Caring for Your Sick Child
Parents know they have choices when their child is sick. They can treat the child at home, make a doctor's appointment, go to the emergency room, or call 911. But at times, knowing which choice to make isn’t always clear.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, many childhood illnesses, such as colds, stomachaches, headaches, and even fevers, can be safely treated at home. But parents need to know they should always call a doctor if they have any doubts or questions about how to take care of their sick child at home or if they should seek medical attention.
What to treat at home
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, you can treat your child at home if:
-
The child’s symptoms are common, mild, and familiar.
-
The child is active and alert even though he or she has a fever, headache, or another symptom.
If your child has a fever, the thing to remember is that it’s not how high the temperature is, but how your child is feeling and acting that determines if he or she needs to see a doctor.
Fr example, you can most likely home-treat a child with a temperature of 101 degrees who’s up and about and acting normally. But a child who’s lethargic and irritable should see a doctor even with a temperature of 100 degrees. A fever is generally considered to be 100.4 degrees F and higher.
When to call the doctor
If your child has more serious symptoms, call a health care provider for advice. The nurse or doctor will tell you what further steps to take.
When you call, be prepared to give detailed information regarding the child’s symptoms, such as when they started and if they have changed.
If your child has any of these symptoms or conditions, call your health care provider's office:
-
Cold, flu, or a stomachache that’s getting worse after several days of home care
-
Sore throat that’s severe or lasts longer than two days, or a sore throat associated with stomach pain
-
Stomach pain that’s chronic
-
Vomiting or diarrhea along with a fever or signs of dehydration, such as not urinating three times in 24 hours
-
Pain when urinating
-
An injury you can’t treat yourself but that is not an emergency--a small, blistered burn, for example
When it's an emergency
Call 911 or take your child to the emergency room immediately if he or she has any of these symptoms: