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Warning-sign checks

Fussy or irritable child: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services now if your child:

    • Is struggling to breathe, turns blue or grey, or has pauses in breathing
    • Is unresponsive, extremely difficult to wake, or has a seizure
    • Has a purple or red rash that does not fade when pressed
    • May have swallowed poison, medication, a button battery, or a magnet
    • Has had a serious injury or may have been harmed
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent, same-day medical care if your child cannot be comforted or cries continuously for around two hours despite attempts to meet basic needs.

    The child should also be assessed promptly for severe or worsening pain, repeated vomiting, a swollen or very tender abdomen, a stiff neck, or unusual drowsiness.

    A baby younger than 3 months with a temperature of 38°C or higher needs urgent medical assessment.

    Do not rely only on how well the baby appears.

    Get same-day advice if your child drinks very little or shows signs of dehydration, such as a dry mouth, no tears, much less urine, or fewer wet diapers.

    New swelling or pain in the groin or scrotum also needs prompt assessment.

    Arrange follow-up sooner if you are worried about growth, development, hearing, mood, or behavior.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Book a routine appointment if the irritability keeps returning, lasts several days without a clear reason, or regularly affects eating, sleep, school, or play.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Fussy or irritable child. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.