Does your child have vague flu-like symptoms, fatigue, or a change in behavior? Should you call the pediatricians' practice or wait? If you're not sure whether the symptoms require a doctor's attention, take a look at the questions to ask right now.
What Is Your Child's Temperature?
The normal body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. But this doesn't necessarily mean everything 98.7 and over is a fever. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), anything from 97.5 to 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit is within the normal range. If your child's temperature is 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, they have a fever.
Illnesses such as viral or bacterial infections can cause a fever in a child. An illness may cause other symptoms, such as a sore throat or extreme fatigue, along with a fever. Even though a temperature above your child's normal reading is sometimes a sign of infection, other issues (such as teething) can cause a low-grade fever. If you're not sure why your child has a fever, contact the pediatrician — whether your child has other symptoms or not.
Can Your Child Keep Liquids Down?
A stomach virus and some bacterial infection infections can make it almost impossible for a sick child to keep food or liquids down. Along with gastrointestinal issues, a sore throat or persistent cough can also make it hard for your child to drink hydrating liquids.
If your child vomits every time they eat or drink or refuses anything by mouth, contact the pediatrician for a consultation. Look for signs of dehydration, such as a dry mouth, few/no tears, sunken eyes, dry or cool skin, drowsiness, less urination or fewer wet diapers, or irritability. Report these symptoms to the doctor.
Does Your Child Have a Cough?
A cough isn't always a sign of serious illness. Some children have allergy-related coughs, while others may have an infection (ranging from mild to severe). If your child has a cough and other symptoms, such as a fever, sore throat, headache, chills, muscle aches, or extreme fatigue, call the doctor's office. The doctor will need to examine your child and listen to their chest.
Even though a cough related to environmental allergens (such as pet dander or pollen) isn't an emergency reason to call the pediatrician's office, you should schedule a visit. Your child doesn't have to suffer from an allergy-related cough. The doctor can refer you to a pediatric allergist who will test your child for allergies and prescribe a treatment.
For more information, reach out to a local pediatric service.
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