How to Know When to Take Your Child to a Doctor

As a parent, it can be difficult to know when it’s time to take your child to the doctor. Children, especially when they’re under the age of 3, tend to be unreliable about reporting their symptoms. This can make it difficult to know how severe the issue is, leading to anxiety and confusion.

In general, it’s wise to seek out medical attention for the following issues:

Fever

If your child has a fever of over 101 degrees Fahrenheit that cannot be controlled or lowered with over-the-counter medications, it’s time to consider a call to the doctor. If their fever is higher than 103 degrees and cannot be lowered, you may want to visit urgent care or the emergency room. This is especially true if your child is lethargic or refuses to eat or drink.

A Common Cold

Younger children get colds more often than adults. On average, children catch between six and eight colds each year. A cold alone is not usually a reason to visit the doctor. However, reach out to a medical professional if your child refuses to eat or drink, develops an earache, gets a skin rash, becomes overly fussy, or has difficulty breathing. Pediatric medical staff will be able to assess their symptoms and treat them accordingly.

Vomiting and Diarrhea

Intestinal issues are often a sign of a bacterial or viral infection. Contact your pediatrician if your child has trouble keeping fluids down, or if they are unable to eat after two days. Keep them hydrated at home using an over-the-counter electrolyte solution in liquid or popsicle form in the meantime. Dehydration is the major danger with this type of illness, so if your child is unable to keep liquids down, it’s especially important to reach out to pediatric medical staff.

While these aren’t the only times that it’s necessary to contact your child’s doctor, they are a few of the most important. You should also seek emergency assistance for injuries, labored breathing, allergic reactions, or any other severe symptoms that your child is experiencing. If you’re doubtful of your ability to care for them at home, err on the side of caution and make a doctor’s appointment.