Whether it’s a sudden illness, a fall, or an unexpected injury, knowing what constitutes a true emergency for your child can help you respond appropriately and seek the right care. Here’s a guide to help you recognize when a situation calls for emergency care. And when in doubt, seek care! Nothing is more important than your child’s health.
1. Severe Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe, but when symptoms include difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, or a rash that spreads quickly, it’s important to seek emergency care immediately. Severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, can cause the airways to close, leading to breathing difficulties or even life-threatening complications. If your child has known allergies, always have an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) on hand and be prepared to use it in an emergency.
2. Head Injuries
Head injuries are common in children, but some require immediate medical attention. If your child has suffered a blow to the head and experiences any of the following, seek emergency care right away:
• Loss of consciousness, even briefly
• Severe headache that doesn’t improve
• Vomiting or nausea after the injury
• Seizures
• Difficulty waking up or staying alert
• Dizziness or trouble with coordination
These could indicate a concussion or more serious brain injury, so prompt evaluation by a medical professional is essential.
3. Difficulty Breathing or Shortness of Breath
If your child is struggling to breathe, showing signs of severe wheezing, or using extra effort to breathe (such as flaring nostrils or pulling in the muscles between ribs), seek immediate medical help. Respiratory distress can be caused by many factors, such as asthma, pneumonia, or foreign object inhalation.
4. Severe Abdominal Pain
While mild stomachaches are common, severe abdominal pain should not be ignored. If your child experiences sharp or persistent pain, especially if it’s accompanied by vomiting, fever, or swelling, it could indicate a more serious issue, such as appendicitis, a bowel obstruction, or an infection.
5. High Fever
Fever is often a sign that the body is fighting off an infection, but it can be concerning in young children. If your baby under three months old has a fever of 100.4°F or higher, seek immediate medical attention. For older children, if the fever exceeds 103°F and doesn’t respond to fever-reducing medication, or if it’s accompanied by severe headaches, rash, or lethargy, it’s time to visit the emergency room.
6. Severe Cuts, Burns, or Wounds
Cuts, burns, and scrapes are common among children, but if your child suffers a deep cut, large burn, or injury that’s causing significant bleeding, it’s important to seek emergency care right away. In particular:
• Large or deep cuts that may need stitches
• Burns that are large, blistering, or involve the face or hands
• Wounds that won’t stop bleeding despite pressure
• Any injury caused by sharp objects, chemicals, or electrical burns
Timely medical intervention can prevent infections and help your child recover faster.
7. Poisoning or Overdose
Children are naturally curious and may ingest harmful substances like cleaning products, medications, or poisonous plants. If you suspect your child has ingested something dangerous, call Poison Control immediately (1-800-222-1222) and head to the emergency room right away. It’s important to bring the product or substance with you to the hospital if possible, so doctors can quickly determine the appropriate treatment.
8. Severe or Persistent Vomiting and Diarrhea
While stomach viruses are common, persistent vomiting or diarrhea in children can lead to dehydration, especially in infants and young children. If your child is unable to keep fluids down or shows signs of dehydration (dry mouth, fewer wet diapers, lethargy), seek emergency care. Dehydration can be dangerous and may require IV fluids to restore hydration.
9. Severe Back or Neck Pain
Severe pain in the back or neck, especially after a fall or trauma, could indicate a serious injury to the spine. If your child experiences pain in these areas and shows signs of weakness, numbness, or paralysis, seek emergency care immediately.
10. Changes in Behavior or Consciousness
If your child becomes unusually drowsy, confused, or unresponsive, it may be a sign of a serious medical condition, such as a head injury, infection, or even poisoning. Changes in behavior, such as difficulty waking up or persistent crying, should be taken seriously and evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible.
As a parent, it can be difficult to know when to take action in an emergency. However, trusting your instincts and seeking medical attention, when necessary, can make all the difference in your child’s health and recovery. At Kyle ER & Hospital, we’re here to provide expert pediatric emergency care.
If you are ever unsure if your child needs medical care, play it safe! Our team is ready to provide compassionate, high-quality medical treatment for your little one. Stay informed, stay prepared, and know that we’re here to help when you need us.
