Should I take my baby to the doctor… now?
Temperature. Check her temperature. Some children are prone to seizures when they experience high fever. If she has a very high temperature (more than 103°F or 39°C measured with an oral thermometer), seems a lethargic, irritable, refuse to eat, or if she doesn’t respond to fever-reducing medication, you need to take her to a doctor.
Breathing. Breathing problems are especially worrisome for children who are asthmatic. If your child is having difficulty breathing, wheezing, breathing rapidly or panting, get her to a doctor immediately.
Allergies. Is your child suffering from severe food or environmental allergy? Act accordingly to the severity of the condition.
Poisoning. If your child is vomiting frequently or has severe diarrhoea, check for signs of dehydration and take her to the doctor. If she has taken any form of poison, do not try to induce vomiting if she is not vomiting. Call the doctor and he will be able to tell you what to do and whether the situation is a medical emergency.
Falls or bumps. If your child has a hard fall or bumps her head hard enough to lose consciousness, take her to a doctor. Talk to your child. If she cannot remember the events surrounding the injury, it could mean she has had a concussion. Look for signs of confusion and drowsiness. If she is unresponsive or semiconscious, or has trouble focusing her eyes, get her to a doctor immediately.
Bleeding. Try to stop bleeding with direct compression and elevation, but if the cut is too deep or severe and you cannot stop the bleeding, seek help. Your child may require stitches.
Headaches. Children seldom suffer from headaches like adults. If your child complains of severe headache, and if she also has a stiff neck and fever, she could be suffering from a viral or bacterial infection. You will need to take her to the doctor.
Notes to act on:
1. When in doubt, call your doctor or call a hospital. It is always better to be on the safe side.
2. Keep emergency numbers next to the phone at home and with you when you are out of the house.
3. Maintain a complete first aid kit with supplies you may need for your child, including bandages, fever reducers, allergy medications, antibiotic cream, hydrogen peroxide and others.
4. If your child needs regular medication for any condition, always keep a good stock of it. |