What to Do If Your Child Has A Fever, Burn, Tummy Ache….The Art Of The Boo Boo
Original article written by Dr. Daliah.
During the pandemic, many medical clinics closed, or stayed open only for emergencies to minimize risk of spread of COVID-19.
So unfortunately many parents and caregivers struggled to get answers to simple questions when a child they were caring for sustained an injury or became ill.
Terms such as “COVID rash”, fever, shortness of breath prompted parents to seek resources on what symptoms were serious vs mild.
So physicians and students teamed up to create an easy to read guide, The Art of the Boo Boo, on how to address common ailments that affect children.
Advice on ailments include:
Burns
If mild, such a small burn on an arm or leg, run some cold water on the area, but avoid ice as ice can damage the already sensitive skin. Larger area burns or those that blister should prompt a medical professional’s evaluation.
Fever
Many illnesses are accompanied by fever, as the body tries to fight off the infection by raising surrounding temperature. A fever is generally defined as a temperature greater than 100.4. However, some fevers could spike so quickly that they may induce a febrile seizure. Fever onset should be documented as well as other accompanying symptoms, and if not resolving with acetaminophen or other fever reducers, should be evaluated by a medical professional.
Upset stomach
“Upset stomachs” may range anywhere from having a meal that didn’t sit right with them to an appendicitis attack. Rare vomiting and diarrhea might be managed with sips of fluids and diet alterations such as BRAT (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and Toast). However, frequent vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, rash or fever needs urgent medical attention.
Bullying
Boo Boos could be external but also internal, and kids sustain frequent bullying by others throughout their education. Good communication with your child and school officials can help fend off the depression and isolation that could ensue with frequent bullying by other children.
Resources such as The Art of the Boo Boo, although not meant to replace an evaluation by a medical professional, can surely answer some questions that we parents, caregivers and teachers face.
Educating oneself before the emergency or illness is a powerful tool in helping to quickly address our little one’s boo boos.
