Commentary by Mary Brunner, MD, Riley Physicians Pediatrics – Zionsville
Runny noses, congestion and cough are so common in children; it’s often hard to know when they could be symptoms of something more serious. And although illnesses are prevalent during winter, parents generally have questions year-round about when to call the doctor.
It’s important to remember that parents know their child best. Trust your instincts, and if you’re concerned that home remedies aren’t helping your child feel better, don’t hesitate to call your doctor. Additionally, when illnesses strike, some specific symptoms warrant contacting a physician:
Fever
Infants under three months: call the doctor for fever higher than 100.3 degrees.
Babies older than three months: consult a physician if a low-grade fever lasts for more than three days or if the child is irritable, inconsolable or not eating, or has fewer than four wet diapers in 24 hours.
Children should see a doctor the same day for fevers higher than 104 degrees. If fever is accompanied by the inability to drink, confusion, rash, trouble breathing, constant crying or difficulty waking, call a doctor immediately.
Stomach/gastrointestinal issues
Call a doctor for blood in your child’s stool or vomit; abdominal pain in one spot; recurrent/persistent stomach pain; jaundice/yellowing of skin/eyes; abdominal distension; stomach issues with fever; signs of dehydration (dry lips, infrequent urination, lethargy/weakness); severe vomiting; or severe diarrhea (more than eight stools per day).
Cough
Contact your pediatrician for coughing that: is constant; is combined with wheezing, stridor, difficulty breathing, rapid or noisy breathing, or shortness of breath; causes vomiting; is painful; prevents sleep; or lasts for more than two weeks.
Colds
Check with your child’s doctor if a cold is accompanied by ear pain, fever that continues for more than three days, or signs of dehydration, or if your child has trouble breathing.
Rash
Consult a doctor if your child is bothered by the rash; it doesn’t improve in three days; it’s associated with fever; or it looks like bruising and doesn’t lighten in color when pressed.
Weakness, lethargy or lack of energy
Call your doctor for advice.
Mary Brunner, MD, specializes in pediatrics. She is a guest columnist located at Riley Physicians Pediatrics, 1650 W. Oak St., Ste. 210, in Zionsville. She can be reached at 317.873.8855.