Nothing is more important than your child’s health. They need to go to the doctor regularly, but sometimes when they are ill or injured, you need to take them to urgent care. It can be difficult sometimes to know if an urgent care visit is warranted, so it’s important to know the signs that your child cannot wait for a visit to the pediatrician.
When to Take Your Child to Urgent Care
Reasons to take your child to urgent care include illnesses or symptoms that occur outside of business hours when your pediatrician’s office is closed, when you can’t get a same day appointment, or for services that may not be offered by your pediatrician. For example, many pediatric offices do not have x-ray equipment.
You can take your child to urgent care instead of waiting for a doctor’s visit if your child:
- Has cold symptoms with a fever
- Has a minor cut that you think might need stitches
- Has a sore throat
- May have an ear infection
- Has a sprain or you suspect a minor fracture
- Is having a minor allergic reaction
- Is wheezing mildly
- Has a minor rash
- Is vomiting or having diarrhea
- Has a minor burn
After urgent care visits, in most cases you should schedule a follow-up appointment with your pediatrician.
When to Take Your Child to the Doctor
Your child’s pediatrician is your main point of contact for your child’s healthcare needs when it’s not an emergency. Reasons to go to the pediatrician include:
- Well checkups
- Vaccinations
- Physicals, i.e. for sports
- Common illnesses
- Follow ups to urgent care or emergency room visits
- Non-emergency symptoms that may require referrals for further testing
You can also call your pediatrician when your child has symptoms of an illness to ask for their advice and recommendations. Reasons to call might include:
- A minor cough
- Congestion
- Diarrhea
- Low grade fever
Emergencies – When to Take Your Child to the ER
Sometimes emergencies occur that make a trip to the ER necessary instead of going to urgent care or the doctor. Several signs can indicate a serious situation that requires a trip to the ER.
Breathing Issues
If you notice that your child’s breathing is fast or labored, it may indicate a serious condition such as asthma, an allergic reaction, a respiratory infection, or pneumonia Other signs may include flaring nostrils, wheezing, or pale color around the face and lips.
Fever in Babies
If your child is under 12 weeks old, any fever should be considered an emergency. In older babies and children, high fevers that last more than three days, or those that are accompanied by a stiff neck, breathing difficulty, or a rash warrant a trip to the ER.
Dehydration
Diarrhea and vomiting can quickly lead to dehydration in your child. Signs include a dry mouth, tearless crying, lack of urination, and extreme sleepiness. Dehydration can become very serious in a short time, so head to the ER right away.
Seizures
If your child has a seizure for the first time, or if they have an extended seizure, seek emergency care. If your child has sudden confusion or difficulty speaking or moving, these may also be indicators of a neurological problem that needs emergency treatment.
Sudden Pain
Sudden, unexplained, and severe pain in the head, chest, or abdomen is an emergency situation. Head pain with a stiff neck and fever could be symptoms of meningitis, while chest pain could be a sign of heart or lung problems. Sharp abdominal pain on the right side could be from appendicitis.
Severe Gastrointestinal Distress
Persistent vomiting or diarrhea can lead to dehydration and can also indicate a serious gastrointestinal problem or infection.
Allergic Reactions
Signs of an allergic reaction include swelling of the lips or tongue, trouble breathing, hives, and dizziness. Severe allergic reactions can be fatal, so emergency action is required.
Poisoning
If your child ingests a medicine that is not prescribed for them, or a chemical of any kind, they need emergency medical treatment.
Injuries
If your child loses consciousness after a head injury, has a visible broken bone or a deep cut that won’t stop bleeding, head to the ER.
When to Call 911 for Your Child
Some situations warrant calling 911 to get immediate treatment and quick transportation to the ER. These include:
- Loss of consciousness, unresponsiveness, or difficulty waking
- Trouble breathing and turning blue
- Having a prolonged seizure or multiple seizures
- A serious injury, particularly to the head or neck
In any case, if your child needs emergency care for any reason and you don’t think you are in a condition to drive safely, call 911.
In Closing
Taking care of your child’s health effectively requires knowing the signs that an urgent care visit is necessary rather than a doctor’s visit, or when an emergency warrants a trip to the ER or even a call to 911. In any case, you should follow up any medical care with a trip to your pediatrician. They need to be informed about your child’s health and can provide follow-up care.
At Health Service Alliance, we offer pediatric services, including after-hours care for urgent needs. We are dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized, and accessible care for your child regardless of your ability to pay. Reach out today to learn more.
