When should you visit a pediatrician? A complete guide for mothers and fathers

Children often suffer from symptoms, some of which are mild and can be managed at home, but sometimes the situation requires to visit a pediatrician. The important question remains, when should you visit the pediatrician? And how can I determine that?

Why do we need to know the right timing to visit a pediatrician?
As a mother or father, you may face difficulty in determining whether your child’s symptoms require a pediatrician visit or can be managed at home. This hesitation is completely normal, as every parent wants the best for their child and does not want to overreact or fall short in providing care.

In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with all the information you need to make the right decision. We will cover:

1. Emergency cases that require immediate medical care
2. Symptoms that need follow-up within 24 hours
3. Signs that can be monitored at home
4. Practical tips for preparing for the doctor’s visit
5. Frequently asked questions on every mother’s mind

Part One: Emergency cases that require immediate pediatrician visit

1. High temperature (fever)

Fever or high temperature is not a disease by itself, but it is an indicator that the body is fighting an infection. However, there are cases that require concern:

• For infants under 3 months: any temperature above 38°C.
• For children from 3–6 months: temperature of 39°C or higher.
• When the fever lasts more than 3 days.
• If the fever is accompanied by symptoms such as:
  • Stiff neck.
  • Rash that does not disappear when pressed.
  • Convulsions or seizures.

2. Breathing problems

Breathing difficulty is one of the most worrying conditions:

• Abnormally rapid breathing.
• Visible contractions between the ribs or under the rib cage.
• Bluish lips or face.
• Wheezing or whistling sound while breathing.
• Difficulty speaking or crying due to shortness of breath.

3. Signs of severe dehydration

Dehydration can be dangerous especially with diarrhea and vomiting, and it should be treated immediately to avoid its serious effects. Signs that dehydration has reached a dangerous stage include:

• No urination for 8 hours (or completely dry diapers).
• Sunken eyes or sunken fontanelle in infants.
• Dry mouth and lips.
• Crying without tears.
• Severe lethargy or difficulty waking the child.

4. Serious injuries

Children are exposed to many injuries from playing, some of which are mild and can be treated at home with simple first aid that can be learned more about here, but some injuries require immediate medical evaluation:

• Falling from a height of more than 90 cm.
• Any head injury causing:
  • Loss of consciousness, even for seconds.
  • Repeated vomiting.
  • Unusual sleepiness.
  • Change in behavior.
• Deep wounds that do not stop bleeding after 10 minutes of direct pressure.
• Suspected fractures (severe swelling, deformity, pain when moving).

Part Two: Cases require to visit a pediatrician  within 24 hours

These symptoms are less severe than the previous ones, but they still need to visit a pediatrician within a relatively longer period, so you can take your child to the pediatrician within 24 hours of symptoms. These include:

1. Persistent cold and flu symptoms

• Persistent cough for more than a week.
• Thick green nasal discharge for more than 10 days.
• Ear pain with or without fever.
• Severe sore throat with difficulty swallowing.

2. Digestive system problems

These appear as digestive symptoms such as:

• Watery diarrhea for more than 24 hours.
• Repeated vomiting (more than 3 times in an hour).
• Blood in stool or vomit.
• Severe abdominal pain preventing the child from moving.

3. Concerning skin rashes

Usually mild skin rashes are minor symptoms that can be managed at home, but sometimes you have to visit a pediatrician for reassurance, such as:

• Rapidly spreading rash.
• Rash accompanied by fever.
• Blisters or skin ulcers.
• Severe itching causing scratches and bleeding.

Part Three: Cases that can be monitored at home

1. Mild fever

• Temperature less than 38.5°C.
• Child is still active and responds normally.
• Drinks fluids adequately.

2. Ordinary cough

• Cough associated with a common cold.
• Improves gradually within 3–5 days.
• Not accompanied by breathing difficulty.

3. Mild diarrhea

Watery stool but without blood, and in this case fluids and salts should be replaced with oral rehydration solution to prevent the condition from progressing into severe dehydration that requires a doctor’s visit.

Part Four: Tips for preparing to visit a pediatrician

1. Record symptoms:

Accurately recording details is important because these details may help the doctor identify the problem and determine how serious or safe the child’s condition is. These details include:

• When symptoms began.
• Their severity and development.
• Any medications given.
• Child’s response to the medication.

2. Take photos:

When unusual symptoms appear, make sure to record these changes for the doctor, including:

• Skin rashes.
• Abnormal discharges in shape or color.
• Any visible injury.

3. Bring with you:

• Immunization record.
• Any medications the child takes regularly.
• A sample of vomit or stool if necessary.

4. Child and family medical history:

One of the most important points to remember when you visit a pediatrician is the child’s medical history, such as any allergies to foods or medications, or hereditary diseases in the family that the child may have inherited. This helps the doctor in diagnosis or in ruling out a medication, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Should I visit the doctor for every cold?

No, most colds improve within a week. But consult the doctor if:

• Symptoms last more than 10 days.
• High fever appears.
• Breathing difficulty occurs.

2. How often should a healthy child be checked?

Visit a pediatrician periodically as it is recommended according to age:

• Newborns: weekly during the first month.
• Infants: monthly until 6 months.
• After one year: every 3–6 months.

3. How do I distinguish between ordinary and severe diarrhea?

Severe diarrhea occurs when:

• It contains blood or mucus.
• It is accompanied by high fever.
• It causes dehydration (sunken eyes, reduced urination).

In the end, you know your child best. If you feel that something is not normal, do not hesitate to consult the doctor. It is better to be cautious than regretful later.

“The time you spend consulting the doctor is an investment in your child’s health and future.”

Do you have any other questions? You can contact us at any time for trusted medical advice.