articles
Topic: Common Concerns
February 2009
Bumps and Bruises
Kids fall down all the time. That’s why they are built low to the ground and covered in pudgy padding. With a few exceptions, symptomatic treatment of the pain or discomfort is very often all that is needed. That and a kiss. And maybe a cookie.
Preventing and Treating Dehydration
Everyone worries that a kid is going to become dehydrated when she develops vomiting or diarrhea. It can be very difficult to know if a child is dehydrated and the diagnosis generally requires looking at the whole kid. Happy and smiley? Not dehydrated. No matter how little you think she has had to drink or how little you think she has urinated.
Belly Pain
The causes of belly pain in children range from absolutely nothing to potentially life-threatening conditions, and getting to the root of abdominal pain in little kids can be tough. Very simple and non-threatening conditions may cause a child to scream and writhe, while more serious problems, such as appendicitis, may develop more gradually, meaning that they may initially present with very nonspecific symptoms. That is why for most cases of belly pain, serial phone calls to your pediatrician may be more helpful than a panicked trip to the ER.
Ear Pain and Infections
Pulling on the ears does not always mean there is an infection. Ears are these cool things attached to the side of the head and babies like to swat at them. However, swatting at or pulling on an ear, when combined with cold symptoms, fever, vomiting, or fussiness, may indicate an infection of the inner ear. Or it may not. And not all ear infections necessarily require antibiotics. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything you can do.
Head Injuries
Kids hit their heads a lot. It’s a good thing they are pretty hard. Most kids do just fine but parents are always worried about a bonk to the noggin. Essentially any blow to the head can be called a head injury. Knowing how serious the injury is and whether you need to take any action can be difficult for many parents.
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"WHAT I LIKED: This book is written in a funny, down to earth way that doesn't make you feel like an idiot. I really would have appreciated something like this when my kids were really little and I freaked out over everything they put in their mouths. It has a scenario/question and answer format, with clear answers on when not to panic and when to call 911."
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