As a parent, you want the best for your child. You’ll do whatever it takes to ensure they are safe, healthy, and well-protected. No matter how diligent your efforts may be, every parent will need to contend with a sick child at one point or another. Getting sick is a natural part of life, especially in winter. In most cases, ensuring they are adequately hydrated and get plenty of rest in time will resolve the illness. However, how do you know if it’s time to take your child to the doctor?
When Should I Take My Sick Child to the Doctor?
Many first-time parents, in particular, worry about their children at the first sign of an ailment. Common cold symptoms, including the following, can send them into a tizzy:
- A sniffle
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Upset tummy
Rest assured that, in most cases, childhood ailments resolve on their own and do not warrant medical attention.
However, that doesn’t mean that you should ignore your child and seek medical help when needed. How do you know when to call the doctor?
If your sick child is experiencing the following symptoms, it may be necessary to take your child to the doctor. – even if it’s just to put your mind at ease.
Additional Information: Fevers and When to See a Doctor
A High Fever
A fever is the body’s natural reaction to warding off an illness. Remember that sickness occurs when the body is exposed to toxins via:
- Ingestion
- Injection
- Inhalation
- Skin absorption
The core body temperature will increase to ward off the toxin.
Generally speaking, low fevers aren’t a cause for concern. A child should be able to handle them without any intervention. Offering an over-the-counter fever reducer can do more harm than good in these cases.
If your child’s temperature is over 101 degrees or the fever lasts over three days, take them to the doctor. A healthcare provider should see babies under three months of age immediately.
- A pediatrician should assess a temperature higher than 100.4 degrees F in newborns (less than two months old).
- Parents should evaluate children aged three months to one year with a temperature of 102 degrees F or higher.
- Seeking medical care is recommended if a child’s fever lasts more than three days. This is also for any age child with a compromised immune system.
Trouble Breathing
If your little one is having difficulty breathing, contact your pediatrician. A trip to an urgent care clinic or emergency room may be necessary if they are unavailable.
If your child’s symptoms include fast, labored, shallow, or noisy breathing, these are all causes for concern.
Seek immediate emergency medical care if you notice a change in your child’s breathing associated with the following:
- Lethargy
- Listlessness
- Irritability
- Changes in skin color (paleness or even turning reddish or bluish)
Severe Vomiting and/or Diarrhea
Vomiting and diarrhea are kind of like rites of passage in childhood. Often, these common ailments aren’t a cause for concern. Ensure your child is well-hydrated and comfortable. The bug that’s causing the expulsion of fluids through these mechanisms should eradicate your child on its own.
Consult a medical professional if the following occurs.
Vomiting and/or diarrhea become:
- Severe
- Constant and doesn’t subside
- It intensifies
- Lasts for 24 hours or longer
Severe vomiting and diarrhea are common symptoms and signs of dehydration or can lead to dehydration. Dehydration can cause additional health complications.
Infrequent Urination
Pay attention if your child isn’t urinating as often as they usually do. Increase your child’s fluid intake. If that doesn’t seem to resolve the issue or they refuse to accept fluids, that’s a warning sign.
Infrequent urination can occur for many reasons; most commonly, it’s a sign of dehydration. However, other factors can contribute to this problem, such as urinary tract infections.
If your baby has several dry diapers or if your toddler isn’t urinating or complains of pain while urinating, it’s time to take your child to the doctor.
Caring for a Sick Child and When to Take Them to the Doctor
Children are very resilient, and often, illnesses resolve on their own. However, if your little one is experiencing any of the above or any other symptom that you find concerning – it’s best to err on the side of caution. Take your child to an urgent care clinic or visit the doctor.
Additional Information: Feeding Children When They Are Sick
Urgent Care Omaha Walk-In Clinics and in Bellevue, NE
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Disclaimer
The information contained on this webpage is for educational purposes as well as to provide general information and general understanding of the pertinent medical issue only, not to provide a specific diagnosis. This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. By using this blog/web site you understand there is no doctor patient relationship between you and the blog/web site publisher. The information included on this site should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from a licensed medical professional in your state. Neither Urgent Care Network, its subsidiaries, affiliates, assignees or successors in interest, nor any other party assume liability for loss or damage due to reliance on content of this blog/web site. If you are experiencing a severe medical issue, you should seek emergency assistance immediately.
