PARENT ACTION WHEN THE BABY SICK
When our baby ill an need some advice from our doctor, but in some condition
we can wait for doctor's appointment. That's why we should know what should
we do for the first action for baby sick. These article is give your the guidelines
for the right course of action.
It's sometimes hard to know when to take your baby to the doctor, especially
for first-time parents. Because your baby can't tell you when something hurts,
normal fussiness and mild illness can be difficult to distinguish from more
serious problems.
True emergencies
Certain emergencies leave no time to call your baby's doctor. Instead, you
should take your child directly to an emergency facility or call 911 or your
local emergency and rescue squad. True medical emergencies include:
- Cuts that don't stop bleeding or appear to require stitches
- Poisoning
- Seizures
- Labored breathing
- Unresponsiveness
- Head injuries
- Problems moving an arm or leg
- High fever (a rectal temperature above 100.4 F in newborns — younger
than 3 months — and an oral or ear temperature above 102 F in older
infants and children)
- Sudden lethargy or paralysis
- Choking
In case of an emergency
Although you can't predict when or where an emergency may occur, you can,
in advance, become familiar with basic first-aid procedures so that you'll act
promptly when the need arises.
Post an up-to-date list of the following emergency contact phone numbers in
a prominent place by each telephone in your house:
- Your doctor
- Your local hospital
- The poison control center
- Close friends and family members who can stay with your other children or
meet you at the hospital to offer support
Less urgent situations: When to call the doctor
It's normal for babies to get sick now and then, but if their signs and symptoms
gradually worsen or simply persist over a couple of days, do not hesitate to
contact the doctor. Below are signs and symptoms that require medical attention:
Changes in your baby's appetite. If your baby refuses two
consecutive feedings, contact your doctor. Also, if your baby becomes lethargic
when sucking the breast or bottle or has difficulty feeding, tell your doctor
right away.
Changes in your baby's mood. If your baby is lethargic or
unusually difficult to rouse, talk to your doctor right away. All babies —
newborns in particular — normally go through fussy times during the day
or before bedtime. However, if your baby is persistently irritable and inconsolable,
he or she should probably see a doctor. As a general guide, if a crying jag
has lasted three hours and it shows no signs of letting up, a call to the doctor
is in order. If your gut feeling says that your baby is ill or in pain, call
sooner.
Changes in your baby's skin color. Many newborns develop
jaundice, a yellowish discoloration of the skin, during the first few days or
weeks of life. Newborn jaundice usually goes away in a couple of weeks as your
baby's liver fully matures. However, if your baby's skin takes on a deeper yellowish
hue after remaining only slightly yellow for a few days, contact your doctor
immediately. The reappearance of newborn jaundice a few days after the condition
has seemed to resolve also is cause for concern. Likewise, if your baby develops
jaundice after having normal, pinkish skin for his or her first few weeks, call
your doctor.
Fever. Don't panic if your baby (older than 2 months of age)
develops a mild fever — it's common and usually isn't dangerous. To be
on the safe side, call your doctor right away if your newborn (younger than
3 months) has a temperature of 100.4 F or more, or your older infant has a temperature
of 102 F or above. A temperature of 102 F or above in a baby over 3 months old
may or may not warrant an actual office visit, depending on the symptoms accompanying
the fever.
Diarrhea. It's normal for breast-fed babies to have soft
stools. However, if your baby's stool is loose or watery for six to eight diaper
changes, you should get in touch with your doctor.
Vomiting. All babies spit up occasionally and some spit up
more than others. However, if your baby begins to spit up a large portion of
every feeding, or if he or she begins vomiting forcefully, call your doctor.
Dehydration. This is a serious side effect of diarrhea and
vomiting, especially among infants, and it warrants an immediate call to your
doctor. Signs include failure to urinate (no wet diapers) for six hours or longer,
sinking of the soft spot on top of the baby's head, or dry lips and no tears.
Constipation. You are the best judge of the normal frequency
and quantity of your baby's bowel movements. If your baby suddenly cries during
a bowel movement, passes bloody or jelly-like stools, or has fewer bowel movements
than usual for a few days, contact his or her doctor.
Upper respiratory infections. It's normal for an infant to
catch an occasional cold. However, if your baby has a cold that interferes with
breathing or feeding, or if the cold is accompanied by severe coughing or discolored
phlegm, contact your doctor.
Ear pain. Babies sometimes get an ear infection after they've
had an upper respiratory infection. Pulling at an ear and failing to respond
to sound are signs to watch for. A baby with an ear infection may also have
a fever or, less commonly, ear drainage. If you notice these signs and symptoms,
call your doctor.
Cord or circumcision infection. Newborns' umbilical cords
and circumcisions should heal within a couple of weeks after birth. Contact
your doctor if your newborn's umbilical area or penis suddenly starts to swell,
ooze or bleed.
Rashes. Localized rashes, such as diaper rash or eczema,
are common among infants and can usually be treated with over-the-counter diaper
ointment. However, if a diaper rash or patch of eczema becomes red and raw,
call your doctor. Also call your doctor if your baby suddenly develops an unexplained
rash or a full-body rash accompanied by a fever.
Eye discharge. A red, swollen eye with yellowish-green discharge
may signal a blocked tear duct or conjunctivitis (pinkeye), both requiring a
visit to the doctor for treatment.
Minor injuries. As your baby gains mobility, he or she will
become more accident-prone. Anytime your baby gets a minor cut, bruise or burn
that you're unsure about how to treat, call your doctor for advice. A good rule
of thumb: Bruises should not occur before a child walks.
As a general rule, trust your intuition. If you think you should call the doctor,
call. If you think you should take your baby to the emergency room, do it. When
it comes to your baby's health, the old adage "Better safe than sorry"
is true.
Be prepared to answer questions
To help the medical staff understand what's happening with your baby and decide
how best to treat the problem, be prepared to answer questions concerning:
- Your baby's symptoms.
Why did you decide to call or come in to the doctor's office? How can the
medical staff help you?
- Your baby's regular doctor.
Who is or will be your baby's regular doctor? When is your baby's next appointment?
- Your baby's immunization history.
Are your baby's immunization records readily available? You'll want this information
in case your baby needs a tetanus shot or in case whooping cough is going
around in your area.
- Changes in your baby's feeding and bowel movements.
Have you noticed changes in eating or drinking patterns, in the number of
wet diapers, or in the number and consistency of bowel movements?
- Changes in your baby's temperament.
Has your baby ever acted like this before? What concerns do you have about
how your baby is acting?
- Changes in your baby's temperature.
Have you taken your baby's temperature? Does he or she have a fever? How long
has it lasted?
- Recent illnesses your baby's been exposed to.
Is anyone in your family ill, or has your baby been exposed to illness elsewhere?
- Home remedies and over-the-counter medications your baby is using.
What treatment have you already tried? Have you given your baby any medication
or home remedies? If so, what, how much and when? What is the name and phone
number of your baby's pharmacy?
- Any allergies your baby has.
Does your baby have any allergies to medications or foods? Have you been
told to avoid any specific medications for your child?
Knowing the answers to these important questions will save you and your doctor
time — and stress — during an emergency situation. (by mayoclinic.com)
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