Caring for Your Sick Child
Parents know they have choices when their child is sick. They can treat the child at home, make a doctor's appointment, go to the emergency room, or call 911. But at times, knowing which choice to make isn’t always clear.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, many childhood illnesses, such as colds, stomachaches, headaches, and fevers, can be safely treated at home. But parents need to know they should always call a health care provider if they have any doubts or questions about how to take care of their sick child at home or if they should seek medical attention.
What to treat at home
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, you can treat your child at home if:
The child’s symptoms are common, mild, and familiar.
The child is active and alert even though he or she has a fever, headache, or another symptom.
If your child has a fever, the thing to remember is that it’s not how high the temperature is, but how your child is feeling and acting that determines if he or she needs to see a health care provider.
For example, you can most likely home-treat a child with a temperature of 101 degrees who’s up and about and acting normally. But a child who’s lethargic and irritable should see a health care provider even with a temperature of 100 degrees. A fever is generally considered to be 100.4 degrees F and higher.
When to call the doctor
If your child has more serious symptoms, call a health care provider for advice. He or she will tell you what further steps to take.
When you call, be prepared to give detailed information regarding the child’s symptoms, such as when they started and if they have changed.
If your child has any of these symptoms or conditions, call your health care provider's office:
Cold, flu, or a stomachache that’s getting worse after several days of home care
Sore throat that’s severe or lasts longer than two days, or a sore throat associated with stomach pain
Stomach pain that’s chronic
A cough that is getting worse or is accompanied by a new fever
Vomiting or diarrhea along with signs of dehydration, such as not urinating three times in 24 hours
Pain when urinating
An injury you can’t treat yourself but that is not an emergency--a small, blistered burn, for example
When it's an emergency
Call 911 or take your child to the emergency room immediately if he or she has any of these symptoms:
Abnormal or difficult breathing
Decreasing alertness
Skin or lips that look blue or purple
Unconsciousness
Uncontrolled bleeding
Severe burn or poisoning
Seizure