When to See Your Pediatrician: 5 Important Signs

It can often be difficult for parents to decide which infections can be treated at home and which require a trip to the pediatrician. Dr. Michael Cater, a CHOC pediatrician, suggests what ailments you should keep a close watch for, and how to tell when it’s time to make an appointment with your child’s doctor:

1. Many infectious diseases in children are associated with a fever.  If your child has a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher that lasts longer than three days, then a visit to the pediatrician is needed for future evaluation.
2. Labored breathing that doesn’t respond to home remedies.  This could be an indication of a more serious respiratory infection.
3. If a child is vomiting or has diarrhea, and does not respond to dietary restrictions.
4. Sore throat associated with a fever and tenderness in the neck.  This could indicate Strep throat, requiring antibiotics for the most effective treatment.
5. Ear pain in conjunction with an upper respiratory infection such as a cold, especially if the ear pain begins four or five days after the onset of the cold.  This is highly suggestive of an ear infection, requiring antibiotics for the most effective treatment.