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Fever

Our normal body temperature ranges from 97.5 degrees Fahrenheit to 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit, with cooler temperatures in the morning and warmer temperatures in the evening. A child has a fever when his or her temperature is 100.4 degrees or higher.

Fever itself is not an illness, it is a sign that the body has been exposed to a virus or bacteria. This rise in body temperature makes the body environment uninhabitable for the viral or bacterial infection. Increase in temperature may also result from hard play or overdressing a child.

Children with temperatures less than 102 degrees Fahrenheit do not usually require medication. Extra fluids, light clothing and a cooler room would be beneficial. If your child is uncomfortable, you may provide an appropriate dose of Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil).

When should your child be seen by a health care provider?

You should call our office for an appointment if your infant is less than 2 months old and has a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher.

Remember that a rise in temperature is the body's normal response to fighting viral or bacterial infection, overdressing or over activity. Children with fever may experience chills as the body works to raise the temperature. They may also sweat as the body works to bring the temperature back to normal.

If you have questions regarding your child's health please call and schedule an appointment with one of our providers.

Common Cold

Colds are caused by viruses and are spread through direct and indirect contact with others who have colds. Antibiotics do not cure the cold virus. Increased fluids and rest along with over-the counter-medicines help to alleviate the more bothersome symptoms of the common cold. Good hand washing and keeping your hands away from your face, along with a balanced diet, exercise and adequate rest will help keep you healthy during the cold season. Symptoms of a cold virus include: nasal congestion, sneezing irritability, sore throat, cough, low grade fever and slightly swollen glands in the neck.

Sports Injuries

Sprains are injuries to the ligaments that connect bones together. Strains are small tears in the muscles.

Sprains and strains can occur when muscles and joints are worked beyond their normal range of motion and activity level that results in excessive stretching.

In children the most commonly sprained joint is the ankle, followed by the knee and the wrist.

Call our office for an appointment if symptoms worsen or if the injury does not resolve in 2-6 weeks.

Scrapes and Cuts

Clean the wound with warm water and soap. Attempt to remove any obvious debris. If there is bleeding apply steady pressure with a clean cloth until the bleeding subsides.

The application of an ice pack (wrapped in a towel) will help to prevent swelling. A small bag of frozen peas works well for wounds to the head area. Never place ice directly on the skin as this may injure the tissues.

If the wound does not stop bleeding or if it is a gaping wound seek medical care.

Call our office for an appointment if there are signs of infection:
Redness, swelling, tenderness or if the wound is draining pus.

Vomiting

Most vomiting is caused from a viral infection or from eating something that does not agree with your stomach.

When children are sick with vomiting they are at risk for becoming dehydrated. The following instructions will help prevent dehydration: For the vomiting infant (under 1 year of age):
Give small amounts of Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) such as Pedialyte or Gerber Liquilytes for 8-10 hours. It is best to give a teaspoon every 10-15 minutes until the infant is tolerating the fluids without vomiting.

If there has been no vomiting after 4 hours you may increase the amount slowly as tolerated.

After 8-10 hours without vomiting you may resume formula feeds starting with a half-strength formula and advancing to full strength formula as tolerated.

For the vomiting child (1 year of age and older):
Give small amounts of ORS or water, 1 tablespoon every 10-15 minutes. Ice chips, popsicles or flat Ginger-Ale or 7-Up are other options for the older child. If there has been no vomiting for 4 hours you may increase the amount slowly as tolerated.

After 8 hours without vomiting you may advance slowly to diet as tolerated starting with starchy foods like crackers, rice, mashed potatoes.

A normal diet is usually fine within 24-48 hours.

Be cautious not to give the child as much as he or she wants to drink as this may lead to continuous vomiting.

Call our office for an appointment if:
Any signs of dehydration occur such as no urination for 8 hours, or very dark concentrated urine, lips very dry, the absence of tears, eyes sunken in, or extreme fatigue.
Any blood appears in the vomitus.
Abdominal pain develops and last for more than 4 hours.
The vomiting continues for more than 24 hours in children under the age of 2 or more than 48 hours in children over the age of 2.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is the passage of frequent loose or watery stools. It is typically caused by a viral infection, but can be the result of a bacterial infection or the presence of parasites. In the pediatric population, diarrhea can easily result in dehydration, and care must be taken to ensure your child remains well hydrated.

For the infant with diarrhea (under 1 year of age):
Give ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) as desired to infants with frequent watery diarrhea. The addition of a little Kool-Aid powder or Jello powder may make the ORS more palatable. You may mix a homemade solution of ORS: 1/2 Cup dry infant cereal with 2 Cups water and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Continue the ORS for at least 6-8 hours, and as the diarrhea becomes less severe you may advance the diet slowly back to his or her normal diet. Foods that are high in starches are more easily digested and may be given after 6-8 hours of ORS. Some examples of high starch foods are: cereal, mashed potatoes, bananas, carrots, breads.

For children with diarrhea (over 1 year of age):
Give water or 1/2 strength Kool-Aid if child is eating solid foods. If no solid food intake give ORS and encourage as much fluids as desired. Do not give fruit juices or other drinks high in fructose as this will make the diarrhea worse.
Offer your child foods that are high in starch such as breads, cereals, pretzels or saltine crackers. It is best to avoid milk for 2-3 days as it may make the diarrhea worse.

General care of the child with diarrhea:
Keep your child's bottom clean after each bowel movement and protected with a barrier ointment such as petroleum jelly. The diarrhea can 'burn' the skin, and frequent diaper changes along with the added protection of the ointment will help to prevent a severe diaper rash.

Insect Bites

The use of long sleeves and long pants during outdoor play is one of the safest methods in the fight against insect bites. Keeping your child indoors during the morning hours or evening hours, when insects such as mosquitoes are active, is another effective method. The following tips regarding "Bug Repellent Safety" were obtained from Medline Plus, National Library of Medicine

* Apply repellent sparingly and only to exposed skin or clothing. Keep out of eyes.
* Avoid using high-concentration products on the skin, particularly on children.
* Use a lower concentration of DEET on pregnant women and small children. * Never inhale or ingest repellents.
* Wear long-sleeved clothing and apply repellent to fabric rather than to skin.
* Repellent should NOT be used on children's hands because they are likely to rub their eyes with them or put them in their mouth.
* Children 2 and younger should not have insect repellent applied to their skin more than once in a 24-hour period.
* Wash repellent off your skin after the risk of being bitten by an insect is gone.

Should your child some in from play with irritated insect bites, give Benadryl orally and apply a cool compress. Calamine lotion or other over-the-counter anti-itch lotion may be applied. Should your child be stung by a wasp or bee remove the stinger and apply a paste of water and baking soda. If there are any signs of an anyphylactic reaction such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the mouth or around the eyes, take your child to the emergency room.

Swimming Safety

Summertime is a time of water fun. Teach your child from an early age never to go around a body of water without the supervision of an adult. This adult should be able to swim and should know CPR/first aid. Always use a life jacket when on a boat or playing by a river, lake or stream. Never dive into water without the permission of an adult who has checked for underwater hazards. Do not allow children who cannot swim to use inflatable toys or rafts in water that is deeper than waist deep. Teach your child to swim when he or she is ready-usually around 5 years of age.

Sun Safety

Research has proven that sunburns early in life may lead to skin cancer. It is crucial for all of us to protect our skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Even when in shaded areas our skin is exposed to the UV rays that may burn. Infants under the age of 6 months should never spend time in direct sunlight. When out of doors, dress your infant in thin cotton long sleeved outfits and a nice cheery sun hat! The following recommendations were obtained from the American Academy of Pediatrics
* Babies younger than 6 months should be kept out of the direct sunlight. Move your baby to the shade or under a tree, umbrella or the stroller canopy.
* Dress your baby in clothing that covers the body, such as comfortable lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and hats with brims that shade the face and cover the ears.
* If your baby gets a sunburn and is younger than 1 year of age, contact your pediatrician at once - a severe sunburn is an emergency.
* If you cannot keep your child covered and in the shade, sunscreen can be applied. However, before covering your baby with sunscreen, be sure to apply a small amount to a limited area and watch for any reaction.