Sick Child Diagnosis with Same-Day Treatment
If your child is sick, it’s important they receive a diagnosis as soon as possible. Many children come down with minor illnesses; colds and tummy aches are a fact of growing up. However, as a parent, you may feel as though there is something else wrong with your child.
This is a worrying time, but with the right medical care, you can receive rapid diagnosis and treatment. This is where Rexburg Pediatrics can help. Our skilled doctors and medical professionals can put your mind at rest and help your child receive the treatment they need.
Recognizing When to Bring a Child for Checkups
When it comes to your child’s health, you can never be too careful. As a parent, you know your child best and you can often tell when something is wrong, but it can be hard to tell when it’s appropriate to seek medical help. This is especially true for younger children and infants who can’t clearly tell you their symptoms.
If your child has an obvious injury—such as a broken bone or sprained ligament—parents regularly seek immediate medical attention. However, if your child is sick, it’s up to the parent to best assess the signs, symptoms, and behaviors that indicate deteriorated health.
When children feel sick, they may act differently. Often, they will become lethargic or irritable and lose their appetite. This can be one of the first signs that they’re unwell. But there are other symptoms to look out for.
Same Day Appointments & Urgent Care
For unusual circumstances that require immediate attention, facilities like Rexburg Pediatrics and Idaho Community Care Rexburg are capable of providing same day appointments.
Rexburg Pediatrics is open Monday through Friday 8:00 am - 8:00 pm, and open Saturday from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.
If Rexburg Pediatrics is already closed, or you require attention on Sundays, Idaho Community Care Rexburg is open Monday through Saturday 8:00 am - 9:00 pm, and open Sunday from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.
Typical Symptoms That Require Urgent Care
Many parents are uncertain about which symptoms require the attention of a medical specialist, and that’s entirely normal. We recommend calling Rexburg Pediatrics or Idaho Community Care Rexburg, or come in for a same day appointment, to ease any worries you may have about your child. Below are some of the most common symptoms parents may see in their children exhibiting signs of sickness:
- High Fever: The most common sickness symptom that parents notice is a high fever. If the child is under 1 month of age, it's advised to call your doctor when the fever reaches above 100.4 degrees F. Otherwise, call your doctor if the fever persists more than 3 days without other symptoms or if your child’s behavior has changed or your child is not drinking fluids and staying hydrated.
- Vomiting/Diarrhea: Vomiting and diarrhea are common symptoms of a stomach virus and typically only last for a day or two, but children are at risk of becoming dehydrated. If your child also has a headache or abdominal pain or shows signs of dehydration, take them to the doctor for further assessment.
- Coughing: A cough is a symptom of the common cold and usually doesn’t require a doctor, but if it is not improving by 10-14 days, or worsens after 7 days, then see a doctor. If your child has issues breathing—whether or not it is accompanied by a cough—then seek medical help.
Common Sicknesses That Require a Doctor’s Help
As well as minor illnesses that your children might contract, there are some common but more severe illnesses that will require a doctor’s help. These include:
Bronchitis and bronchiolitis are infections of the lungs that cause wheezing and difficulty breathing.
Gastroenteritis causes vomiting and diarrhea and can lead to dehydration.
Asthma is a chronic condition that causes breathing problems and often needs treatment.
Ear infections can have many causes, and may or may not need antibiotics.
When to Call 911 or Poison Control
In incidents of immediate emergency, always call 911. Poisonings are one of the most common accidental causes of serious injury or death in the household for children, and exhibit signs of consumption in the form of:
- Shallow or raspy breathing
- Sore throat
- Nausea, upset stomach
- Burns around the mouth, blisters
- Unusual smelling breath
- Unconsciousness
If you suspect your child has been poisoned, immediately call 911. Afterward, assess the situation and respond with the following:
- If the child is actively consuming a poisonous substance, remove it immediately.
- Attempt to have the child spit out any substance that may still be in the child’s mouth.
- Contact poison control (800-222-1222) for accurate recommendations based on the substance the child consumed.
- Contrary to popular instinct, refrain from forcing the child to vomit. Only do so at the discretion of poison control or a trained medical specialist.
What to Expect at a Well-child Exam
If you’re concerned about your child’s health, then a medical examination will find out the problem. A well-child exam can check your children’s general health, and the physician can also look for a specific illness. Well-child exams are usually conducted on scheduled intervals at ages like these:
- Three-to-five days
- Two weeks
- Two months
- Four months
- Six months
- Nine months
- 12 months
- 15 months
- 18 months
- 24 months
- 30 months
- 36 months
- Then yearly exams after this point
Well-child exams are performed to ensure your child is growing and developing correctly and to give you valuable information on what to expect next. They’re also done to assess your child’s school progression, behaviors, home health, mental health, and overall medical health. Every exam is tailored to the patient’s specific needs and helps you be more aware of your child’s health.
Schedule a Same-Day Appointment for Your Child
Our team of experienced and compassionate healthcare professionals is dedicated to ensuring your child’s health is prioritized. At Rexburg Pediatrics, we recognize that sometimes, wellness can’t wait. We offer same-day appointments so your child can receive quality care in their time of need.
If you believe your child requires immediate attention, give us a call to schedule a same-day appointment.
If Rexburg Pediatrics is already closed, or you require attention on Sundays, please visit Idaho Community Care Rexburg.