Nothing is more distressing than seeing your child unhappy, especially when pain is the problem. For some parents, it is not uncommon to rush to a doctor’s office at a child’s first mention of, “Ow!” But this option can also be time-consuming, costly and sometimes unnecessary.
To properly respond to your child’s complaints of pain, ask the right questions and closely observe the way your child looks or acts. Chances are at-home remedies, telemedicine visits with a health care provider and big hugs may be just what the doctor ordered.
Evaluate These Common Conditions
When you first notice that your little one is uncomfortable, investigate the issue before calling your child’s pediatrician. Specifically, careful evaluation of these common conditions can help you determine whether professional medical care is needed:
Headache
When a headache is the culprit of your child’s discomfort, pay attention to whether other issues are present. A headache on its own may be easily treated with an over-the-counter pain reliever. However, a bad headache accompanied by blurry vision, confusion and difficulty walking may signal an emergency. Ask your child if other symptoms accompany his pain.
Rash
If your child complains of itchy skin, and you notice redness in one or a few small areas, chances are your child was bitten by a bug or brushed up against poison ivy or poison oak. However, if the rash covers your child’s whole body, includes red and purple spots or does not turn white when you press on it and is accompanied by a fever, you may need to take your child to the emergency room. Similarly, hives on the face accompanied by difficulty breathing require immediate emergency care for the allergic reaction.
Stomach Pain
Diarrhea and vomiting are terrible but not usually dangerous unless accompanied by dehydration. Be sure to have your child drink lots of fluids if they are experiencing either condition. If your child is crying without tears, has dark circles under their eyes, is not urinating often or if their mouth seems sticky, call your pediatrician right away.