When To Call the Pediatrician: Recognizing Signs of Serious Illness

When to Call the Pediatrician: Recognizing Signs of Serious Illness

It’s easy for your child to get sick because your child’s immune system is not as developed as yours. When your child becomes ill the signs and symptoms can be more severe. Drs. Jeff Couchman, Susan McMahon, and Nicole Abdy at Mesquite Pediatrics in Tucson, AZ, offer a wide range of pediatric medical services, including diagnosis and treatment of serious illnesses.

What You Need To Know About Childhood Illnesses

Many illnesses will go away on their own, with rest, plenty of fluids, and over-the-counter products. So, how do you know when to call the pediatrician? If your child has a fever, it could be an early sign of an infection, and infections typically need antibiotics. Strep throat, an ear infection, and pink eye are all common childhood infections. You should call your pediatrician if your child has:

• A fever lasting longer than 2 days
• A fever higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit if your child is under 2 months
• A fever of at least 104 degrees Fahrenheit if your child is older

Other signs and symptoms of these common infections include:

• Tugging at the ears, a common sign of ear infection
• Wiping the eyes, a frequent sign of pink eye
• Having difficulty swallowing, a common sign of strep throat

A fever isn’t the only reason to call the pediatrician. Breathing difficulties can also be serious, indicating asthma, bronchitis, and other airway issues. You should call your pediatrician if your child is experiencing labored breathing. Other signs and symptoms of serious illnesses can include:

• Continuous nausea and vomiting, common signs of a gastrointestinal problem
• A skin rash which is getting worse, a common sign of an allergic response
• Chronic diarrhea or constipation, common signs of gastrointestinal issues

Your child may also be prone to accidents or injuries, which may require the skills of a pediatrician. You should call the pediatrician if:

• Your child has experienced a traumatic injury
• Your child is experiencing severe pain
• You notice severe swelling or bruising
• You notice dislocated, fractured, or broken bones

Want To Know More?

To learn more about the signs the serious illness and when you should call the pediatrician, talk with the experts. Call Drs. Jeff Couchman, Susan McMahon, and Nicole Abdy at Mesquite Pediatrics in Tucson, AZ. You can reach them in the office by calling (520) 648-5437, so call today.