It may not always be easy to tell if a child is sick and needs to stay home from school or visit a physician. At Touchpoint Pediatrics in Chatham, New Jersey, we serve families throughout Morristown, Summit, Berkeley Heights, Hoboken, and other areas. The dedicated pediatric team aims to help make this process easier for parents and guardians by providing a pediatric symptom checklist and other helpful resources online.
Online Pediatric Symptom Checklist
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) runs a website, HealthyChildren.org, which parents can use as a resource at home. The AAP parenting website offers a wealth of information on several topics, such as healthy living, safety and prevention, childhood growth stages, and other insights. It also includes a way for parents to check and see what conditions may correspond to the symptoms their child is experiencing when they’re feeling unwell.
KidsDoc Symptom Checker is an interactive online resource that parents can use to help determine what’s affecting their child. Using this tool, parents can quickly click through several steps to narrow down the source of the issue:
- Step 1: Hover the mouse over the image of the boy or girl and click on the part of the body where the child is experiencing symptoms.
- Step 2: When the list of symptoms and conditions pops up on the screen, click on the most appropriate one. Users will be directed to a new page full of information.
- Step 3: On the new page, parents can read about possible symptoms, causes, and related ailments to help them obtain a better idea of what their child may be experiencing.
The AAP parenting website also offers an A-Z index for parents to choose from in an adjoining tab, as well as a Health Issues page. Through these areas, parents can learn more information about symptoms and health conditions, ultimately finding out more about those specific to their child.
Much like the Health Issues page from AAP, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also has a section dedicated to parents and families. Here, parents can find information based on their child’s age, popular topics, and other factors.
Touchpoint Pediatrics Resources
As always, a child’s pediatrician should be the primary resource for their health needs. At Touchpoint Pediatrics, the team prides itself on providing personalized, compassionate care to each patient and educates parents on their child’s health, treatments, and next steps forward. Parents with sick children can also use the following handouts from our office as guidance:
- When Your Child Has a Fever: This document outlines what temperature indicates fever and provides more insight into this symptom. Additionally, it includes medication dosage charts for quick reference.
- Caring for the Child with Gastroenteritis (Vomiting/Diarrhea): This document details what to do when your child is vomiting or has diarrhea. It provides treatments for each, as well as a section with important reminders.
These downloadable files are meant to be used as helpful resources at home, but they are not a substitute for professional medical advice. For specific questions or concerns, parents should reach out to their Touchpoint pediatrician directly.
Please note: In an emergency where the child appears to be experiencing life-threatening symptoms, call 911 or take them to the nearest hospital.
Does My Child Need Antibiotics?
One of the most common prescriptions, antibiotics are medications that combat bacterial infections. They work to either help prevent the bacteria from spreading or killing it. Antibiotics are commonly used to treat several conditions, such as:
- Strep throat
- Some ear infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Whooping cough
- Pneumonia
- Persistent sinus infections
While antibiotics are effective against bacteria, viruses cannot be treated with antibiotics. Viruses are a common cause of childhood ailments like most fevers, runny noses, coughs, and sore throats. Viruses are typically treated with over-the-counter medication, depending on the patient. In some cases, an antiviral medication may be prescribed. To determine the type of illness, and whether antibiotics are appropriate, consult a Touchpoint pediatrician. Please note, antibiotics will only be prescribed after a Touchpoint pediatrician examines and evaluates your child and decides if antibiotics are medically necessary.
Reach Out to Touchpoint Pediatrics
Touchpoint Pediatrics is located in Chatham, NJ, serving families throughout Morristown, Summit, Berkeley Heights, Hoboken, and beyond. Our pediatricians know that health conditions often arise outside regular business hours. When parents leave an urgent message with the practice, they can expect a prompt call-back in return. For more information about pediatric symptom checklists and services, contact Touchpoint Pediatrics today.