Family Health

When should I call the doctor?

An ill child is always a distressing sight and the situation can be even more tense if you cannot decide whether to call out the doctor.

There are some circumstances, for example after a serious injury, when medical help obviously should be sought immediately.

There are, however, many more situations where the seriousness isnâ??t quite as clear-cut...

When to go to hospital

The following situations are all serious enough to require admission to hospital. Many are life-threatening, in which case you should call for an ambulance.

What will the doctor need to know?

Your doctor will need to know certain things to help him make a diagnosis and gauge the severity of the illness or injury.

What should I ask the doctor?

If appropriate, ask your doctor for home nursing tips.

What to expect from your doctor

Once with your doctor, she should examine your child thoroughly and give you an honest opinion of whatâ??s wrong.

How to take a temperature

Never regard a high temperature as the only sign of whether your child is ill; a child can be very ill without a high temperature or quite healthy with one.

How to give medicine to a child

It can be difficult giving medicine to your child, particularly if he is very tiny or being uncooperative. Here are my tips to cover every eventuality, including giving ear, eye and nose drops.

How to treat a fever

Fever is a raised temperature that accompanies an illness is the bodyâ??s way of responding to infection, and is a sign that the body is marshalling its defences.

What medicines should I keep in the house?

You should always keep some medicines in the house in case of emergency in the middle of the night when you may not be able to get to a chemist easily.