Pediatrics Common Questions, Quick Answers

When to Call the Doctor

Donna D'Alessandro, M.D.
Lindsay Huth, B.A.
Peer Review Status: Internally Reviewed
Creation Date: April 2002
Last Revision Date: April 2002

• When should I call the doctor? What can I treat at home?
• What symptoms need medical attention?
• What if I'm not sure?
• How can I prepare for sick days?
• What can my child do on sick days?

When should I call the doctor? What can I treat at home?
Some minor illnesses, conditions, and injuries can be treated at home. If symptoms are severe or if they worsen or persist, call the doctor.

Vomiting

• If a child vomits once or twice without other signs of illness, it can probably be treated at home.
• Give him clear liquids in small amounts. Slowly increase fluids as he is able to keep them down.
• Add soft, bland foods slowly. Gradually work up to his normal diet.
• Call if the vomiting increases or gets worse.
• Call if the child is vomiting and also has stomach pain.
• Call if your child is dehydrated. Look for these symptoms.
• Call if vomit is green or if there is blood in the vomit.
• Read about vomiting for more tips.

Diarrhea

• Minor infections might cause a few loose stools. Most cases can be treated at home.
• Give him lots of fluids.
• Call if your child has many loose stools.
• Call if there is blood in the stools.
• Call if a newborn has more than 6-8 watery stools a day.
• Call if your child is dehydrated. Look for these symptoms.
• Read about diarrhea for more tips.

Dehydration

• Vomiting, diarrhea, and fever can lead to dehydration, especially in infants.
• Keep track of how much a sick child is drinking and urinating.
• A young child or infant should urinate at least every 6 hours.
• An older child should urinate at least 3 times every 24 hours.
• Call your doctor immediately if your child is dehydrated. Symptoms include dry mouth, dry lips, dry skin, no tears, dark colored urine, weight loss, decreased energy, or a sunken soft spot on an infant's head.
• Read about vomiting and diarrhea for tips on how to prevent dehydration.

Fever

• Many minor illnesses cause fevers. Most can be treated at home.
• Read about fevers to learn how to take your child's temperature, how to treat a fever, and when to call the doctor.
• Call the doctor if your child has a fever and also a stiff neck or a rash.
• Call if your child will not eat or drink or if he has other symptoms that worry you.
• Call if an infant under 3 months old has a fever.

Rash

• Minor rashes can be treated at home if your child does not also have a fever.
• If your child has a fever and a rash, call the doctor.
• Smaller rashes, such as on just the diaper area, can usually be treated at home. See diaper rash.
• If a rash covers a large area of the body, call the doctor.
• If a rash hurts, swells, oozes fluid, or appears infected, call the doctor.
• Call if the rash affects your child's genitals or face.
• Poison ivy can usually be treated at home. Ease itching with a cool, wet cloth. Severe cases should be seen by a doctor.

Colds

• Colds are usually minor.
• They cannot usually be treated with antibiotics.
• Treating your child's symptoms will help him feel more comfortable.
• Call if your child has an earache or difficulty breathing.
• Call if his symptoms worsen after 3 to 5 days or his symptoms last 10 to 14 days.
• Read about colds for more suggestions.

Minor cuts, scrapes, and injuries

• Call your doctor if your child has a severe cut. A large cut, a deep cut, or a cut with edges that are spread apart may need stitches.
• Call immediately if your baby falls or is dropped from any height. If an older child has more than a bump after a fall, it's usually a good idea to call.
• Call if your child has any injury that makes movement of his arms, legs, fingers, or toes difficult.
• Read about minor cuts and scrapes, and falls for more information.

Minor burns

• Most small, minor burns can be treated at home with first aid.
• Hold the area under cool, running water for 10 minutes.
• A more serious burn needs medical attention.
• If a burn blisters or opens any layer of the skin, call the doctor.
• Read about burns for more information.

Nosebleeds

• Nosebleeds are common, especially in the winter.
• Most can be treated at home.
• Have the child sit up, tilt his head forward, and pinch the upper part of his nose. Hold for 10 minutes without letting go. Repeat if bleeding hasn't stopped.
• Call the doctor if your child has many nosebleeds.
• For more information, read about nosebleeds.

What symptoms need medical attention?
Changes in your child's behavior, changes in his activity level, or other symptoms that worry you are reasons to call the doctor.

• Changes in color (paleness or bluish color around the lips, face, or nails; yellowish skin or eyes)
• Body becomes unusually floppy or stiff
• One or both eyes are pink, red, swollen, or leaking sticky fluid
• Navel is red or tender
• White patches in the mouth
• Difficulty breathing, swallowing, nursing, eating, or speaking
• Blood in the stools or vomit
• Crying for a long time, child can't be comforted
• Refusal to eat
• Unusually cranky or tired
• Chills that make the body shake
• Loses consciousness for a period (child faints, has a seizure, etc.)
• Severe headache
• Nasal fluid is strange color, smells bad, or is bloody
• Earache
• Hearing loss
• Blood or fluid coming out of the mouth or ears
• Changes in vision, eyes are hurt by light
• Stiffness or pain in the neck
• Severe sore throat, uncontrolled drooling
• Rapid breathing
• Severe cough, cough that brings up blood, cough that lasts a long time
• Very bad stomach pain
• Swollen stomach
• Pain in the back, pain with urination, frequent urination
• Urine that is a strange color, smells bad, or is very dark
• Pain, redness, or swelling around a joint, not caused by injury
• Cut or scrape that appears infected (red, oozes pus, tender, swollen, hot)

What if I'm not sure?

• When in doubt, it's best to call the doctor.
• You know your child best. If he has symptoms or behavior that worries you, call the doctor.
• Call any time you have questions about his condition or treatment.
• Be prepared to tell the doctor about your child's symptoms and behavior.
• Call if your child is not acting like himself. Changes in his behavior or activity level could indicate a problem.
• Your child should stay home from school or daycare if he is contagious.
• He should stay home if he needs one-on-one attention from an adult or frequent care.
• He should stay home is he feels too ill to learn or play.
• If your child says he is sick but does not appear sick, consider other problems. Is there a problem at school with teachers or friends? Is there a reason he wants to stay home?
• Read about abdominal pain if your child often complains of stomachaches.

How can I prepare for sick days?

• Think ahead. What will you do if your child is sick and you have to go to work? Who can take care of him?
• Make arrangements ahead of time. A friend or relative might be able to help.
• Older children may be able to stay home alone. Can he make his own meals? Handle emergencies? Talk about guidelines for taking medicine. Teach him stranger safety, such as how to answer the phone or answer the door when he is home alone. Set up plans to check-in every couple hours. Let him know where you can be reached.
• Other people should know not to expect your child or worry about his absence. Call his school, child-care, car pool, after school activities, lessons, etc.

What can my child do on sick days?

• If you stay home with your child, keep an eye on his symptoms. Call the doctor if you are concerned.
• Having your child rest and giving fluids is usually best.
• Use the time at home to have a special day with your child.
• Children often enjoy napping in a parent's bed or having a picnic in front of the TV.
• Your child might enjoy a special treat. Popsicles and clear soda might help his symptoms.
• Read to your child while he rests in bed. Do low-energy activities such as puzzles, board games, coloring, or building blocks.
• Ask friends and relatives to give your child a special telephone call.
• Give your child extra attention and affection.

Quick Answers

• Some minor illnesses, conditions, and injuries can be treated at home. If symptoms are severe, or if they worsen or persist, call the doctor.
• Changes in your child's behavior, changes in his activity level, or other worrisome symptoms are reason to call the doctor.
• Call the doctor any time you have questions about your child's condition or treatment.
• Make arrangements for sick days ahead of time. Who can take care of your child if you have to go to work? Who needs to know that your child is home sick?
• If you stay home, use the time to have a special day with your child.

References

• InteliHealth. Call the Pediatrician? Harvard Medical School. 2001 August 07 (cited 2002 March 18). URL: http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH?t=21245&p=~br,IHW|~st,9103|~r,WSIHW000|~b,*|
• MayoClinic. Caring for a Sick Child at Home: Be Prepared for Short-term Illnesses. 2001 June 22 (cited 2002 March 18). URL: http://www.mayoclinic.com/findinformation/conditioncenters/invoke.cfm?objectid=A5C13164-B9FB-4A34-A356EA1150CC2108
• Rutherford, K. When to Call Your Child's Doctor. KidsHealth. 2001 October (cited 2002 March 18). URL: http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/general/body/call_doc.html

See related Patient Topics Child and Teen Health, First Aid/Emergencies, Food, Nutrition and Metabolism, Injuries and Wounds, Parenting, Physical Examinations, Safety, Social/Family Issues or Teen Health.

See related Provider Topics Child and Teen Health, First Aid/Emergencies, Food, Nutrition and Metabolism, Injuries and Wounds, Physical Examinations, Safety, Social/Family Issues or Teen Health.

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