Children generally get sick more often than adults, with the average child falling ill about six times per year. If there is one benefit of getting sick, it’s that it helps children build up their immune systems.
If your child is exhibiting symptoms of being sick, call your pediatrician to schedule a sick child visit or appointment. A sick child visit is a medical appointment for a child who is not feeling well. The purpose of the visit is to determine what is causing the child’s symptoms and provide appropriate treatment to start their recovery from their illness.
In this article, we will talk about the signs of a sick child, what goes on during a sick child’s visit, and how to care for a sick child.
Symptoms of a Sick Child
It’s usually very noticeable if a child is not feeling well. Below are the most common symptoms of illness in children:
- A temperature of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher
- Crying for no particular or known reason and crying with no tears
- Paleness
- Flu-like symptoms
- Feeling cold
- Vomiting
- Loss of energy or lethargy
- Being unusually quiet
- No appetite and not drinking enough fluids
- Fast breathing or shortness of breath
- Irritability
- Changes in bathroom habits
A pediatrician will use various techniques, tools, and tests to determine what could be causing your child’s symptoms. Here’s what can happen during a sick child exam:
- Checking their temperature to see if your child has a fever
- Asking about their symptoms and how long they have been present
- Asking about their medical history
- Performing a physical examination on the child
- Feeling the lymph nodes in the neck to see if they are enlarged, which is a sign of infection
- Listening to breathing and heart rate using a stethoscope
- Examining the throat and nose for signs of infection, such as redness and swelling
- Looking for other signs of illness, such as rash on the skin
How to Care for a Sick Child
When your child is sick, it is important to take care of them and make sure they are comfortable. Here are some tips on how to care for your sick child:
- Make sure your child gets plenty of rest. Let your child sleep as much as they need to and try to limit activities during the day. Try to keep the house as quiet as possible and highly conducive to resting.
- Give your child lots of fluids. Offer water, juice, Pedialyte, or anything else that will help keep them hydrated. Avoid sugary drinks like soda, which are not good for recovery and overall health.
- Prepare nutritious meals that will provide your child with the right nutrients they need to fight and recover from their illness. Fresh fruits, applesauce, rice, chicken soup or broth, and vegetables are just some examples of what you can feed your sick child.
- If your child has a fever, provide acetaminophen or ibuprofen according to the directions on the package (do not give aspirin to children). You can also use a cool washcloth on your child’s forehead or neck to help bring down the fever.
- Ensure the room has fresh air coming in. If the windows are closed, keep the humidifier running to prevent the air from drying out.
- Allow your child to read books or play games while in bed for comfort.
- Check on your child frequently to monitor how they are doing.
Sick Child Visit in The Woodlands and Spring, TX
The pediatricians at Northwoods Pediatric Center, P.A. can provide the appropriate treatment for your sick child and give you detailed instructions on how to care for them yourself at home to bring your child back to good health.
Our physicians are committed to advancing your child’s health, development, and wellness, and we are very passionate about providing the highest quality care to children. We also offer well-child exams and vaccines to catch health problems early and avoid complications from illnesses. To schedule an appointment with one of the pediatricians, call our office today at (281) 296-7770 or use our convenient online appointment request form.
