Having children can leave you in an almost constant state of worry. Kids seem to pick up all sorts of illnesses, and it's stressful trying to keep calm while wondering whether they've got anything serious or not.
One of the biggest difficulties is knowing when it's time to take your child to see a doctor. Nobody wants to waste their doctor's time, so parents sometimes put off taking action if they're not sure whether their child needs medical help or not. While it's always better to be safe and book an appointment if you're in any doubt, it's useful to be able to perform a few tests at home.
Stock up your medical kit with these items, and you'll be able to make a more informed decision the next time your child is unwell.
Thermometer
If you have just one item to check your child's health, make it a thermometer. A fever is the number one reason to take your child to a doctor, so it's extremely useful to have a reliable way of checking their temperature.
It's best to get a digital thermometer if you can, because they're accurate, long-lasting, and can easily survive the odd accidental bite. For particularly young children, an in-ear thermometer often makes taking a reading easier.
The normal temperature for a child is around 36.4 Celsius, with some natural variation. If it's over 38 degrees, it's a fever and should be checked out by a doctor.
Child-safe pain relief medicine
An over-the-counter medicine like ibuprofen is good for both pain and fever, but make sure you get one that's suitable for your child's age. Remember that, as the child grows, they'll be able to have slightly stronger medication.
If your child has a fever, give them some medicine first to see if their temperature falls back to a normal level. If it doesn't, see a doctor as soon as you can.
Tongue depressors
When your child complains of a sore throat, it's useful to be able to check for inflammation. Simple wooden tongue depressors help you get a good look without obstruction.
If the throat looks particularly red or there's noticeable swelling, you should take the child to the doctor. Be aware, though, that sore throats lasting a few days should be seen to regardless of how it looks to you.
Otoscope
These devices are used to look in the ears, and they can be helpful for spotting swelling or blockages. Choose one with a built-in light to help you see, and visit the doctor if anything looks wrong.
For more information, contact a local family doctor.
When you think about arthritis, you automatically assume it is affecting a person in the older age bracket. Unfortunately, juveniles can also suffer from this issue. When I found out my child had juvenile arthritis, I was stunned. So, I have created this blog to talk about arthritis and how to make the person's life more bearable after diagnosis. Changes to diet and exercise are two small ways you can reduce the impact of arthritis, so I want to share the tips I have found that has changed my child's life for the better. Don't let an unusual condition get your child down; make changes so they can live a full and pain-free life.