There are times when it is hard to judge if a sign of illness requires a call to the doctor. Parents often get worried about which temperate is a sign of extreme fever and when the tummy ache becomes a sign of an infection in the stomach. It is a lot more confusing when it is about your child’s health. Bruises, flu, and cuts are natural as they grow up but you need to be careful about certain symptoms and signs of the child. Some symptoms call for instant medical attention and should not be ignored. Let us take a look at those signs.
- Heavy fever
You must be aware of the fact that fever is a way through which your immune system will fight infection. But there are times when it will need medical attention. If you notice that the body temperature is higher than 100.3 F, it is a sign of fever and also shows the signs of an active immune system in the body. Now, if your child has a fever but is eating and playing like any other day, avoid the medications. Otherwise, give a limited dose of medicine to reduce the fever temporarily. If the medicines do not cure the infection and fever persists for more than 2 days for kids below 2 years and more than 3-4 days in kids above the age, you need to speak to a doctor immediately. A compounding pharmacist can make it easier for you to give medication to your child.
- Persistent headache
A headache happens due to the constriction of muscles in your scalp and it is never a brain problem. But children do not normally get a headache. So if your child has a headache, you can treat it with a pain killer but if it is persistent and has an impact on the day-to-day activities like playing, eating, or sleeping, then you need to speak to a child specialist. Again, if you notice that the child is often getting headaches, you need to have this evaluated. In case of fever with a headache, it could be a serious problem and you need to take the child to a pediatrician.
- Abdominal pain
With the introduction of new diets, it is common for children to have stomach pain. Consider it major only if the pain is severe and is present on the lower right side. If it is accompanied by diarrhea or vomiting, it could be due to appendicitis and you need to visit the doctor right away.
- Vomiting
It is important not to give anything to your child for one hour after the child vomits. Later, you can give them a small amount of electrolyte solution. Continue giving fluids in small amounts for the next few hours before giving solid food. When vomiting persists beyond a day, you need to seek medical attention. If the child has a fever with vomiting, it could be a sign of urinary tract infection or a throat infection.
- Breathing difficulty
If a child has a fever, rapid breathing is normal but it can be relieved with medication. However, if the rapid breathing is there without fever, then you will have to see a doctor. If there is breathing difficulty when exercising or playing and there is a whistling sound in exhalation, it could be asthma and you need to take the child to a doctor.
- Fatigue
If you often notice that the child does not look energetic than usual and if it stretches for a long time, it could be a problem. This could be due to depression or malabsorption. You need to take the child for a checkup and if you have a teenager, leave them alone with the doctor to discuss without feeling uncomfortable.
- Heavy rash
When the rash is confined to the feet and hands alone, there is not much to be worried about. However, if there is a rash on the body, then you need to seek medical help. Further, if the rash turns white if you press it and then turns back to red once released, then it is not a cause of worry. But if this does not happen and the child has a fever with the rash, it could be a medical emergency and you should not waste any more time.
Do not be the parent who likes to have a wait and watch approach when the child is sick. Never think that it is too soon to go to the hospital or you would be ridiculed for going. There is nothing wrong with taking the necessary steps for your child. If something is wrong with your child’s health, the first person you will think of is a doctor. Take your child to the doctor if you see any of these symptoms so as to avoid complications.
