Becoming a parent can be one of the most fulfilling roles we take on, but it can also be the most serious. We are essentially in charge of the health, wellbeing and development of another person – or multiple little people – and it can sometimes feel incredibly overwhelming. Despite the pressure, no one goes into the job an expert, and it is a continuous journey of learning from a variety of sources. Especially when it comes to caring for them when they’re unwell. Do they just have a cold, or is it something more concerning?
To give new parents a helping hand, the professionals at Team Medoffer some helpful signs that your child might be sick, along with some advice on how to act.
Begin with a Calm Assessment
We all love our children, so it can be easy to fall into a panic when they show signs of illness. Regardless of the situation, its important that you try your hardest to remain calm. A busy brain will only make it harder to objectively process what is happening. What’s worse, is that your child will likely already be feeling tense with their symptoms, and will sense your anxiety, only worsening their own.
Fever
Fever will generally relate to a benign virus, rather than a serious infection. The rise in temperature is simply the body’s natural response to make the environment inhospitable to foreign invaders. That being said, there are certain instances when a fever can be alarming. For example, if your child is:
– Under 3 months old with a temperature of 38 degrees centigrade or over
– Between 3 to 6 months with a temperature of 39 degrees centigrade or over
– If your child’s high fever endures for longer than five days, or it is paired with other forms of dangerous illness
In years past, parents used to simply lay the back of their hand against their child’s foreheads, but now, more precise forms of temperature taking equipment are available, such as the Microlife Forehead Thermometer.
For more comfort, offer your child cold drinks, as well as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
Seizures
This is when things get a little more serious, and terrifying. Seizures are caused by a disruption in the brain’s electrical activity. Either it will be contained within one part of the body, known as focal seizures, or the entire body, called generalised seizures. Unless previously diagnosed as febrile convulsions by a medical professional (which children will most likely grow out of once turning five), any form of seizures must receive further investigation. It is rare, but fits and seizures can indicate greater brain infections, such as meningitis, tumours and epilepsy.
Timing is off the essence, and if your child has a fit, lie them down to avoid injury, and obtain medical attention as soon as possible.
Breathing Difficulties
If your child has trouble breathing, or respiratory distress, it could be related to significant chest infections or airway blockages. It can show up in children and infants by sucking in the chests, flaring nostrils, or the groaning/grunting noise when they breathe out.
Helping a child cope with this by calming them down is important, but if they begin to display blueness around the mouths and lips, seek attention immediately.
Trust Your Gut & Get Equipped
You will know your child better than anyone. If you are concerned for their health, always consult your local GP or visit the emergency department. For a range of equipment that can help with gauging your child’s wellbeing, view the range available at Team Medical Supplies, or contact us today by calling 1300 22 44 50.