What/How/Who/When:

What to do when your child is sick? How to decide who to call? When to call? All of these questions are great questions which all parents have asked at some time (you are not alone!). Here are a few simple guidelines that may help when your child is sick.

Guidelines:

1. First, you should always feel comfortable calling our office. During the week, there is always a Registered Nurse available to help you make the right decision for your family. The Registered Nurse is available Monday through Friday from 8AM until 4 PM at 317-274-7208. If medical concerns arise during the night or on the weekends, you may call 317-944-5000, and ask to speak to the "Pulmonary Doctor on call".
2. As the CF team, we would want to know about any of these things:
   • Respiratory or Breathing Concerns:
     • Cough, and this can be a new cough, a change in cough, a new cough with exercise and play, or whatever you have questions about.
     • Wheezing
     • An increase in breathing rate
     • Feeling or acting "more tired than usual"
     • Not eating or drinking or a decrease in the amount of eating or drinking
     • Fever, especially if it has lasted more than 24 to 48 hours
   • Digestive or "Stomach-related Concerns":
     • A change in stools or pattern
     • Vomiting
     • Not eating or drinking
3. The Registered Nurse will review all of your child's symptoms and all of your concerns with you, and will help determine if your child should be seen by a doctor or if there are things that can be done at home first.
4. Finally, remember that no question is "too simple" or "too silly"!

For more information

Pulmonary Exacerbation Scoring Sheet

Influenza Fact Sheet