Medical App & Medical Advice with Hello Doctor

Mom, when should you see the doctor?

You aren’t feeling well or your child has the flu – do you treat the symptoms from the medicine cabinet, or do you go to the doctor? Here are a safe pointers to help you decide.

Babies

Your baby’s first cold or flu can be a difficult experience for both you and your little one. If your little one is sick and feverish, you’re probably losing sleep over what to do next. See the family doctor if:

  • your baby refuses to drink fluids, is only taking small sips, is vomiting every time he or she drinks and/or isn’t passing urine – these are all signs of dehydration.
  • your baby’s fever won’t go down, even after a dose of baby paracetamol or ibuprofen, or has not resolved completely after 3 days.
  • your baby vomits more than three times in a 24-hour period or has severe diarrhoea.
  • your baby is having difficulty breathing and is gasping for air, breathing rapidly or wheezing.
  • your baby has severe breathing difficulties, or his/her lips are turning blue; can’t move or has a stiff neck; or has a seizure or convulsion.
  • there’s a large rash on your baby’s body, which could be a sign of measles, chicken pox or meningococcal disease, rather than cold or flu.
  • your baby is under three months of age, was born prematurely or suffers from a chronic disease such as a heart condition, diabetes or respiratory conditions (asthma or cystic fibrosis for example).

Pregnant moms

It’s vital to see your doctor as soon as you know you’re pregnant as pre-natal care will makes a great difference both to your healthy pregnancy and your baby’s development. Also see your doctor if you contract a cold or stomach virus – do not take over-the-counter medications without getting them approved. If you experience any of the symptoms below, see your doctor:

  • vaginal bleeding
  • pelvic or abdominal pain
  • gush of fluid from vagina
  • regular contractions prior to 37 weeks
  • swelling of the hands/face
  • persistent back pain
  • severe headaches, blurry vision
  • no foetal movement

Sources: NHS.uk, howstuffworks.com