Doctors Detail Symptoms In Children, Which Parents Should Not Ignore

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - When your children are sick, you'll do just about anything to make them feel better.

But, do you ever wonder when you can just treat it yourself - or when you should go to the doctor instead?

There are symptoms doctors say parents should never ignore.

The first IS dehydration.

The Paredes family battled the stomach virus twice in three months.

Marissa, 8, and 9-month-old Brandon really couldn't hold anything down.

Their mother, Karen Paredes, says Marissa is a Type-1 Diabetic so it's very important that she eat and drink every two hours.

As for her son, Paredes says she knew it was time to call the doctor because he didn't have any tears when he was crying and he didn't have any wet diapers for almost 12 hours.

Pediatrician Dr. Robert Adler says both Marissa and Brandon needed IV fluids.

Fever is another concern for parents.

Dr. Adler says elevated temperatures mean the body is fighting infection, but parents should watch for something more serious.

Dr. Adler says fever with intense headache and stiff neck could be a sign of meningitis.

Doctors say any fever in a baby younger than two months should be checked out immediately.

Rashes aren't usually a concern, unless it covers the entire body.

Red or purple spots that don't change when you press them can be a sign of sepsis.

Dr. Adler says parents should never hesitate to pick up the phone.

"Rather than have the anxiety, call the pediatrician and see if this is something they need to be seen for right away or not," says Dr. Adler.

Karen Paredes is a nurse, but she says even parents without medical training should trust their instincts.

Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter