When to Call Your Pediatrician

This article will serve as a helpful guide in determining when and how to contact your child’s pediatrician.

When to Call 911

If you are ever afraid that your child may have a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately. Some examples of 911 symptoms include if your child is not breathing, is unconscious, is bleeding severely or is having a seizure.

When to Call Poison Control

If your child may have eaten or drunk something poisonous, call the poison control hotline immediately at 1-800-222-1222. If you are not sure whether to call poison control, call your pediatrician; he or she can help you decide.

When to Call After Hours

If you believe your child has an emergency or urgent concern that cannot wait until the office is open, call us immediately. Some examples of symptoms to prompt after-hour calls include:

• Trouble Breathing
• Severe Pain
• Bad Head or Neck Injury
• Stiff Neck
• Prolonged/Inconsolable Crying
• Sick Newborn Babies (Babies under 3 months old are at higher risk when they are sick. If your baby has a fever or is acting sick – call us right away.)
• Severe Vomiting or Diarrhea/Dehydration
• Confused/Unresponsive
• Not using an Arm or Leg
• Eye Injury

This is not a complete list. You know your child best. If you are worried that your child has any problem that can’t wait until the office is open, call your pediatrician.

When to Call the Office

In addition to calling your pediatrician in order to schedule appointments and refill medications, we often encourage you to call our offices with non-emergent questions and concerns about your child. If a question or concern can wait until the office is open, we are available to help you then. Examples of symptoms to prompt office calls include:

• Rashes
• Head Lice
• Earaches
• Fever for 3 days or more
• Colds for 10 days or more
• Illness getting worse
• Illness not getting better

Again, this is not a complete list. If you are not sure whether or not a pediatrician should see your child in the office – please call. Most pediatricians are happy to discuss your child’s eating, sleeping and development.

When you call a pediatrician, he or she will ask about your child’s age and any chronic disease he or she may have. It is also helpful to know any medications your child is taking and any allergies he or she may have. Please make sure your pediatrician answers all of your questions and tell him or her if you do not understand any advice or treatment options. Most importantly, tell your child’s pediatrician if you are not comfortable and reassured at the end of any call. Again, you are the parent – you know your child best.

By Randall Sterkel, MD, Pediatrician

Esse Health Creve Coeur Pediatrics

11630 Studt Avenue, Suite 200
Creve Coeur, MO 63141