When Should Parents Schedule a Sick / Injury Visit?
Any parent understands how tricky it is to know exactly when to call a doctor. In many cases, particularly during cold and flu season, children can recover from an ailment with fluids and rest. However, pediatricians do recommend being seen promptly if serious symptoms develop. These include:
- High fever in children younger than one year of age
- High fever in children older than one year old accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, rashes, confusion, headache, or stiff neck
- High fever or persistent fever that lasts more than three days in a row
- Widespread rash
- Rashes that look like chicken pox
- Rashes that are accompanied by heavy breathing
- Regular, repeated vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Any unusual symptom that lasts for more than three days in a row
- Persistent pain, such as stomach ache, sore throat, headache, or an earache
Please make an appointment if your child is exhibiting any of these symptoms
Minor head injuries
When a child experiences a mild head injury, the pediatrician will want to know when and how it happened and whether or not the child is exhibiting any signs that it is more serious than expected. In order to evaluate the extent of the head trauma, the doctor may order certain tests such as CT scans and X-rays.
Broken bones
Pediatricians treat broken bones in children whether a partial or complete break is involved. When children fracture one of the bones in their body, they will experience pain, as well as some tenderness, bruising and swelling. When it comes to treating a child’s broken bone, the method depends on the severity of the break. Many times a pediatrician will need to set the bone by using a cast to keep it in alignment so it can properly heal.
Scrapes and cuts
While every child usually experiences some wounds during childhood, the abrasions may occasionally require medical treatment to heal properly. It is possible that a large cut, also known as a laceration, will require stitches to mend, making it necessary to visit a pediatrician. Major scrapes and any kind of cuts also have the potential to become infected. To avoid complications, parents need to make sure that their child receives proper medical attention when experiencing any major scrapes or deep cuts.
Sunburn or minor burns
Although parents should always be careful to protect their children with a broad-spectrum sunscreen whenever they venture outdoors, sunburns may still accidentally occur, especially on or near the water. If the child is experiencing a great deal of discomfort, an evaluation by a pediatrician can provide topical treatment and pain relief. The same is true for minor burns from a hot surface or other sources.
Has your child sustained an injury?
Understanding common injuries in children that a pediatrician treats can help you determine when to contact this medical professional. Keep this list handy, and if you have any questions about your child’s injury or the need for medical treatment, please do not hesitate to contact us at (410) 465-7337.