When Should I Take My Child to the Emergency Room?

There’s nothing scarier for a parent than watching their child in pain or suffering from an illness. Should you make a doctor’s appointment to put your mind at ease, or do you need to rush to your Cibolo ER?

There are times when the answer is clear. For instance, if your child is choking or is unconscious, you need to call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately. But what if your child develops a rash that covers his body?

If you have questions about your child’s health, don’t hesitate to call the doctor. This could mean a trip to the doctor’s office, or to the emergency room. For example, minor burns can be handled by your child’s pediatrician. A fully equipped emergency room is best for treating difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, as well as major trauma and injuries.

When should you take your child to the emergency room?

If your child experiences any of the following, we suggest that you take immediate action.

1. High fever

This remains to be the number one cause for ER visits for kids. Fever is the body’s response to infection; in fact, it suggests a healthy immune response. It is important to remember that fever is not a disease, but it is the body’s way of signaling an underlying infection.

Fever can be serious if it rises too high. If your child is under 3 months old, it’s best to go to the emergency room. Call your doctor if your child 6 months of age or older has a rectal temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit and above. If your child is older than 3 months and has fever for more than 3 days, it’s also best to have him checked.

If your child is unresponsive or has a seizure, take him to the emergency room immediately.

2. Stomach pain

If your child’s stomach pain lasts for more than a couple of hours, you should start worrying. Call your doctor if the stomach pain is accompanied by loss of appetite, weakness, vomiting, fever, or diarrhea.

If your child has a tender or swollen tummy, and is in so much pain that walking is difficult, rush to the emergency room. Your child might be suffering from appendicitis.

3. Difficulty breathing

If your child is breathing through his belly, it is a sign of respiratory obstruction. Take him to the emergency room right away if you think that your child might have choked on an object.

4. Skin Rash

If your child has widespread skin rashes with swelling, fever, headaches, blistering, bleeding, trouble breathing, or weakness, rush to the emergency room.

5. Head bumps

If your child bumped his head, monitor him for the next 48 hours. If he experiences persistent drowsiness, dizziness, inability to balance, or problem speaking, take him to the emergency room immediately.

When it comes to the health of your child, it’s always better to be safe than be sorry. Remember, there is nothing wrong with a trip to the emergency room that results in nothing but reassurance. Do not hesitate to consult with a medical professional or go to your nearest Cibolo ER when you are in doubt.