When To Visit the Pediatrician for a Sick Child

When your child feels unwell, it can be difficult to determine whether it's time to visit the pediatrician or manage their symptoms at home. As a parent, you want to ensure your child gets the best care possible while also avoiding unnecessary trips to the doctor. Knowing what warrants a trip to your pediatrician to help your child start feeling better in no time is important. Dr. Carol Calabrese, Dr. Inna Meskin, Dr. Alexis Capozzoli, Renee Thomas, APN, and Joe Larena, APN at Skylands Pediatrics in Sparta, NJ, can explain when sick child visits are needed for your child.

Understanding When Sick Child Visits Are Needed

Some several common illnesses and symptoms might warrant a visit to your child’s pediatrician. It’s important to get the care your child needs as soon as possible to start feeling better and avoid missing classes and activities. When you bring your child in for sick child visits with their pediatrician in Sparta, NJ, you ensure they are cared for and ready to feel their best again!

A fever is a natural response to infection, but it can be concerning when it comes to children, especially babies and toddlers. If you have an infant under 3 months old, a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit is concerning and warrants a visit to their pediatrician. For older children, a fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit or a fever that lasts more than 2 days should be checked. Additionally, if the fever is accompanied by other symptoms such as rash, difficulty breathing, or severe headache, contact your pediatrician right away.

Coughing is common with colds, but if your child has a persistent or worsening cough, it may be more than just a common cold. Visit the pediatrician if your child:

• Has difficulty breathing or is breathing rapidly.
• Wheezes or makes high-pitched sounds when breathing.
• Shows signs of chest retractions (the chest pulling in with each breath).
• Has a cough lasting more than a week or associated with a fever or trouble sleeping.

Vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, especially in younger children. If your child is vomiting repeatedly, has severe diarrhea, or shows signs of dehydration (such as dry mouth, decreased urine output, or sunken eyes), you should consult the pediatrician. Ear infections are common in children and can cause significant discomfort. If your child is pulling at their ear, complaining of ear pain, or has trouble hearing, it’s a good idea to check their ears.

Other reasons to visit your pediatrician include:

• Injury
• Rashes
• Sore throat
• Changes in appetite, weight, or sleep

Contact Our Pediatrician Today

Find out when it’s time to visit your pediatrician. Contact Dr. Calabrese, Dr. Meskin, Dr. Capozzoli, Renee Thomas, APN, and Joe Larena, APN at Skylands Pediatrics in Sparta, NJ, to learn about sick child visits! Call for more information and to schedule your appointment today at (973) 729-2197.