It is especially important for parents to evaluate and stay attuned to their child during an illness. While there's no cut and dry formula for knowing when to call the doctor, there are some very good guidelines to help parents determine when children need medical intervention. Below are symptoms in infants and children which require parents to promptly call their physician or seek medical attention, according to Dr. Fay. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that when you are not sure whether to seek medical advice, trust your instincts. When in doubt, it is always better to have the child evaluated by a medical professional.
Emergencies Emergencies are often the scary result of an illness or accident.
According to statistics, children under 5 are most at risk for household accidents. Have doctors and poison control center numbers visibly posted. Learn the shortest route to the emergency room. Planning decreases panic and helps ensure your child will receive the best medical care available. It's generally easier to know when an accident requires prompt medical attention, because more severe symptoms are present.