Sick Visits
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Laurel Pediatric & Teen Medical Center
Pediatricians located in Bel Air, MD
During the first two years of your child’s life, your baby may get as many as 8-10 colds a year, making you as much of a nurse as a parent at times. This is why having a good pediatrician on call is so helpful. Laurel Pediatric & Teen Medical Center can help you navigate the world of colds, coughs, and other childhood illnesses, ensuring your child’s comfort and your peace of mind. If you’re in Harford County, Maryland, and your child isn’t feeling well, call to book an appointment for a sick visit.
Sick Visits Q & A
Why Do Babies Get Sick So Often?
When babies first come into the world, their bodies are busy developing defenses against everything that life throws at them. There are over 100 different types of cold viruses that get passed around, and your baby will encounter many of them.
Indeed, it’s almost impossible to protect your baby from catching colds, not that you necessarily want to. Once your baby has a cold, they build up an immunity to that strain, which is why children get fewer colds as they grow older.
If your child has allergies, these often make themselves known during the early years, so what might look like a cold could also be an allergic reaction.
Whatever the reason, our doors are open to help you get through childhood illnesses.
When Should I Bring My Child to the Doctor?
Most common colds last about a week and are marked by:
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Coughing
- Sore throat
Your child may also feel slightly lethargic and run a small fever.
If your child’s symptoms don’t go away, or they worsen, you should make an appointment at Laurel Pediatric & Teen Medical Center. As well, if your child runs a fever for more than a day or develops bronchial issues, you should definitely get in to see one of our providers. These can be signs of something more serious, such as the flu or croup.
If your child develops a painful ear infection during the cold, which is very common, make an appointment with us as soon as possible.
If your child shows any signs of distress, such as difficulty breathing, blue lips, or gasping for breath, call 911 or go to the emergency room.
What are the Common Treatments for Childhood Illness?
While there’s no cure for the common cold, there’s a lot that we can do to make your child comfortable by reducing many of the symptoms. For example, if your child is still nursing, they may have problems feeding because of a clogged nose, and our providers can help.
If your child is missing sleep because of coughing, we recommend over-the-counter cough medications or prescription medicine for more severe coughs.
Coming in for sick visits also allows us to track any trends that may point toward other problems such as asthma or allergies.
If your child isn’t feeling well, call Laurel Pediatric & Teen Medical Center to book an appointment today.
