Do you take DC to the ped every time they seem sick?

Whether or not they have a fever? DS is 15 months and since yesterday has a cough that seems to be bothering him - every time he coughs he either cries for a second or makes a sad face. Otherwise he is fine - no temp - just a little congestion to go with the cough. It has been waking him up though last night and tonight and during naps.

Whenever he has a high fever or seems to be acting strangly without a cause I take him to the ped but, I'm wondering if everytime he has a cold or seems to be sick I should take him to make sure its not more serious than I think? I'm just starting to feel like you will hear the same things over and over for the same symptoms but, at the same time you do want to make sure it is not more serious?

Just wondering what the experienced mommies do!

Message edited 12/3/2008 11:12:05 PM.

Re: Do you take DC to the ped every time they seem sick?

DD is 14 months old and there have been times where I thought since she had just a little cough and no temp that nothing was wrong, only to bring her to the dr. 'just to make sure' and find out she had an ear infection and/or something else.

I think what it really boils down to is how you feel about the cough. If it's been persistent for the last couple of days and seems 'wet' it doesn't hurt to go to the dr. and possibly catch w/e is going on and not give it a chance to get more serious. It's so hard since they can't just tell us what wrong.

Re: Do you take DC to the ped every time they seem sick?

Well honestly it really depends on her symptoms, her behavior, how sick she seems. I think if she had a mild cold, and wasn't upset or acting really sick I would just keep her home and observe her.

I think there are times when it is called for and when it isn't necessary. If they have a higher fever, or throwing up, or a bad cough etc - I think it is warranted to make sure they don't have an infection or something that needs additional treatment. Now if she seemed upset and in pain and I couldn't figure out the cause I would definitely bring her in - although I haven't had one of those episodes yet. She has only been to the ped 2 times for illness - otherwise we only go for well visits. My ped however is great about if you have a question you can call and he gets right on or calls right back and if there is a question he will have you bring them in.

Honestly it general it is something you just have to use your best judgement as you know your child best.

Re: Do you take DC to the ped every time they seem sick?

I always call with the symptoms and see if they tell me to bring her in

Re: Do you take DC to the ped every time they seem sick?

Nah. Luckily, my kids just get some minor colds once in a while, which I never call for. All the Dr is going to do it suggest nasal drops or Motrin for the fever... no use in wasting a copay on that!

The only time I brought in DS when he was sick, is when he had a fever for a couple of days and had a horrible cough. He ended up having bronchiolitis and needed nebulizer treatments.

I used to work for a pediatrician, so I also know what to call for, and what not to.

Re: Do you take DC to the ped every time they seem sick?

No, not always. If it's really bad for a couple of days then I call.

Our ped is pretty conservative when it comes to medicine, so I know he isn't going to hand out the antibiotics like candy, so why waste the trip...

Re: Do you take DC to the ped every time they seem sick?

Thanks ladies. He is worse today so I think I am going to bring him in. This is only the second time he has ever had a cough and this time it seems to be bothering him tremendously. Last night he coughed so hard he threw up I called my ped's office and they said to bring him in...poor kid