When your child is sick or injured, it can be easy to overreact, especially for first-time parents. How do you really know when your child is bad enough to be rushed to pediatric emergency care in Summerville, SC? The following situations warrant a trip to the ER. Anything less should be handled by their primary doctor.
High Fever
If your child is 3 months or older with a fever of 104 degrees Fahrenheit and shows symptoms such as constant crying, breathing issues, lethargy, seizures or throwing up, it’s time to head to the hospital. With infants under 3 months of age, watch for a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher taken with a rectal thermometer. Their immune systems aren’t yet full strength, and they may have an infection their body is too young to fight off.
Dehydration from Diarrhea or Vomiting
Diarrhea and vomiting aren’t too worrisome on their own, but when your child has lost too many fluids, there can be cause for concern. For example, if your child has no tears when he or she cries, hasn’t urinated in six hours or more, can’t keep any fluids down or has blood mixed with their vomit or stool, they should see pediatric emergency care in Summerville, SC. Other things to watch for are lethargic children who feel and look terrible and a sunken soft spot on your infant’s head.
Heavy Bleeding
You can probably handle routine cuts and bruises at home, but if your child cuts themselves through the flesh or to the bone, you’ll need to seek emergency care. Also, head for the ER if a wound doesn’t stop bleeding after 15 minutes of pressure. Your little one will likely need stitches.
Breathing Struggles
While a stopped up nose from a cold isn’t a problem, when children start struggling to take a real breath, you should seek help. If your child stops breathing, starts turning blue or is choking on food or another obstruction, you need to call 911 right away. Watch for rapid breathing with flaring nostrils or where the skin withdraws between your tot’s ribs too.
These four signs of danger will help you know when to take your child to pediatric emergency care in Summerville, SC. If you’re not sure if your little one is bad enough off to head for the hospital, call your pediatrician or the covering doctor or nurse practitioner for advice. Give them all the details, and they’ll help you make an informed decision. As your child grows, you’ll eventually learn the pattern of how their body works and be able to work more on instinct. Browse the website www.charlestonpalmettopediatrics.com for more information.
