-certified pediatricians have earned the trust and confidence of the families in our communities for the high-quality, comprehensive, and compassionate care we consistently provide.
We make every effort to arrange appointments for sick children right on the day that you call us. If you have an urgent medical situation during our office hours, we will do our best to accommodate your child promptly or refer you to the right facility, if need be.
To schedule a sick visit or arrange an appointment with one of our pediatricians, call us at (281) 296-7770. Alternatively, you may fill out our secure online appointment request form.
