When should I call your office?

If you are worried about your child for any reason, you should call and ask. No question is insignificant, and our doctors and nurses are available during the day to answer questions and will return your call nights and weekends.

My child has a fever. Is it dangerous?

Generally a temperature of 100°F or greater is considered a fever. However, this level is not dangerous and only indicates your child has an infection, probably a virus which will clear up in 2-3 days with rest and fluids. We recommend treating temperatures of 102°F in order to make your child more comfortable. If the fever doesn't come down, lasts three days, or your child has other symptoms, call our office for advice.

What is the best way to measure temperature?

The most accurate recording of fever is with a rectal thermometer, although oral or ear thermometers are very useful. Temperature strips that attach to the forehead or in pacifiers and rings and axillary temperatures are less accurate.

What’s the best way to reduce my child’s fever?

If the fever reaches 102 degrees, you may give Tylenol every 4 hours or Motrin every 6 hours.

How should I treat a cough?

Just like a fever, most coughs are useful, helping the body fight infection by clearing mucus out the lungs. Sometimes a frequent cough the keeps your child awake at night or makes their chest hurt. For such a “useless” cough, we may recommend a mild over-the-counter cough medicine.

How do I know if my child has strep throat?

A strep throat is contagious and should be treated with an antibiotic. A sore throat alone without any cold symptoms even very mild, is suspicious of strep and our office nurse may recommend you come to the office for a throat test (culture) to determine if treatment is needed before returning to school. However, if your child has cough, runny nose and congestion, they most likely have a cold.

How can I treat my child for diarrhea?

Diarrhea (watery bowel movements a few times a day) are commonly due to virus. Children with stomach virus will become ill with a bout of vomiting followed by diarrhea for three days. It is best to stop all solid foods and milk and give your child a clear liquid such as Gatorade or Pedialyte for at least 8 hours. Call our office if vomiting and diarrhea persists.

What is the best way to treat a cold?

Upper respiratory infection with cough, runny nose and mild fever is very common. There is no cure for this, but simple measures -- rest, fluids, and using a nasal suction bulb to clear the nose in infants -- are helpful.

My child has green discharge from the nose. Can you prescribe an antibiotic for sinusitis?

These symptoms, even with yellow or green nasal discharge, are usually just part of a cold and don’t benefit from antibiotics. When your child develops a headache, fever, or discharge persists 10 days, sinusitis may be developing and we will be happy to talk to you over the phone or exam your child in the office.

My child has red itchy eyes with some mucus in them. How can I treat this?

Cleaning the area with warm water and mild over-the-counter eye drops such as Visine are helpful. If the lids crust in the morning or drain green mucus during the day, call our office as we may want to prescribe antibiotics.