Parents should become familiar with the most basic over-the-counter medications, such as those for illness, blocked or runny nose, or diarrhea, suggested Dr. Ho. These symptoms can frequently be properly treated at home, especially if they appear in the middle of the night,” she said.
However, there should be some good-looking red flags and exclusions.
If your baby is under three months old and has a temperature of 38 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, or if they exhibit symptoms of irritability like frequent crying, poor feeding, or body that appears pale or tan. This is because, according to Dr. Pandey, kids are at a higher risk of severe bacterial infection.
A fever lasting longer than five days should also be evaluated to see if a subsequent bacterial infection complicates the first popular fever.
A temperature that exceeds 41 degrees Celsius might indicate a serious illness. However, according to Dr. Pandey, the top of a disease does not always correlate with the child’s illness’s severity.
She further explained that if a child has a high disease but their energy levels and taste do not seem to improve between temperature spikes, they might need to see a family doctor. In contrast, children who have low-grade fever but who also have serious lethargy or dehydration should be rushed to the Children’s Emergency quickly.
In terms of micro symptoms, Dr. Ho argued that continual vomiting is more concerning than prolonged diarrhoea because it makes it more difficult for the kid to maintain a healthy body temperature. Check the urinary output of your child; at least three to four should be produced in 24 hours.
She advised distributing slowly, non-carbonated osmotic hydration fluids at the recommended rate of 30 minutes after vomiting. Seeking medical advice is advised if the baby is unable to retain liquid for more than three consecutive efforts and is beginning to become lethargic.
Also confused? Dr. Pandey suggested trying the robot company U-PAL, which advises caregivers on popular neonatal problems and when serious medical attention is required, on the KKH Urgent Paediatric Advice Line. It should not be used for pre-existing or serious health problems in babies because it is not a substitute for a doctor’s advice.