Taking your child to the pediatrician is always an ordeal due to the process of taking your child out of class for a time and coordinating your own schedule with the appointment. That being said, because it is so difficult to plan your appointment, you should try to get as much done in a single appointment as possible. The next time you walk into the pediatric office for your child’s checkup, you should be ready to report any abnormalities.
The following are five things in particular that you should look at before taking your child to the pediatrician.
1. Skin Problems
You should make sure to take note of any skin problems that your child complains about leading up to the appointment. Additionally, you should make sure that moles are accounted for, especially those that might appear to be changing shape or coloration. Finally, make sure you look for any rashes or growths, especially patches of flaky skin.
2. Digestive Problems
It might be difficult to get your child to communicate problems to you, but sometimes, it is absolutely necessary. If you notice that a particular food makes your child sick or uneasy, then you should report this to your doctor to get a referral to an allergist. One particular allergy of note is lactose intolerance, which often affects younger children.
3. Motor Issues
This problem is particularly important and often missed by parents, especially those who are not with their children throughout the day. While your child is playing, you should watch out for signs of poor motor skills such as falling over and other problems involving coordination. Make sure you pay attention to other problems that arise from this, such as knocking things over or other frequent accidents.
4. Communicative Issues
The pediatric office can also help give you referrals for psychiatric issues, which don’t always involve violence. Some children might have trouble concentrating or communicating how they are feeling, which can cause a parent to worry. In addition, problems with communication and irritability can be a sign of other health problems that might not otherwise be apparent to you.
5. Circulatory and Respiratory Problems
These types of problems are particularly common in childhood, and, more often than not, the child will grow out of these issues once they go through puberty. Asthma is particularly common in childhood, and it can be as subtle as a cough after intense physical activity. In addition, you should pay attention for circulatory problems such as reports of numbness or an uneasy feeling in the limbs.
It can be difficult to figure out what your child means when they complain about certain health issues, but it is imperative that you keep an open mind when communicating with him or her. Everyone in the pediatric office is there to help your child and to ensure that they grow into a healthy adult, but communication is key. Once you determine the health issues that are affecting your child, you and your child’s pediatrician can work together to help correct them.