Illness & Injury

Hives

Hives are a common skin condition that may be caused by allergic reactions to medication, food, an insect bite or infection. Hives are swollen, itchy welts on the skin that can appear and disappear suddenly. They can sometimes burn or sting as well. Hives tend to be harmless and disappear on their own, but can be relieved by applying calamine lotion or taking antihistamines if needed.

Influenza

Influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious viral infection that appears seasonally. It spreads from person to person and can cause mild to severe symptoms. The flu affects the nose, throat and lungs and symptoms may include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue. The flu is commonly treated with bed rest and increased fluids, and most people recover from the flu without medical care. In some cases, antiviral medication such as Tamiflu or Relenza may be prescribed. These medications may help to shorten the length of the illness and help prevent serious complications from occurring.

Lacerations

A laceration, also known as a cut, is an injury that occurs when a wound breaks through the skin. The laceration may be superficial or affect tissues below the skin such as tendons, muscles or bone. Minor lacerations are often short and shallow cuts, but they may bleed and be at risk for infection. The main goal of laceration repair is to stop the bleeding and stabilize the patient if faint. Laceration repair may include:

Follow up care may be required to remove the closure material and monitor the healing process. Most minor lacerations heal successfully with no complications.

Poisoning

If your child is exposed to a poison, call Lifeline at (800)-222-1222

Sports Injuries

Because of the fragile nature of growing bones and joints, children are often at an increased risk of experiencing injuries such as a fracture, sprain or dislocation. Children are also usually more active than adults and likely to experience injuries or accidents during physical activity.

Fortunately, many of these injuries tend to heal easier in children because their bones are strong and flexible, allowing your child to quickly return to normal growth and activity with little to no long-term damage. Conservative treatment such as casting, rest and immobilization are often effective in treating these injuries.

Strep Throat

Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat caused by the group A Streptococcus bacteria. This condition is highly contagious and may be spread easily from person to person, especially among family members, in schools and in child care settings. Children between the ages of 5 and 15 years old are commonly affected, however, strep throat can affect people of all ages. Strep throat is commonly treated with antibiotics, but left untreated it may lead to serious complications such as kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever.

Viral Illnesses

When your child is sick, we will do our best to arrange to see your child as soon as possible. We understand that this can be a troubling time for both parent and child, so accommodating patients who are sick is a high priority for our practice.

With your patience and understanding, your child can receive urgent, top quality care. To make the visit productive for both the doctor and your child, prepare a list of conditions and questions you may have. Some of them may include the following:

• Main reason for the visit
• When your child first became sick
• The symptoms of the illness
• Medications you have given your child
• Any friend, family member, or daycare provider who may be sick
• Any travel you or your family may have done