As a parent, you must watch for signs and symptoms indicating your child needs to see a health specialist. While routine check-ups with a family doctor or pediatrician are crucial, there may come a time when you need to see a specialist who can better diagnose a specific medical condition. Here are some of the signs indicating it may be time to consult a health specialist.
Types of pediatric specialties
As a parent, it’s essential to be aware of the various pediatric medical services available. Understanding these services can help you identify who to contact after identifying your child’s symptoms.
Here’s a quick list of the different types of pediatric medical professionals and their roles:
- Pediatric Consultation Doctors: These doctors often serve as primary care physicians for children, providing preventative care and referring children to specialists when necessary.
- Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialists: These doctors diagnose and treat infectious diseases like viral, bacterial, and fungal infections and advise prevention.
- Pediatric Dentists: Kids’ teeth require specialized attention, and that’s where pediatric dentists come in. They have additional years of training beyond dental school to provide nuanced care for children’s teeth from infancy through adolescence.
- Eye Doctors: These doctors are experts in diagnosing and treating eye conditions in children, including amblyopia, strabismus, and refractive errors.
By understanding the different types of pediatric medical professionals available, you can quickly and accurately refer your child to the relevant specialist.
Warning signs to watch for
You know your child better than anyone else. You’re probably used to identifying seasonal allergies or food poisoning symptoms. However, some symptoms may be linked with more severe conditions. That’s why consulting a trusted pediatrician is crucial. However, before you book an appointment, here are some of the signs to watch out for
High or persistent fever
Fevers are common in children, and while they may cause concern for parents, they’re often not serious. In most cases, fever is caused by a viral or bacterial infection, such as a cold, flu, or ear infection. Other causes may include teething, immunizations, food poisoning or medications. So, while normal body temperature varies, a temperature higher than 100.4°F (38°C) is considered a fever.
Persistent high fever in a child can be a sign of a serious underlying condition such as meningitis, sepsis, or urinary tract infections. Be aware of the warning signs that may indicate your child’s fever requires attention, such as:
- Sensitivity to light
- An inconsolable cry
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- A rash that gets worse
- Severe headache or neck stiffness
If your child shows any of these warning signs or if you are concerned about their fever, see a doctor who specializes in pediatrics, specifically infectious disease or rheumatology.
Labored breathing
Labored breathing is a concerning sign that your child may be experiencing some respiratory distress. Various conditions, such as asthma, pneumonia, bronchiolitis, or croup, can cause it. Therefore, it’s essential to know the signs, such as:
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing and grunting
More severe signs of respiratory distress include:
- Bluish or pale color
- Struggling for each breath
- Tight breathing and cold sweat
If you notice any of these signs, seek medical attention right away. Your pediatrician may refer you to a pulmonologist if they suspect a chronic condition.
Eye discomfort/blurred vision
Blurred vision or sudden visual disturbances like blind spots or double vision could signal an underlying medical condition, especially if accompanied by eye pain or discomfort. As a parent, take note of these symptoms and contact your child’s pediatrician. They may refer you to an optometrist or ophthalmologist if they suspect an underlying medical concern, such as amblyopia.
If your child has developmental or intellectual disabilities, they may need special care, such as vision therapy or customized eyeglasses, from a specialist trained in caring for their unique needs. In this case, you should contact professionals who specialize in caring for the eyes of children with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Frequent vomiting or diarrhea
Frequent vomiting and diarrhea are common issues for children and can be caused by various reasons, such as viruses, food intolerances, or bacterial infections. In some cases, recurrent or severe vomiting and diarrhea may indicate a more severe underlying condition, such as dehydration, gastrointestinal obstruction, or food poisoning.
If your child shows any of the following symptoms or signs, seek medical attention from a pediatrician or specialist immediately:
- Blood in vomit or stool
- Severe abdominal pain
- Symptoms that persist for more than 24 hours
- Signs of dehydration, such as dry or sticky mouth, feeling thirsty, dark-colored urine, or decreased urination
While there are ways to alleviate flu symptoms at home, you should still contact your pediatrician if your child experiences any of the abovementioned signs. They may refer you to a gastroenterologist specializing in diagnosing and treating digestive system disorders.
Inability to eat or drink
If your child is having difficulty keeping down food or liquids, this should be cause for concern. It can indicate something is wrong in the digestive system and may require medical intervention. Symptoms to look out for include:
- Abdominal pain
- Frequent vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss
- Inability to tolerate certain foods
Talk to your pediatrician about the issue if you notice any of these signs. They may refer you to a gastroenterologist, dietitian, or nutritionist who can help manage your child’s symptoms and ensure they get the nutrients they need to stay healthy.
Persistent body aches
Although body aches do not always indicate an underlying condition, any persistent pains should be addressed. Common contributors to chronic pain in children include:
- Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Back pain and/or poor posture
- Sports or physical activity injuries
If your child experiences persistent body aches, your first step should be to contact their primary care provider. The doctor may refer you to specialists such as a rheumatologist (for joint pain) or an orthopedist (bone specialist).
Skin rash
Skin rashes are common in childhood, but not all warrant serious medical attention. Some skin rashes can be caused by harmless conditions such as eczema and allergic reactions, while others can be signs of a more serious underlying illness.
Signs that indicate you should contact a doctor include a rash that doesn’t go away after two weeks, is accompanied by fever, or appears near the eyes or the mouth. These symptoms may point to a condition such as chickenpox, measles, scarlet fever or even Lyme disease.
Your pediatrician may prescribe topical cream or medication to treat the symptom, but if the cause is not identified, it’s best to consult a specialist for further diagnosis. Pediatric dermatologists specialize in diagnosing and treating skin conditions in children up until age 18.
Exposure to a contagious illness
Certain contagious illnesses are highly prevalent in children and can spread quickly among close contacts such as family members, classmates or playmates. Common contagious illnesses include:
- Influenza
- Conjunctivitis
- Hand, foot and mouth disease
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
If you notice your child is displaying signs of a contagious illness such as fever, coughing, or runny nose, contact their pediatrician immediately. The doctor may recommend over-the-counter medications to alleviate symptoms or refer you to a specialist for further evaluation.
By monitoring your child’s health closely, you are taking the steps to ensure they remain healthy.