When Should You Take Your Child to the Emergency Room?

We've all been there: It’s the middle of the night, and you’re up with a sick child. You’ve given your child Tylenol, but the fever is still running high. Your child’s breathing sounds raspy, and you’re starting to wonder if you need to make a trip to the Emergency Room.

As a parent, you should never be afraid to call your doctor, or try and get help if you think there is something wrong with your baby.

You wake your spouse for advice, but he only says, “Do what you think.” It’s not like a trip to the ER is fun – or cheap – so you don’t want to go if it isn’t necessary. But at the same time, NOTHING comes second to your child’s health. So what do you do?

There are some key things you’ll want to check for. If these symptoms are present, you should go to the ER:

• Your child has trouble breathing or has shortness of breath.
  If your child has a nebulizer or inhaler for asthma, and you have already used it and there is no change, your child needs to be seen!
  If your child's airway has become blocked by choking, you should immediately call 911.
• Your child has a fever accompanied by stiffening in the neck.
• Your child’s awareness is affected (has become unusually sleepy, difficult to wake, disoriented, or confused).
• Your child accidentally gets into a poisonous substance or medication.
• Your child has a deep wound that won’t stop bleeding, or his circulation is affected, causing paleness, listlessness, or discoloration of the skin.
• Your child has had more than minor head trauma.
• Your child has a rapid heartbeat that won’t slow down.

While many situations seem frightening, not all require a trip to the ER. Most pediatricians’ offices have an after-hours, on-call service just for this. (A local pediatrician’s office in my area even provides their patients with an advice packet for common symptoms, which can be found here.)

{ MORE: When Should I Call My Doctor? }

The following symptoms, while not considered emergency situations, can still seem scary; and your doctor’s office can provide reassuring assistance.

• High fever:
  A high fever, alone, is not usually a reason to be seen in the ER, unless your child is three months old or younger. (With babies that young, anything over 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit would be considered an emergency.)
• Ear pain:
  This can be distressing for children, and it often keeps them awake at night. Your doctor can give you some tips for your child’s specific circumstance. (Hot compresses are safe for children older than one year.)
• Head or stomach aches:
  No emergency here, unless the stomach pain is causing vomiting or diarrhea, which could lead to dehydration. (Your child should have no less than two wet diapers a day.)
• Rash:
  While unpleasant, rashes are not life threatening. There are many causes for rashes, and your doctor can give you a better idea of how to treat it if it’s persistent.
• Cough:
  Yes, a cough can be annoying and may keep your child awake; but it is the body’s way of trying to expel mucous, and you should avoid cough suppressants, especially for children younger than six!

{ MORE: Midnight Field Trip to the ER }

What symptoms give you the most worry? Have you ever had to take your child to the ER? Tell us in the comments!