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Is your child sick enough to call the doctor? This is a tough dilemma for many new parents. Knowing how to recognize when your child needs immediate medical attention is important, both to help your child and to prevent unnecessary trips to the doctor. Read the following guide to learn some of the most important reasons to consult a pediatric clinic in Seven Fields, PA, or your hometown. Fever Fever is not a disease, but a symptom of many childhood medical conditions, especially infection. While mild fevers are common in children and usually harmless, they should be closely monitored. Call your pediatrician in any of the following situations: - An infant less than 3 months old with any type of fever
- An infant 3 to 6 months old with a fever of 101 degrees F or higher
- A child 6 months or older with a fever above 103 degrees F for more than 1 day
- A child with a fever of 105 degree F or above should go immediately to urgent care
- The fever is accompanied by trouble breathing, seizures, inability to drink, rash, difficulty waking, constant crying, or persistent vomiting or diarrhea
Coughing Coughs are an expected part of childhood colds and serve to clear mucus away from the airways. Coughs can also be a sign of a more serious medical condition like asthma or croup. It is important to carefully monitor serious coughs, and call your pediatrician if your child displays any of the following signs of respiratory distress: - Nostrils that flare with each breath
- Ribs that pull in and out with each breath
- Grunting sounds when trying to breathe
Abdominal Pain Although most children will experience occasional stomachaches and gastrointestinal viruses, severe abdominal pain can be a symptom of a more serious problem like appendicitis. Call your pediatrician if your child has any of the following symptoms: - Severe pain that starts by the bellybutton and moves to the lower right quadrant
- Pain that gets worse when your child moves
- Blood in your child’s stool or vomit
Persistent Vomiting Persistent vomiting can by be caused by anything from a simple virus to twisted intestines. Call your pediatrician immediately if your child has any of the following symptoms: - If your child vomits blood
- Greenish-yellow projectile vomit in infants
- Seems disoriented while vomiting
- Develops symptoms of dehydration
- Vomits dark green bile
- Has a severe headache or abdominal pain in addition to vomiting
Head Trauma While minor bumps and bruises are an accepted part of childhood, it is important to carefully monitor your child after any type of head injury. Call your pediatrician immediately if your child displays any of the following symptoms after a head trauma: - Seems sleepy or disoriented
- Vomits more than once
- The skull appears dented
- Has clear fluid draining from the nose or ear
Rashes Lots of things cause rashes including soaps, wet diapers, hormones, poison ivy, and infections. Unfortunately, rashes can also be a symptom of a more serious medical problem like measles or meningitis. Call your pediatrician if your child exhibits any of the following symptoms: - Has a rash along with a fever
- Has a rash that looks like bruises and doesn't lighten in color when you press on it
- Has a rash that doesn’t approve in 2 to 3 days
Dehydration Dehydration is most commonly caused by diarrhea and vomiting, especially in infants. Contact a pediatric clinic in Seven Fields, PA, or your hometown, if your child exhibits any of the following signs of dehydration: - Dry lips
- Sunken eyes
- Urinating less than normal
- Going 6 hours or more with a dry diaper
- Lack of tears when crying
- Lethargy or weakness
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