Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital

As a new parent, it's natural to feel anxious about when to seek medical attention for your child. When your child is sick, you might wonder whether to go to the doctor or treat them at home.

First and foremost, remember that your child's health is a priority. If you're concerned about any of your child's symptoms, don't hesitate to consult a doctor. You know your child best, and trusting your instincts is crucial.

Fever

Fever is a natural response of the body to fight infection. However, you should seek immediate medical attention if your child has a fever and:

Is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38°C or higher.

Has a recurring fever above 40°C, regardless of age.

Has been in a very hot place, such as inside a car on a hot day.

Seems very sick or excessively fussy.

Seems unusually lethargic or sleepy.

The fever doesn't come down even after using fever-reducing medications.

Has worrying symptoms, such as a stiff neck, severe headache, very sore throat, severe earache, difficulty breathing, unexplained rash, or frequent vomiting or diarrhea.

Has a weakened immune system or underlying health conditions, such as cancer, sickle cell disease, heart problems, or is taking immunosuppressive medications.

Has had a seizure due to fever.

You should also see a doctor as soon as possible if:

The fever lasts for more than a day in a child under two years old.

The fever lasts for more than three days in a child two years or older.

Your child still seems sick even after the fever is reduced.

Your child seems to be getting worse.

Diarrhea/Vomiting

See your pediatrician or go to the emergency room if you are concerned or if:

Your child is younger than 3 months old.

Your child has been vomiting for more than 48 hours.

Vomiting or diarrhea is accompanied by blood.

Your child shows signs of dehydration: no urination for more than 8 hours, no tears when crying, dry mouth.

Your child is lethargic, difficult to wake, or acting abnormally.

Your child has a weakened immune system or other chronic health conditions.

Constipation

Constipation in children is usually not a cause for concern. However, you should take your child to the doctor if constipation lasts for more than two weeks or is accompanied by:

Fever.

Loss of appetite.

Blood in the stool.

Abdominal bloating.

Unexplained weight loss.

Pain during bowel movements.

Protrusion of part of the intestine from the anus (rectal prolapse).

Cough

If your child is otherwise healthy except for a cough, they may not need to see a doctor. However, you should consult a doctor in the following cases:

The cough has lasted for more than two weeks with or without a cold.

The cough significantly affects your child's sleep, eating, or activities.

There are other worrying symptoms along with the cough, such as: persistent fever, loss of appetite, or weight loss.

When to Take Your Child to the Emergency Room Immediately:

If your child is choking or has inhaled a foreign object.

If your child is having difficulty breathing.

If your child is very drowsy or difficult to wake up.

If your child's skin is blue or pale.

Common Respiratory Illnesses like the Flu:

Most children recover from colds, the flu, and similar respiratory problems on their own. However, it's important to see a doctor if your child develops any of the following worrying symptoms:

Illness lasts more than 10 days or gets worse.

Fever lasts more than 5 days.

Difficulty breathing.

Red throat with white patches on the tonsils (a sign of bacterial tonsillitis that requires antibiotic treatment).

Crying uncontrollably.

Very drowsy and lethargic.

Refusing to drink enough water or fluids.

Complaining of earache or frequently rubbing their ears.

Severe cough.

Go to the emergency room if:

Severe shortness of breath.

Wheezing.

Gasping for breath.

Blue or pale skin.

Persistent Abdominal Pain

See a doctor immediately if your child has:

Continuous abdominal pain for a week or more, even if it comes and goes.

Continuous abdominal pain for more than a day, especially if it gets worse or is accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

Diarrhea for more than two days or vomiting for more than 12 hours.

A fever higher than 38 degrees Celsius.

Loss of appetite for more than two days and weight loss.

Burning during urination with abdominal pain.

Go to the emergency room immediately if your child:

Has sudden, severe abdominal pain.

Is unable to pass stool, especially if they are also vomiting.

Has blood in their vomit or stool (especially if the blood is brown or dark black).

Has a hard, swollen abdomen.

Has had a recent abdominal injury.

Is currently undergoing cancer treatment.

Rash

See a doctor if:

The rash has blue, red, or purple spots.

The rash appears scaly.

The rash has blisters or oozing.

There is swelling of the face, lips, or tongue (may indicate a severe allergy).

There are other symptoms along with the rash, such as fever, dizziness, vomiting, stiff neck, shortness of breath, or any other worrying symptoms.

Severe itching that does not respond to usual treatments.

Common Injuries

See a doctor as soon as possible if your child has an injury and develops any of the following signs or symptoms:

Limping or inability to walk normally for more than a day.

Pain or difficulty moving the injured area.

Severe swelling in the injured area.

Inability to stop bleeding with bandages.

Loss of sensation in the area.

Head injury accompanied by any abnormal symptoms.