Symptoms of serious illness in children

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Immediate medical care may be needed when fever, vomiting, or a seizure occurs along with signs of a serious illness.

Symptoms of serious illness include:

Severe neck stiffness or pain and fussiness.
Extreme sleepiness, difficulty waking up, or a lack of alertness.
A bulging soft spot (fontanel) on a baby's head.
Rapid, difficult breathing.
Drooling and not wanting to swallow.
Severe pain.
Signs of severe dehydration.
Blue or purple skin or mucous membranes (cyanosis).
New skin rash or spontaneous bruising.
New swelling, pain, redness, or warmth in one or more joints.
Fever of or higher 30 to 60 minutes after giving medication for fever.
Any signs of a urinary tract infection, such as pain or burning with urination or urinating frequently and in small amounts.

Credits

Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

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