4 Times You Should Call Your Pediatrician
Posted on: 2 December 2022
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As a parent, you want to make sure that your child is healthy and happy. One important step in ensuring that your child is well taken care of is knowing when to call their child doctor or pediatrician. To help parents understand when it's time to pick up the phone, here's a look at four times when calling the pediatrician is the best option.
Fever or Other Illnesses With a Fever
One of the most common reasons for calling your child doctor is if your child has an illness with a fever. Fevers can indicate a variety of illnesses, from minor colds to more serious infections such as strep throat or influenza. It's always important to consult with your pediatrician if your child has a fever, as they can advise on how to treat it and suggest any necessary tests or treatments.
Additionally, if your child has a high fever that does not respond to treatment, it is important to call their pediatrician immediately. High fevers can be dangerous and require immediate medical attention. Your pediatrician will be able to advise you on how best to proceed with treating the fever and whether any further action needs to be taken, such as hospitalization.
Diarrhea or Vomiting That Lasts More Than 24 Hours
Another situation where you should call your child's pediatrician is if they have been experiencing diarrhea or vomiting for more than 24 hours, which could indicate an infection, food poisoning, or some other underlying issue. It's important to get them checked out by their doctor as soon as possible so that they can receive proper treatment and ensure their safety and recovery.
Suspected Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions can range from mild itching and rashes to severe anaphylactic shock, which can be life-threatening without proper medical attention. If you suspect that your child may be having an allergic reaction, it's best to call your child doctor so that they can advise you on how best to handle the situation and recommend any necessary tests or treatments.
Unexplained Changes In Behavior Or Developmental Delay
Unexplained changes in behavior or developmental delays are also warning signs that may indicate something more serious going on with your child's health or development. If you notice any sudden changes in behavior or if you think that there may be something wrong with their development, it's essential that you contact their pediatrician for further evaluation and guidance on what steps need to be taken next.
Knowing when it's time to call your child doctor is key in ensuring they receive quality healthcare throughout childhood. While many issues can often wait until office hours, there are certain situations where seeking immediate medical attention is critical for them to stay healthy and safe.