Crying and Illnesses
Reviewed by Roy Benaroch on September 19, 2014
Sources
Harvey Karp, MD, FAAP, author, The Happiest Baby on the Block. Steven P. Shelov, MD, MS, FAAP, Editor in Chief, and Tanya Remer Altmann, MD, FAAP, Associate Medical Editor, The Complete and Authoritative Guide for Caring for Your Baby and Young Child, Birth to Age 5. Laura A. Jana, MD, FAAP, and Jennifer Shu, MD, FAAP, Heading Home With Your Newborn, From Birth to Reality.
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Video Transcript
Harvey Karp, MD, FAAP: They may not use words. But babies sure know how to get our attention:
However, if your baby's cries just won't stop, that may be a sign that the colic is the result of a bigger problem.
In babies with persistent fussing, ruling out illness is essential – as we explain step by step.
Harvey Karp, MD (cont.): If your newborn has a fever, you've got to take it seriously and call the doctor without delay. The younger they are, the less prepared their immune systems are to fight off infection. Don't depend on your touch alone.
Harvey Karp, MD (cont.): The best way to check your infant for fever is with a rectal thermometer. A temperature of 98.6 Fahrenheit is considered normal for most of us, but babies run a little warmer. For newborns, fever is defined by a rectal temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher. For older infants, easy-to-read digital oral or ear thermometers are fine. Mercury-filled glass thermometers are no longer recommended. And head strips – while convenient, may not be fully reliable.
Harvey Karp, MD (cont.): It's also very important to understand babies can be sick without having a fever. If irritability turns to agitation or lethargy – there is vomiting or diarrhea – you see signs of rash – head or body swelling – or notice blood in the urine or stool. Call the doctor right away! Babies don't have strong immune systems and can get very sick, very fast. So it's always better to be safe than sorry. I will turn you over …
Harvey Karp, MD (cont.): Your doctor may need to examine your child in the office or emergency room and do X-rays and tests of the baby's blood, urine and even spinal fluid. They may also recommend you change your baby's formula or change your diet if you are breastfeeding. All of these help your doctor to evaluate your baby for illnesses such as: Infection; Intestinal blockage; Food allergies; Or other conditions – like migraines headaches or even heart problems – that are rare but can be very serious. You don't want to accidentally mask a serious problem, so please never give your baby medications, drops or pain or fever relief without first consulting your pediatrician.
Harvey Karp, MD (cont.): Crying – need not spell crisis. The vast majority of fussy infants are just homesick for the 5 S's' Those are the symphony of sensations that constantly calmed them in the womb. I'll talk about these simple soothing techniques that all babies crave – just ahead step by step.
For WebMD, I'm Doctor Harvey Karp.
Harvey Karp, MD (cont.): If your newborn has a fever, you've got to take it seriously and call the doctor without delay. The younger they are, the less prepared their immune systems are to fight off infection. Don't depend on your touch alone.
Harvey Karp, MD (cont.): The best way to check your infant for fever is with a rectal thermometer. A temperature of 98.6 Fahrenheit is considered normal for most of us, but babies run a little warmer. For newborns, fever is defined by a rectal temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher. For older infants, easy-to-read digital oral or ear thermometers are fine. Mercury-filled glass thermometers are no longer recommended. And head strips – while convenient, may not be fully reliable.
Harvey Karp, MD (cont.): It's also very important to understand babies can be sick without having a fever. If irritability turns to agitation or lethargy – there is vomiting or diarrhea – you see signs of rash – head or body swelling – or notice blood in the urine or stool. Call the doctor right away! Babies don't have strong immune systems and can get very sick, very fast. So it's always better to be safe than sorry. I will turn you over …
Harvey Karp, MD (cont.): Your doctor may need to examine your child in the office or emergency room and do X-rays and tests of the baby's blood, urine and even spinal fluid. They may also recommend you change your baby's formula or change your diet if you are breastfeeding. All of these help your doctor to evaluate your baby for illnesses such as: Infection; Intestinal blockage; Food allergies; Or other conditions – like migraines headaches or even heart problems – that are rare but can be very serious. You don't want to accidentally mask a serious problem, so please never give your baby medications, drops or pain or fever relief without first consulting your pediatrician.
Harvey Karp, MD (cont.): Crying – need not spell crisis. The vast majority of fussy infants are just homesick for the 5 S's' Those are the symphony of sensations that constantly calmed them in the womb. I'll talk about these simple soothing techniques that all babies crave – just ahead step by step.
For WebMD, I'm Doctor Harvey Karp.
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