Signs You Need To Check In With A Pediatrician About A Potential Chronic Problem
Most parents know to take their child to the pediatrician for immediate issues like coughing, fevers, and nausea. However, chronic health problems are often slower to develop and can go undetected if parents overlook and normalize the symptoms their children are showing. The sooner such conditions are diagnosed, the sooner treatment can begin. So if your child is showing any of these symptoms, take them to the pediatrician.
Sitting really close to the television.
Have you noticed that your child always wants to sit on the floor in front of the television instead of on the sofa? While some kids do just like sitting on the floor for whatever reason, this can also be an early indication of vision problems. Your child may be sitting that close because they cannot see clearly. A pediatrician can conduct some simple vision tests and refer your child to an eye doctor if needed. If they do need glasses, getting them sooner will help prevent potential problems seeing the board at school and reading books.
Blanking out for a period of time.
Does your child ever seem like they drift off or blank out for a minute or a few seconds? Maybe you're talking to them, and suddenly their face seems to go blank. While it's possible your child is just daydreaming, they could also be suffering from what is known as absence seizures. These are mild seizures that just cause the mind to go blank briefly. It is important that they are diagnosed early so that they don't get any worse. Plus, your child will need to be treated for their seizures so they do not miss out on important information at school or suffer any serious consequences later on when they start driving, riding a bike, or operating machinery.
Failing to listen to instructions.
Many kids fail to listen to instruction now and then. But if this is more of a habit than an occasional occurrence for your child, it may be worth talking to the pediatrician. An inability to follow instructions can be a sign of ADD, ADHD, or some other sensory processing disorders. It is a good idea to have these problems diagnosed early on so that your child can get the help and guidance they need to succeed as they grow up.
Pediatricians do not just diagnose and treat acute conditions. You should also bring any potential symptoms of a chronic disease or problem to their attention. Contact a pediatrician service for more information.