When to go to the doctor?

michaela080

I never know when to bring Robert to the doctor. He has had a runny nose for about a week and coughing since Wednesday, but no fever and not acting really crabby or anything. So on the one hand I'm like, what's the doctor going to do, but then I'm like, he's been coughing a lot and maybe he has a sinus infection or something. I feel like we go through this every time he is sick, should we bring him in or shouldn't we? I know it doesn't hurt to bring him, but at the same time it's so annoying when you go to all the trouble of getting him in and you just hear, yeah he has a cold, give him Tylenol if he acts irritable.

Barefoot84

I was told to bring her in only if the cough persists for more than three weeks, when there is no fever. If he's not really crabby and sleeping reasonably well, I would wait before bringing him in.

APendola

I agree with other posters that if there is a number you can call for advice, that is a good place to start.  

I have only brought my daughter in once because she was vomiting so much that I was worried she'd be dehydrated.  I have called a health line other times because of fever because I wasn't sure if the fever was high enough to be a concern.  When I called they gave me advice and told me at what point it's a concern.  Really helpful.  

michaela080

Gah. He has a low grade fever now, still coughing some, a faucet nose, and had diarrhea. He is home with DH tomorrow, so DH will call the nurse. I don't really think he is bad enough to bring in, but at the same time I have this idea that we can catch it before it gets bad. Also, since DH is off, tomorrow is the perfect time to take him without missing work.