A Pediatrician Says: When To See Your Doctor With A Sick Child
When you become a parent for the very first time, there are numerous things you need to be aware of. A child can be sick anytime, and you should know when there is a need for a pediatrician and when not. Specifically, in the cold season and flu season, parents fail to decide about seeing a doctor. We will suggest if you are having a baby at home, always know about a pediatrician near me.
You never know at what time any urgency can occur. AS a parent, you must seek professional care for your child’s better health. Additionally, some situations don’t require a pediatrician’s treatment. But if you feel something isn’t right and your child is not behaving in the usual manner, a simple call for fixing an appointment can help.
When to See A Pediatrician?
Certain situations required proper medical care and medications, especially if the child is going through:
· High/persistent fever
· Any sort of breathing problems, like fast breath and noisy breathing
· Persistent pain including earache, stomach ache, sore throat, or headache
· Thick eye discharge, sticking eyelids, and not sleeping properly during daytime
In addition, the child must be seen for:
· Vomiting and diarrhea, when your child fails to keep enough liquids to pass through urine-at least once within six hours, and dehydration. If a child has severe dehydration, it must be treated as soon as possible.
· Vomiting that contains minor blood
· A stiffed neck, total energy lack, an illness which is getting worse day by day
· Exposure to contagious illness, including influenza, chickenpox
· Urinary problems can result in infections
Fever:
You must pay attention to the changing body temperature of your child. When a child has a high fever and is still playing actively, you can have less concern. But you should always pay attention to the baby’s respiratory health. Labored breathing can be a signal to serious illness, which should never be ignored.
Usually, children suffer from fever with varying temperatures. Some have a high fever, whereas others barely get temperature rise while being sick. Pay close attention to the behavior, eating, and drinking habits to figure out the actual scenario. It replicated the unusual part about a child’s health.
For infants below two months, any range of fever above 100.4 F will be a matter of concern and seeks evaluation. A child who is about three months to a year old should not have a temperature above 102 F as it will be worrisome. The fact is with temperature; the occurring symptoms matter a lot. The symptoms justify the need for a Pediatrician.
Flu Shots And Vaccinations:
If your child is at least six months old, then he must get a flu vaccine. Flu vaccines are a true blessing as they provide protection from serious flu complications, prevent overall sickness, will increase their immunity. Never miss any vaccine which a pediatrician recommends. He knows what your child needs better than you.
Moreover, if your child is still below two years, the chances of being hospitalized because of flu increases. He might suffer from pneumonia which needs proper treatment. Additionally, people choose the nasal flu vaccine, which is highly recommended for children two years and older. But the child should not have asthma.
For the reduction of distress during vaccination, distraction is the key, and it works well. Try singing songs or playing or watching videos. Post-vaccination, you should numb the spot for some time and can even use a freezing spray. Use an ice pack or lidocaine cream only after doctors’ recommendation.
Home Care:
You need to ensure that your child is having plenty of fluids and a better amount of rest. If you are yourself giving any medication to your child at home, consult the pediatrician. HE will advise you which will be good and which can harm. Also, you need to make sure that you don’t give your child the medicines meant for adults. The dosage can be high and can generate adverse effects.
If your child is uneasy, uncomfortable, highly tired, or has pain, you can choose to provide home care. For another type of illness, seeing a pediatrician will be the best option. Children who have persistent fever, vomit, excessive fatigue, large rashes, breathing problems, cough, and dehydration need a pediatrician to best treat and complete cure.