We Love Your Kids Too!

What are allergies?

Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a substance that wouldn’t harm the majority of people. Your body treats these substances like they’re harmful, so when you come into contact with it, your immune system reacts by causing symptoms such as a rash, facial swelling, or hives.

What are the symptoms of allergies?

Allergies can affect all parts of your body but the main ones are your airways, skin, and nasal passages. In addition, allergic reactions can range from mild to the most severe life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis. With anaphylaxis, you experience a rapid pulse, loss of consciousness or shortness of breath.

The most common food allergies can cause symptoms including:

• Swelling of your throat, tongue or throat
• Tingling sensation in your mouth
• Swollen, pale red bumps
• Anaphylaxis

If you have seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever, your allergy is most likely caused by dust or pollen in the air. Your symptoms include:

• Runny and stuffy nose
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Excessive sneezing

While there are a host of different allergies and symptoms they can cause, being aware of the most common ones can help you react accordingly.

How are allergies diagnosed?

Allergies can be tricky to diagnose due to the severity of your reaction. However, if you suspect you have an allergy, the Cline Pediatrics team evaluates you by performing a physical exam and asking detailed questions about your symptoms. Additionally, they can have you keep a detailed list of the food you eat and any possible triggers.  

The doctors and staff may perform a skin test where they expose a small area of your skin to potential allergens. If you’re allergic, a bump develops at the site of your exposed skin. If necessary, the doctors perform an allergy blood test.

After one of the doctors has diagnosed you with an allergy, they recommend you avoid the specific trigger. If your allergy is severe, Cline Pediatrics physicians recommend you carry an emergency epinephrine shot at all times.

To find out if you have allergies or to manage your existing ones, call the physicians at Cline Pediatrics today or schedule your appointment online.

What is attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?

ADHD is a neurobehavioral and chronic condition characterized by restlessness, hyperactivity, and distractibility, which can interfere with your day-to-day tasks. While doctors can diagnose you at any age with ADHD, it’s most apparent in children during preschool and elementary school years.

The most common characteristics associated with ADHD include:

• Frequently losing things
• Poor organization skills
• Physical restlessness
• Excessive impulsivity
• Forgetfulness of daily activities
• Poor time management skills

If you have many of these symptoms, the doctors at Cline Pediatrics recommend you schedule a consultation with them so they can evaluate you and provide you with a diagnosis.

How is ADHD diagnosed?

There is not a specific test to diagnose ADHD. Instead, the doctors base your diagnosis on a variety of ADHD symptoms you may be experiencing on a regular basis for more than six months. Additionally, these symptoms should be present in most situations whether you’re at home, work, or in school.

Your doctor also performs a physical exam to exclude other possible medical issues for your symptoms. You may also take psychological tests to rule out other conditions such as anxiety disorders or specific learning disabilities.

What are the different types of ADHD?

There are three subtypes of ADHD:

Predominantly inattentive ADHD

If you have this type of ADHD, you experience more symptoms of inattentiveness than hyperactivity or impulsivity. Symptoms usually involve missing details, getting distracted easily, or not listening.

iPredominantly hyperactive-impulsive ADHD

Impulsivity and hyperactivity are what characterize this type of ADHD. While it’s possible to exhibit signs of inattention, people tend to talk constantly, be impatient, and have trouble engaging in activities. It can be challenging for children or adults to learn and focus.

Combination ADHD

With this type of ADHD, your symptoms include both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. To be diagnosed with combination ADHD, your symptoms must have gone on for six months or longer.

If you’re experiencing ADHD symptoms and it’s interfering with your daily life, call Cline Pediatrics today or schedule your appointment online to see the compassionate, comprehensive team.

What does an annual physical exam entail?

An annual physical exam serves a prevention method to detect any potential medical concerns to ensure you lead a healthy and long life. The doctors at Cline Pediatrics begin by asking about your medical history and lifestyle choices. It’s critical to be transparent with your doctor because they may want to perform other tests depending on what you tell them.

After learning about your medical history and lifestyle, one of the Cline Pediatrics doctors takes your vital signs such as your respiration rate, heart rate, and blood pressure. During your exam, the doctors use a stethoscope to listen to your lungs and heart for any irregularities.

If necessary, the physicians may order laboratory tests such as a complete blood count or cholesterol test during your annual physical.

What’s the difference between a male and female physical exam?

The general components of a male and female physical exam are the same, but they both have specific exams. The annual physical exam for males may include:

• Prostate exam: This is a routine test to check for prostate cancer.
• Hernia exam: This exam checks for inner groin hernias and weaknesses in the abdominal wall.
• Testicular exam: The doctors check the testicles for tenderness, changes in size, and lumps.

An annual physical exam for women might include:

Pelvic exam

The doctor examines your uterus, cervix, vagina, and vulva. They may administer a Pap test or an HPV test to screen for cervical cancer.

Breast exam

The doctor examines your breast for abnormal lumps and looks for visual abnormalities on your breasts and nipples to check for signs of breast cancer. In addition, they check the lymph nodes in your armpits.

How can I stay healthy in between my annual physical exams?

Staying healthy all year round can help decrease your likelihood of heart disease, stroke, and injuries. By making little changes to your lifestyle every day, you’ll contribute to an optimal physical and mental well-being. Some of the behavioral changes to keep you continually healthy include:

• Exercise regularly
• Limit your alcohol intake
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Protect yourself from the sun with hats and sunscreen
• Get screening tests for cancers

If you haven’t had your annual physical exam, call the Cline Pediatrics office nearest you or schedule your appointment online.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic condition in which your lungs become inflamed and swollen, and produce a heavy volume of mucus, making it difficult for you to breathe. Asthma can change over time and it can’t be cured, so it’s vital to understand the symptoms so you can manage them well.

Asthma symptoms include:

• Excessive coughing
• Wheezing attacks
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness
• Whistling sound while exhaling

Because asthma can change, pay attention if your symptoms become more frequent, or you need to use your inhaler more often.

What causes asthma?

While it isn’t exactly clear what causes asthma, it’s attributed to genetics and environmental factors. Asthma can have specific triggers. It can be triggered through exercise, which may worsen in cold or dry air. You may have allergy-induced asthma where air pollutants and irritants such as mold or pollen make your symptoms flare up.

Besides potential asthma triggers, your chances of developing asthma can increase if you’re overweight, smoke, or become exposed to occupational hazards such as chemical fumes or dust.

How do I manage my asthma?

Asthma cannot be prevented, but it’s possible to regain control of your life and prevent asthma attacks by identifying and avoiding your asthma triggers along with always carrying your inhaler. With care and attention, you can prevent your asthma from worsening.

How is asthma diagnosed?

To diagnose asthma, one of Cline Pediatrics doctors performs a physical exam and discusses your medical history to understand where your asthma symptoms and causes may originate. During the physical exam, your doctor performs a lung function test to determine how much air you can inhale and exhale along with how fast you can exhale.

A spirometry test is a common one where you take a deep breath and blow the air out as fast and hard as you can. Depending on how well the doctor determines your lung function is, they may give you a bronchodilator that opens your airways. They then ask you to perform the test again to see if your lung function improved. This helps in making the most accurate diagnosis.

For comprehensive asthma diagnosis and treatment, call Cline Pediatrics today or schedule your appointment online.

What is bronchitis?

Bronchitis is a respiratory condition during which the lining of your bronchial tubes become inflamed. The bronchial tubes move air to and from your lungs, and when they become inflamed, you develop a cough with thickened mucus. Bronchitis ranges in degrees of severity, and it may be acute or chronic.

Acute bronchitis is a type of temporary bronchitis that develops from a cold or another respiratory infection. Chronic bronchitis is a constant or continuous inflammation.

To qualify as having chronic bronchitis, you must have bouts of it occurring for at least three months straight over a period of two years. This type of bronchitis, which is the more serious of the two, often results from smoking.

What are the symptoms of bronchitis?

If you have bronchitis, you may experience a range of symptoms, depending on its severity and its progression. These various symptoms include:

• Coughing
• Mucus that is clear, white, yellowish gray, green, or occasionally streaked with blood
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Low fever
• Slight chills
• A headache
• Body aches

What causes bronchitis?

Bronchitis can be caused by a few different things. Smoking frequently leads to chronic bronchitis. Sometimes, chronic bronchitis is also caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD.

Other causes of bronchitis include viruses, air pollution, dust exposure, and toxic substance exposure. In addition, you’re at a higher risk for bronchitis if:

• You frequently experience heartburn or acid reflux
• You have a compromised immune system, including from age (young and old)
• You’re exposed to airborne irritants at work

When should I see a doctor about my bronchitis?

See a doctor about your bronchitis if:

• It’s keeping you up at night
• You’re wheezing or have shortness of breath
• It lasts longer than three weeks
• You’re coughing up blood or discolored mucus
• You have a fever at or above 100.4℉

To determine if you have bronchitis, your doctor will take chest X-rays, test your mucus, and perform a pulmonary function test.

If you’re suffering from acute or chronic bronchitis, the team at Cline Pediatrics can help you. To schedule an appointment at either location for diagnosis and expert treatment, call or use the online booking tool today.

What is the common cold?

The term “common cold” refers to any viral infection that you’ve caught in your respiratory tract, aka your nose and throat. Colds, which usually resolve themselves after a week to 10 days, are characterized by symptoms like:

• A runny nose
• Stuffy nose (congestion)
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• A sore throat
• Low-grade fever
• Mild body aches
• A mild headache

When do I need to see a doctor about my cold?

Colds usually aren’t serious. However, from time to time, they develop into something that requires medical attention, such as strep throat, asthma, acute sinusitis, pneumonia, or acute ear infection.

Symptoms of a more serious common cold include:

• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• A returning fever or a fever lasting more than five days
• A fever upwards of 101.3℉
• Severe sinus pain, sore throat, or a headache

When should I bring my child in about their cold?

If your child has any of the following symptoms, take them to see the doctor right away:

• Wheezing
• A fever lasting more than two days
• A climbing fever
• In newborns 12 weeks or younger, a fever upwards of 100.4℉
• Drowsiness
• A severe headache or a cough
• Ear pain
• Lack of appetite
• Worsening symptoms or symptoms that don’t improve

How can I treat my cold?

Colds usually just need to run their course, and they have no cure. However, you can treat your symptoms in a variety of ways.

First and foremost, it’s important to get lots of rest and drink plenty of fluids when you’re sick. The rest makes it easier to heal and makes you less miserable, and the fluids rehydrate you and help loosen mucus. Other ways to ease your symptoms include:

• Gargling with salt water to soothe the throat
• Drinking warm liquids like hot tea to loosen phlegm and soothe the throat
• Running a humidifier to loosen phlegm and lessen coughing
• Taking over-the-counter cold remedies, making sure to follow the instructions

If you or your child are suffering from a common cold that’s become more serious and requires medical attention, reach out to the team at Cline Pediatrics. Schedule an appointment online or over the phone, or if it’s pressing, come into the urgent care clinic.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes refers to your body’s inability to control its blood sugar levels. There are two different types of diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes, also known as juvenile diabetes, is an autoimmune disease because your body’s immune system attacks the cells that create insulin in the pancreas. Since your body can’t produce insulin, you must inject insulin daily.

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, also called adult-onset diabetes, occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin to transport the glucose into muscle and fat cells. Another cause is due to your body becoming resistant to insulin.

If you don’t manage your diabetes, potential consequences include blood vessel and nerve damage. In addition, regardless of the type of diabetes you have, you’re twice as likely to have a heart attack or heart disease in comparison to someone without diabetes.

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes have different symptoms. The symptoms of Type 1 diabetes can appear rapidly and include:

• Tingling or numbness in extremities
• Unintended weight loss
• Weakness and fatigue
• Extreme hunger
• Fruity-smelling breath

The symptoms of Type 2 diabetes develop slowly to the point where it could be years prior to having any noticeable symptoms. Be on the lookout for symptoms, such as:

• Frequent infections
• Blurred vision
• Increased hunger
• Increased thirst
• Frequent infections

Because of the consequences which diabetes can bring about, the highly trained physicians at Cline Pediatrics recommend you come in for a consultation to determine if you have diabetes.

How is diabetes diagnosed?

Diabetes can be diagnosed through a fasting blood sugar test. If your blood sugar level is less than 100 mg/dl, then it’s considered normal. A fasting blood sugar level ranging from 100-125 mg/dl is prediabetes. If your blood sugar level exceeds 126 mg/dl, then you have diabetes. To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor repeats the exam again on another day.

How can I prevent diabetes?

While Type 1 diabetes is not preventable, you can reduce your risk or even prevent Type 2 diabetes by making lifestyle changes such as:

• Exercising regularly
• Controlling your blood pressure
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Limiting your sodium intake

If you’re experiencing diabetes symptoms, call Cline Pediatrics today or schedule your appointment online for compassionate treatment and diagnosis.

What is a sore throat?

A sore throat qualifies as any sort of irritation, scratchiness, or general pain in the throat that intensifies when you swallow. A sore throat can also come with:

• Difficulty swallowing
• Trouble talking
• A hoarse voice
• Red and swollen tonsils
• Swollen and sore glands around the jaw or neck
• Pus or white patches on your tonsils

What causes a sore throat?

Sore throats are extremely common and have a diverse range of causes. The only way to know for sure what’s causing your sore throat is by visiting a doctor. Some of the most common causes of sore throats include:

• The common cold virus
• The flu virus
• Chickenpox
• The measles
• Croup (in children)
• Mononucleosis (known more commonly as mono)
• A bacterial infection like strep throat
• Allergies
• Air pollutants (smoke, smog, chemicals, etc.)
• Dry air
• Pre-existing illnesses and conditions
• Acid reflux
• Muscle strain

You’re more at risk for a sore throat if:

• You use tobacco products
• You have seasonal, dust, or dander allergies
• You work around chemical or airborne irritants
• You spend time in close quarters with other people, especially sick people or children
• You have a weakened immune system

When should I see a doctor about my sore throat?

If you or your child are experiencing any of the following symptoms or circumstances in conjunction with your sore throat, consider making an appointment to see a doctor.

• Rash
• A lump in your neck
• A fever exceeding 101℉
• A sore throat lasting longer than a week
• Hoarseness that lasts longer than two weeks
• An extremely painful sore throat
• Trouble swallowing
• Joint pain
• Trouble opening your mouth
• Trouble breathing
• An earache
• Blood in your phlegm or saliva

A sore throat with an unknown cause can cause a lot of anxiety. If you or your child is suffering, reach out to the team at Cline Pediatrics. With an on-site lab testing facility at both office locations, the doctors at Cline Pediatrics can take a sample and immediately determine if you’re suffering from a virus like the flu, a serious infection, or a common cold.

Don’t let your painful sore throat linger any longer; call or book an appointment online with Cline Pediatrics today.

What’s a sports physical?

A sports physical, also known as a pre-participation exam, helps doctors ensure you’re free from illness or injuries and in shape to safely participate in any sporting activities. To determine your ability to compete safely, Cline Pediatrics physicians first evaluate your medical history. They may ask about past injuries that could possibly hinder you from physical activity.

After taking down your medical history, the doctor performs a physical exam where they measure your height and weight to evaluate your body mass index, listen to your heart for cardiovascular risk, and check your eyesight. This is done to make sure you don’t have any physical limitation, such as a hernia or uncontrolled asthma.

Lastly, Cline Pediatrics’ physicians evaluate your posture, joints, strength, and flexibility to get a complete picture of your joint health. If the doctors determine you’re healthy enough, they’ll give you the go-ahead to play your sport without any restrictions.

Who needs a sports physical?

Because someone could have undiagnosed medical conditions, any person competing in a school-sanctioned sport is required to have a sports physical. If you play club or recreational sports, it may be a requirement to have a sports physical before you’re able to play. The sports physicals tend to be valid for one calendar year.

What’s the difference between an annual and a sports physical?

While an annual physical and sports physical are similar, there are a few differences. The sports physical is designed to review your current health status and medical history to see if you’re healthy enough to play sports. Because of this, the doctors at Cline Pediatrics focus on your cardiovascular risk along with muscle and bone health.

An annual physical not only focuses on your physical health, but on every other aspect of your emotional and physical well-being. It is at your annual physical where the doctors and staff can focus on immunizations and lab work, if needed.

If you need a sports physical before getting on the field or court, come to Cline Pediatrics today or schedule your appointment online.

What is a urinary tract infection?

A urinary tract infection, known as a UTI, is an infection that affects any part of your urinary system. Most often, UTIs occur in the urethra and/or bladder. When left untreated, they can spread to the kidneys, where infections become a much more serious matter.

UTIs happen when bacteria enter your urinary tract. One of the most common culprits is e. Coli, a bacteria that lives in the gastrointestinal tract. Once bacteria gets inside your urinary tract, if the body can’t fight it off, it thrives and you get an infection.

What are the symptoms of a UTI?

UTI symptoms vary by the severity of the infection and where in your urinary tract it’s located (bladder, urethra, or kidneys).

Examples of bladder infection symptoms include:

• A frequent need to urinate
• Painful urination
• Pelvic pressure
• Blood in urine
• Lower abdomen pain

Examples of urethra infection symptoms include:

• Discharge
• A burning sensation with urination

Examples of kidney infection symptoms include:

• High fever
• Chills
• Shaking
• Nausea and vomiting
• Side and upper back pain

Am I at risk for a urinary tract infection?

Some people are more at risk for UTIs than others. You are more at risk for a urinary tract infection if you:

• Are female
• Are sexually active
• Use a diaphragm or spermicidal birth control
• Have a blockage in your urinary tract, like a kidney stone
• Have entered menopause
• Possess a compromised immune system
• Wipe from back to front

To help lower your risk for a UTI, practice the following habits:

• Wipe from front to back
• Flush out bacteria by drinking plenty of fluids
• Urinate after sexual intercourse
• Avoid potentially irritating feminine products, like scented pads, tampons, or sprays

If you suspect you have a urinary tract infection, don’t wait to get it treated. Book an appointment for a regular or urgent care visit at Cline Pediatrics. The caring staff at clinics in both locations can perform a quick test to see if you have an infection, and get you set up with medication that will make you start feeling better in no time.

To schedule an appointment, call the location nearest you or use the online booking tool today.

When should I seek out after-hours care?

Centers that provide after-hours care or urgent care can treat those ailments and injuries that can’t wait until the morning, but don’t require a hospital visit. Examples of these include:

• Suspected urinary tract infections
• Migraines
• Persistent vomiting and diarrhea
• Muscle sprains
• Muscle strains and back pain
• Broken toes and fingers
• Fevers
• Bronchitis, colds, and other upper respiratory conditions

If you’ve been shot, are having chest pains, have suffered a major head injury, have lost consciousness, have a fever with a rash, or are generally experiencing a life-threatening emergency, go to the emergency room.

Why should I choose after-hours care over the emergency room?

First, a visit to the emergency room can cost thousands of dollars. For that expense, you often have to wait hours to be seen by a doctor. In contrast, when you visit after hours care, you’re usually seen in less than an hour. If you call ahead, you can usually book an appointment within that same amount of time. Also, after hours care is much less expensive than the emergency room.

Note that sometimes you should go to the emergency room, rather than urgent care, despite its benefits. An emergency room is better equipped to handle a life-threatening emergency.

What should I bring with me to an after-hours care clinic?

If you’re visiting an after-hours urgent care clinic, bring the following items with you:

• Your insurance card, if you have insurance
• A list of all the medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter drugs and vitamins and supplements
• A list of your allergies

Be prepared to describe your symptoms in detail. Resist the urge to downplay your pain. Your doctor can’t diagnose you accurately if they don’t know all the facts.

If you require after-hours care or urgent care, but you don’t want to go to the emergency room, stop into your nearest Cline Pediatrics location for swift and effective care. To book an appointment ahead of time, call or use the online booking tool.

What is a baby well check?

A baby well check is a routine exam that physicians perform periodically after your child is born to make sure they’re healthy. During these visits, physicians monitor the progress of your baby’s growth and development. Cline Pediatrics strictly follow American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines, which ensure that children receive the best, safest, and most comprehensive care.

What happens during a baby well check?

During a baby well check, your child’s physician first measures their length and head circumference, and weigh them. After that, they perform a number of tests and exams, complete initial dental screenings, and administer age-appropriate immunizations and booster shots.

A baby well check exam includes a thorough head-to-toe examination, during which your doctor checks the following:

• Head (checking the shape of the head, and the soft spots between where the skull is growing)
• Eyes (inspecting the retina, and tracking eye movement)
• Ears (checking sound response, and making sure there’s no fluid or infection)
• Mouth (checking for thrush, and later, signs of teething)
• Heart and lungs (checking breathing, listening for heart murmurs, and measuring to heartbeat using EKG machine)
• Skin (looking for birthmarks, rashes, cradle cap, etc.)
• Hips and legs (checking for hip displacement and joint issues)
• Abdomen (checking for enlarged organs, umbilical hernias, and tenderness)
• Genitalia (checking for infection, lumps, and unusual tenderness; in girls, vaginal discharge, and in boys, properly descending testes)

When should I take my baby to their first well check?

You should take your child to their first well check, called a newborn exam, when they are three to five days old. After that, you usually come back every few weeks, and then months. Your doctor determines your individual schedule.

If it’s time for your little one’s first well check, entrust their care to the compassionate and experienced team at Cline Pediatrics. In addition to newborn and baby well checks, the doctors at Cline Pediatrics also perform child well checks for your older kids. To schedule an appointment, use the online booking tool or call either clinic location today.

What is dehydration?

Because of how vital water is to your bodily functions such as regulating your body temperature for protecting and cushioning your vital organs, it can have disastrous effects when you lose more fluid than you consume.

Even if you aren’t feeling thirsty, you could still be dehydrated. In the early stages of dehydration, there tend to be no noticeable symptoms. As your body becomes more dehydrated, symptoms begin to arise.

The signs of mild dehydration include:

• Weakness
• Flushed face
• Headaches
• Dry mouth
• Dry tongue
• Irritable or sleepy
• Dizziness

The symptoms of severe dehydration include:

• Low blood pressure
• Bloated stomach
• Sunken, dry eyes
• Skin looks wrinkled
• Fast and weak pulse
• Rapid breathing
• Muscle contractions

If you’re experiencing any of the warning signs for dehydration, call Cline Pediatrics or schedule your appointment online to avoid other potential health issues.

What are the causes of dehydration?

Dehydration can occur because you don’t drink enough water, either because you’re busy, not thirsty, or any other number of simple reasons. Diarrhea and vomiting can also cause you to lose water and electrolytes in a short amount of time. Sweating can also dehydrate you, so if you work or exercise outdoors, be mindful of drinking plenty of water.

If you begin to feel dehydrated, take in fluids through sipping small amounts of water, eating popsicles made from sports drinks or juices, and drinking beverages that contain high levels of electrolytes.

How can I avoid dehydration?

It’s natural for your body to lose water through urination and sweating, yet there are several simple steps you can take to limit or prevent dehydration from happening. We recommend you drink plenty of water and eat food with high amounts of water, like vegetables and fruit. Try to limit your intake of caffeinated beverages and alcohol, as they increase water loss.

If you have questions regarding dehydration and how to prevent it, call Cline Pediatrics today or schedule your appointment online.

What causes ear pain?

Ear pain is a common complaint, especially among children, with many possible causes. Some of the most common ear pain instigators include:

• Middle ear infection
• Ear canal infection
• Sinus infection
• The common cold
• The flu
• Swimmer’s ear
• Air pressure changes
• Excessive earwax buildup
• Ruptured eardrum
• Tinnitus
• Foreign object in the ear
• Infected or impacted tooth
• Temporomandibular joint dysfunction, or TMJ
• Allergies
• Loud noises

What are signs my child has ear pain?

Small children and babies frequently have trouble articulating their pain, and it can be confusing and distressing to not know what’s bothering them. If they exhibit any of the following symptoms or behaviors, your child may be experiencing ear pain:

• Trouble balancing
• Rubbing, pulling, or tugging the ear
• Poor hearing
• Appetite loss (children)
• Poor feeding (babies)
• A runny nose
• Coughing
• Nighttime restlessness and insomnia
• Irritability and fussiness (babies)
• Feeling hot to the touch (babies)
• A temperature above 100.4℉

What are the symptoms of an ear infection?

Ear infections are one of the most common causes of ear pain, especially among children. Symptoms of ear infections include:

• Fluid draining from the ear
• Clumsiness
• Fever
• Difficulty hearing
• A sense of fullness in the ear
• A headache

What’s a ruptured eardrum?

A ruptured eardrum is an eardrum that is exposed via a tear or hole in the membrane that separates it from the ear canal. A ruptured eardrum can lead to hearing loss and infection of the now vulnerable eardrum (middle ear).

Symptoms of a ruptured eardrum include:

• Hearing loss
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Vertigo (dizziness or a spinning sensation)
• Vertigo-induced vomiting or nausea
• Ear drainage that’s pus-filled, bloody, or clear
• Ear pain that comes and goes suddenly

When should I see a doctor?

Earaches and ear pain often go away on their own. You can also often treat them at home using over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen. If your ear pain doesn’t go away, it’s extremely painful, or it’s accompanied by more serious symptoms, you should go see a doctor.

If you or your child are suffering from persistent or severe ear pain, don’t linger in pain. Call Cline Pediatrics for same-day care. To book an appointment, call or use the online booking tool today.

What is a fever?

A fever is an increase in your body’s average temperature of 98.6°F. Fevers result when your body is fighting off viruses or bacteria. For an adult, a fever tends to only be of true medical concern when it reaches 103°F or beyond, while for children, a slight increase in temperature could be indicative of a serious matter.

The most common symptoms that can accompany a fever include:

• A headache
• Chills and shivering
• Weakness
• Irritability
• Muscle aches
• Sweating

A fever can become a medical emergency when you or your child experiences chest pain, confusion, or persistent vomiting. Because of this, Cline Pediatrics maintains after-hours care and an urgent care clinic for more serious cases of fever.

What are the causes of a fever?

A part of your brain called the hypothalamus is in charge of regulating your body temperature. If an infection or illness invades your body, your hypothalamus can reset your body’s temperature to try and fight it. For example, a fever caused by the flu tends to last no more than one week, while a fever associated with a common cold virus lasts two to three days.

An elevated body temperature could be caused by the following:

• A virus
• Heat exhaustion
• Bacterial infection
• Certain medications
• Conditions that cause inflammation

Make sure to evaluate your symptoms and body temperature to determine if you should call Cline Pediatrics for a consultation.

How can I prevent a fever?

Fevers tend to be a side effect to the body fighting off an illness. Knowing that, you’d have to prevent the infection or illness from happening to avoid the fever. The best ways to do this are to stay up-to-date on your immunizations and have proper hygiene by always washing your hands.

What is the treatment for a fever?

Your fever typically doesn’t need to be treated with medication unless it’s causing discomfort. If the doctors determine your fever is caused by an illness, they can prescribe antibiotics to treat the illness. This helps the fever naturally dissipate. If you’re at home, you should stay in bed and rest along with staying hydrated. Additionally, you could take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce your fever.

Fevers are often indicative of an underlying serious health issue. Visit Cline Pediatrics or schedule your appointment online to get proper diagnosis and treatment.

What qualifies as a skin infection?

Skin infections qualify as any skin condition caused by bacteria, a virus, a parasite, or fungus.

Bacterial skin infections

Bacterial skin infections are caused by bacteria that most likely entered the body through a scratch or cut. They usually start off as little red bumps, and grow slowly in size. Examples of bacterial skin infections include:

• Impetigo
• Cellulitis
• Boils

Viral skin infections

Viral skin infections are diverse and range drastically in their seriousness. Usually, they spread via skin-to-skin contact. Examples of common viral skin infections include:

• Chickenpox
• Shingles (herpes zoster)
• Measles
• Hand, foot, and mouth disease
• Warts

Parasitic skin infections

Parasitic skin infections are caused by parasites that raid the surface of the skin, and sometimes make it into the bloodstream. Skin infections can come from the following conditions and parasites:

• Scabies
• Bedbugs
• Lice

Fungal skin infections

Fungal skin infections are non-life-threatening infections that develop and flourish in damp areas of the body, such as covered feet and underarms. They may or may not be contagious. Examples of common fungal skin infections in children and adults include:

• Diaper rash
• Athlete’s foot
• Oral thrush
• Yeast infection
• Nail fungus
• Ringworm

What are the symptoms of a skin infection?

Every skin infection presents its own unique set of symptoms. However, in general, if you notice any of the following on your skin or your child’s skin, you may be dealing with an infection:

• Red, itchy bumps or rash
• Warmth and tenderness at the site
• Blisters
• Boils
• Pus
• Peeling skin
• Dark or discolored and painful skin (necrosis)

How will my doctor treat my skin infection?

How your doctor treats your skin infection depends on the type of infection, the severity of the infection, and your medical history. Bacterial infections, for example, usually clear up with the help of oral antibiotics. Fungal infections, on the other hand, require over-the-counter fungal cream, over-the-counter fungal spray, or prescription topical ointment.

At home, you can often treat your symptoms using an over-the-counter antihistamine to reduce itching, medications like ibuprofen to ease the pain, or the application of cold compresses to reduce swelling. Make sure that you’re taking all medications as directed.

If you or your child are suffering from what you suspect is a skin infection, come into Cline Pediatrics to ease your discomfort right away. To schedule an appointment, call or using the online booking tool day. If your condition is severe, you can also walk in for an urgent care visit.