Your child could be exposed to numerous illnesses or injuries over the course of their adolescence. As a parent, you may be uncertain when you need to seek out emergency services for your child. While not all instances require emergency medicine, it is best to know the signs that could require you to seek extra care. Below, you will find a list of the more severe signs that could indicate the need for a trip to the ER.
Fevers Accompanied by Other Symptoms
One of the most common reasons a parent will bring their child to the ER is because their child has a fever. Usually, you don’t have to worry if it is only a fever with no other symptoms; you only need to take your child in if other symptoms accompany the fever. However, if their body temperature is more than 104 degrees, or your child is less than three months old with a fever, you should take them in for emergency care.
Trouble Breathing
Difficulty breathing is a definite sign that emergency services are warranted. But, if the breathing is impaired due to nasal congestion, you do not need to go. Know the differences between urgent care and emergency rooms so you can determine where to take your child if necessary. Urgent care can help with nasal congestion, but if your child is pale, cannot breathe, and their ribs are sinking in, go to the ER immediately.
Stomach Pain in One Location
Is your child complaining about stomach pain that is preventing them from playing or eating? Is this pain localized to one area on their belly? If the answer to these questions is yes, this could be appendicitis and will require a visit to the emergency room. It could end up being a different issue, but when the pain does not leave a specific area of the stomach, it could be a deeper problem.
Breaking Out in a Rash or Hives
Breaking out in a rash or hives does not necessarily point to the need to bring your child to a clinic for emergency services. But if these symptoms develop quickly after they eat something, this could be an allergic reaction. While not all allergic reactions are severe, if you do not have prior knowledge of an allergy and this occurs, it is wise to go to an ER to ensure anaphylaxis does not start. Trouble breathing, a drop in blood pressure, or bluing of the lips are all indicators that you need emergency services.
As a parent, knowing the signs and making judgment calls will become a lot easier. It is always best to be on the safe side and bring your child to an emergency room if you are unsure whether you need to or not. If time isn’t a factor, consider calling a hospital or clinic for their opinion before driving straight to an ER. Knowing these signs could save your child’s life in dire situations.