If you’re looking for a pediatrician in Sugar Land, TX, Dr. Laurie Molina, Caroline Gabriel, NP and Karina Chagolla NP, and the team at Physicians at Sweetwater Pediatrics are here for you.
When to Call Your Pediatrician for a Sick Child
No one wants to see their little ones sick, and it can be frightening at times. Parents don’t want to overreact but can often be confused about what to do when they see signs of sickness. Dr. Laurie Molina, Dr. Cara Silvey, and Caroline Gabriel, NP at Physicians at Sweetwater Pediatrics of Sugar Land, TX believe that knowledge is power. In this guide, we’ll discuss the most common signs of sickness and when you should call your pediatrician for them.
Persistent Crying
Babies, toddlers, and sometimes preschoolers cry often when they are hungry, thirsty, or tired. In those cases, eating, sleeping, or drinking liquids tends to solve the problem. However, if nothing seems to calm your child, they are crying more than usual, or they are also running a fever or experiencing other symptoms, it’s time to call your pediatrician.
Fever
Fevers are one of the most common reasons parents dial the doctor right away. This is understandable, as they can be scary. However, typically, it’s just the body fighting off illness.
If your child is under three months old, though, you should call the doctor if their fever goes above 100.4 degrees. For older babies and children, call if it goes about 104 degrees. Regardless of the temperature, though, if your child also has other symptoms like a sore throat or over-the-counter medication isn’t lowering the temperature, go ahead and make a call.
Stomach Problems
Diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain are normal in childhood due to food or contagious illnesses. However, if they are in severe pain, you notice green-colored bile, there is blood in their stool or vomit, they can’t keep liquids down, they are dehydrated, they are lethargic, or their stomach is hard or tender to your touch, call your doctor.
Coughing
Coughing is also very normal for children. However, if it lasts more than a week, gets worse by the day, or they are also wheezing, it’s best to call their doctor.
Breathing Problems
Breathing issues are never a good thing. They could be caused by asthma, swallowing a foreign object, illness, and more. It’s always safest to call your pediatrician for guidance. However, if your child is struggling to breathe, forego the doctor and seek emergency care.
If you have any questions, need guidance for your child’s sickness, or need to schedule an appointment with a pediatrician, call Dr. Laurie Molina, Caroline Gabriel, NP and Karina Chagolla NP at Physicians at Sweetwater Pediatrics in Sugar Land, TX at (281) 265-2272.