When Does Your Child Need Urgent Pediatric Care?

Dr. Diana Abdrakhmanova, family physician and pediatrician at Kandinsky Clinic in Dubai, explains which symptoms should not be ignored when considering a doctor's visit.

Breathing Difficulties

This is a dangerous sign, especially in infants. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of these symptoms:

• Severe nostril flaring and chest retractions along the rib cage when breathing

• Difficulty speaking, inability to complete full sentences, broken or interrupted speech

• Wheezing or whistling sounds in the chest, labored breathing

High Temperature

Fever isn't an illness itself but a symptom that something's wrong in the body. It often accompanies various childhood illnesses, including viral, bacterial, or fungal infections. A temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher requires immediate medical attention.

Don't wait for it to improve or try to "let the body fight it off" as traditional wisdom suggests. Severe infections can develop rapidly - sometimes within hours. The consequences can be serious, and earlier medical intervention is always more effective. It's easier to treat an illness at its onset rather than waiting for complications.

If a rash accompanies the fever, seek medical care as quickly as possible.

Cough

Seek immediate medical attention if:

• The child is under 6 months (regardless of accompanying symptoms)

• Night-time coughing

• Coughing until vomiting and inability to stop

• Cough persisting for more than 3 weeks

• "Barking" cough (often accompanied by hoarseness and noisy breathing)

Vomiting and Diarrhea

While occasional loose stools are normal, more than 3 episodes per day warrant medical attention.

Other concerning signs include:

• No urination (gaps of 5 hours or more between urination)

• Refusing to drink despite dehydration

• Dry skin and mucous membranes, reduced saliva, tears, etc.

• Lethargy, irritability, lack of interest (with or without fever)

• Blood in stool (even if not loose)

• Sunken eyes or fontanel (rare but life-threatening)

• Contact a doctor immediately if you observe any of these signs

Skin Rashes

Rashes can indicate numerous childhood illnesses, including measles, scarlet fever, or rubella. In some cases, the rash appears first, with fever, cough, and other symptoms following 2-3 days later. Don't wait for the potential illness to progress too far.

Pain

Pain is always a clear signal that something's wrong with the body. Seek qualified medical help for severe and increasing pain, especially abdominal pain.

Head Injuries and Loss of Consciousness

Don't assume only visible injuries with swelling and bruising are dangerous. If a child falls, even from a low height, or hits their head, consult a doctor to ensure there are no negative consequences.