Sick Child Diagnosis and Treatment

Children become sick frequently because a child’s immune system is not as robust as that of an adult. When your child is exposed to bacteria and viruses, it’s easier for your child to become ill. Fortunately, your pediatrician is an expert at diagnosis and treatment of common childhood illnesses. Drs. Brian DuMais, Megan Dwyer, and Liz Dahlberg at DuMais Pediatrics in Orland Park, IL, provide a wide range of pediatric medical services, including diagnosis and treatment of common childhood illnesses.

What You Need To Know About Common Childhood Illnesses

Many common childhood illnesses can be treated at home with rest, and plenty of fluids. However, some illnesses need to be treated by a pediatrician. You should bring your child in to see a pediatrician if your child has:

• A fever which has lasted longer than 2 days
• A fever over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit if your child is under 2 months
• A fever of at least 104 degrees Fahrenheit if your child is older

Fever is one of the most common signs of an infection, either bacterial or viral. Infections need treatment. To diagnose the source of the infection, your pediatrician will order laboratory testing to determine the type of bacteria or virus. To treat the infection, your pediatrician will prescribe antibiotics or antiviral medication.

There are other signs and symptoms to look for too. You should bring your child to see a pediatrician if your child is:

• Having difficulty swallowing, which could be a sign of strep throat
• Tugging at their ears, which could be a sign of an ear infection
• Experiencing red, itchy eyes, which could be a sign of pink eye

Colds and flu are one of the most common childhood illnesses. Often they will go away on their own. Sometimes they don’t, and you should bring your child to visit the pediatrician if your child is experiencing frequent:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea and constipation
• Abdominal pain

Want to Know More about Common Childhood Illnesses and How Your Pediatrician Can Treat Them?

To discover more about sick child diagnosis and treatment, talk with the experts. Call Drs. Brian DuMais, Megan Dwyer, and Liz Dahlberg at DuMais Pediatrics in Orland Park, IL. You can reach them in the office by calling (708) 364-1600, so call today.