Newborn Illness - How to Recognize

Pediatric HouseCalls Online

DEFINITION

  • This guideline covers the subtle ways that infection and other serious diseases can present in newborns (birth through 30 days)

WHY NEWBORNS NEED TO BE OBSERVED CLOSELY

  • Newborns are at increased risk for infections, especially during the first 7 days of life.
  • Newborns who develop bloodstream infections (sepsis) can deteriorate rapidly.
  • The symptoms of serious illness in newborns can be subtle and atypical. That is why the statement "Age under 1 month old (newborn) and starts to look or act sick in any way" is found in the "Call Your Doctor Now" section of at least 10 topics.
  • If your newborn's appearance or behavior changes and you think it's abnormal, don't hesitate to call your baby's doctor now for expert advice.

See More Appropriate Topic (instead of this one) If

 WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR

Call 911 Now (your child may need an ambulance) If

  • Unresponsive or difficult to awaken
  • Not moving or very weak

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

  • Overt symptoms of any illness including vomiting (especially any bile - yellow or green), diarrhea, or cough
  • Sleeping excessively
  • A sudden change in feeding behavior (has to be repeatedly awakened to nurse or can't stay awake for feedings)
  • Inability to sustain sucking or nursing
  • Sweating during feedings
  • Change in muscle tone (decreased or floppy)
  • Decreased activity or movement
  • Change in color (i.e., pale, bluish or gray arms and legs)
  • Fever above 100.4 F (38.0 C) rectally
  • Low temperature below 96.8 F (36.0 C) rectally
  • Unusual crying, moaning, grunting
  • You think your baby needs to be seen

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If

  • You have other questions or concerns

Parent Care at Home If

  • Your baby is not acting sick and you don't think your child needs to be seen

 HOME CARE ADVICE FOR NEWBORNS WITHOUT SIGNS OF ILLNESS

  1. Reassurance:  While your baby does not have any signs of illness at this time, careful observation during the early weeks of life is always the best approach.
  2. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Your baby starts to look or act sick in any way
And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.
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Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Copyright:Author and Senior Reviewer: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D. Clinical content review provided by Senior Reviewer and Healthpoint Medical Network.

Last Review Date: 9/3/2006

Last Revised: 8/5/2006 2:20:46 PM

Content Set: Pediatric HouseCalls Online

Version Year: 2006

Copyright 1994-2006 Barton D. Schmitt, M.D.

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Is Your Child Sick?

Pediatric HouseCalls Online is a guide for treating your child at home, calling your child's doctor or seeking immediate medical attention. Developed by Dr. Barton Schmitt, MD, FAAP, a board-certified pediatrician on staff at The Children’s Hospital. Dr. Schmitt has developed health tools for parents, including Pediatric HouseCalls Online, the Parent Advice Line and his 3rd edition of Your Child’s Health, which is available in bookstores.

Are You Sick?

David A Thompson, MD is the author of Adult HouseCalls Online. He is a board-certified emergency medicine physician at MacNeal Hospital in Chicago. He has a national reputation in telephone triage, decision support tools, medical information technology and quality improvement. Adult HouseCalls Online is a decision support tool for adults that has been reviewed and approved by adult physicians.

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