I took my infant to the emergency room yesterday because she was vomiting, had a high fever (102.3), and lethargic. At the hospital, she also began to have diarrhea. After waiting for 4 hours to see a doctor, we were told that it was just a virus, keep giving her fluids and tylenol/motrin, and she would be fine.
Today, she is still vomiting, refusing liquids and formula, and she has already had 10 watery BM's. She also wants to sleep a lot more than normal (which I think is normal when someone is sick). She is not taking in as much as she is putting out with the vomiting and diarrhea, and I am worried about dehydration. I did the capillary refill test on her toe, and it took 5 seconds to return to pink (I was told to do it to check for dehydration).
My question is, should I take her back to the ER, with the risk that they will turn us away again, or should I wait until tomorrow to see our pediatrician? I have tried everything I know, but nothing works.
2007-01-23 08:40:57 · 42 answers · asked by Leah B 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
My daughter had the exact same thing...same symptoms, everything. We took her to the ER and they said the same thing...just a virus, make sure she doesn't get dehydrated, etc. etc. We ended up taking her to a walk-in clinic and they gave us a prescription for some suppositories to help make her stop vomitting. It didn't really seem like it helped, so in my opinion it's a waste for that. Honestly, the only thing you can do is wait it out and GIVE HER LOTS OF FLUIDS. Give her Pedialyte, Gatorade, and water. If you breastfeed, keep feeding. If she's bottlefed, no formula until she hasn't vomitted for 24 hours. Rotate Tylenol and Motrin every 2 hours. And trust me she will get better soon. Also, the best sign of dehydration in a baby is to check if they're producing tears. Without seriously hurting her, try to make her cry ie: a little pinch or don't pick her up when she is wanting you to. If she's not producing tears after she gets into a full blown fit, then you should take her back to the ER immediately. There is really nothing the doctor can do, unless she becomes dehydrated. Email me if you have any more questions.
2007-01-23 08:50:37 · answer #1 · answered by Aaliyah & Natalie's Mommy 6 · 5⤊ 4⤋
Is there any way that her regular pediatrician can see her??? Her skin did change when you checked it for dehydration...so that is good. You did not mention how old of a baby she is. So it is really hard for me to say whether you should take her back in. I think if she is 2 or older wait one more day. If she is less than that take her back in. I would think that if she is vomit ting and having watery B.M.'s..there is little chance that her body is absorbing enough of her meds to help or make a difference. If you are a young mother...the doctor's have tendency to think you are over reacting..so if you have to be little stern with the doctors...do it!!! You know your baby best and it is up to you to demand more attention. If she is over 2 ask her pediatrician if she can have Emitrol....it is an anti-nausea liquid. Find out the dose if it is okay and try that. It can be bought in any drug store or even grocery store. But be sure it is okay for some one so young!!!
I wish you the best of luck!!!!
2007-01-23 08:51:01 · answer #2 · answered by yidlmama 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Call your pediatrician's # tonight. There will be an option for "emergencies". Use that. Tell your pediatrician what is going on. In the meantime, start giving your child pedialyte rather than formula or water or any other liquid. It helps with the dehydration. You pediatrician may be able to perscribe a suppository medicine (he'll call the pharmacy) to aid with the vomiting. Good luck and call right away.
So many people use the emergency room for sniffles and sneezes that true emergencies don't get take care of in a timely manner. Call your own physician. Also, FYI, 102 isn't considered extremely high for an infant although it is for an adult, so take a deep breath and relax. It's going to be okay. They all go through this.
2007-01-23 08:45:15 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
Take her back to the ER. The worst they can do is turn you away. What you were told in the ER more then likely will be different today as odds are the Dr will be different. If you sit at home w your child and she does get worse and god forbid something should happen you will be questioned as to why you didnt take her in. If you are sent home keep giving her pedialite and take her to see her dr tomorrow but go to the ER now
2007-01-23 08:46:59 · answer #4 · answered by texas_angel_wattitude 6 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Is there another hospital? Take her there if you are concerned about getting turned away. But for God's sake don't be using this site and a long list of responses to decide to do what seems natural in the first place. Deal with your gut instinct. The question isn't even a question.
2007-01-23 08:47:22 · answer #5 · answered by anothersomeonenew 5 · 4⤊ 1⤋
You should, go to a hospital that has pediatric ER room. If she's lethargic, it's an emergency for a child this young. Her pediatrian has to be notified too, if it's an emergency, your child's pediatrian is suppose to show up in the ER.
She's loosing prescious electrilyte in her brain when she vomit, will lead to shock, hurry up and GO!!!!!!
2007-01-23 08:55:05 · answer #6 · answered by 結縁 Heemei 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If it were my baby I would take it to the ER, not only that, but try a different ER, because every doctor is different and in doing this you could get a second opinion.
2007-01-23 08:55:17 · answer #7 · answered by Tina S 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Doesn't your doctor have an oncall doctor at the practice??
Call them right away and if they don't take her back to the ER and demand that they treat her...at the very least they can check her dehydration and give her an IV.
That's ridiculous...I'd be frantic and I'd be the loudest person in the waiting room until they saw my baby and at least did SOMETHING!.
YOU ARE HER VOICE! SCREAM AND YELL UNTIL THEY TREAT HER...TO HELL ABOUT HOW IT LOOKS!
2007-01-23 08:49:05 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋
Call your pediatrician asap RIGHT NOW, explain the situation and let him decide if he wants to see her right away or if she should go to the er. Never take a chance with a baby. ALL pediatricians have nurses ready to take your call & all offices will let you talk to a dr in an emergency.
2007-01-23 08:44:53 · answer #9 · answered by purple 2 · 6⤊ 1⤋
When in doubt you should always take them to the ER. I learned this the hard way when my son had pnuemonia. I would call your pediatrician as they should have someone on call and have them advise you. If it were me I'd go to the ER.
2007-01-23 09:10:10 · answer #10 · answered by cinnycinda 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋