Children commonly develop fever, cough, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, and ear pain. A symptom list alone cannot determine the cause or the right treatment.
Use a pediatrician, community health center, nurse advice line, urgent-care center, or emergency service based on the child's age, symptoms, medical history, and severity.
Call 911 for severe trouble breathing, bluish or gray lips or face, unresponsiveness, a seizure lasting several minutes, or another life-threatening emergency.
Where to Start
For non-emergency symptoms, contact:
- The child's pediatrician
- A community health center
- A school-based health center
- A public-health clinic
- A health-plan nurse advice line
- A pediatric urgent-care center
Call before visiting to confirm ages served, appointment availability, fees, and insurance participation.
Fever
Fever is a symptom, not a diagnosis. The child's age, temperature, behavior, hydration, and other symptoms matter.
A rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher in a baby younger than three months requires prompt medical evaluation.
Contact a healthcare professional when fever is accompanied by concerning symptoms, the child has a serious medical condition, or the caregiver is worried about how the child looks or behaves.
Breathing Problems
Seek urgent or emergency help for:
- Struggling to breathe
- Ribs pulling in with breaths
- Grunting
- Pauses in breathing
- Blue or gray coloring
- Inability to speak, cry, drink, or feed because of breathing difficulty
- Sudden breathing difficulty after choking or an allergic reaction
Vomiting and Diarrhea
The main concern is often dehydration.
Possible warning signs include:
- Very few wet diapers or urinations
- Dry mouth
- No tears when crying
- Unusual sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Inability to keep fluids down
- Blood in vomit or stool
- Severe or worsening abdominal pain
Infants and children with chronic conditions may become dehydrated more quickly.
Rashes
Contact a healthcare professional when a rash:
- Occurs with fever
- Spreads rapidly
- Is painful
- Blisters or peels
- Appears purple or does not fade when pressed
- Follows a new medicine
- Occurs with facial swelling or trouble breathing
A photograph can help document change, but it does not replace an examination.
Sore Throat and Ear Pain
Viruses commonly cause sore throat and ear symptoms, but bacterial infection or another condition is possible.
Do not use leftover antibiotics. Testing or examination may be needed before treatment.
Promptly contact a clinician when the child has difficulty swallowing, drooling, neck swelling, severe pain, breathing difficulty, dehydration, or worsening symptoms.
Medicines
Before giving an over-the-counter medicine:
- Check the child's age and weight
- Read the label
- Use the measuring device supplied
- Avoid combining products with the same active ingredient
- Ask a clinician or pharmacist about interactions
- Keep medicines locked away
Do not give aspirin to children or teenagers unless specifically directed by a qualified healthcare professional.
What to Tell the Clinic
Have ready:
- Child's age and weight
- Temperature and how it was measured
- Symptoms and when they began
- Fluid intake and urination
- Current medicines
- Allergies
- Medical conditions
- Recent travel or exposures
- Vaccine history
- What treatments have been tried
Finding Lower-Cost Pediatric Care
Possible options include:
- Medicaid
- CHIP
- Community health centers
- School-based health centers
- County health departments
- Children's hospital financial assistance
- Charitable clinics
- Vaccines for Children providers
Not every clinic treats infants or children, so call first.
Sources
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Symptom Checker
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Fever and your baby
- CDC: Protect children from medication poisoning
- HealthCare.gov: Medicaid and CHIP
- HRSA: Find a Health Center
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. A qualified healthcare professional should evaluate concerns about a child's health.