When your child becomes ill, it is natural as a parent to worry, even if it is just mild symptoms, as a parent, you think to take your child to see a doctor in Arlington just to be safe. You must remember to not let your imagination wander and think the worst when your child is ill, but to try and remain calm in order to help keep your child calm as well.
When your child is injured or ill, you typically have a few choices as to how to go about it. You can either schedule an appointment with your pediatrician, take them to an urgent care to see a doctor right away, or, if the symptoms are severe, take them to an emergency room. The trick here is knowing which of the three to go with based on your particular situation.
Many parents unnecessarily take their child to the emergency room as they over-worry. It is important to remember that when your child is ill, try and not fear the worst but rather attempt to objectively analyze their symptoms and gage whether or not a trip to the emergency room is necessary. So, the question is, how do you know when to go to the ER or not?
Take your child to the emergency room if:
- If your child of two months old or younger has a fever (100.4 degrees or higher)
- If your child has suffered from a head injury and has symptoms of a concussion (passed out, lost consciousness, dizzy, nauseous, stumbling, or acting odd)
- If your child may have a broken bone and there is visible swelling
- If your child has a seizure
- If your child is having difficulty breathing with heavy or quick breaths, or is gasping for a breath
- If your child is experiencing signs of dehydration, isn’t urinating (for more than 12 hours), is acting lethargic or confused, has dry lips, and seems weak or dizzy
- If your child has a large open gash or cut that needs stitches
Consider taking your child to an urgent care if:
- Your child is experiencing flu-like symptoms with a fever (runny or stuffy nose, lethargy, muscle aches, chills, headache, coughing, sore throat)
- If your child has a sore throat that starts on one side and spreads to the other, with or without white patches on the tonsils
- If your child is suffering symptoms of pink eye (conjunctivitis) which can include a red, swollen, itchy eye, with or without discharge
- If you think your child may have an ear infection and they are experiencing: pulling on the ear, ear pain, fever, drainage from the ear
- If your child is experiencing mild vomiting and diarrhea (without sharp pains in the abdomen or any blood in the stool)
It can be difficult knowing the right thing to do when your child is sick, but remember to try and stay calm and objectively analyze their symptoms. If your child is able to walk and talk and interact with you, it is unlikely that it is an emergency situation.
Urgentology is an innovative and friendly urgent care in Arlington and we welcome you and your family to come visit our expert medical team for non-emergency situations. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment ahead of time, contact us today. Walk ins are of course always welcome.
Important: If you have a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Room. Information in this site is not intended to be used as a diagnosis for your symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms, please seek medical attention or visit Urgentology Care.