When Should You Take Your Child to the Emergency Room?
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!
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thank s for you great info for new mom
ReplyShould take them if everything keeps telling to take your child
ReplyYou should take your children to an emergency room when he or she is having a really high fever or a pain some were in his or her body
ReplyI took my chikd to the ER in the middle of thr night cuz seh had ear pain, seh wuld cry non stop and finger her ears
Replyalways great info…
Replyi hope my baby never have to go to er, tnx for this info
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ReplyI wish we won’t encounter this ER trips ever! Thanks for the information shared!
Reply