There are many questions that parents have when a child is sick. Whether it be a cold, a fever, or an infection, our doctors and the staff here are always willing to help and will do everything we can to make sure your child gets the care he or she deserves. Below are some guidelines and answers to frequently asked questions that parents have in caring for their children. Please do not hesitate to call us if you are unsure about anything below or have a question that is not answered here.
- What are the symptoms & treatments of Pink Eye?
- What can I do to treat an ear infection?
- What causes Hives and how can I treat it?
- What are the appropriate dosages for Tylenol?
- What are the appropriate dosages for Motrin/Advil?
What are the symptoms & treatments of Pink Eye?
Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is a common problem, especially in school children. It happens when the conjunctiva - a thin, clear covering over the white part of the eye that also covers the inside of the eyelids - gets infected.
You'll probably know you have pink eye if your eye turns a pink or red color. Your eye also may hurt or itch.
Click here to view our patient handout for more information about pink eye.
What can I do to treat an ear infection?
- Elevate the head to reduce pressure and facilitate drainage of mucus.
- Open the window.
- Apply warm compresses over the affected ear.
- Give Tylenol for pain or fever greater than 101. (It is sometimes advisable to use Tylenol every 4 hours for the first 24 hours of infection)
- Auralgan ear drops- 3-4 drops every 2 hours. ONLY as needed for pain, make sure to warm drops first. (NOT IN THE MICROWAVE)
- Encourage plenty of fluids.
- Antibiotics may be needed. (REMEMBER TO FINISH ALL ANTIBIOTICS)
- Cough medications or decongestants may be necessary.
What causes Hives and how can I treat it?
Your child has a rash called hives (also known as urticarial). This is usually caused by an allergic reaction to food or medication. The time relationship from when the food/medication was ingested can vary widely from 15 minutes to 2-3 days after ingestion. Other causes of hives can be allergic reactions to a virus or related to stress.
The rash can occur anywhere on the body and can change shape and position. It will feel hot to touch, causes the affected area of the body to swell, and is often itchy. These symptoms occur due to the body releasing a substance called histamine.
To alleviate these symptoms, we use a medication called antihistamine (ie Benadryl)- it will help soothe the itch, swelling, and redness. (Occasionally, if symptoms are severe, steroids may also be prescribed.) A warm Aveeno Bath may also help the itch. But there is no cure. (The allergic reaction may come and go for as long as 4-6 weeks)
Because the reaction is an inflammatory response, it will frequently cause arthralgias or joint aches. To relieve this, you may give Tylenol or Motrin.
To avoid making the symptoms worse, stay away from acidic foods such as orange juice or tomato sauce.
Note: if your child has a severe allergic reaction and has trouble breathing, please go to the Emergency Room immediately.
What are the appropriate dosages for Tylenol?
Acetaminophen reduced fever and relieved pain. Typical uses include fevers, immunizations, teething, earaches, bruises, and headaches. Certain tips for Acetaminophen are as followings:
- Please notify us prior to using Tylenol for babies under 6 months of age.
- Always use the measuring device that comes with the medicine.
- The proper dosage is based on weight, not age.
- Never give acetaminophen to a child taking other medicines unless directed by a doctor.
What are the appropriate dosages for Motrin/Advil?
Ibuprofen reduces fever, relieves pain, and fights inflammation. Typical uses include immunizations, fevers, teething, sunburns, bruises, headaches, and sore muscles. We usually recommend that ibuprofen not be used in babies under 6 months of age.
- Please notify us prior to using Motrin/Advil for babies under 6 months of age.
What are the appropriate dosages for Tylenol?
Acetaminophen reduced fever and relieved pain. Typical uses include fevers, immunizations, teething, earaches. bruises and headaches. Certain tips for Acetaminophen are as followings:
- Please notify us prior to using Tylenol for babies under 6 months of age
- Always use the measuring device that comes with the medicine.
- The proper dosage is based on weight, not age.
- Never give acetaminophen to a child taking other medicines unless directed by a doctor.
| Weight | Tylenol Infant/Children's Liquid (160mg/5ml) | Tylenol Chewables 160mg each | Tylenol Junior 160mg each |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6-11 Ibs | 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) | N/A | N/A |
| 12-17 Ibs | 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) | N/A | N/A |
| 18-23 Ibs | 3/4 tsp (3.75 ml) | N/A | N/A |
| 24-35 Ibs | 1 tsp(5 ml) | 2 tablets | 1 tablet |
| 36-47 Ibs | 1.5 tsp (7.5ml) | 3 tablets | 1.5 tablet |
| 48-59 Ibs | 2 tsp (10 ml) | 4 tablets | 2 tablets |
| 60-71 Ibs | 2.5 tsp (12.5 ml) | 5 tablets | 2.5 tablets |
| 72-95 Ibs | 3 tsp (15ml) | 6 tablets | 3 tablets |
| Weight | Motrin Miligram Dosage |
Motrin Infant Drops
(50mg/1.25 ml) |
Motrin Children's Liquid (100mg/5ml) | Motrin Chewables 100mg each | Motrin Junior 100mg each |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12-17 Ibs | 50mg | 1 dropper (1.25 ml) | 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) | N/A | N/A |
| 18-23 Ibs | 75mg | 1.5 dropper (1.875 ml) | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 24-35 Ibs | 100mg | N/A | 1 tsp (5ml) | 2 tablets | 1 tablet |
| 36-47 Ibs | 150 mg | N/A | 1.5 tsp (7.5 ml) | 3 tablets | 1.5 tablet |
| 48-59 Ibs | 200 mg | N/A | 2 tsp (10ml) | 2 tablets | 2 tablets |
| 60-71 Ibs | 250 mg | N/A | 2.5 tsp (12.5 ml) | 2.5 tablets | 2.5 tablets |
| 72-95 Ibs | 300 mg | N/A | 3 tsp (15 ml) | 3 tablets | 3 tablets |
