Why Kids End up in the ER

a child with a bandaged arm

Common Reasons Why Kids End Up in the ER

More than 25 million children under the age of 18, visit an emergency room for treatment every year. The fact that the number of underage patients has been growing steadily makes it vital for parents be aware of the most common reasons why kids end up in the ER and their prevention tips.

One of the biggest challenges for our staff at Altus Emergency Centers is to tend to an injured or sick child as quickly as possible. It is heartbreaking to see a child in distress, for this reason, we have compiled a list of the most common reasons why kids end up in our ER and offer some helpful advice for parents and caregivers.

childing holding hands with an adult

Fevers

The first on our list of reasons why kids end up in the ER is the fever. While not an actual illness it is an underlying symptom of infection, most fevers are mild and can be treated at home with an over the counter fever reducer medicine. However, if your child has a fever of 104°F or higher or if the fever persists even after administering medication, then you should bring your child to one of our emergency centers for evaluation and treatment.

If you have a baby under 3 months and they have a rectal temperature above 100.4, rush to the nearest Altus ER Center.

Tip: Closely monitor your child’s temperature, if it continues to rise or if you are unable to lower it with over the counter medications, you need to see a doctor. If your doctor’s office is closed keep in mind that we’re Open 24/7 at Altus Emergency Centers.

woman consoling her son who has a fever

Breathing Problems

All year long, for one reason or another, many kids end up in the ER due to breathing problems. This is of special concern with the usual flu epidemics and Texas Spring pollen allergy outbreaks. Children are especially vulnerable to suffer complications from the flu, and if your child suffers from asthma then they are at a higher risk.

Breathing problems can be caused by a range of conditions, including pneumonia, whooping cough, allergies or as we mentioned asthma.

Signs of a breathing emergency in children include:

  • – Rapid breathing
  • – Barking cough
  • – Trouble breathing even without physical exertion
  • – Severe wheezing or squeaking sound when breathing
  • – Chest and abdomen going up and down at different paces

Tip: If your child shows any of the above symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention. At Altus Emergency, we’re Open 24/7, No Lines.

doctor testing a patient's lungs

Injuries & Traumas

Kids are unruly and love to run around without regard for their personal safety. Due to the little daredevil spirit in most, there will be times when even the most vigilant parents won’t be able to prevent a fall. For this reason, injuries and traumas are common reasons why kids end up in the ER.

The most common injuries and trauma treated at Altus Emergency Centers are:

  • – Sprains and Strains
  • – Broken Bones
  • – Cuts and scrapes
  • – Concussions
  • – Burns

Tip: You don’t want to prevent your child from playing or practicing a sport, but you should make sure they:

  • – Have all the appropriate gear,
  • – Make them wear a helmet when riding their bikes,
  • – Don’t let them climb onto unsafe structures,
  • – Don’t allow them to play with sharp edge toys,
  • – Never let them play in the kitchen while you are cooking.
child with a bandaged arm

Stomach Bugs

School-aged children are exposed to many viruses during a year, but stomach bugs that provoke nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are especially concerning as they can lead to dehydration.

Sometimes the vomiting and diarrhea are not caused by the stomach flu, but, by food poisoning, or an infection such as gastroenteritis. While the tummy ache is usually treated at home, keep an eye open as some “stomach bugs” may be a sign of some more serious condition.

Tip: You should head to the nearest emergency center if your child shows any of the following symptoms:

  • – Severe, prolonged, or abrupt abdominal pain,
  • – Pain that radiates to the back,
  • – If the abdomen is tender to the touch.
child with stomach pains

Know Where to Go In the Event of an Emergency

Keeping children safe is a priority for every parent and one that is shared by the pediatric emergency staff of all our Altus Emergency Centers, if your child shows any alarming symptoms do not hesitate to bring them in for an evaluation.

Altus Emergency Room Baytown

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