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Asthma
How
does The Children's Clinic help families with asthmatic children?
Croup
What is croup?
What should I do if my child has croup?
When
should I call the doctor about croup?
Diarrhea
Should I be worried if my child has diarrhea?
What liquids can
I give my child who has diarrhea?
Can I give my
child solid food while they have diarrhea?
When should I call
the doctor about diarrhea?
What are
signs of dehydration from diarrhea?
Meningitis
Tell me more about
Meningococcal Meningitis Vaccine that is is now available for 11 to 12-year olds,
as well as 15-year olds/ high school freshman, and college students,
all of whom are susceptible to meningitis.
Croup
What is
croup?
Croup is an
inflammation of the windpipe (trachea) below the voice box (larynx). It is
usually caused by a viral infection. Croup causes the tissues that line the
trachea to become inflamed and swollen. This swelling obstructs the flow of air
into the lungs.
Croup may come on
suddenly in the night or during the day. Croup is usually more severe at night.
It occurs most commonly in the fall of the year. Croup usually affects children
who are 3 months to 6 years of age. A child who has it once may have it again.
The best thing parents can do is to know ahead of time what to do and to stay
calm if croup develops.
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What should I do if my child has croup?
1. STAY CALM.
2. Take your child into the bathroom
and shut the door. Turn on the shower and hot water faucets to make steam. Be
careful to keep away from the hot water.
3. Stay with your child and let
him/her breathe in the steam.
4. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CHILD ALONE.
5. Have someone start a cool mist
vaporizer in your child's room.
6. When breathing is easier for your
child (10-15 minutes), give him/her sips of water. Later give more clear fluids
to drink. This will help to keep his/her throat moist.
7. Take your child's temperature. If
your child's temperature is above 102°F, give Tylenol.
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When should I call the doctor
about croup?
Call your doctor at (610) 376-8691
if any of the following symptoms occur:
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If the child does
not improve after being in a steamy bathroom for 10-15 minutes.
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If child's
breathing becomes more difficult (chest continues to "pull in")
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If child begins to
drool
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If child has
difficulty swallowing and/or suddenly refuses fluids
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If a blue coloring around child's
mouth becomes darker
If you have any questions, please
call your doctor
at (610) 376-8691.
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Diarrhea
Should I be
worried if my child has diarrhea?
Diarrhea (loose,
watery bowel movements) is a common problem of growing children. Sometimes
diarrhea may be due to a serious illness, but usually it is only a minor
problem.
The only real danger
in having diarrhea is dehydration. If your child loses too much fluid and
becomes dehydrated (dried out), he/she can become very sick. Dehydration can
usually be prevented by increasing the amount of liquid the child drinks. You
may need to cut down on the solid foods so that he/she will drink more liquids.
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What liquids can I give my child
who has diarrhea?
The following is a list of liquids you
can give:
-
Breast milk
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Soy formula (such
as Isomil®)
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Kool-Aid®
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Ice popsicles
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Gatorade®
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Dilute soda pop (˝
water and ˝ pop)
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Solid Jell-O®
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Pedialyte® - You
may give your child Pedialyte® for 24 to 48 hours if your doctor feels that
your child is dehydrated.
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Can I give my child solid
food while they have diarrhea?
You can give any of the following
solid foods. Give small amounts considering the child's age. While your child
has diarrhea, do not give him many sweet or sugary foods or dairy products.
Solid foods include:
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Bananas
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Rice cereal, rice,
rice crackers
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Milk-free mashed
potatoes
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Crackers and
cookies
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Any meats
-
Any vegetables
-
Soups diluted with
water, like chicken rice (1 can of water to 1 can of soup)
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When should I call the doctor
about diarrhea?
You should call the doctor:
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If the child
suddenly develops a high fever over 101°F axillary (armpit)
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If stomach pain
becomes severe, or is more than occasional cramps
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If the diarrhea
becomes bloody (more than a streak of blood)
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If the diarrhea
becomes more frequent (often) or is more severe
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If the child
becomes dehydrated or dried out (see Signs of Dehydration below)
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If there is no
improvement in 24 hours
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What are signs of
dehydration from diarrhea?
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Child has not
urinated (passed water) for 8-10 hours
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There are no tears
when he/she cries
-
Child's mouth
becomes dry or sticky to touch
-
Child's eyes are
sunken
-
Child is less
active than usual
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