With Jennifer Scheer, DO and Susan Mihm, MD – Kids don’t come with a manual, but they sure do come with lots of questions. So we sat down with two FPG Pediatricians—Dr. Jennifer Scheer and Dr. Susan Mihm—for a quick primer on some common concerns.
When is it ok to call your pediatrician?
Any time you have a question! And to schedule regular check-ups!
What do I do when my child has a cold?
Increase fluid consumption and carve out more time for rest. Depending on the child’s age, parents can use nasal saline, controlled steam (running a hot shower, for example) and a cool-mist humidifier to help with symptoms.
What if my child has a fever?
Fevers in babies under 2 months old need to be addressed immediately, so please call your doctor. (For infants under 60 days, a temperature above 100.3° rectal is considered a fever and needs to be addressed.)
In older children, fevers are normal with illness and are a sign that our bodies are heating up to kill the virus or bacteria we have acquired. Fevers in children are considered normal up to a temperature of 105 and can last 4-5 days with a typical virus. Parents can give antipyretics at home (acetaminophen at any age or ibuprofen over the age of 6 months) and ensure that their children are drinking plenty of fluids. If the fever is not coming down and the child is uncomfortable, parents can place the child in a lukewarm bath. If the fever persists for more than 4-5 days, the child needs to be seen by their pediatrician.
What are some of the most common childhood illnesses?
Upper respiratory infection (cold), influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), strep throat, hand foot and mouth disease, and gastroenteritis.
What do I do if my child has allergies?
If a child has seasonal allergies, it is difficult to avoid allergens altogether. Depending on age, an oral antihistamine like Zyrtec, Allegra, Claritin or Xyzal can help, as can a steroid nasal spray like Flonase Sensimist.
What do I do about breathing problems?
If a child has noisy or hard/fast breathing, parents need to call their pediatrician immediately or take the child to be evaluated by a healthcare professional, preferably at an emergency room.
When do I call 911 or go to the emergency room?
Call 911 and seek emergency care if:
- There is concern for an allergic reaction, with any two of the following symptoms: rash, vomiting, swelling of lips and/or tongue, or trouble breathing
- Hard/fast/noisy breathing
- Refusal to walk (in a toddler-aged child or older)
- Abnormal behavior/movements (concern for seizure activity)
- Persistent vomiting with inability to keep fluids down
- Any traumatic accident or injury
What do parents need to know before heading to the ER?
In the emergency room, patients are generally seen based on the seriousness of the problem, not necessarily order of arrival. So families may have long wait times if they are being seen for more minor issues.
If the issue is urgent but not an emergency, families can also seek care at any one of the seven nearby Sarasota Memorial Urgent Care Centers. To learn more about the difference between Emergency Room services and Urgent Care services, click here.
Need A Pediatrician?
To learn more about Pediatric Services at First Physicians Group, including locations in Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota, Osprey and Venice, click here.
Dr. Susan Mihm is a board certified pediatrician serving patients in Venice. For more information or to make an appointment, click here.
Dr. Jennifer Scheer is a board certified pediatrician serving patients in Lakewood Ranch. For more information or to make an appointment, click here.
