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(800) 222-1222

Poison Control

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(800) 222-1222

(256) 381-9350


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4 Signs You Need to Go to a Pediatric Office ASAP

May 15, 2024

As a parent, deciding whether your sick child needs urgent medical care or can be monitored at home can be extremely challenging. But there are certain alarming red flags that signal you should immediately seek pediatric care without delay. Recognizing these danger signs could save your child’s life.


1. Extremely High Fevers


While fevers in children are common, high temperatures may indicate serious infection or illness. In our experience, if your baby under three months has a rectal temperature of 100.4 Fahrenheit or higher, or 103 F for a three to 6-month-old, immediately call the pediatric office. For children over six months, go directly to the pediatrician if the fever exceeds 104 F along with other symptoms like vomiting, sore throat, or rash. Extremely high fevers can quickly cause seizures, brain damage, and dehydration without swift treatment.


2. Rapid or Labored Breathing


Any time your child displays rapid breathing, wheezing, chest tightness, blue-tinged lips, rib retractions, or other breathing difficulties, it signifies a pediatric emergency. Proceed directly to the pediatric office or call an ambulance at the first signs of abnormal breathing. It may indicate bronchitis, pneumonia, an asthma attack, or other problems requiring oxygen, medication, or other urgent care interventions.


3. Neurological Changes After Injury


Headaches, stiff neck, confusion, excessive drowsiness, or strange behaviors after any head blow or fall necessitate immediate pediatric assessment, even if symptoms seem mild. Seek emergency care to check for concussion, bleeding in the brain, or other potentially life-threatening complications that require prompt medical management in a pediatric facility.


4. Dehydration


If your child is showing signs of dehydration like no wet diapers for eight hours, dry cracked lips, sunken eyes, and lethargy, quickly take them into the pediatrician's office. Dehydration can happen fast in little ones and lead to kidney failure if left untreated. The pediatrician can provide IV fluids and monitor electrolyte levels.


Most importantly, if your gut says something seems wrong with your child, promptly consult pediatric care without delay. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and have the pediatrician examine your child. According to the CDC, 93.9% of children had a doctor's appointment in 2022. Your parental instinct picks up on subtle signs your child needs help. When your child needs to be seen by a pediatric office, let us help. Call Tennessee Valley Pediatrics now to schedule your appointment.

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By 7016263193 December 16, 2022
We are so excited to introduce Dr. Maxie!
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Flu Vaccine!
By 7016263193 September 15, 2022
Our new TVP Florence Clinic is officially open at 614 S. Court Street! Not only will it house our Behavioral Health Clinic but we will see all ages there for well and sick visits! Meet our main staff! Brandi Jackson, CRNP (2nd from right) will be our primary provider. Brandi has been with us for two years after an extensive nursing history at NAMC in L&D. She lives in Central so she is excited about the shorter drive just like you are! Her patients absolutely love her and you will too! Lindsay Humphreys, CRNP (far left) will be backing her up as well as working with the Behavioral Health Clinic. Connie, RN (middle) has a long background as a nurse on pediatrics at HKH and then at our main clinic. She is the go to in pediatric emergencies! Mayra, MAT (2nd from left) has also been working at our main office and will take excellent care of your kiddos. She speaks Spanish also and will be our in house translator. Last but so not least, our Doris (far right) will be the smiling face you see at the window and your go to for all things administrative. Our big kids at Adolescent sure are going to miss her but she wanted to move closer to home. We will be rotating other physicians and nurse practitioners through in the future. You’re going to love this clinic! We have had so many people ask for this. We are so happy to be able to accommodate our patients and make like easier for you! You can call today for your appointment.
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