A timely consultation with a consultant paediatrician can help clarify the cause of your child’s illness, provide a clear explanation of findings and guide you on the appropriate next steps. Dr Emanuela Manea offers prompt, structured assessments for acutely unwell children, with clear clinical reasoning and practical guidance tailored to each child and family.
Acute concerns are assessed during a General Paediatric Consultation in clinic or, where appropriate, via online appointment.
Acute childhood illnesses are those that come on suddenly and are usually short-lived. They are extremely common, particularly in younger children whose immune systems are still developing. Most acute illnesses are caused by viral infections and can be managed at home with simple symptomatic treatment and typically resolve without further intervention. However, some require clinical assessment to identify the cause, rule out more serious conditions or guide appropriate management.
Common acute presentations include fever, earache, sore throat, cough, vomiting, diarrhoea, rashes, urinary symptoms and non-specific unwell. In younger babies and children, acute illness can progress more quickly and symptoms can be harder to interpret, making timely assessment particularly important.
Knowing whether a child needs to be seen, and how urgently, is one of the most stressful aspects of managing childhood illness. A consultant paediatric review can help parents feel confident in the clinical picture and clear about what to expect and watch for.
The assessment begins with a detailed discussion of your child’s symptoms, their onset and progression, any relevant medical history and steps already taken at home. Dr Manea will carry out a thorough clinical examination, including assessment of vital signs and temperature and any other areas relevant to the presenting concern.
The assessment begins with a detailed discussion of your child’s symptoms, their onset and progression, any relevant medical history and steps already taken at home.
Dr Manea will carry out a thorough clinical examination, including assessment of vital signs and temperature and any other areas relevant to the presenting concern.
Dr Manea will provide a clear explanation of her clinical findings, a diagnosis or working assessment where possible, and specific guidance on management and what to monitor at home. Where onward referral to emergency NHS services is required this will be discussed and arranged promptly.
Management of acute illness is individualised based on the diagnosis, the child’s age and general health, and the family’s circumstances. This may include reassurance and safety-netting guidance, advice on symptom management at home, a prescription where appropriate, or referral for further investigation or specialist review.
Parents are given clear, specific guidance on what to watch for, when to seek further help and how to contact the practice if concerns develop. Follow-up is arranged based on clinical need, with continuity of care ensuring that families are reviewed by a clinician familiar with their child’s history where ongoing support is required.
Private paediatric consultations are not an emergency service. If your child requires urgent or life-saving treatment, you must seek immediate NHS emergency care. Call 999 or 111, or attend your nearest Emergency Department, particularly if your child has:
