All emergencies can be a scary experience but those involving children can be especially tough to deal with. Here are some common pediatric emergencies that should be treated at your nearest Emergency Room.
Special case – Babies and children under the age of 2
The situations mentioned below apply to all children but when it comes to cases involving children under two, a very low threshold for going to the Emergency Room should be kept. At the very first sign that something is wrong or out of the ordinary, parents with sick or unwell babies (or children under 2) should seek medical advice immediately, without delay.
When to go to your local 24-hour Emergency Room
- A new temperature over 100.4 degrees (38C) – there are many reasons that a child might have a high temperature. But whatever the cause, a temperature of 100.4 degrees F (38C) or higher means the child should be taken to the emergency room immediately. This is especially true if the temperature is accompanied by some of the symptoms listed below.
- Vomiting / Diarrhea – the most common causes of vomiting and diarrhea are usually a stomach bug. Generally, these conditions can be managed at home with plenty of fluids, rest and over-the-counter Tylenol or Advil for children. But in cases where a child has experienced multiple vomiting and/or diarrhea episodes over a short period of time (i.e., vomiting 4 times in 24 hours and not holding down any fluids) a trip to the emergency room should be made as dehydration becomes a huge concern.
- Head injuries – All head injuries should be taken seriously even if no visible bleeding is seen. Any witnessed head injury where a child passes out or there is loss of consciousness means urgent medical attention is needed.
- A rash – it is notoriously difficult to figure out whether a rash is non-urgent or life-threatening, but the following should prompt an urgent trip to the emergency room
- A rash that comes on suddenly
- A rash that doesn’t fade with pressure, such as when a glass cup is gently pressed on it
- A rash that is associated with any of the following: A high temperature, vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, painful joints
- Inability to drink or swallow – this is a medical emergency. Go to the nearest emergency room immediately
General rules to bring your child to the emergency room
- Unusual shortness of breath
- Your child is clearly very unwell – they are lethargic, listless and have poor interaction with their environment and those around them
- A child that is pale, limp, not responding or playing in their usual manner
If something feels wrong, trust your gut and get it checked out right away.
References
Emergency in Houston?
Life Savers 24 Hour Emergency Room is equipped to handle life threatening conditions quickly. Your emergency or concern is our priority! Life Savers 24 Hour Emergency Room is your Houston ER for immediate definite care. Do not hesitate to call us today or stop by one of our houston emergency room locations: Willowbrook ER, Heights ER, or Summerwood ER.
