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Children - when to see the doctor
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One of the major concerns for parents of young children is to know the difference between a serious illness and a trivial one. When is a child's irritability or lack of interest in food just a result of tiredness or a cold, and when is it the first sign of a more serious condition?
It's important to pick up the early signs
Sometimes, especially during the early stages of an illness, it is difficult even for doctors to pick up the signs of something more serious. Yet, the earlier the signs of an illness are detected, the sooner treatment can be started. This is important, especially for infants and younger children, who have less reserve than older children and whose condition can rapidly deteriorate.
Signs to watch out for
Here are some of the important signs to watch for:
- Drowsiness - the infant or young child is less alert than usual and less aware of what is going on around them. The more drowsy the child, the greater the chance of a serious illness.
- Less activity - the young child is less active than usual; they may want to be held or cuddled. The infant may move arms and legs less than usual.
- Breathing difficulty - breathing may be very rapid, shallow, noisy (as in croup) or the child may grunt with each breath. Sometimes parents may notice that the muscles around the ribcage get sucked in each time the infant breathes, or that the lips are blue.
- Poor circulation - this is not an easy sign for parents to pick up. The hands and feet may be cold (though this is relatively common) and the infant may look much paler than usual.
- Poor feeding - breastfed infants suck less strongly than usual and for shorter periods of time; bottlefed babies also seem disinterested in feeding and take less than half the amount of milk they usually drink in 24 hours.
- Poor urine output - the infant has less than four wet nappies in 24 hours.
Also get help when you see these signs
Parents should also seek urgent medical attention if their child:
- Vomits green fluid.
- Has a convulsion (fit).
- Has a very high fever (a high fever is more serious for an infant than an older child).
- Stops breathing for more than 15 seconds (apnoeic episode).
- Has a lump in the groin (hernia).
- Is pale and drowsy and has a high fever.
It is very important that you seek medical advice if you have any concerns about their infant or child. The sooner illness is detected, correctly diagnosed and appropriately treated, the better chance of a good outcome. Parents or carers should return to see the doctor promptly if the child seems to be worse or a new rash has appeared.
Where to get help
- Your doctor
- Nurse on Call Tel. 1300 606 024 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days)
- The Maternal and Child Health Line is available 24 hours a day Tel. 132 229.
Things to remember
- If signs of illness are picked up early, treatment can be started sooner.
- It's important to act quickly, especially with very young children.
- Never be afraid that your doctor will be critical because you are worried about your child.
You might also be interested in:
Fever - children.
Fever - febrile convulsions.
Meningitis.
Middle ear infections.
Vomiting.
Want to know more?
Go to More information for support groups, related links and references.
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This page has been produced in consultation with, and approved by:
Royal Children's Hospital - Centre for Community Child Health
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Copyight © 1999/2009 State of Victoria. Reproduced from the Better Health Channel (www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au) at no cost with permission of the Victorian Minister for Health. Unauthorised reproduction and other uses comprised in the copyright are prohibited without permission.
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This Better Health Channel fact sheet has passed through a rigorous approval process. For the latest updates and more information visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au.
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Fact sheet currently being reviewed.
Last updated: November 2007
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Children - when to see the doctor - Better Health Channel
Signs of illness in children include drowsiness, less activity, breathing difficulty, poor circulation (looking pale), poor feeding and low urine output (little or no wee in nappies or in toilet). A child who experiences vomiting green fluid, convulsions, a very high fever or an apnoeic episode (stops breathing) should see a doctor immediately. ..
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Children - when to see the doctor - Better Health ChannelSigns of illness in children include drowsiness, less activity, breathing difficulty, poor circulation (looking pale), poor feeding and low urine output (little or no wee in nappies or in toilet). A child who experiences vomiting green fluid, convulsions, a very high fever or an apnoeic episode (stops breathing) should see a doctor immediately. ..
© State of Victoria. All rights reserved
The information published here was accurate at the time of publication and is not intended to take the place of medical advice. Please seek advice from a qualified health care professional.
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