Top 4 Reasons Why Kids Go to the ER

It’s every parent’s nightmare: the dreaded trip to the emergency room. Unfortunately, it’s something that most parents – and their kids – will experience at least once or twice.. or more. Between the trips and falls and the rapid spread of illnesses, children face many ailments that can be serious enough to justify a trip to Laredo Emergency Room. Here are the top four.

Respiratory symptoms

Whether it’s asthma, allergies, pneumonia, acute bronchitis, flu, or now COVID-19, there are plenty of conditions and illnesses that can make breathing difficult for your little ones, especially infants and toddlers. Even what seems like a simple cough can turn into something more serious, robbing children of their ability to breathe. Because of their smaller airways, young children are particularly susceptible to respiratory complications, which can be frightening for both the child and parents.

Infections and fever

Let’s face it: children share germs – and that means it’s all too easy for your child to come down with a fever or infection, like the flu. If your child is running a temperature of 103°F or higher, heading to the emergency room is a smart choice because this type of fever most likely indicates the presence of an infection in need of immediate treatment. Anytime your child displays unusual drowsiness or lack of energy, skin rash, or typical cold-like symptoms like cough, sore throat, or headache, check their temperatures regularly. Keep in mind that even a simple earache can turn into a concerning infection, so seek out treatment without delay to keep it under control.

Tummy troubles

Whether it’s abdominal pain or diarrhea and vomiting, managing stomach woes come with the territory for parents. These symptoms can sometimes result in severe dehydration, so as soon as your child confronts these symptoms, reach out to your child’s regular pediatrician. If symptoms are keeping your child from being able to keep down any food or fluids, seek emergency room treatment.

Injury

With their developing motor skills, children aren’t the most graceful creatures. And because of their curious and playful natures, they can get themselves into lots of trouble. Put these things together, and it’s only natural that children often become injured. If the injury is to the head, face, or neck, bring your child to Laredo Emergency Room right away. Likewise, if the skin is cut and bleeding profusely or your child can’t stand or move an injured part of the body, come to the emergency room for diagnosis and treatment.

Being prepared

Because emergency room trips for children are so common, it’s best to have a plan in advance. Map out your route to the hospital or the emergency room and have the ER’s phone number and address stored as a contact in your phone. If you find yourself heading into the emergency room, call us on your way to tell us about the nature of the illness or injury and the child’s medical history so that we can be ready to treat your child as soon as you arrive. Here at Laredo Emergency Room, our emergency physicians are here 24/7 and ready to care for your child just as we would our own.

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