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Dr. Zibners Talks Turkey
Bumps and Bruises
Kids fall down all the time. That’s why they are built low to the ground and covered in pudgy padding. With a few exceptions, symptomatic treatment of the pain or discomfort is very often all that is needed. That and a kiss. And maybe a cookie.
In Chapter 13 you’ll find much more information about how to know if a bump or bruise requires a trip to the ER. How do you know whether a cut is going to need stitches? And if it does need stitches, can the doctor use numbing jelly or skin glue? But remember, regardless of the size or severity of an injury that has broken the skin, you’ll also want to ensure that your kid’s tetanus shots are up to date, so if you are in doubt, at the very least you’ll be calling your pediatrician’s office in the morning.
Preventing and Treating Dehydration
Everyone worries that a kid is going to become dehydrated when she develops vomiting or diarrhea. It can be very difficult to know if a child is dehydrated and the diagnosis generally requires looking at the whole kid. Happy and smiley? Not dehydrated. No matter how little you think she has had to drink or how little you think she has urinated.
Dehydration is best prevented, rather than treated. However, if your little one begins to appear dehydrated (as described in Chapter 6), you still may not need to go to the ER. Many parents falsely believe that all dehydrated children require IV fluids, but this just isn’t true. There is a very good chance that you can help your child feel better quickly with just a few simple tools, a couple of hours, and some patience. Once your kid begins to improve, she’ll take over and finish replacing her fluid needs without any help from you.
Belly Pain
The causes of belly pain in children range from absolutely nothing to potentially life-threatening conditions, and getting to the root of abdominal pain in little kids can be tough. Very simple and non-threatening conditions may cause a child to scream and writhe, while more serious problems, such as appendicitis, may develop more gradually, meaning that they may initially present with very nonspecific symptoms. That is why for most cases of belly pain, serial phone calls to your pediatrician may be more helpful than a panicked trip to the ER.
Causes of belly pain range from constipation to appendicitis and everything in between. Even infections in other parts of the body, such as strep throat or pneumonia, can cause a tummy ache. In Chapter 6 you’ll find more information about the different causes of belly pain, what signs or symptoms might be more or less worrisome and when you should absolutely be calling your doctor. Belly pain is tough to figure out sometimes but you may not need to rush off to the ER just yet.
Ear Pain and Infections
Pulling on the ears does not always mean there is an infection. Ears are these cool things attached to the side of the head and babies like to swat at them. However, swatting at or pulling on an ear, when combined with cold symptoms, fever, vomiting, or fussiness, may indicate an infection of the inner ear. Or it may not. And not all ear infections necessarily require antibiotics. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything you can do.
In Chapter 4, “Seeing and Hearing,” you’ll find much more information about ear pain and ear infections. However, any kid who is in obvious discomfort should probably receive an age- and weight-appropriate dose of pain medication. And you should also know that an eardrum that is infected can rupture, and pus and blood will come running out. This looks scary but isn’t usually an emergency and isn’t caused by waiting until your pediatrician’s office opens. And remember, it is very important that you do not put anything into your kid’s ear unless instructed by your pediatrician.
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"WHAT I LIKED: This book is written in a funny, down to earth way that doesn't make you feel like an idiot. I really would have appreciated something like this when my kids were really little and I freaked out over everything they put in their mouths. It has a scenario/question and answer format, with clear answers on when not to panic and when to call 911."
- Chic Book Chick
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