As a parent, monitoring your child's health is a top priority, but knowing when to seek medical attention can be challenging. Children are remarkably resilient, but their health can turn serious more quickly than with adults. You play a key role in getting ahead of your child’s illness, but sometimes it's hard to determine when to see a doctor or if you can manage it yourself.
If you have concerns about your child's health, don't hesitate to reach out. From persistent fevers to unusual rashes or changes in behavior, knowing what symptoms to look out for can make all the difference. Call Endeavor Health at (847) 663-8163 to connect with a doctor today.
When to act fast
While it’s normal for children to get sick, some symptoms warrant a doctor's visit. Watch for these three key symptoms:
- Long fevers. Most viral illnesses will not cause a fever that lasts longer than four days. If your child's fever lasts five days, take them to a doctor. This ensures you're not missing a more serious reason for the fever, such as a secondary bacterial infection.
- Difficulty breathing. If your child is breathing very fast or hard, it could signal a need for support or a more serious underlying issue. This is often harder to spot in younger children. Look for signs like retractions, where the skin between their ribs or by their belly tugs in sharply, indicating extra muscle effort to breathe. Flaring nostrils can also be a sign that they’re struggling to breathe normally.
- Dehydration. Dehydration can quickly become serious for children. When a child isn’t feeling well, they often stop drinking enough fluids — setting off a downward spiral. For babies, a wet diaper every eight hours is a good sign that they’re getting enough fluids. Older children should urinate at least three times daily. When a child loses an excessive amount of fluid, and cannot rehydrate by drinking, it may be time to go to the hospital.
Spotting signs of a concerning rash
Rashes can be tricky, as many are harmless and caused by viruses, but others can be bacterial and need medical treatment. Generally, if a rash is painful or if it comes with both a fever and pain, or if it seems to be getting bigger, you should see a doctor. A healthcare professional can help figure out what's causing the rash and suggest the best way to treat it.
Is low energy concerning?
It's common for a sick child to have low energy and need extra rest, which isn't always a cause for alarm. However, parents should be aware of specific signs that indicate it's time to seek medical attention. These include if your child is unusually sleepy, significantly harder to wake than usual or isn't responding to their surroundings as they normally would.
For example, if a baby doesn't wake to feed two times in a row, this can be a major concern that should be looked into by a doctor. Should you observe any of these concerning changes in your child's energy level or responsiveness, it's important to contact your doctor immediately. Trust your instincts when keeping an eye on your child's overall condition.
Common myths
One common misconception is that a child's temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher always requires a doctor's visit. However, the height of a fever does not necessarily correlate with the severity of the illness. It is the length of time the child has had the fever that is more cause for concern. A common cold can cause a very high fever without being any more dangerous.
Before bringing them in, see if your child responds well to over-the-counter medications like Tylenol or ibuprofen. You can even give both Tylenol and ibuprofen at the same time to help reduce the fever faster, as they work differently in the body. If their fever hasn’t gone down within 30 minutes, it’s time to take them to the doctor. Keep in mind, Ibuprofen should only be given to children over six months old.
Peace of mind is priceless
At Endeavor Health, our doctors always encourage parents to trust their instincts because no concern about your child is ever too small. If something doesn’t feel right, bring them in. Making sure your child is safe and healthy is essential. Visit us online or call (847) 663-8163 to schedule a consultation with an Endeavor Health pediatrician today.
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