When a child needs an urgent examination

Urgent assessment is needed if a child has difficulty breathing, impaired consciousness, marked weakness, blue lips, signs of dehydration or severe pain that does not ease.

In infants, also watch for refusal to feed, a weak cry, unusual sleepiness and fever during the first months of life.

Parents know their child best. If their condition changes suddenly or you feel that your child is unwell, it is better to seek advice early than to wait for things to get worse.

Note: this information does not replace an examination by a paediatrician when a child has significant symptoms or their general condition is deteriorating.