Childhood illnesses range from a mild stomach ache to dramatic, strong vomiting. Sometimes, it's obvious when to call your child's doctor. But there are many situations that are not as obvious, in which people who take care of children wonder whether to call the doctor or go to the emergency room.
When in doubt, consider your phone as your best friend. Prepared with basic information about your child, call the pediatrician for advice. Be prepared to tell the doctor how long the problem has existed, what differences you notice in the child (or what symptoms the child presents), any detail that you think could be important and what fears you have. You know your child better than anyone. If you feel something is wrong, call.
Below you will find some general indications regarding the situations in which you should call the doctor and those when you should manage at home. Remember that these are only indications, not strict rules. When in doubt, call.
When to call or go to the security room
Behavioral changes - Call the pediatrician when your child is not behaving normally. Behavioral changes may include sleeping more than usual, not being able to stay awake as expected, not playing or eating as usual, acting strangely or not speaking clearly. Trust your instincts, you know your child best.
Cranial trauma - If a child falls or is dropped from any height, call your pediatrician immediately for advice or go directly to the emergency room. If an older child has more than a minor bump or falls from more than half a meter, consult the doctor about what should be done.
Immobility - Any injury that causes your child to be unable to move their arms, legs, fingers or toes could require immediate medical assistance.
Pain - Call the doctor or go to the hospital if the child complains of severe pain, which worsens or persists, especially pain that occurs during the child's normal activities. Remember that if an older child can tell you that he is in pain, a small child can convey this message to you through crying or other behavioral changes.
Bleeding - Most cuts and scratches from childhood are minor. However, go to the emergency room for cuts that appear large, deep, or have edges that are frayed and may require stitches. Call emergency services (112) if the bleeding is severe and cannot be stopped or if your child is in a state of shock (pale, dizzy, confused, unconscious).
Burns - Seek medical advice if a burn has produced more than a slight reddening of the skin (first degree burn). Second degree burns penetrate the upper layer of the skin causing pain and blisters that can break and become infected. Third degree burns destroy all layers of the skin and can penetrate deep tissues, such as muscles and bones.
Uncertain area
Vomiting - If a child vomits undigested food only once or twice, with no other signs or symptoms of illness, you can probably take care of him at home. Offer the child to drink liquids in small sips to prevent dehydration. If vomiting persists, is accompanied by abdominal pain that does not improve after vomiting, or if your child has signs of dehydration (for example, dry mouth, reduced tears, dark urine) or other symptoms (such as fever, diarrhea, headaches), go to the emergency room. If the vomit is green, there may be a blockage somewhere in the intestine. If it is red or looks like coffee grounds, this may be a sign of bleeding. In both cases, go to the hospital immediately to be consulted by a doctor.
diarrhea - Most cases of diarrhea can be treated at home. A few loose stools for a day or two are usually caused by a mild infection (gastro-enteritis) and rarely cause major dehydration. However, frequent watery stools often lead to dehydration, especially in infants. Call 112 if your child has persistent diarrhea and shows any signs of dehydration or if the diarrhea contains blood and/or is accompanied by severe abdominal pain or high fever.
Dehydration - body fluids are lost through vomiting, diarrhea and fever. If these liquids cannot be replaced, children become dehydrated. When you take care of a sick child, monitor how much water he drinks and how much he urinates. A child should urinate every six to eight hours or at least three times in 24 hours. Call the doctor immediately for any signs of dehydration, including dry mouth, dry lips, lack of tears, dry diapers or no urination for six hours, dry skin, weight loss, decreased activity or energy, and blocked fontanel (in newborns) .
Fever - Fever is a sign of illness. Most diseases that cause fever are mild and can be treated at home; some diseases are more serious and require medical care. The level of fever, the child's age and additional symptoms can help determine the potential severity of the disease. For a child younger than 3 months, call the doctor for a rectal temperature higher than 37.7 degrees Celsius. For an older child, call if the rectal temperature is higher than 38.3 degrees Celsius. Call 112 if the child who has a fever and looks sick, has a tense neck, has new rashes on the skin, is not eating or playing, is not behaving normally or if there is something that worries you in any other way.
Skin rash - Localized skin rashes without fever, such as diaper rash, eczema or athlete's foot, can usually be treated at home. However, for rashes with fever, involving large areas of the body or of unknown cause, call the doctor for advice. The doctor may want to see the child in the office, because a rash can be a sign of a serious illness and can be difficult to diagnose over the phone.
What can you treat at home?
Contact dermatitis to wild ivy leaves - Most cases of wild ivy allergy can be treated at home. Soothe the itching sensation on the skin by applying cold wet compresses several times a day and then apply a lotion with calamine. For severe cases, the doctor can recommend an antihistamine administered orally and a corticosteroid in the form of a cream to calm the itching and inflammation. Call the doctor if your child's rash affects the genitals or face, causes swelling of the area around the eyes, involves extensive areas of the child's body, or if you cannot control the itching. If your child has a fever or the rash becomes painful, swollen and discharges pus, these may be signs of an infection. Go to the doctor as soon as possible.
Minor burns -Minor burns (first degree) involving only the upper layer of the skin can be managed at home. If your child has a burn on a small surface (the size of a 50 bani coin), and the skin is red, keep the area in question under a stream of cold water from the tap for about 10 minutes. Do not use ice, as this can injure the burned areas. And do not cover the area with butter, creams or other ointments. To relieve the pain, you can give your child medicines such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Nosebleeds - Nosebleeds are frequent, especially in winter, when the air inside is too dry. Most nosebleeds can be treated at home by placing the child in a sitting position, with the head bent forward and pressing on the soft part of the respective nostril. Continue for 10 minutes to compress the nostril, while the child breathes through the mouth. If the bleeding returns, repeat the maneuver for another 10 minutes. Call the doctor or go to the emergency room if the bleeding has not stopped after 20 minutes or if your child has a nosebleed after a head injury. To prevent occasional nosebleeds, use petroleum jelly to lubricate the inside of the tip of the nose and encourage your child not to scratch or rub their nose. During the winter, keep the room air moist, using a humidifier. Go to a pediatrician's consultation if your child has frequent nosebleeds.
