All children suffer from childhood illnesses and injuries. It is a normal part of growing up, but some of these illnesses and injuries will require a call or a visit to a pediatrician in Philadelphia, PA. You don't want to train your child to think they're fragile or helpless, but knowing when you need professional help call can sometimes be a challenge. Dr. Marcie Macolino of Mt. Airy Pediatrics, PC is here for you when you need her.
Fever
When your child has a fever it is a cause for concern. How old your child is, how high the fever is, and what other symptoms they have are all things that should be considered when making the call. If your baby is under three months and has a fever of over 100.4, call the pediatrician. If they are older and the fever is over 102 for more than 24 hours, call the doctor. A fever usually means something else is going on.
Ear infection
If your baby is tugging at their ear and crying, this is a concern for an ear infection. In older children, they can tell you that their ear hurts. Be on the lookout for discharge from the ear or loss of hearing.
Cough
Coughing is part of most winters with colds going around. If your child has been coughing for more than two weeks, is wheezing, has thick green phlegm, or has a fever, give the pediatrician in Philadelphia, PA a call. A cough can be a sign of allergies or asthma.
Sore throat
If your child has a sore throat for more than two days, and it is the only symptom or is accompanied by a fever, give the doctor a call. Strep throat is easy to test for and treat and quite common in children.
Vomiting and diarrhea
When vomiting is accompanied by stomach pain and diarrhea, the main concern is that your child can become dehydrated very quickly. Watch for signs such as no urine for eight hours, dry mouth, or dry eyes. Give the doctor a call.
Injury
If your child falls and hits their head, seek care urgently, call your doctor, or call 911 if it is an emergency. If there is any swelling and bruising on any other part of the body, call the doctor and be prepared to head to the emergency room. The same is true if there is a cut that is deep and with a lot of blood.
Remember, not every call will result in an in-person examination, but you’re never wrong to call if you need help. Contact Dr. Macolino at Mt. Airy Pediatrics, PC when you need a pediatrician in Philadelphia, PA. Give our office a call at (215) 247-2996 to make an appointment today.
