When your child isn't feeling well, it causes a lot of distress. It can also be confusing. How sick does your child need to be before you call the doctor? You may hesitate to make sick child visits in Greenville, SC for a variety of reasons, but you can call Dr. Dawn Polly and Dr. Eugene Golding of Express Pediatric Care with confidence that they will not make you feel like an overprotective parent.
What symptoms warrant a sick child visit
Fever
When a child's temperature is more than 100.5 F it is a sign that something is going on. Fever is not a disease, it is an indication that the immune system is reacting to something. Children do tend to run a fever quite easily, and not every fever requires a sick visit, but under certain conditions, a call to the doctor is the way to go.
- An infant less than 3 months of age has a fever
- An infant of 3-6months has a rectal temperature in excess of 101 degrees F
- An infant over 6 months has a rectal temperature of 103 degrees F
- A child has a temperature that has lasted for more than three days
A common cold
The common cold is very contagious and infants and children tend to get it frequently, and they last for longer than that of most adults. They cause runny noses, sneezing, coughing, and congestion. If your child has these symptoms, then it is time to visit the doctor.
- You suspect an ear infection
- A fever over 102 degrees F
- Your child is sleepy, fussy, or crabby.
- You notice a skin rash
- Changes in breathing develop
- Coughing is severe
- Sore throat
Vomiting and diarrhea
If you suspect that your child may be dehydrated from diarrhea and vomiting, it is important that you try to get fluids into them and get in contact with your pediatrician. Signs of dehydration are no urine passed for 8 hours, no tears, and a dry mouth.
Unexplained skin rash
A skin rash can be a sign of an allergic reaction. It can also be caused by several other things, all of which need to have sick child visits in Greenville, SC
Severe headache
Many things can cause a severe headache in a child, including stress and anxiety. Children can also have migraines. If headaches are persistent and disruptive, it is essential you make an appointment with your pediatrician.
Sick Child Visits in Greenville, SC are something most parents dread, but at Express Pediatric Care, Dr. Polly and Dr. Golding will put your mind at rest. If your child is feeling under the weather, give the office a call at (864) 551-2422.