Children get sick a lot. Their immune systems are still developing, which makes them more susceptible to germs at day care and school, and the average child gets seven to eight infections a year.
As a parent, keeping your child safe and healthy is your top priority, but it’s normal for even the healthiest children to come down with the common cold, the flu, ear infections, gastroenteritis, and strep throat, among others.
The good news is that all of these illnesses are treatable, and the best thing you can do is schedule a sick visit appointment with your pediatrician.
Nauman Ahmad, MD, FAAP, and our team at Pediatrician Specialty Practices offer convenient care for acute illnesses, so your child can start feeling better faster.
Here’s why taking your child to the doctor when they’re sick is always a good idea.
Many viral illnesses, like colds and the flu, go away on their own with rest and at-home care. You might be tempted to wait and see if your child gets better without going to the doctor, but scheduling a sick visit can jump-start their recovery and help avoid more serious complications.
If left untreated, a mild illness can turn into a more serious illness. Sinusitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia can develop from viral respiratory infections. Illnesses that cause diarrhea and vomiting can quickly lead to dehydration. Bacterial infections may not get better without prescription antibiotic medication.
By scheduling a sick visit, you help your child get the care they need. Dr. Ahmad examines your child and reviews their symptoms to diagnose their condition. Once we know why they’re feeling ill, we work with you on an effective treatment plan.
Proactive treatment helps stave off more serious complications, and we can prescribe medication to fight infection and reduce bothersome symptoms. Depending on your child’s diagnosis, we may schedule follow-up appointments or diagnostic testing for asthma, allergies, and other common conditions.
Since children get sick so often that it’s not always easy to know when their symptoms warrant a trip to the pediatrician. In general, it’s a good idea to call us anytime your child experiences new symptoms or suffers an injury.
Consider scheduling a sick visit if your child has:
These symptoms are unpleasant, and they could indicate any number of illnesses. Dr. Ahmad and our team can diagnose your child’s condition and recommend treatment, so you can care for them with confidence.
When your child is under the weather, don’t wait for their symptoms to get worse. Schedule a sick visit at our office in Federal Way, Washington, so they can start feeling better faster. Call us at 253-785-3388 or request an appointment online now.
