When do you call the Dr

[Shazzler]

Just wondered how long you would wait to call a Dr when your child is ill. (high temp, runny nose, bad cough etc).

Sometimes I think I call too early and am told they are fine and then wait too long to take them back when they are still ill. IYSWIM

[tiddlypom]

Personally I find ringing NHS Direct is perfect for that kind of dilemma - they will tell you if it's safe just to go back to bed or if you must dash straight to A&E. Almost always with the kids I've gone back to bed. They usually say you should check with your GP if things get worse, or sometimes just see them anyway in the morning - but in that case I don't feel so bad, I just tell the GP that NHS Direct said I was to see them. HTH

[Shazzler]

Thanks.

Its just that asthma runs in the family and if I take my ds (5) too early there is no chest infection but it can set in and then I am unsure when to go back.

Its my dd (19mths) that is ill just now and we don't know if she has asthma or not.

She has been putting her fingers in her ears a lot lately but I think that she has just discovered there are holes at the side of her head. So I don't think she has an ear infection.

I always feel so helpless when they are ill.