Summer is a season of fun and freedom for kids, but it’s also one of the busiest times of year for pediatric emergency care. As school lets out and temperatures climb, children spend more time outdoors: running, swimming, playing sports, and exploring. Unfortunately, that also means more opportunities for injuries, dehydration, and other seasonal health concerns.
Here are five summer symptoms you should never ignore in children, and how our pediatric team is here to help when you need us most.
1. Dehydration: More Than Just Thirst
Children are especially vulnerable to dehydration, especially in Houston’s hot and humid summer climate. Their smaller bodies lose fluids faster, and they may not recognize the signs of dehydration or remember to drink enough water while they play.
Signs of dehydration in children include:
- Thirst
- Dry mouth and lips
- No tears when crying
- Decreased urination or fewer wet diapers
- Lethargy or unusual drowsiness
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Rapid breathing or heart rate
Severe dehydration can become a medical emergency, leading to confusion, fainting, or even seizures, and these symptoms develop faster in children than adults. If your child shows these signs (or can’t keep fluids down due to vomiting or diarrhea) it’s time to visit the ER.
At Life Savers ER, we can quickly rehydrate your child with IV fluids, monitor their electrolytes, and determine if there’s an underlying illness like heat exhaustion or a viral infection contributing to the issue.
2. Heat Rash and Heat-Related Illness
When children play outside in the heat for long periods, especially in warm, tight clothing or without enough water, they may develop heat rash or, more seriously, heat exhaustion.
Mild cases of heat rash look like:
- Clusters of tiny red bumps
- Itching or prickly sensations
- Rashes on the neck, chest, back, or under arms
While heat rash itself isn’t dangerous, it can signal that your child’s body is overheating. If left unchecked, this can progress to heat exhaustion or even heatstroke.
Emergency signs of heat-related illness in children include:
- Cool, clammy skin or sudden sweating
- Headache or nausea
- Muscle cramps
- Fainting or confusion
- High body temperature without sweating
If you’re concerned your child may be experiencing heat illness, seek medical attention immediately. Our ER team will assess their temperature, provide cooling measures, and ensure their vital signs remain stable.
3. Insect Bites That Trigger Severe Reactions
Insect bites and stings are common during summer, but sometimes they’re more than just an itchy nuisance. Children may have allergic reactions to mosquito bites, bee stings, ant bites, or spider bites that require emergency care.
Watch for symptoms such as:
- Rapid swelling, especially near the face or throat
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Widespread hives or rash
- Dizziness, vomiting, or fainting
These could signal anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that needs immediate treatment. At Life Savers ER, we’re equipped to administer epinephrine, oxygen, and IV medications to stabilize your child quickly.
Even if symptoms are milder, bring your child in if a bite becomes swollen, painful, red, or warm to the touch, as it could be infected. Our team can clean the wound, treat the infection, and help prevent further complications.
4. Sports and Playground Injuries
From neighborhood basketball games to summer soccer leagues, physical activity ramps up during the summer. That also means a rise in broken bones, sprains, cuts, and head injuries among kids.
Bring your child to the ER for sports injuries if they experience:
- Severe swelling or bruising
- Inability to put weight on a limb
- Obvious deformity or possible fracture
- Deep cuts or uncontrolled bleeding
- Head trauma followed by vomiting, confusion, or loss of consciousness
Even a minor-looking fall can result in a concussion or internal injury, especially in younger children. Life Savers ER offers on-site X-rays and CT scans to evaluate injuries fast, so you’re not left wondering or waiting for answers.
We also provide thorough evaluations to determine if stitches, splints, or follow-up care are needed, and we’ll walk you through your child’s recovery plan.
5. High Fever Without a Clear Cause
Fever is a common response to infection, but in children, a high fever, especially without an obvious source like a sore throat or cough, can sometimes point to something more serious.
Call or visit the ER if your child has:
- A fever over 104°F
- A low to moderate grade fever that lasts more than 2–3 days
- A fever accompanied by a rash, stiff neck, confusion, or vomiting
- A seizure caused by the fever (febrile seizure)
- Any fever in an infant under 3 months old
Fevers can be triggered by heat-related illness, viral infections, ear infections, urinary tract infections, or even meningitis. The team at Life Savers ER will perform the necessary tests and monitoring to find the source quickly and treat it appropriately.
Why Choose Life Savers ER for Pediatric Emergencies
We know how scary it is when your child needs emergency care. That’s why we’ve created an environment that puts families at ease while delivering rapid, expert treatment when it matters most.
Here’s how we support families throughout Houston:
- 24/7 access to care – because emergencies don’t wait
- No wait times – your child will be seen right away
- Child-friendly environment – we work hard to reduce fear and anxiety
- On-site imaging and lab testing – no delays for diagnostics
- Pediatric-focused care – our team is experienced in treating kids with compassion and skill
We also provide complete visit documentation and discharge instructions so you can follow up with your pediatrician or specialist if needed to follow up and monitor any continued symptoms.
Keeping Summer Safe for Your Kids
The best way to avoid pediatric emergencies is to stay informed and proactive. Make sure your child stays hydrated, uses insect repellent, wears helmets and protective gear, and takes breaks during intense activity. But when accidents or unexpected symptoms happen, don’t wait.
Life Savers ER is here 24/7 to care for your child, day or night, weekend or weekday, with no appointment and no wait.
If you’re concerned about any sudden or severe symptoms this summer, trust your instincts and walk into your nearest Life Savers ER location. We’re ready to help your family feel better, faster.
