Subtle Signs You Should Call The Pediatrician
Of course, you're going to call your child's pediatrician if your child is showing obvious signs of illness such as persistent vomiting, respiratory distress, or treatment-resistant fever. But sometimes, the signs that your child could use medical attention are not so obvious. Here are a few subtle signs that you should make an appointment with a pediatric care clinic.
Your child has been less active lately
Sometimes kids just go through periods when they're less active. But other times, a decrease in activity levels could mean that your child is ill. They could be dealing with lethargy due to a nutrient deficiency or an infection. Or, they might be experiencing a lack of energy because they're feeling depressed. In rare cases, this can even be an early sign of cancer. It's a good idea to have the pediatrician take a look before symptoms get any worse.
Limping or ongoing joint or muscle pain
Do you sometimes notice that your child is limping? They might insist they are fine, but go right back to limping. Or, they might complain of joint pain or muscle pain. If the limping or pain lasts more than a couple of days, you should take your child to the pediatrician. Limping or pain can be signs of an injury or signs of a developmental condition like Osgood-Schlatter disease. It's key to get a diagnosis so that you know how to keep your child comfortable and prevent future pain.
Persistent runny nose
A runny nose is not usually cause for alarm in kids. Since their immune systems are still developing, they catch a lot of colds, and they recover from most with little to no treatment. However, if the runny nose persists for more than a few days, you should take your child to the doctor. They may actually have allergies, not an infectious disease. Having their allergies diagnosed will allow them to receive the best possible treatment.
Changes in behavior
If your well-behaved child suddenly starts getting in trouble at school, or if your once outspoken child suddenly becomes quiet, these are good signs to head to the pediatrician. These could be normal developmental changes, or they could be signs of anxiety or depression. Your pediatrician can do a quick assessment to get a better idea of what might be going on.
Your child's pediatrician is a great resource for any health questions you may have. Don't be afraid to reach out.
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