The well-being of their children is always at the forefront of every parent’s thoughts. Medical conditions are usually at the top of the list of concerns. When children are young and often unable to express what ails them, the unease at the health issue multiplies. Parents instinctively know how to care for their children, but when faced with a medical condition they do not understand, or are unable to deal with, the child must be taken to a pediatrician for diagnosis and treatment.

Signs That a Child Needs Medical Attention 

If a child displays any of these symptoms, it is a sign that medical attention should be provided without delay:

• Signs or symptoms of severe pain or discomfort
• Respiratory distress – wheezing, straining to breathe, etc.
• Diarrhea, nausea or vomiting that lasts for more than 24 hours
• Constipation that lasts for more than 2 days
• Painful bowel movements
• Injuries from normal childhood activities that do not start to heal within 24 hours
• Fever that does not respond to pediatric fever medication
• Sings of dehydration such as lower than normal urination, sunken eyes and lack of tears while crying

No parent wants to be thought of as one who needlessly panics, but the policy of “When in doubt, contact the doctor.” is the best one for dealing with pediatric medical issues which may turn into emergencies.

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Also Read: Immunization Chart For The Ages Of 0 To 3 Years

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Common Pediatric Emergencies 

1. Digestive Issues: A child’s digestive system is constantly learning to adapt to new foods and because of this, upset stomachs are common. However, if the problem does not resolve itself quickly with normal medication, or if the child is experiencing severe discomfort, it could be a sign of a more serious medical issue, such as an allergy, food poisoning, an obstruction or a disease such as hepatitis. Any digestive distress that does not stop or reduce in 24 hours could be the start of a medical emergency.
2. Infections: Children are curious and touch everything. This means that they are constantly picking up infections. While this commonly leads to stomach problems, it could also result in more serious issues like respiratory infections, meningitis, skin infections, and so on. Any infection that does not show signs of clearing up in a day should be treated as a possible medical emergency.
3. Skin Conditions: Because children are exposed to new environments regularly, the things they touch or which touch them often result in skin ailments. In some cases, this could turn into medical problems like hives, chickenpox, rashes, sores and so on. Any unusual skin condition that does not reduce in 24 hours should be checked by a doctor as it could be a possible emergency.
4. Pain: When a child is in pain, he/she is often unable to describe it sufficiently. With external injuries, the causes are often visible – cuts, bruises, scratches, etc. In the case of internal pain that is felt in the chest, abdomen or head, it is best not to delay examination by a doctor.
5. Trauma: Children do not know their limits or understand the risks of their actions. This means that minor traumas or injuries are commonplace and usually not a reason for worry. However, deep cuts or lacerations, severe bruising, or pain that restricts movement, could be signs of a more serious injury that may not have visible symptoms. Only a doctor will be able to diagnose the nature of the trauma and prescribe treatment.
6. Choking: Young children put all kinds of objects in their mouths. This is natural but besides the risk of infections, if the object is swallowed, the child could choke. If a child has difficulty breathing, is gagging, is unable to speak or cry and is in distress, it is possible that a choking situation exists and an urgent trip to the doctor is essential. Even if the child expels the foreign object, inhaling it could have caused some internal damage so a medical examination is required.
7. Allergies: A child can exhibit an allergic reaction without warning. The signs of such a reaction can vary but a child that has difficulty breathing, has swelling of the hands, feet or face, rapid heartbeat or a drop in blood pressure may be suffering from a severe allergic reaction and emergency medical treatment is essential.
8. Chronic Conditions: Children with chronic or genetic health issues often require more emergency medical care than other children. While this is a cause for concern, it should be noted that in many cases the medical issues subside or even disappear as the child grows. That said, when a child is suffering from a congenital or chronic ailment, any flare-up should be brought to the attention of the doctor without delay.

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Also Read: Common Misconceptions About Infant Care

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Young children when afflicted with a health condition are often unable to tell their parents or doctors what the problem is. The best pediatricians know this and are able to work with the children who come to them to obtain an understanding of the nature of the ailment. Because children’s bodies are still growing and developing, the cause of the medical problem may be rooted in other unobserved or unnoticed disorders. Or it may be that the condition that is being treated could impact other parts of the body. In both these cases, the place where the child is being diagnosed and treated should be one in which other medical specializations are also available so that, if needed, consultation with other medical specialists can be done easily and without delay. That is why a multispecialty hospital like New Medical Center is the best place for a child who requires medical care. The state-of-the-art Pediatrics Department and the expert pediatricians available there will ensure that children get the best possible care and treatment and, if required, consultation with other specialists can also be done without delay.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the signs that my child needs immediate medical attention?

Severe pain, breathing difficulties, prolonged vomiting, high fever, dehydration, and unhealed injuries require urgent care.

How do I know if my child’s digestive issues are serious?

If vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain lasts over 24 hours or is severe, seek medical help to rule out infections, allergies, or other conditions.

When should I worry about a skin rash or infection?

If the rash spreads quickly, is painful, or lasts more than 24 hours, it may indicate an infection or allergic reaction requiring medical evaluation.

What should I do if my child is choking?

If they struggle to breathe, turn blue, or cannot cough, seek emergency care immediately. Even if they expel the object, a doctor should check for internal damage.

Are all pediatric emergencies treatable at a multispecialty hospital?

Yes, hospitals like New Medical Center have pediatricians and specialists to provide comprehensive emergency care for children.

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