Noticing signs that your child is ill is a stressful experience that often sends you scrambling to make an appointment with their pediatrician.
Usually, a visit to their doctor is enough to diagnose the problem and solve it, but what if their symptoms continue or get worse? If that occurs, it may be time to contact a children’s specialist for additional support.
A children’s specialist is a medical professional who knows how to address serious and chronic health conditions. If you think your child could benefit from a specialist, you will need to get a referral from their pediatrician.
It helps to know how to tell if your child needs specialist care and how to approach this conversation with their doctor.
Is It Time for a Specialist? Understanding the Warning Signs
The first step in realizing that your child needs a specialist’s help is catching the signs that their pediatrician’s assistance won’t be enough. There are a few things to watch for.
Digestive or Abdominal Issues
If your child displays stomach pain that doesn’t seem to go away, diarrhea, nausea, constipation, or vomiting, it’s important to act quickly.
These issues could point to digestive problems, including food allergies, irritable bowel syndrome, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. A children’s specialist can run the necessary tests to determine the underlying problem.
Respiratory Problems
If you notice that your child struggles to breathe or has a persistent cough accompanied by wheezing, a pediatric pulmonary specialist can help. These specialists can conduct targeted diagnostic tests to gauge oxygen levels and understand what part of the respiratory system may not be functioning as needed.
Developmental Delays
Children develop at their own unique pace, but there are some goalposts they should meet. If you see that your child is not babbling or gesturing by the time they are 12 months old or they haven’t said a word by the time they reach 16 months, that could point to a developmental delay.
The same can be true if they begin to lose skills they already learned or if they struggle to make eye contact.
Behavioral Issues
Catching behavioral issues early can be very difficult because your child’s personality is still forming. There are some signs to watch for, however, that could point to mental health and behavioral concerns.
One of these signs is aggressiveness. If they bite or pull the hair of friends or siblings, for example, having them assessed can provide a clearer idea of whether this is a concern.
Other signs to watch for are extreme defiance, especially toward adults, and anxiety that interferes with their daily life. Rapid mood changes and repetitive behaviors should also be assessed.
Neurological Problems
If your child has persistent and unexplained headaches or if they start having seizures, you need a children’s specialist. These could be signs of neurological conditions that could get worse without the appropriate care.
Persistent Injuries
Another sign that your child might need a specialist is if they often suffer injuries and don’t heal as rapidly as they should. You may notice atypical muscle tone, frequent bruising, or abnormal clumsiness. These could all point to conditions that could be treated.
Speaking With a Pediatrician About a Referral
If you need a children’s specialist referral, you must speak with your child’s pediatrician. That is not always a simple thing to do, but these tips can help you have an easier conversation.
Articulate Specific Concerns and Symptoms
When you speak with your child’s pediatrician, it’s important to bring up specific concerns that you have about the signs you’ve noticed. If the pediatrician has suggested treatments that have not been as effective as expected, bring the results up and let them know that you’re worried.
To make it easier for you, write down the symptoms you’ve noticed getting worse or remaining the same despite treatment. This will help the pediatrician understand your worry.
Offer Background Information
Your pediatrician may not have all of your child’s medical history on hand. Remind them of any evaluations and treatments your child has had. If you have copies of the results, bring them with you so that the doctor can look them over. This information can provide a factual basis for your concerns.
Ask Questions
If you’re not sure whether your child needs a specialist referral or you’re not certain about what to expect from such an experience, ask the pediatrician. They can give you an overview of what a children’s specialist can do in terms of diagnostic tests.
Discuss Expectations
What are your goals in taking your child to see a specialist? Knowing your answer to this question can help the pediatrician understand why a referral can be helpful. Letting them know that it will give you peace of mind is often enough, especially if your child’s signs have not improved.
The pediatrician can also give you a better idea of the types of realistic expectations you should have. Getting an answer to what your child is going through doesn’t always mean being able to fully resolve the problem, so getting a sense of this from your child’s doctor can prepare you.
Avoid Defensiveness
Your child’s pediatrician may not fully agree with your wish to see a specialist. Listen to the reasons they pose in a calm and respectful manner. You can then present your reasons for wanting the referral and your intentions to get a second opinion. Defensiveness will not help the process.
Getting Specialist Pediatric Care for Your Child
If you have noticed that your child is struggling with health issues that don’t seem to go away or might even be worsening, speaking with your child’s pediatrician about getting a specialist referral can be crucial. With specialized assistance, you have a better chance of receiving the answers you and your family need.
At Newport Children’s Medical Group, we offer a variety of services to guide you through these challenging moments. If you’re concerned about your child’s health, don’t delay. Contact us to schedule an appointment with our team.