As a parent, you will take your baby to several visits with a pediatrician throughout their first year of life. Many of these visits are routine, but you may have to make other visits when your child needs immediate medical attention. You can typically wait until normal office hours if your baby has a small cough or fussiness. However, you should understand what signs to look for to determine whether or not a situation requires you to call your pediatrician immediately.
Trust your pediatrician’s advice
New parents often deal with uncertainties regarding their child’s health. It can be hard to determine whether or not a bout of diarrhea is harmless or an indicator of a greater issue. This uncertainty is when advice from your pediatrician is needed. Your baby’s pediatrician can alert you to potential problems and help ease your worries.
Signs it may be time to call the doctor
There are quite a few symptoms to watch for that may need immediate attention from a pediatrician. Call the doctor if your baby has diarrhea and vomits more than usual, has a rash, shows signs of dehydration, or refuses to eat. Dehydration is a serious issue that needs to be addressed as soon as you see the symptoms. The signs of dehydration include a decreased number of wet diapers, sunken eyes, or absent tears when crying. If you are ever unsure of what symptoms to look for, call your pediatrician for advice.
Emergency situations
Although the above symptoms can be indicators of a serious issue, there are several things that would better qualify as an emergency. Call your pediatrician immediately if your child has blood in their vomit or stool, seizures, paralysis, or a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher. Other emergency symptoms include poisoning, bleeding, and yellow skin or eyes.
If your child is sleeping more than usual, will not wake up, or becomes limp, call your doctor immediately. These are issues that need to be addressed as quickly as possible. Many of these situations may require a trip to the emergency room as well as a call to your pediatrician.
Professional pediatrics in Amarillo, Texas
Issues such as diarrhea can turn into a dangerous condition in no time at all. This is why it is important to know your pediatrician’s office hours, phone number, and on-call hours before your baby is born. If you prepare yourself properly, dealing with an emergency should go smoothly.
If you are searching for a reputable pediatrician for your baby, contact Dr. John Young in Amarillo, Texas. Dr. John Young and his team are committed to providing the best experience for you and your child. Call our office at (806) 354-0404 ext. 3330 to schedule an appointment with us today. You can also Contact Us by email or visit our office in person at 1500 S. Coulter St. Suite #3 in Amarillo, Texas to learn more about our services.
