Common Childhood Symptoms to Text a Pediatrician About: Ear Pain, Stomach Bugs, Cough & More

A pediatrician listening to a young girl's breathing with a stethoscope

Every parent has had that moment: your child isn't feeling well, and you're not sure if it's a big deal or something you can handle at home. Should you wait it out? Call the doctor? Just Google it and hope for the best?

For a lot of common childhood symptoms, texting a pediatrician is often the fastest way to get an answer — without loading everyone into the car for an appointment.

Here are some of the symptoms and questions we hear about most, what they might mean, and how to text us about them.

Photo by Bermix Studio on Unsplash

Ear Pain

Tugging at the ear, complaining of ear pain, trouble sleeping, or a low-grade fever can all point to a possible ear infection.

What it might mean: Ear infections are common in babies and toddlers, especially after a cold. Not all ear pain means infection, though — teething, swimmer's ear, or referred pain from a sore throat can look similar.

Text a doctor about an ear infection: An affordable at-home ear camera (otoscope) can make a big difference here. You can find simple ones on Amazon or at Walmart. If you have one, send us a picture of the inside of your child's ear along with a description of the symptoms — how long it's been going on, whether there's a fever, and whether your child seems to be in pain.

How we can help: Some ear infections clear up on their own with time and comfort care. Others need antibiotics. We'll look at the picture and symptoms together and figure out the right next step — including a prescription if it's truly needed.

Vomiting and Diarrhea (Stomach Bugs)

A young child resting on a bed while feeling unwell

Stomach bugs move fast through a household, and parents often want to know how worried they should be.

What it might mean: Most stomach bugs are viral and resolve within a few days. The bigger concern is usually dehydration, not the vomiting or diarrhea itself.

Text a doctor about stomach bugs: Let us know how often your child is vomiting or having diarrhea, whether there's a fever, how they're doing with fluids, and how many wet diapers or bathroom trips they've had.

How we can help: We can help you watch for signs of dehydration and guide you on fluids and diet. If symptoms suggest something more than a typical stomach bug, we can arrange further evaluation.

Photo by Jason Sung on Unsplash

Cough

A cough that won't quit — or one that sounds different than usual — is another common reason to reach out.

What it might mean: Coughs can come from colds, allergies, asthma, or, less often, something like croup or a respiratory infection. The sound and pattern of the cough often gives helpful clues.

How to text us: A short video or voice memo of the cough is often more helpful than a description alone. Let us know how long it's lasted, whether it's worse at night, and if there's any wheezing or trouble breathing.

How we can help: We can help identify what type of cough you're dealing with and whether it needs home care, a prescription, or an in-person visit — especially important for anything affecting breathing.

Fevers and Lingering Colds

A fever that won't quit, or a cold that seems to be dragging on longer than usual, is one of the most common reasons parents reach out.

What it might mean: Most fevers and colds are caused by common viruses and simply need time. But a cold that lingers past a week or two, or a fever that comes and goes, can sometimes be a sign of something else going on, like a sinus infection or secondary bacterial infection.

Text a doctor about a fever or cold: Let us know your child's temperature (and how it was taken), how many days they've been sick, what symptoms they have (cough, congestion, sore throat, etc.), and what you've already tried, like fever reducers or fluids.

How we can help: We can help you figure out if this is a "let's keep riding it out" situation or if it's time for a closer look — whether that's a virtual check-in, an office visit, or a prescription if a bacterial infection is suspected.

For a deeper dive, read our guide to texting your pediatrician about fevers.

Rashes

Rashes can look alarming, especially on a baby or toddler's skin, but most have a simple explanation.

What it might mean: New rashes are often caused by soaps, detergents, heat, viruses, or seasonal dryness. Some rashes need a closer look, especially if they come with a fever, spread quickly, or look like bruising.

Text a doctor about a rash: Send a close-up photo and a photo from farther away to show where the rash is on the body. Let us know when it started, whether it's itchy or painful, and what you've already tried (new lotion, diaper cream, laundry detergent, etc.).

How we can help: Many rashes just need a change in skin products or a simple cream. Others may need a prescription treatment. We can also let you know if a rash needs to be seen in person rather than managed over text.

More tips: what photos to send your pediatrician.

Pink Eye and Eye Discharge

Red, itchy, or goopy eyes are a frequent question, especially with daycare and school-age kids.

What it might mean: Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, can be viral, bacterial, or caused by allergies, and each type is treated a little differently.

Text a doctor about pink eye: Send a photo of both eyes for comparison, and let us know if there's discharge (and what color), whether the eye is itchy or painful, and whether your child can open it comfortably.

How we can help: Viral pink eye often just needs time and comfort care, while bacterial pink eye may need prescription eye drops. We can help you figure out which one you're dealing with and whether your child needs to stay home from school or daycare.

When Not to Wait for a Text Reply

Texting is great for everyday questions, but seek in-person or emergency care right away for trouble breathing, signs of dehydration (no wet diapers or urination for 8+ hours, no tears, very dry mouth), a fever in an infant under 3 months old, or a child who is unusually sleepy or "just not right."

The Bottom Line

You don't need to have all the answers before you text us. A photo, a video, or even just a good description of what's going on is often enough to get started.

Whether it turns out to be something that clears up on its own or something that needs a prescription or closer follow-up, texting first can help you figure out the right next step for your child – and give you peace of mind about your child's health and care.

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