As parents, you want to make sure that your child is healthy. However, a sick child does not always warrant a visit to the Pediatric Care Center in Jacksonville FL. Here are a few symptoms that should not be ignored.
Fever in a Child Under 1
A fever can be a symptom of several different ailments. A fever is a sign that the immune system is working properly. Most medical professionals say that anything less than 101 degrees is nothing to be alarmed about. If your child is eating and drinking normally, you don’t have to take him or her for emergency treatment. If the child is under 1 and has had a persistent fever that cannot be broken, he or she needs to be seen within 48 hours.
Headaches
Contrary to popular beliefs, headaches are not related to the brain. Most headaches are caused by the tightening of the muscles in the scalp. What you need to be on the lookout for here are symptoms that indicate neurological dysfunction. Watch your child’s behavior. If she cannot eat, has no desire to play, or doesn’t want to watch her favorite cartoon, there may be a cause for concern. Neurological symptoms that you want to look for include having trouble walking, confusion, slurred speech, and reports of blurry vision. Headaches that present with other symptoms such as vomiting, fever, or a stiff neck could be an indicator of a serious issue and should be evaluated by emergency medical staff immediately.
Rash that is Widespread
It isn’t uncommon that a child has allergies, or they might even get into things that can cause skin irritation. If you notice that your child has a rash on his arms or feet, there may be nothing to worry about. If the rash is red, turns white when you press it, and then turns red again, that is usually an indication of a simple dermal irritation. If the rash is spread all over the body, and are small red or purple dots that don’t change when pressed, you may have a medical emergency. This type of rash paired with vomiting can indicate sepsis or even meningitis.
Having a sick child can be stressful, and it can be hard to identify a medical emergency. If your child does need to be seen immediately, visit the Pediatric Care Center in Jacksonville FL. For more information, visit Avecina Medical at avecina.com.
