Medical Advice

Pediatric Emergency Centers

Edward Hospital Naperville (630)527-3358

Edward Immediate Care Oswego (630)646-4200

Edward ER Plainfield (815)731-3000

Rush-Copley Medical Center Aurora (630)898-5275

Rush-Copley Emergency Department  (630)978-4810

FOR ALL INGESTIONS CALL POISON CONTROL 1-800-222-1222
Pediatric Emergencies To Call Your Doctor Immediately (AFTER HOURS CALL 911 OR GO DIRECTLY TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM):

 

Infant less than 2 months with fever greater than 100.5 degrees rectally.

Fever over 105 degrees if cause of fever is unknown. (Common with strep, influenza, and other viral illnesses.)

Head injury involving loss of consciousness, persistent vomiting, and lethargy.

Sign of dehydration (dry mouth, sunken eyes, lethargy, no urination over 8 hours.)

Lethargy or difficulty arousing a child (especially if fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or head injury.)

Labored and persistent rapid breathing: greater than 60 times/minute when less than 1 year of age
greater than 50 times/minute when over 1 year of age.

Severe pain in the right lower abdomen that persists more than 2 hours in an ill child.

Extreme irritability or persistent inconsolable crying for over 2 hours.

An injured extremity that is misshapen or crooked.

For Non-Urgent Problems, See Instructions Below

FEVER- Most fevers are beneficial to help fight infection. If the child is uncomfortable and is older than 2 months of age, please give Tylenol. If child is over 6 months, you may give Tylenol and/or Motrin if fever is greater than 102 degrees or persistent, or if child has significant pain/discomfort. Call in the morning for appointment if fever or pain persists unless signs of emergent illness exist (see above). Fever under 106 degrees does not damage a child's brain and most can be safely observed and treated until the office opens.

COUGH- A cough is a protective mechanism to clear mucus from the airway and doesn't require treatment unless it inhibits sleep, produces vomit, or if your child has asthma, wheezing, and/or labored breathing. If you have medication for treatment of asthma at home, administer a dose and observe. If after usual treatment is given there is no improvement or if condition worsens, call your doctor.

COUGH & CONGESTION IN < 6 MONTHS OLD- Use saline nose drops and bulb suction to remove nasal discharge. Elevate head of bed and use a cool mist humidifier. Over-the-counter decongestant medicine is not recommended under 6 years of age because of lack of efficacy and side effects.

CROUP- Croup is a seal-like barking cough caused by a virus. Keep child calm, provide cool mist humidifier, and offer fluids. If tight cough persists, sit in steamed-up bathroom or take outside in cool, moist air to decrease cough. If still severe after 15 minutes or if child's lips or nails turn blue or dusky, has difficulty swallowing (drooling or spitting) or is worsening at any time, go to the Emergency Room immediately or call 911.

VOMITING AND DIARRHEA- If breastfeeding, continue to do so. All others should be given Pedialyte, in small amounts, frequently for 12-24 hours, then slowly advance diet. Frozen Pedialyte Popsicles are an excellent alternative. Call if signs/symptoms of dehydration become present. Avoid juices (diarrhea worsens) or excessive water intake (can cause electrolyte abnormalities).

CONSTIPATION- For infants older than 4 months old, give 1-2 ounces of prune juice, 1-2 times/day. For older children, prune juice, white grape juice, apple juice and fiber will help with constipation. Excessive milk or dairy intake in children over 1 year old can cause constipation. If unable to pass stool, call in the morning for an appointment.

EARACHE- Give Tylenol and/or Motrin to alleviate pain and/or fever. Call in the morning for an appointment, but go to urgent care or E.R. if pain is uncontrollable.

SORE THROAT- Most are a viral infection, especially if associated with cold symptoms. Strep throat occurs 10-20% of the time and should be ruled out especially if fever, headache, and/or abdominal pain/vomiting are present. Give Motrin and/or Tylenol, cool liquids, popsicles, etc. Call office in the morning for an appointment.

EYE INFECTION- Apply cool compress and gently wipe drainage from eye. Call office in the morning for  an appointment.

RASH WITHOUT FEVER- Give Tylenol for fever and Benadryl for itching. May bathe frequently in Aveeno baths, and use 1% hydrocortisone if complaints of itching. If on antibiotics, stop using drug and call office in the morning.

CHICKEN POX- Give Tylenol for fever and Benadryl for itching. May bathe frequently in Aveeno baths. Isolate from others until all lesions are crusted over. Call immediately for stiff neck, severe headache, or any change in level of consciousness. Call to talk with nurse in the morning if you have further questions.

BEE AND/OR BUG BITE- Place ice on area. Give Tylenol or Motrin for pain. Give Benadryl if complaints of itching. Call immediately or go to the Emergency Room if wheezing, difficulty breathing, throat or chest tightness occurs or if patient has had previous allergic reaction to this insect in the past or if this incident involves more than 5 stings.






Dose Chart for Medications
       
Age

Frequency
Weight Tylenol Infant
(160mg/5ml)
Every 4-6 Hours
Tylenol Child
(160mg/5ml)
Every 4-6 Hours
 
< 2 months   DO NOT USE DO NOT USE  
2-6 months 6- 11 lbs 1.25 mL DO NOT USE  
6-11 months 12- 17 lbs 2.5 mL DO NOT USE  
12-23 months 18- 23 lbs 3.75 mL DO NOT USE  
2-3 years 24- 35 lbs 5 mL 5 mL (1 tsp)  
4-5 years 36- 47 lbs DO NOT USE 7.5 mL (1 1/2 tsp)  
6-8 years 48- 59 lbs DO NOT USE 10 mL (2 tsp)  
9-10 years 60- 71 lbs DO NOT USE 12.5 mL (2 1/2 tsp)  
11 years 72- 95 lbs DO NOT USE 15 mL (3 tsp)  
         
Age

Frequency
Weight Motrin/Advil Infant
Drops (50mg/1.25mL)
Every 6-8 Hours
Motrin/Advil Child
Susp(100mg/5mL)
Every 6-8 Hours
Benadryl
(12.5mg/5ml)
Every 6-8 Hours
< 2 months   DO NOT USE DO NOT USE DO NOT USE
2-6 months 6- 11 lbs DO NOT USE DO NOT USE DO NOT USE
6-11 months 12- 17 lbs 1.25 mL DO NOT USE 2.5 mL
12-23 months 18- 23 lbs 1.875 mL DO NOT USE 3.75 mL
2-3 years 24- 35 lbs DO NOT USE 5 mL (1 tsp) 5 mL
4-5 years 36- 47 lbs DO NOT USE 7.5 mL (1 1/2 tsp) 7.5 mL
6-8 years 48- 59 lbs DO NOT USE 10 mL (2 tsp) 10 mL
9-10 years 60- 71 lbs DO NOT USE 12.5 mL (2 1/2 tsp) 12.5 mL
11 years 72- 95 lbs DO NOT USE 15 mL (3 tsp) 15 mL