Sick days come with the parenting territory, but not every sniffle means panic, and not every cough requires an ER trip. Still, knowing when to ride it out and when to reach for the phone can save you stress (and sleep).
Here’s a guide to 7 common illnesses kids face and how your pediatrician in Stockbridge, GA, can help you ride the ebbs and flows.
Fevers Too High or Too Long
A low-grade fever can mean your child is fighting off something mild. A stubborn fever might be your cue to get help.
Call your pediatrician if:
- A baby under 3 months has a temperature over 100.4 F
- Fever hits 104°F or lasts more than two days
- Your child is unusually sleepy, cranky, or not drinking fluids
Stockbridge note: Don’t wait overnight, especially with little ones. Call your pediatrician, even if it’s “just to be sure.”
Coughing Sounds Off or Won’t Stop
Whether it’s dry and barking or wet and wheezy, a persistent cough could be more than just leftover sniffles
Reach out to your Stockbridge pediatrician if:
- Cough lasts more than 10 days
- Breathing songs, tight, fast, or your child seems to struggle to catch their breath
- There is chest pain or wheezing
Ear Pain or Sudden Irritability
One minute they’re fine, the next minute they’re tugging at their ear and crying for no reason.
Check with a pediatrician:
- Ear pain lasts longer than 48 hours
- There’s a fever or drainage from the ear
- Your child is fussy, clingy, or having trouble sleeping
Reality check: Sometimes ear infections heal independently, but your pediatrician can help you decide if meds are needed.
Tummy Bugs With Dehydration Risk
Stomach viruses spread fast and hit hard. The biggest concern? Dehydration
When to be alarmed:
- Vomiting lasts more than 24 hours
- You see signs of dehydration (no tears, dry mouth, fewer wet diapers)
- Vomit or diarrhea contains blood or bright green bile
Tip: Keep offering small sips of fluid and track how often they pee. Your pediatrician will likely ask this question first.
Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) Spreading of Seeping
School, daycare, and even playdates can pass pink eye around like snacks.
See a pediatrician when:
- Your child’s eye is red, swollen, or has yellow/green discharge
- Eyelid is stuck shut in the morning
- Spreads to both eyes or comes with a fever
Heads up: Viral pink eye can clear naturally, but bacterial cases need treatment. Your pediatrician can help you spot the difference.
Rashes Spreading, Blistering, or Burning
Heat bumps? No big deal. Blistering, fever, or painful rashes? Time to check in.
Reach out if:
- The rash comes with a fever
- Pain, blistering, or spreading quickly
- Looks like purple spots or doesn’t fade when pressed
Common culprits: Hand-foot-and-mouth, eczema flare-ups, or allergic reactions. Your pediatrician in Stockbridge, GA can help you sort out what’s going on and how to treat it fast.
Behavior Feels Off for No Clear Reason
You know your child. If they’re off in a way you can’t explain, too quiet, too sleepy, not eating, just not themselves, it’s OK to trust your gut.
Call if:
- Behavior changes drastically (confused, withdrawn, too drowsy)
- They refuse to eat or drink
- You feel like something isn’t right
Local truth: A quick call to your Stockbridge pediatrician is better than a long night of wondering
When in Doubt, Call Your Pediatrician in Stockbridge, GA
Every child is different, but peace of mind is something every parent deserves. Whether it’s your first kid or your fourth round of the stomach bug this year, you’re not alone. Your pediatrician is here for the questions, the symptoms, and even the “is this normal?” late-night text you haven’t sent yet.
Need help? Quality Care Pediatrics is a click away. We proudly serve families across Stockbridge, GA, and surrounding neighborhoods.