Parents should keep thorough records of their children's healthcare and take notes, bring a friend or relative when your child goes to the doctor, and/or tape record what goes on during the examination. Parents need to do their own research online from reputable websites or confer with a librarian to point you in the right direction for further research. Parents should give the doctor a list of questions and not leave the exam room until they are answered. Do not be intimidated by medical or technical jargon. Ask for an easy to understand explanation. Doctors went to medical school; you did not; don't be embarrassed.Put your unanswered questions and complaints in writing and file complaints with the clinic or healthcare plan.
If your child suffers from ongoing vomiting, dehydration, fever, breathing problems, sleepiness, lethargy, stomach pain, distended belly, bloody stool, limping, weight loss (or failure to gain weight at a normal rate), excessive weight gain, vision problems; these symptoms could be signs of serious health issues. (The above statement should not be considered medical advice, but simply things parents should be on the lookout for and should discuss with their child's medical professionals.)
