When Children Are Sick: How To Read The Signs
When your children are ill it is awful. From the winter sickness bugs to chicken pox, at some stage you are going to have to paint a cross on the door and hide yourself away from other human beings. But how do you know when it’s time to worry and what can you do to make sure you don’t spend your life in doctor’s waiting rooms?
As a mom you will know if things don’t feel right. Even if you haven’t given birth you may be concerned about your baby. Pack a bag and head to the hospital. If you have young children, especially newborns, then time is more important than anything else. Perhaps your baby is quieter than normal, or noisier than normal. They may have a rash which doesn’t look like nappy rash or perhaps they have thrown a fever. Do not delay in seeking medical help with young babies. There isn’t a doctor, or hospital, in the world who would judge you for worrying about a newborn’s health. They would much rather see a frantic mom with a baby throwing a temperature because they are teething. Than see a desperately ill baby and hear the words ‘I didn’t want to waste anyones time’
Babies can deteriorate rapidly so speed is of the essence. If in any doubt, get them to the emergency room.
Younger children, toddlers and those under 10, tend to get sick a lot around the ages of nursery. By this point you should have got to grips with the signs of them feeling run down, tired or the warning signs of a stomach bug. So it is much easier to work out when something needs urgent attention and when you just need to spend time with them giving them lots of love and cuddles.
If you notice small differences or have any niggling worries. One of the best places to start could be with an online Doctor app. Whilst self diagnosis isn’t always the best thing, it could be useful for knowing the warning signs of something serious or getting tips on how to deal with cuts and bruises. If you have researched online and you are still concerned then call your local GP and get his advice. You may be redirected to the emergency room as a precaution, but it is another example of ‘better safe than sorry’ and again, doctors won’t judge you for caring about your children. Just stay calm and let them be efficient.
Teenagers are a minefield. Usually around the age of 13 they realize how easy it is to play the ‘sick day’ card. So you need to keep your wits about you. By this age most of the real nasties have passed us by however there are some emergency situations you could find yourself in. Epilepsy can develop in young adults, also appendicitis can come on quite rapidly. Temperature and pain are good indicators that something isn’t right. Look for changes in their attitude too. Perhaps a normally bubbly child is now quiet or a quiet child is getting angry.
Mom knows best. Remember that. So go with your gut instinct every time.
