Page 50 - GreenBook

with a package of artificial sweetener, such as equal, added. That will ^
sometimes make it more palatable. If he/she is still refusing try the powdered ^
preparations. If all else fails try adding 2 ounces of soda or juice to 6 ounces of
electrolyte solution.

Although there are medications that "can control diarrhea", they may cover up a
more serious problem. Please call our office during office hours before giving

diarrhea medications.

Call us immediately if your child has:
• signs of significant dehydration - urinating less than twice in 24 hours,
absent tears while crying, dry mouth (not lips), excessive drowsiness or
fussiness, sunken eyes, cool and discolored hands and feet or wrinkled

skin

• a distended, swollen appearing abdomen
• severe, persistent abdominal pain
• bloody stools associated with any of the above

•

Call during office hours If your child has:
• bloody or mucousy stools without other symptoms

• refusal to drink or eat

• jaundice (yellow skin color)
• diarrhea for more than 10 days

M. Earache
Earache is one of the most common symptoms in childhood. There are many
different causes of earaches. Not all earaches are ear infections. Sore throats,
teething, hard ear wax and other things can cause ear pain. If the symptoms are

mild they may disappear within 24 hours. When your child has an ear infection,
he may run a fever, be fussy, or play with or pull on his ears. Often what makes
an earache seem urgent, requiring prompt attention, is the pain. The infection, if
any, can usually wait to be treated during normal office hours. Late at night, if
pain relief can be accomplished with Tylenol or Motrin and warmth (a heating
pad or hot water bottle) applied to the outer ear then the urgency diminishes and
the earache can be evaluated in the morning.

N. Eye Problems

Conjunctivitis (Eye infections)

1. Viral Conjunctivitis
• Red eyes with a watery discharge but no yellow drainage or
matting of the eyelashes is usually caused by a virus. They may
also be accompanied by cold symptoms.
• Redness may last as long as the cold.

2. Bacterial Conjunctivitis
• Yellow/green discharge in the eye, may mat eyelashes after sleep.
• Eyelids may be puffy due to irritation from discharge.

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