When your child is sick or injured, it’s not uncommon to ask yourself, “Is this something that will pass, or should I call the pediatrician near me?” Before going into some specific symptoms for which the answer is always “yes,” it’s important to know that your pediatrician and their team are there for you, 24/7. If you are ever in doubt, make the call. It’s much better to call about something that, in hindsight, probably didn’t require medical attention than to not call about something that did.
Symptoms that Warrant a Call to Your Pediatrician
- Fever in some situations. Fever is your body’s natural response to pathogens, and at lower temperatures for shorter durations it is not a problem. However, you should contact your pediatrician in certain circumstances, including: fever in a baby under three months old, fever accompanied by weakness or vomiting, fever that lasts more than three days or fever above 104 degrees. These are scenarios where your instinct to “call a pediatrician near me” is spot on.
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea. The risk with vomiting or diarrhea that doesn’t subside after an episode or two is dehydration, which can be serious.
- Cough, cold, or respiratory issues under three months old. Infants that exhibit these symptoms may be at risk of developing complications like pneumonia or croup.
- Stuffy nose or cough for more than a week. Cold-like symptoms that don’t resolve in a week may be a sign of some other condition that requires treatment.
- Trouble breathing. Any time a child complains that they are having trouble breathing, it’s important to call the doctor.
- Ear pain. The most common cause of ear pain is an ear infection, which should be treated.
- Rash with pain at the site or low energy level. Most rashes are not serious and quickly clear up on their own. But if a rash is accompanied by pain at the rash site or a noticeable lack of energy, you should call your pediatrician.
- Abdominal pain, especially on the right side. Any abdominal pain should get your attention. If it’s on the right side, it could be a sign of appendicitis.
- Painful and swollen injury site. If your child has a fall that causes pain and swelling to a limb or any area, and that spot is still tender the next day, it’s time to talk with your doctor.
- Headache with fever or vomiting. The combination of a headache plus fever or vomiting is something you should call the pediatrician about promptly.
- Painful urination. Difficulty or pain when urinating, especially in girls, can be a sign of a urinary tract infection.
Of course, these are just some of the situations where you should call your pediatrician’s office.
When in Doubt, Make the Call
Again, if the voice in your head is saying, “I think I should call a pediatrician near me,” then you should. Whether it’s providing advice on how to handle a potentially serious health concern or reassuring you that there is nothing to be worried about, a pediatrician is always happy to talk with you.
If you have questions about Mountainland or want to schedule an appointment, call us at 303-430-0823.