Tell the pediatrician about any over the counter medications that have been administered. If home remedies were used, describe the action taken.
If your child was recently exposed to an illness at daycare, a play group, school, or other setting, tell the doctor. Knowing that a child has been exposed to chicken pox or strep throat can help pinpoint the diagnosis.
Mention any accidents your child has had or been involved in. If a recent fall down the stairs or a fender bender could have caused symptoms, say so.
Mention any new medications that the child may be taking.
List any unusual foods (Thai for the first time) or food that might have been spoiled or that might have made the child ill for the doctor.
If your child's basic medical information isn't available, which could happen if you're seeing a new doctor or made an emergency room visit, make sure that the facts are presented. List name, age, approximate weight, any chronic medical conditions, known allergies, any reactions to previous medications, and the pharmacy you patronize.
Don't make the doctor play detective. Provide the most complete information possible to help speed a diagnosis so appropriate treatment can be provided. Help send your child on the way back to health with current and complete facts.