When to call the doctor (for parents of toddlers)

When should I take my toddler to the doctor?

If you’re worried about your toddler’s health, or concerned that you’re unable to do enough for him at home while he’s unwell, don’t hesitate to call your doctor.

Make an appointment to see your doctor, if your toddler has any of these symptoms:

• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea, particularly if your toddler can’t hold down fluids (CHEO 2018).
  
• An unexplained rash (CHEO 2018).
  
• A temperature of more than 38 degrees C that lasts more than 72 hours, or that doesn’t come down with acetaminophen or ibuprofen (Caring For Kids 2015).
  
• Persistent coughing or wheezing (Caring for Kids 2015).
  
• Pain when he pees, or if he’s peeing more or less frequently than usual (NHS 2016).
  
• A cut or scrape that oozes pus, or the area around it becomes hot, red, tender and swollen (NHS 2018d).
  
• A barking cough and a rasping sound when he breathes in. This may be croup (NHS 2017a).
  
• Pain in his eyes, sensitivity to light, disturbed vision, or intense redness in one or both of his eyes (NHS 2018e).
  
• Refusing water to the point where you’re concerned he could be dehydrated.
  
• Discharge from the ears, eyes, penis or (in girls) the vagina (NHS 2018b, NHS NHS 2018e,NHS 2017).
  
• Has a sunburn (NHS 2017d).

What if my doctor’s office is closed?

Your doctor’s office may have a voice mail message that provides instructions about getting care for your toddler outside office hours (CHEO 2018).

Many towns and cities also have walk-in clinics, which are generally open every day of the year and outside office hours (CHEO 2018). An appointment is not usually needed to visit a walk-in clinic.

Most walk-in clinics can treat minor illnesses and injuries, such as infections, rashes, sprains, burns, cuts and bruises (Ont Govt 2019).

Being registered in a family practice doesn’t mean you can’t go to a walk-in clinic, although it may mean your family doctor will be charged for the visit (CFPC 2012).

When should I take my toddler to the emergency department?

If your toddler has a condition or injury that is not life-threatening but needs immediate treatment, take him to the emergency department of your local hospital.

For example, go straight to your local emergency department if your toddler:

• Has a fever with other symptoms such as a rash that doesn’t fade when you press on it, abnormal crying (NICE 2017), or seems sluggish or difficult to wake (NICE 2017, CHEO 2018, SickKids nd).
  
• A severe sore throat and difficulty with swallowing or talking (NHS 2018a).
  
• Has a cut that may need stitches, burns larger than a loonie, an eye injury, or a suspected broken bone (CHEO 2018, Healthy Children 2018).
  
• Repeated vomiting or diarrhea that contains large amount of blood, or that is accompanied by signs of dehydration including no tears, dry mouth and not peeing (CHEO 2018, SickKids nd).
  
• Swallows something that could be poisonous, even if he seems well (NHS 2018c). Take the packet or bottle to the hospital with you.
  
• Has an object lodged in his nose, ear, mouth or (for girls) vagina (NHS 2018c). Never try to remove objects yourself.

What to know about meningitis

Meningitis can be difficult to diagnose because many of its symptoms are similar to other infections (CPS 2018). However, it’s best to play it safe. So if you suspect your toddler may have meningitis, take him straight to the emergency department or call an ambulance if he shows any of these symptoms (which can vary according to your toddler’s age):

Up to two years of age:

• not moving much or doing much
• being unusually tired or cranky
• throwing up
• not feeding well
  (About Kids Health 2009)
  

Over two years of age:

• high fever
• headache
• stiff neck
• repeated vomiting
• confusion
• unusual drowsiness
• discomfort when looking into bright lights
  (About Kids Health 2009)
  

These symptoms can develop over several hours, or over one to two days (About Kids Health 2009).

When should I call an ambulance?

If your toddler is so ill that you think he needs immediate medical treatment, for example, if he has severe breathing difficulties, call 911 (NHS 2017b).

You’ll be asked which emergency service you need and will be put through to an ambulance controller. She will send an ambulance out immediately. She will also help you to assess your toddler’s condition and to give him emergency first aid until the ambulance arrives.

Call an ambulance if your toddler:

• Stops breathing.
  
• Is unconscious or semi-conscious.
  
• Can’t be woken, or if woken, doesn’t stay awake.
  
• Is having trouble breathing, or is breathing abnormally quickly, particularly if his skin and lips start to look blue, purple or gray. This means he’s not getting enough oxygen.
  
• Has a head injury, particularly if he has passed out, has confusion, vomiting or difficulty walking.
  
• Has a seizure (convulsion): rhythmic jerking of his arms and is unresponsive.
  
• Has a large, deep cut that won't stop bleeding or is gaping open. To stop bleeding, apply pressure to the cut with a clean cloth and try to keep the affected part raised.
  
• Has had an accident and you think his neck or spine could be injured. Keep him still and don’t move him.
  (Healthy Children 2018)

What if I just need some advice about my toddler’s health?

Most provinces and territories have toll-free health lines that are staffed by registered nurses 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The nurse can assess your toddler’s health problem and, if necessary, give you advice on where you can go for the right care (Caring for Kids 2018).

A pharmacist can answer most questions about minor ailments, such as diaper rash and coughs and colds. Your pharmacist can also answer questions about any medications your toddler is currently taking (CPA 2016).

You can walk into any pharmacy and ask to speak to a pharmacist in confidence. Most pharmacies have a private consultation area.