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 You
and Your Pediatrician
Is
it OK to call my child's pediatrician even if I'm not sure my child is sick?
You should always feel
free to call your pediatrician's office, either during office hours for routine
questions or at any time for an emergency. Call right away if you are worried
about your child. Sometimes a parent feels there is a problem before symptoms
actually show up. Always call and get proper medical advice. Realize, though,
that sometimes your pediatrician may not be able to answer your questions
without seeing your child first. When you are not sure whether to call, trust
your instincts.
Make the most of the
phone
Your pediatrician may
prefer that you call with general questions during office hours. Some offices
even have special "phone-in" times. Before you call, have a pen
and paper ready to write down any instructions and questions. You could easily
forget some details, especially when you are worried about your child. Be
prepared to provide information about your child's health.
-
Have
your child near the phone, if possible, to help you answer questions
when you call your pediatrician. An older child may be able to tell you
exactly where it hurts.
-
Take
your child's temperature before you call. If your child has a fever,
write down the temperature and time you took it.
-
Remind
the doctor about past medical problems. Do not expect your pediatrician
to always remember your child's medical condition. He or she cares for many
children each day and may not remember that your child has asthma, seizures,
or some other condition.
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Be
sure to mention medications. If your child is taking any medication,
including prescription or nonprescription drugs, inhalers, supplements,
vitamins, herbal products, or home remedies, tell your pediatrician.
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Keep
immunization records at hand. These are especially helpful if your child
has an injury that may require a tetanus shot or if pertussis (whooping
cough) is in your community.
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Have
your pharmacy phone number ready.
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Unblock
your telephone "call block," and keep phone lines open so
that your pediatrician can return your call in a timely manner. Do not leave
pager numbers. If you leave your cell phone number, be sure that you have
your cell phone on and will be in an area where you can receive calls.
Routine and emergency
calls
Routine calls include
questions about medicines, minor illnesses, injuries, behavior, or parenting
advice. You will usually not need urgent care for a simple cold or cough,
mild diarrhea, constipation, temper tantrums, or sleep problems. For these
cases you may just need proper medical advice.
However, if your child
has any of the following, call to find out if he needs to be seen:
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Vomiting
and diarrhea that last for more than a few hours in a child of any age
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Rash,
especially if there is also a fever
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Any cough
or cold that does not get better in several days, or a cold that gets worse
and is accompanied by a fever
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Cuts
that might need stitches
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Limping
or is not able to move an arm or leg
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Ear pain
with fever, is unable to sleep or eat, is vomiting, has diarrhea, or is
acting ill
-
Drainage
from an ear
-
Sore
throat or problems swallowing
-
Sharp
or persistent pains in the abdomen or stomach
-
A rectal
temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher in a baby younger than 2
months of age
-
Fever
and vomiting at the same time
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Not eating
for more than a day
Emergency calls require
your pediatrician's prompt attention. But it is best to know what to do before
a problem occurs. During a scheduled checkup, ask your pediatrician what to
do and where to go should your child ever need emergency medical care. Learn
basic first aid, including CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). Keep emergency
and poison center phone numbers posted by your telephone.
An infant or child needs
emergency medical treatment immediately if he has any of the following:
-
Bleeding
that does not stop after applying pressure for 5 minutes
-
Suspected
poisoning
-
Seizures
(Rhythmic jerking and loss of consciousness)
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Increasing
trouble with breathing
-
Skin
or lips that look blue, purple, or gray
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Neck
stiffness or rash with fever
-
Head
injury with loss of consciousness, confusion, vomiting, or poor skin color
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Blood
in the urine
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Bloody
diarrhea or diarrhea that will not go away
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Sudden
lack of energy or is not able to move
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Unconsciousness
or lack of response
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Acting
strangely or becoming more withdrawn and less alert
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Increasing
or severe persistent pain
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A cut
or burn that is large, deep, or involves the head, chest, or abdomen
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A burn
that is large or involves the hands, groin, or face
Call 911 (or your emergency
number) for any severely ill or injured child.
Published online: 3/07
Source: You and Your Pediatrician (Copyright © 2002 American Academy
of Pediatrics)
Healthcare professionals
may order
this publication in multi-copy packs.
Parents can find more information on this topic in Caring for Your Baby and
Young Child: Birth to Age 5. To order a copy of this book visit the AAP
Bookstore.
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The information contained
in this publication should not be used as a substitute for the medical care
and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your
pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
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