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Doctor Visits
How often should my healthy child see a physician?
Well visits depend on your child's age and physician recommendations. In the first year of life, visits at 2 weeks and at 2, 4, 6, 9 and 12 months are usually recommended. Second year visits are at 15, 18 and 24 months. Thereafter, the checkups will be less frequent. Just ask your doctor for recommendations.
Immunizations
When and why are routine immunizations for healthy children given?
Immunizations are given to prevent certain diseases including diptheria, whooping cough, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, chicken pox, hepatitis and hemophilus B disease. One or more of the immunizations are given on the following schedules recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics...
• 2 months
• 4 months
• 6 months
• 12 months
• 15 months
• 18 months
• 4 - 6 years
• 14 - 16 years
A second measles or MMR is recommended upon a child's entry to grammar or middle school. Immunizations help prevent and control potentially serious infectious diseases that commonly occur in childhood.
Daycare
What factors should I take into consideration when selecting daycare for my children?
Begin by making sure it's certified by the proper state and local authorities. Inquire about the ratio of care providers to children. Visit several daycare centers to determine the kind of care environment both you and your child are most comfortable with. Ask about programs to provide age-appropriate developmental stimulation for your child. And talk with other parents about their experiences and recommendations.
Aspirin vs. Acetaminophen
Why should I give my child acetaminophen instead of aspirin?
Giving aspirin to children infected with a virus has been associated with the development of Reye's Syndrome, a very serious condition involving the nervous system. This is much less likely to occur in older children and adults.
Infections
What's the difference between viral and bacterial infections?
Both types of infections can be contagious and make your child ill. Often symptoms can be similar. However, while antibiotics will help fight off a bacterial infection, they will have no effect on a viral illness.
Why must I give my child all of the prescribed antibiotics?
An antibiotic is for treating a bacterial infection. A specific amount of medication is needed to kill all the bacteria. If you stop giving the medication early, the infection is likely to come right back.
What is an ear infection and why are children more susceptible than adults?
An ear infection is a bacterial infection of the middle ear. Children are more prone to ear infections than adults because of inadequate immunity and a slight difference in anatomy of the middle ear and eustachian tube (the opening form the middle ear and upper throat), that allows fluid to accumulate more easily and, as a result, bacteria to breed more easily. As a child grows, anatomical changes of the ear make ear infections less likely.
What is swimmer's ear?
Swimmer's ear is an inflammation of the ear canal that can cause pain and itching. Sometimes there will be drainage from the ear. The infection may result from trauma to the ear canal caused by an irritant such as a cotton swab or fingernail. Frequently it is associated with swimming because, when the ear canal is kept continually moist, bacteria and fungus are more likely to grow.
How is swimmer's ear treated?
Swimmer's ear generally is treated with antibiotic ear drops. In severe cases, oral antibiotics may be necessary. Swimmer's ear can be prevented by using a few drops of a two-part rubbing alcohol, one part white vinegar solution in each ear after swimming.
What is pink eye and why must my child be sent home from school when he or she has it?
Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the clear membrane that covers the eye and inside of the eyelids. The eyes look very red, become watery and itch or burn. Drainage may vary from clear to yellow. Pink eye may be caused by viral or bacterial infection, chemical irritation or allergy. Consult a physician for treatment. Pink eye can be extremely contagious, so your child must be kept out of school.
What is thrush?
Thrush is a fungal infection of the mouth. It is characterized by white, milky patches on the tongue, cheeks and gums. Infants may acquire them from their mother at birth. It may also be associated with the use of antibiotics. Thrush is very common in nursing infants, but uncommon in older children.
How are fungal infections treated?
Fungal infections need to be treated with anti-fungal medications that can be prescribed by your pediatrician. Thrush is treated with liquid oral medication while a medicated cream is used for a fungal diaper rash. If you suspect a fungal infection, contact your pediatrician.
Chicken Pox
What is chicken pox?
Chicken pox is a highly contagious viral disease. Initially, the child may have cold-like symptoms, fever, headache and loss of appetite for 24-48 hours before the rash erupts. The rash is composed of tiny raised, red bumps that quickly become fluid filled. Usually, it starts on the face or trunk and over 3-5 days may appear all over the body and in the mouth. Within 5-10 days, the tiny blisters will break, become crusted over and heal. A vaccine now is available to prevent chicken pox and is part of the routine immunization series.
If my child is exposed to chicken pox, when should I begin to see symptoms appearing and how long is my child contagious?
Generally, symptoms will appear between 10 and 21 days after exposure to chicken pox. Your child is contagious even before breaking out in the rash and remains contagious until all the lesions have crusted over.
How should I care for my child with chicken pox?
Your child will feel uncomfortable with itching and fever. Give plenty of clear fluids to drink, treat the fever with acetaminophen, and the itching with antihistamine. (Never give aspirin to a child with chicken pox.) Call your physician if you're uncertain about dosages. Oatmeal baths may soothe the itching. Discourage your child from scratching and keep him or her out of school until all the lesions have crusted over. Call your physician with any concern you may have.
Fever
What is a fever?
Fever is an oral temperature over 100°F or a rectal temperature over 100.4°F. A fever may be caused by excessive clothing, exercise or a viral or bacterial infection. The degree of fever is not a direct indicator of how sick your child is. Fever alone is not usually dangerous. Certainly if your child has a fever of 104°F or higher, you should consult your physician.
When should my child with fever see the doctor?
It is important to observe your child's behavior in determining just how sick he or she is. Fussiness, irritability or extreme sleepiness in an infant might indicate a significant illness. This assessment of your child is a better indicator than the degree of fever. Call your physician when you want advice on the need for an appointment. Always call for fever in an infant under 3 months.
Colds
What causes a cold?
A common cold is caused by a viral infection, and is characterized by a runny or stuffy nose. Your child also may have a sore throat, cough and fever. Generally, the mucous drainage is clear or slightly cloudy. On the average, a cold will last up to 10 days. If your child's symptoms are not improving or you notice a significant change in the color of mucous drainage, consult your pediatrician.
What can I do for my child's comfort when he or she has a cold?
There are some general measures to relieve the symptoms of a cold, however, they have no bearing on its duration. Over-the-counter cold preparations may relieve the stuffiness and cough, but for the child under two years of age, consult your physician. A room humidifier can make breathing easier. Offer your child plenty of liquids to avoid dehydration.
Sore Throat
What can I do for my child's sore throat?
A sore throat is caused by a viral infection in the majority of cases but also may be caused by bacteria. A bacterial infection (strep throat) is more likely to cause a high fever and needs to be treated with an antibiotic. An untreated strep infection could lead to kidney or heart damage. The only way to tell is to have a strep test done at your physician's office. You may treat your child's symptoms with acetaminophen, salt water gargles and throat lozenges.
Skin Irritations
What causes poison ivy and poison oak rashes?
Poison plants contain a resin or oil that can cause an allergic reaction in children who are sensitive to it. A child may get the resin on the skin from direct contact with the plant or, indirectly, from clothes or from the fur of an animal that has come into contact with the plant. If contact is suspected, wash immediately with soap and water. Mild cases may be treated with an oral antihistamine and topical applications of calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream.
When should I seek medical care for poison ivy and oak rashes?
If the rash is extensive with a lot of blisters or if it is around the eyes, call your child's physician.
What causes diaper rash?
Diaper rash may be caused by substances, like soap or detergents, that may be irritating to your child's skin or prolonged skin exposure to urine and stool and fungi, such as yeast.
How are these diaper rashes best treated?
You may try changing brands of disposable diaper or switching to cloth diapers. Or, if you already use cloth diapers, try changing detergents. General measures to treat the rash include changing the diaper frequently to avoid prolonged exposure to urine and stool, allowing the child to go diaperless for short periods of time and using over the counter diaper creams. If these measures fail to resolve the rash, consult your pediatrician.
How can I tell if my child's diaper rash is caused by yeast?
General measures to treat a diaper rash will not improve a yeast rash. In fact, the rash may progress. Most often, a yeast rash makes the skin bright red. Often these rashes may be associated with the use of antibiotics.
How can I recognize impetigo?
Impetigo is a bacterial infection of the skin characterized by persistent, honey-colored, crusted lesions. It's often caused by bacteria gaining entry through breaks in the skin from insect bites or scratches. Talk with a physician, your child will probably need antibiotics.
Vomiting/Diarrhea
What should I do if my child has diarrhea?
Withhold milk products and increase fluid intake to avoid dehydration. Frequent, small amounts of clear liquids such as water are recommended. Avoid apple juice, as it can make the condition worse. Give infants and children commercial electrolyte solutions, which are preferred over sports drinks. Infants and young children can quickly become dehydrated. Feed the child a normal diet, avoiding spicy or greasy foods. Causes of diarrhea may include change of diet, bacterial or viral gastro-intestinal infections and some medications. Diarrhea often is associated with nausea and vomiting. If your child is having severe abdominal pain, do not delay calling your physician.
How can I tell if my child is dehydrated?
The soft spot on top of an infant's head may be depressed. There also may be an absence of tears with crying, a dry mouth (no visible saliva) and the eyes may appear sunken. An early sign is a decrease in voiding.
What should I do if my child is vomiting?
Vomiting is associated with a variety of illnesses, infections and emotional stress. Your response depends on the age of your child, the frequency and duration of vomiting and associated symptoms. Remember, infants and small children can become dehydrated quickly, especially if the vomiting is accompanied by diarrhea. Call your pediatrician for advice.
Insects/Parasites
How do I know if my child has pinworms?
Pinworms are intestinal parasites that cause no serious problems but do result in intense anal itching. Sometimes tiny, white, thread-like worms can be seen around the anus at night or first thing in the morning. Pinworms are contagious, especially in small children. The condition is easily treated with medication.
What are body lice?
Lice are tiny light brown parasites about the size of a flea. They are often difficult to find. Their eggs, or nits, are seen as small, white ovals attached to hair. There may be skin changes on the scalp or nape of neck due to bites and scratching. Lice are easily transmitted to others by close contact. Treatment is accomplished with a special medicated shampoo available through your physician.
What is ringworm?
Ringworm is a contagious fungal infection of the skin. It generally will look like a scaly circle or oval patch with a clear center. Ringworm needs to be treated with an anti-fungal cream. Call your pediatrician.
Why should I be concerned about tick bites?
Ticks may carry disease such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever or Lyme's Disease. Call your pediatrician if your child becomes ill after a tick bite. If you find a tick imbedded in the skin and you're inexperienced at removing them, call your doctor.
What can I do for bee stings/insect bites?
If your child is stung and the stinger is still present, remove it. Call for emergency assistance (911) if your child has difficulty breathing. To help relieve the pain of a sting or insect bite, rub with an ice cube or cotton ball soaked in meat tenderizer solution. For itching, try applying calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream. An oral antihistamine also is helpful for itching and inflammation.
Choking
How do I know if my child is choking and what should I do to help?
If your child or infant is choking, he or she will be unable to cry or cough and may turn blue around the lips. There are specific measures taken to aid a choking infant or child. These measures are best taught in infant/child CPR classes offered through Children's Hospital, the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association. In the event your child is choking an you are not familiar with these techniques, call 911 for emergency assistance.
Psychological
What are some symptoms of depression?
Depression may be characterized by mood swings, social withdrawal, lethargy or hyperactivity and problems with eating and sleeping.
How do I recognize an eating disorder?
Your child may exhibit one or more of the following:
- an unreasonable fear of becoming fat
- loss of control of normal dieting
- significant weight loss or gain
- excessive exercise
- chronic fatigue
- withdrawal from family and friends.
Drug Abuse
What are some significant clues to possible drug abuse?
Parents may notice a change in their child's circle of friends, erratic and unpredictable behavior, irritability, change in academic performance and disturbances in their child's wake/sleep cycle.
Cuts/Scrapes
How do I treat my child's scraped skin?
First, wash away dirt with a very mild solution of soap and water or clean water alone. Then treat the scrape with a topical antiseptic to prevent infection. If necessary, bandage the scrape to prevent further damage. Watch for any signs of infection, such as excessively red skin around the scrape or unusual swelling discoloration. If you see any, contact your pediatrician.
Sprains/Breaks
How should I treat my child's sprained ankle or wrist?
Immediately pack the joint in ice to keep swelling down. Have your child keep weight off the joint as much as is practical. If pain persists, consult your pediatrician.
If I suspect my child has a broken bone, how should I proceed?
Immobilize the suspected break and call for assistance. Move your child only as necessary.
Helpful Links To Other Websites...
 American Academy of Pediatrics
Committed to the attainment of optimal physical, mental and social health for all infants, children, adolescents and young adults.
American Academy of Pediatrics
Committed to the attainment of optimal physical, mental and social health for all infants, children, adolescents and young adults.
American College of Surgeons
A scientific and educational association of surgeons founded in 1913 to improve the quality of care for the surgical patient by setting high standards for surgical education and practice.
American Pediatric Surgical Association
National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions
A not-for-profit membership organization devoted to the well-being of America's 70 million children and their families.
PEDINFO
An Index of the Pediatric Internet from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Ronald McDonald House of Columbia
The Ronald McDonald House provides a "home away from home" for the families of seriously ill children who are being treated at hospitals in the Columbia area.
Palmetto Health Pediatric Residency Program
Palmetto Health's residency program provides a comprehensive, well-rounded experience in general and subspecialty pediatrics as well as neonatal services.
University of South Carolina Pediatrics
The USC Department of Pediatrics was to train medical professionals in South Carolina. The department offers a comprehensive, general pediatric training with emphasis on primary care.
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