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Posts Tagged "Disease"

17Mar2022

Signs You Need To Take Your Child To The Pediatrician

It is not uncommon to feel worried when your little one is sick, but you may be wondering when it is time to take your child to the pediatrician. After all, you want to avoid taking your child out of the house while they are sick unless it is necessary.

However, your child may need an appointment to identify an underlying cause or condition, such as dehydration, the flu, an allergic reaction, or the development of asthma.

Luckily, there are ways to determine if it is time to schedule an appointment for your child. Here are several signs you need to take your child to the pediatrician.

High Fever

If your child is three to six months with a temperature of 101 degrees F or higher or six months and older with a temperature of 103 degrees F or higher, you need to schedule an appointment with the pediatrician. You also need to call the pediatrician if your child is six months and older with a fever of more than three days.

Common Cold

The common cold is not uncommon in children, but it is time to schedule an appointment if it starts to become a problem. For example, if your child develops a persistent cough, earache, or skin rash or has difficulty breathing, you need to call the pediatrician as soon as possible.

Dehydration

It is important to call your child’s pediatrician if you notice signs of dehydration. The signs include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and dark yellow or brown urine. Your child’s pediatrician can let you know if you should treat your child at home, bring them into the office or take them to the emergency room.

Vomiting or Diarrhea

Children experience vomiting and diarrhea at times. However, frequent vomiting or diarrhea is another sign that your child needs to see their pediatrician. It could be the sign of an underlying cause, such as dehydration, the stomach flu, or food poisoning.

If you are still unsure if you should take your child to the pediatrician, call the office to discuss their symptoms. A nurse or pediatrician can help you determine your next step. Remember, it is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your child.

Of course, you want to ensure your child has a reliable pediatrician who has their health and well-being in mind. If you are looking for a warm, caring pediatrician for your child, consider Kids First Pediatrics.

Kids Staff
Pediatrics
15Feb2022

Kids and Pets

Selecting a pet for your family can be a daunting task. There are many options available, from pets that are low maintenance and require little time and effort, to those that require a lot of time and attention. Below are a variety of options that will help you in your journey to finding the perfect pet for your family.

Fish and Small Aquatic Animals

Fish and other small aquatic animals are oftentimes the perfect first pet. They require very little maintenance and have fairly low start-up costs involved. Fish require a tank, gravel, foliage, a thermometer, and a water filter – all of which can be purchased at the same time as your new pet. Fish are ideal pets for young children and for families who may live in larger cities or those who do not have yard access. Fish are relatively low maintenance and may only need to be fed once a day. They are also great pets for families who have busier schedules or who lead more active lifestyles.

Small Caged Animals

Small caged animals, such as hamsters, Guinea pigs, and mice, are great for school-age kids who are ready for a little more responsibility. These small animals require a small cage, bedding, or cage filling for the bottom of the cage, food dishes, water bottles, and a small wheel or other interactive toys to keep them entertained during the day. These small animals are still considered low maintenance – they require less than larger animals – but need to be fed and watered daily. Their cages will need to be cleaned on a regular basis, and they can be handled with care and can provide hours of entertainment. Because they are small, they do need to be handled safely and responsibly – which makes them good pets for older children.

Cats and Dogs

Cats and dogs can give a family many years of companionship and love. These pets are more time-consuming than most and do require dedication and more responsibility than most pets. However, children of all ages can participate in the care of them. Younger children can be tasked with simpler responsibilities such as feeding and watering, while older children can be tasked with taking walks, bathing, and assisting with housebreaking. Due to health risks, parents will need to be responsible for litter box changes. Expenses are more significant with dogs and cats, but their life expectancy is longer than most other pets.

Choosing a pet for your family is a big decision. Still, by taking into account your family’s commitment level, lifestyle, and children’s ages and developmental stage, you can be sure that you will find the perfect fit for your family.

Kids Staff
Pediatrics
24Jan2022

Keeping Your Newborn Healthy During Cold and Flu Season

Cold weather season is also the peak of cold and flu season, and if you have a new little one, it’s even more important to keep them healthy during this time of the year. Many loved ones will be eager to meet your new little bundle of joy, so make sure you take every precaution to keep them protected from illnesses. Below are a few important steps you can take to try to keep them as healthy as possible!

Protect Against Illnesses During Flu Season

  • First, try to limit visitors during your baby’s first six to eight weeks of life. Anyone who visits should be free from any sick symptoms and should wash their hands with soap and water and use hand sanitizer before holding your baby. Adults and children alike should also avoid kissing babies on their faces or hands. There are many respiratory illnesses that are transmitted by close contact, and as much as we want to shower them with kisses, it’s best to keep them safe by kissing toes instead!
  • If you need to get out and about, visit stores or shops during times of day when they are less likely to be busy, and avoid peak shopping times to limit exposure to larger crowds. Avoid places with large gatherings of people – a quick trip to the grocery store is a necessity. Still, you may want to forego events like concerts, festivals, and larger indoor gatherings until your baby’s immune system has become more developed.
  • Finally, trust your instincts and watch for any early signs and symptoms of illness. If your baby is unusually fussy or irritable, not feeding as well as they normally do, has any respiratory symptoms, or you have any concerns, contact your baby’s pediatrician. Minor illnesses sometimes require nothing more than just symptomatic care and support, but it is always best to have your baby examined for further concerns.

Cold and flu season can be daunting and overwhelming, but by taking precautions and practicing good health and hand hygiene, we can all do our part to keep our youngest and most vulnerable safe and healthy!

Kids Staff
Pediatrics
30Dec2021

Dealing with Holiday Sniffles

As the holidays approach, a number of potential group gatherings will come along with them. While many will find themselves gathering with friends and family for the first time in quite a while, it’s important to remember that these events are pretty common vectors for spreading illness. As a parent, it’s essential to know how to deal with the holiday sniffles when they occur and when to bring in a doctor.

The good news is that most of the sicknesses picked up by children during this time of year are the same illnesses that have plagued people for centuries. The same kinds of colds and viruses are floating around that existed pre-Covid, and it’s essential for parents to remember that it’s far more likely for a child to get a simple cold than it is for them to pick up something more serious. As such, the first thing to remember when you start to see your child getting sick is that panicking is the wrong response.

Steps to Take if Your Child Might be Sick

One of the most important things you can look at right now is your child’s temperature. If your child isn’t running a fever or only has a mild fever (sub-100, for example), you can generally feel a bit safer about handling the problem at home. However, with that said, even a child who doesn’t have a fever might need to get tested if they have more than one other Covid symptom.

It is, however, vital that you keep your sick children home. While not every illness is Covid, it’s important to remember that spreading sickness is never a good idea. It’s always better to be safe than to be sorry, after all, and most people will appreciate it if you are able to stay home with a sick child instead of spreading their illness around the group.

So, how do you deal with holiday sniffles? Stay calm, monitor your child, and stay home if they aren’t feeling well. If you are concerned, call your pediatrician and make sure to make an appointment to get your child checked out. Even if the problem is mild, it’s sometimes better to get a professional opinion.

Kids Staff
Pediatrics
21Dec2019

’Tis the Season for…

With winter right around the corner, it is time for parents across the community to prepare for wintertime illnesses. When your child suddenly comes home from school with a sore throat, muscle aches, or stomach pain, you want to know what he is fighting so that you can treat it properly.

Common Cold

It is nearly a given that your child will come down with a cold this winter as most children get up to 10 colds every year. Because this is a virus with typically mild symptoms, your child will most likely not need to see a doctor unless the illness worsens. However, he will need plenty of liquids and may need medication to bring down a fever.

Influenza

Although influenza is less common than a cold, almost half of children contract it each year. It is set apart from colds by the high fever, chills, and body aches that accompany it. Children over the age of 6 months should have the influenza vaccination every year. Most children who catch this illness can get over it on their own.

Stomach Flu

This illness may be called the flu but is correctly labeled as gastroenteritis. Most children with gastroenteritis have a stomachache along with nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea for 24 to 48 hours. Hydration is vital.

Strep Throat

If your child has strep throat, he will have a very sore throat along with a fever, stomach pain, and difficulty swallowing. However, he will not have a runny nose. A simple throat swab from your pediatrician ensures that the illness is correctly diagnosed and treated with antibiotics.

Ear Infection

Many very young children end up with ear infections and spend time rubbing or pulling at their ears. If your child has a fever along with these symptoms, some acetaminophen or ibuprofen should limit the discomfort. If symptoms do not resolve in a few days, you should visit your pediatrician for professional help.

Whooping Cough

Although less common these days than it once was, whooping cough seems to be making a bit of a comeback in recent years. Initially, symptoms feel like a common cold but will progress to a terrible cough during which your child makes a whooping sound.

Be sure to contact Kids 1st Pediatrics to set up an appointment time for the influenza vaccine or to request a same-day or next-day appointment for your child.

Kids Staff
Pediatrics
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