When your child becomes ill or injured, knowing where to turn for help can be difficult. Depending on the situation, you may need to visit a hospital emergency room, a pediatric office, or an urgent care facility. Urgent care can be a great choice for many medical issues, but it’s important to understand when it’s right for your child.
ER or a Pediatrician: Where Should I Take My Child?
When deciding whether to take your child to the ER or a pediatrician, consider the following:
- The Severity of the Illness or Injury: If your child is experiencing a life-threatening illness or injury, take them to the ER. It is best to take them to a pediatrician for illnesses or injuries that are not life-threatening.
- Your Child’s Age: For infants and young children, the ER may be the best choice as they may not be able to communicate their symptoms.
- Your Child’s Medical History: If you have access to your child’s medical history, it can help make a diagnosis.
- Availability of Medical Care: If you cannot get to a pediatrician right away, the ER may be the best option.
Does Urgent Care Treat Children?
Urgent care specializing in pediatric care is the best option for treating your child’s illness or injury. These centers provide experienced staff that are proficient in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions in children. Furthermore, they strive to make the experience for you and your child more positive.
Signs That It’s Time to Take Your Child to Urgent Care
It is important to know when to take your child to urgent care. Although knowing when to take your child to urgent care instead of their doctor’s office may be difficult, certain signs can help you make the right decision.
Here are some of the signs that it is time to take your child to urgent care:
1. High Fever
A fever is the body’s way of fighting off infection. However, if your child has a fever higher than 102°F, it is a sign that they may need medical attention. Also, if your child is younger than three months, it is important to take them to urgent care if their temperature is higher than 100.4°F.
2. Severe Pain
Pain can be a sign of an underlying medical condition and should not be taken lightly. If your child is experiencing severe pain that does not go away, even after taking over-the-counter medication, it is time to take them to urgent care.
3. Vomiting or Diarrhea
Vomiting and diarrhea can be signs of a viral infection, food poisoning, or other serious medical condition. If your child is experiencing vomiting or diarrhea for more than 24 hours, it is important to seek medical attention.
4. Difficulty Breathing
If your child has difficulty breathing or has rapid shallow breaths, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
5. Severe Allergic Reaction
If your child has a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of the face, it is important to take them to urgent care as soon as possible.
Conclusion
It is important to recognize when your child needs medical attention and when the circumstances call for a visit to urgent care. Suppose your child experiences any of the signs mentioned above, or you are ever unsure about the severity of their illness or injury. In that case, an urgent care visit is likely the best course of action. Always consult with your pediatrician or other health care provider for advice, as they can provide the most accurate diagnosis and treatment plan for your child.
Does your child require medical attention? Your Kids Urgent Care is here to help. We provide top-notch kids’ urgent care in Orlando, FL, so you are assured that we will take care of them the best we can. Get in touch with us today!
