No parent likes to think that their child is unwell or injured, but they still need to be prepared in case this happens. There may come a time when your child needs support from a medical professional, whether to gain a prescription or to undergo diagnosis or treatment. There are some symptoms, such as a simple runny nose, that you may be advised to manage at home, however, others will involve a trip to see your GP.
Bear in mind that it is possible for medical professionals to get things wrong sometimes. You may also have questions if this happens, such as ‘what do I do next?’ or ‘what are the time limits for a medical negligence claim?’ – if that sounds like you, click the link for more information.
Otherwise, you may need to keep yourself informed as to when you should treat at home, with a medicine you can buy in your local shop or pharmacy, and when it would be best to seek a doctor.
High Fever
A raised temperature is not always something to worry about, but there are times when fever in children may require medical attention. An infant of under 3 months old with a temperature over 38 degrees, or between 3 and 6 months old with a temperature of over 39 degrees should see a doctor as soon as possible. Likewise, if your child has other symptoms, is dehydrated, or the fever lasts for at least five days, this may be a sign of something more serious. Any seizures, stiffness, or changes to their skin colour may require an urgent visit to A&E.
Broken Bones
Signs of broken bones or fractures can include pain, swelling, and a change in how the affected area looks. Sometimes, this can be very obvious, however, in some scenarios, the look of the affected area may not have significantly changed enough to be noticeable. If your child is favouring one leg or arm over the other, this may be a sign of a break or fracture. Pain that does not ease with a compress after a fall may also indicate that they require medical attention. If your child has broken a rib, they may also complain of difficulty in breathing.
Prescription Medication
Some illnesses can be managed at home with the use of prescription medication. Conditions such as tonsilitis may involve a lot of bed rest and hydration for your child, but prescribed medication can help to clear the illness up quicker. If you notice symptoms in your child, taking them to see their doctor can help them to recover easier.
While these examples are guidelines for when your child is injured or unwell, you may also wish to go by your parental instincts. If you feel something is wrong, it may be worth getting advice from a professional, rather than trying to quell that feeling. Putting your child’s health and wellbeing first is of the utmost importance.
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