Before you arrive at a sick visit, you have that in-between time when your child is ill yet can't get into Acton Road Pediatrics, serving Birmingham, AL, and the nearby region, to see either one of our providers. Should you hold off on any type of treatment, or is there something you should do to help your tot in the meantime? Here's what you can do.

Give Age-Appropriate Fever Reducers

If your child has a fever, you may give them a children's fever-reducing medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Make sure you read the label carefully to find the right dosage and know for certain it's the right variety for your child's age. For example, ibuprofen isn't safe for a child under six months, and you should never give any child under 18 or younger aspirin.

Depending on your child's age, you may want to alternate between ibuprofen and acetaminophen every few hours for optimal pain relief and fever reduction. Often, a regimen of switching between the two every three hours is most effective, but please contact us first to ensure it's safe for your little one. And anytime you have a question, please don't hesitate to call our Birmingham, AL, office.   

You may need to take your child for emergency care before the sick visit if they have a fever that isn't responding to fever reducers and is:

• Over 100.4 and they're under three months 
• More than 102 degrees if they're three to six months
• Up to 104 if they're six months or older.

If the fever is over 104 at any age, you should immediately take your little one in for emergency care.

Keep Them Hydrated

Hydration is especially important if your kid has a fever, diarrhea, or is vomiting. 

Dehydration in a little one doesn't take long to set in, and in more serious cases, can result in a loss of consciousness. It can also alter your child's vital signs by causing a decrease in blood pressure, rapid breathing, or elevated heart rate.

Ease Their Discomfort

A pain reliever can help keep your little one comfortable. 

You may want to give them a warm washcloth to hold on their ear to relieve discomfort from an earache. Elevating your kid's head as they sleep can ease ear pressure.

Anytime your kid is under the weather and needs a sick visit, contact Acton Road Pediatrics, serving Birmingham, AL, and the general vicinity, to see one of our pediatricians. We're here in sickness and health.

Call 205-978-8245 today.