Published On: Jan 18 2012 03:40:01 PM ESTUpdated On: Jan 16 2015 03:00:00 AM EST
The wait-and-see approach is fine for some kids' health problems. But not these 12 symptoms you should never ignore, according to Parents.com.
12. Gaping Cut
A cut that gapes open widely enough that you could stick a cotton swab in it, or that doesn't stop bleeding within a few minutes of applied pressure.
11. Serious Fall
A fall when your child is less than 6 months old, or causes confusion, loss of consciousness, vomiting and/or any damage to the body, such as broken bones.
A swollen tongue, lips or eyes, especially when accompanied by vomiting or itchiness, could mean a severe allergic reaction.
9. Breathing Problems
Blueness or discoloration around the mouth; labored breathing; or panting, grunting or whistling while breathing could mean choking, an asthma attack, pneumonia or a number of other things.
Dry mouth and lips, decreased urination, a flat fontanelle (in an infant), dry skin or skin that stays bunched when you pinch it, or excessive vomiting or diarrhea, likely means dehydration.
A headache that occurs in the early morning or wakes her up in the middle of the night, or that's accompanied by vomiting, could be signs of a migraine or something more serious.
6. Stomach Pain
Stomach pain that's on the lower right side, or that's sudden and crampy and comes and goes, may be appendicitis.
Keep tabs on your child's moles, especially any that she's had since birth, because those have a higher risk of becoming malignant. Alert your doctor if you notice a mole that's irregularly shaped, has ragged borders, is not all one color or is raised.
4. A Rash
A rash that resembles a bull's-eye or consists of tiny red dots that don't disappear when you press the skin, or excessive bruising, can mean Lyme disease or an allergic reaction.
3. Fever With Stiffness
A fever that's accompanied by a stiff neck or headache or a rash that's either bruise-like or looks like tiny red dots can be signs of meningitis.
2. Long-Lasting Fever
A fever that doesn't go down with treatment, or that lasts more than five days, may be signs of a strong infection like bacterial pneumonia.
1. High Fever
A fever that's 100.4 degrees or higher in a baby younger than 3 months; higher than 101 degrees in a baby 3 to 6 months; or higher than 103 degrees in a child 6 months to 2 years old.