Sick Child Visits
A sick child visit, as the term implies, is a visit to a pediatrician for a checkup when a child is sick. It’s purpose is to diagnose and treat a particular acute health concern affecting the child. This is different from a well-child visit, which is a routine to check the growth and development of the child, to administer immunizations, and to give the child a general physical exam to detect potential problems and address them early.
Should I go in for a sick child visit?
Sometimes, however, parents find it difficult to decide when to bring their child to a pediatrician for a sick child visit or when to just treat their child’s symptoms at home. In many cases, a healthy child may just need more fluids and rest to feel better, but if you have any questions or concerns please call us at 404-252-4611. If your child is exhibiting these symptoms, we encourage you to schedule a sick child visit appointment:
- High fever in children younger than one year old
- High fever in children older than one year old accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, rashes, confusion, headache, or stiff neck
- High fever or persistent fever that lasts more than three days in a row
- Widespread rash
- Rashes that look like chicken pox
- Rashes that are accompanied by heavy breathing
- Vomiting
- Diarhhea
- Any unusual symptom that lasts for more than three days in a row
- Persistent pain, such as stomachache, sore throat, headache, or an earache
The goal of a sick child visit is to identify the cause of any symptoms, and create a treatment plan to resolve them. This may include certain medication prescriptions, including dosage and administering instructions. You’ll also be given instructions on how to relieve symptoms at home and information about possible warning signs and how to deal with them.
Tips for caring for a sick child
As any parent knows, there is nothing quite as stressful as dealing with a sick child. There are some tips that can help make the process a little bit easier. First of all, it is important to stay calm. Remember that children often mimic the emotions of those around them, so if you remain calm, it will help them to do the same. Secondly, be sure to keep them hydrated. Offer them small sips of water or juice frequently throughout the day, and encourage them to rest. Also, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Whether it’s calling the doctor for advice or asking a friend to watch your other children for a few hours, accepting assistance can take a load off of your shoulders and allow you to focus on taking care of your sick child.
When to call the doctor for your child and when to go to the ER
It can be difficult to know when to seek medical treatment, especially in cases where the symptoms are not severe. For minor injuries and illnesses, such as a cold or a cut, a sick child visit may be appropriate. However, there are some situations where it is necessary to go to the emergency room and seek immediate treatment. Severe pain, shortness of breath, uncontrolled bleeding, and sudden changes in vision are all signs that medical help is needed. In cases of serious illness or injury, it is always better to err on the side of caution and seek immediate professional medical help. By doing so, you can ensure that you receive the treatment you need in a timely manner, and your child recovers from any illness or injury safely.
More Common Illnesses We Treat
If your child is experiencing any symptoms of any condition don’t hesitate to call us. We are here to assist with treatment and preventative measures for your family.