As a parent, it’s normal to worry about any signs of illness or injury that you see in your child. Sometimes that worry can even turn into panic. Knowing the signs that it’s time to take your child to the ER instead of urgent care or the pediatrician’s office can help to better manage emergency situations.
Signs You Need to Go to the Pediatric ER
Several signs can indicate a serious situation that requires a trip to the pediatric ER.
Breathing Issues
If you notice that your child’s breathing is labored or fast, it may indicate an asthma attack, an allergic reaction, a respiratory infection, pneumonia, or another serious illness. Other signs include flaring nostrils, wheezing, and pale color around the lips and face.
Fever in Babies
If your child is under 12 weeks old, any fever is an emergency. In older babies and children, high fevers that last more than three days, or those that are accompanied by a stiff neck, trouble breathing, or a rash warrant a trip to the ER.
Dehydration
Diarrhea and vomiting can quickly lead to dehydration in a child. Signs include a dry mouth, a lack of tears when crying, lack of urination, and extreme sleepiness. Dehydration can become very serious in a short time, so head to the ER.
Seizures
If your child has a seizure and has never had one before, or if they have a seizure that lasts a long time, seek emergency care. If your child is suddenly confused or has difficulty speaking or moving, these may also be indicators of a neurological problem.
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 indicate 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 they shouldn’t have, 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, get to the ER.
When to Call 911
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.
When to Take Your Child to Urgent Care
Sometimes, you can take your child to urgent care instead of the ER if you can’t see your pediatrician quickly. Go to urgent care 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
When to Visit Your Pediatrician
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
Trust Your Instincts
When you think your child may be in an emergency situation, your instincts should guide you. You know your child best, so if what they’re experiencing is unusual or they are acting out of character and you have that nagging feeling that it might be something serious, go to the emergency room. It’s better to go and find out that it’s just a minor illness than to not go and have the problem get worse or even become life-threatening.
In Closing
Hopefully, your child will never need to go to the emergency room, but you should be prepared for any situation by understanding the signs that your child needs immediate medical 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.
