Sick visit, 30 minutes

Fever is our Friend

Raising the core body temperature is a protective response of the immune system, which helps fight off infection. When children spike fevers, they are actually helping the body heal. If the little patient is uncomfortable, or if the temperature rises above 39, the fever should be treated with antipyretics like paracetamol or ibuprofen. But much more important than bringing the temperature down is identifying the reason for the fever in the first place.  It can be a symptom of a banal upper respiratory infection, or a serious illness. Please let the pediatricians at Medikids help you make the distinction. If the baby is under 3 months, she should be evaluated by a doctor within the day. If the little patient is old enough to communicate his complaints and is drinking well and reasonably active, then the parent can use his judgement about whether he needs a doctor’s input. Please seek medical advice if the fever is persistent over days, if it is especially high, or if the child is acting listless. Symptoms that should prompt the caregiver to seek immediate medical attention are: lethargy even after the temperature has normalized, a bulging soft spot in infants, relentless vomiting, or a rash that looks like bruising.

Belly Basics

Vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain are common ailments in childhood. The pediatricians and gastroenterologists at Medikids can help you through simple stomach flu, but we are also available to assist in diagnosing and treating chronic problems. While a little diarrhea and throwing up can be unpleasant, a lot can be dangerous. To ensure your child does not get dehydrated, please make sure she is drinking plenty of fluids. If her urine output is good, then you are doing an excellent job making up for losses in watery bowel movements and vomitus. Indications that you should see a doctor are: 

• Throwing up, or refusal of, all food and drink
• Severe abdominal pain
• Yellow discoloration of the whites of the eyes
• Blood in the stool or vomitus
• Decreased frequency or volume of urine
• Lethargy
• Diarrhea that hasn’t resolved in a week

Cough it up!

Cough is a protective reflex. Dribbling of the nasal mucus into the back of the throat does not continue into the lungs because of coughing. So, the goal is not to suppress the cough, but to find and fix its cause. We at Medikids are here to help you do so.
Rarely, a cough can be a medical emergency, for which you should call an ambulance by dialing 104:
If there is a blue/gray hue to the skin and difficulty breathing, perhaps sucking in of the area between the ribs with each breath, if the toddler has sudden onset cough at mealtime, or you suspect ingestion of a foreign object like a coin or a button battery.

When it’s not just skin deep

The skin can tell us volumes about the health of the individual. Most rashes are interesting and provide clues to uncovering the cause of a disease process. Please let us help you diagnose and treat your child’s skin eruptions. Most rashes can wait until the next available and convenient appointment with the pediatrician. In the rare case that an exanthem is the sign of an urgent medical issue, there are usually other signs of illness as well. 
Turning blue or gray signals insufficient oxygen: call an ambulance.
Unusual bleeding or bruising, and reddish-purple pinpoint spots under the skin may be a serious disease affecting clotting. See a doctor right away.
Hives and swelling of the lips and eyelids, especially if accompanied by whistly labored breathing, may be the beginning of a severe allergic reaction. Call an ambulance.

Altered states of consciousness

Mental status changes like somnolence or confusion are not to be ignored. Loss of skills like walking, talking, and recognizing loved ones are never okay. Please seek immediate medical attention. If there are unusual postures or movements in addition, please capture the behavior on video and show it to the doctor.

A weighty topic: loss or gain of kilos

Weight loss is (almost) never normal during childhood. If there is a downward trend over weeks, please visit us at Medikids to have us elucidate why. Newborns with stagnation or loss of weight should be seen right away. If there is a sudden increase in weight, associated with swelling or puffiness, it may be a sign of kidney disease. An immediate visit to the doctor is in order.