HOW TO TELL IF YOUR INFANT IS SICK

Written by Caroline Meyer

Bringing a new life in to the world can be exciting and frightening all at once. While it is generally rewarding, it comes with many challenges that you are not always expecting. Your baby cannot communicate what is troubling them and you need to figure out what their cries mean. You also have to figure out what hurts or if they are ill. How can you work out if they are just being niggly, tired, hungry or are ill? How do you know if it’s just a stuffy nose of if you need to get to the doctor immediately?

While it is possible to have a look for some of the warning signs, it is not always possible to pick up on all the warning signs of illness. If you have any concerns at any time, consult your doctor to rule out illness and disease.  We look at some of the more common symptoms, but the list is not all-inclusive. 

One of the first signs that parents often pick up is when babies are running a fever. A fever is usually a clear indication of infection of some kind. For some babies, this may be the only indication of illness. If your notice that your babies temperature goes about 38°C, you should have him checked out by the doctor. Another common sign would be fussiness, fatigue or changes in sleep. Babies may appear listless or a lot less energetic than usual. They may wake from a nap still sleepy and appear sluggish or drowsy. 

If their reaction to sounds or visual stimulation is slow or non-existent, there is quite often a health problem of some kind. Keep tabs on your baby’s energy levels as this is something parents don’t often pick up on as the energy levels may decrease over a period of time. A decrease in energy can indicate a mild infection such as a cold or something more serious including blood diseases or heart problems.

Behavioural changes are often an indication or ill-health in a baby. Changes in activity levels or crying can indicate illness. Over time you might pick up the difference between baby crying for hunger, attention, sleep, nappy change or illness. This can be difficult at the start. Some babies develop colic which results in almost constant crying which can go on for hours at a time. This can also result in other illnesses being overlooked. Colic tends to clear up by 3 or 4 months, but can be terrifying for parents during the time baby is suffering from it. If baby is fussing a lot, it can be due to pain or illness. If they seem jittery or are trembling, this could indicate pain or infection.  If you notice any changes of this type you should get baby checked by your medical care giver.

Vomiting, diarrhoea or blood in the stool could be indicative of a number of illnesses and diseases.  Even if you think it may not be serious,  babies can become dehydrated quite quickly, so it is important  that you seek treatment if there are a number of loose stools or if it is combined with vomiting. 

Other symptoms and signs of illness can include unexplained rashes (could also indicate an allergy) or rashes that become raw and painful or look purple. Pulling on the ears can indicate an ear infection. This may be accompanied by fever and irritability. Nasal discharge that is yellow or green, especially if it continues for more than a week can indicate a sinus infection. If there is coughing, wheezing, difficulty feeding and constant crying with this symptom, it could indicate a more serious illness.  If baby looks abnormally pale or flushed, you should get him checked out as soon as possible. If baby starts refusing to feed or has reduced milk intake for a few feeds, has not had a wet nappy for many hours or is wheezing or coughing continually, speak to your doctor to check for causes of the problems as soon as possible.

If baby has sudden seizures (convulsions) especially if combined with a fever, ensure they get emergency care as soon as possible. If there is a change in the fontanelle (soft spot on top of the head), this can also indicate a problem. If the fontanelle swells or appears sunken in, you should get the baby to an emergency care centre as soon as possible.

Problems swallowing or breathing also requires emergency care.  If breathing becomes strained or rapid this may need instant assistance. If baby is vomiting constantly or the vomit becomes green in colour, get to a hospital for urgent attention.  If baby becomes limp or abnormally lethargic, this is usually reason for concern and to get immediate medical assistance.

While most illnesses are not serious and can be attended to in normal office hours, if you have any concerns for your babies health you should seek assistance. Talk to your paediatrician about what to do in the case of an emergency. Many doctors will offer an afterhours service for taking emergency calls, but if they do not, they can usually advise who to call if you have concerns outside of office hours. If you experience any of the major issues as outlined above, take your baby through to a hospital for emergency care immediately and contact your paediatrician once you are at the hospital. For little ones, a delay in treatment can literally be the difference between life and death. 

While we can list the most common signs and symptoms of baby illness and when to get urgent care, it is often best for you to go with your gut feeling. You know your baby and how they usually behave so you would know when there is a change in behaviour and if you feel something is wrong, you should get medical assistance as soon as possible. Sometimes it is better to get care and it turn out to be something mild, than not to go with your gut feel and it becomes a dire situation.