Your kiddo comes home from school with a smile, a backpack full of books, and a cough. You hope it will go away, but the next morning, it seems worse, and his temperature is slightly elevated. Is now the time to call the pediatrician?
Parents face this type of situation all the time, especially during cold and flu season. While many symptoms resolve on their own, others could be the sign of something more serious, such as strep throat, pink eye, an ear infection, or an upper respiratory infection.
Sometimes, it’s not easy to tell the difference. That’s why the team at Northwest Pediatrics wants to help. In this article, we’ll explain the different types of pediatrician visits and explore signs that indicate your child might benefit from a sick visit with a pediatric specialist in Post Falls.
Three levels of care: Well-child visit vs. home care vs. sick visit
This simple three-step formula provides general guidelines for keeping your child at their healthiest (and happiest) no matter the time of year.
Well-child visits are routine exams performed at a pediatrician’s office. They happen at specific intervals based on your child’s age. Infants typically have well visits at 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months. One-year-olds and two-year-olds are seen twice a year, while kids and teens ages 3 and older will have annual wellness visits. These checkups help monitor your child’s health and development and keep them up-to-date on their immunizations. Well-child visits also prevent minor issues from developing into serious illnesses.
Care at home is usually recommended for children with mild symptoms, such as kids with a cough, common cold, or low-grade fevers. To treat minor illnesses and viruses at home, give your child plenty of fluids so they stay well hydrated. Make sure they get plenty of rest. And consider using over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve pain and lower fever.
Sick visits are unplanned visits to your pediatrician to address symptoms of a short-term health problem that has come on suddenly. During a sick visit, a medical provider will examine your child, review their symptoms, and diagnose and treat their illness.
No two children are alike, and parents understand their children’s health better than anyone. That’s why it’s up to you to determine when your child needs a sick visit. If you have any doubts, simply call your pediatrician’s office, and they’ll help you determine the type of care your child needs.
When should I schedule a sick visit for my child?
Getting sick is a normal part of growing up, helping build a child’s immunity against future illnesses. However, some illnesses require medical attention. Book an appointment with your pediatrician if your kiddo experiences any of these symptoms.
Fever that lasts more than a couple days
Fever is a sign that your child could have an underlying infection or virus requiring medical treatment. If a child’s fever reaches 102 degrees Fahrenheit and lasts for more than 24 hours, you should schedule a sick visit. For infants, any fever of 100.4 or higher requires immediate medical attention.
Symptoms lasting longer than 7 days
The length of a child’s symptoms can help you solve one of the biggest questions parents face: Is it a cold or the flu? Colds usually reach their peak after three-to-five days, so if your kid isn’t feeling better by Day 6 or 7, you should call the doctor. Symptoms of a cold also tend to come on gradually, while a more serious respiratory infection like the flu typically shows symptoms much faster. Parents should also call the doctor if their child’s cough lingers for more than a few days and is interrupting their home life, schoolwork, or sleep.
Ear pain
Middle-ear infections are common in younger children and often require treatment. If your child says they’re experiencing ear pain, are having trouble hearing, are pulling at their ears, or if you see discharge like pus or fluid draining from their ear, book a sick visit to get it checked out. Your pediatrician may be able to prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection and ease the pain.
Painful sore throats
While strep throat is one of the most common childhood illnesses, a raw or painful sore throat can be the sign of other viruses, too. At Northwest Pediatrics in Post Falls, we can run a swab test to determine the cause of your child’s sore throat and offer treatment options based on their diagnosis.
Eye redness or itchiness
Not all itchy or red eyes mean that your child has conjunctivitis (“pink eye”), but you should schedule a sick visit just to be sure. Eye itchiness and redness can also be a sign of other eye infections, some of which are contagious.
Wheezing or difficulty breathing
If your child is struggling to catch their breath or breathing rapidly, don’t wait. Call your pediatrician immediately. Breathing difficulties could indicate many different illnesses, including asthma, a serious case of the flu, or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Rashes that spread
A rash alone isn’t always a red flag. But if rashes don’t improve after several days, grow in shape and size, become crusty, or are accompanied by a fever, parents should call their doctor. These types of rashes may indicate an allergic reaction or an infection.
Vomiting or diarrhea
When a child vomits or gets diarrhea, they can dehydrate quickly. See your pediatrician if these symptoms last for more than 24 hours or if your child can’t keep fluids down. During a sick visit, a pediatrician can evaluate your child for dehydration and determine whether IV fluids may be needed to rehydrate them. Signs of dehydration include fewer wet diapers, a dry mouth, no tears when crying, or unusual sleepiness.
Unusual fatigue, irritability, or loss of appetite
When kids don’t feel well, they may act out. Infants tend to be fussy and cry more often. Older children may not feel like eating or seem tired all the time. If any of these symptoms last for longer than 24 to 48 hours, it’s time to schedule a sick visit.
Your child “looks sick”
Parents can sometimes tell that their child isn’t feeling well even before their kiddo realizes it. Always trust your gut. If your child looks sick and you think he should get checked out, call your pediatrician.
What should I bring to my child’s sick visit?
After scheduling your child’s sick visit, make a list of their symptoms and details about when they began. Also, jot down any recent temperature readings, along with a list of medications your kiddo typically takes. If your child’s symptoms come and go, such as coughing fits or rashes, take a photo or short video to show your provider. Bringing this information to your appointment will help our team at Northwest Pediatrics make the most accurate diagnosis.
During a sick visit, our team will review your child’s symptoms, perform a physical exam, order any tests as needed, and create a treatment plan tailored specifically to your child.
Northwest Pediatrics: Sick visits and well-child visits in North Idaho
We hope your child stays healthy and happy throughout the entire holiday season. But should you need a sick visit, call Northwest Pediatrics at
208-619-8250. Our expert pediatric specialists provide compassionate care for newborns, toddlers, young children, teens, and young adults. Just one visit and you’ll understand why our practice is recognized as the Best Pediatric Office by The Business Journal of North Idaho.
Learn more.
