When to Take Your Child to the ER

Children are notoriously bad communicators. This means you may not always be able to determine if you should wait it out, or take your child to a healthcare professional. Sometimes this job is made easier by thermometers, but a fever doesn’t always indicate how ill your child may actually be.

Deciding when to take your child to an ER can be incredibly stressful. There’s nothing worse than regretting your decision because you decided upon what seemed wisest at the time. But it’s always better to take your child when something exceeds your threshold for concern. And whether it’s a sore throat or rash, we’re here to help!

Here are a few tips to help you decide when to take your child to the ER.

Start with the basics

First, check their physical symptoms. This is an incredibly effective way to gauge how serious, or non-threatening their illness may be. This means checking for color in the face. Are their normally rosy cheeks now sallow and pale? Do they have a cold sweat? Are their eyes bright and clear or do they seem glazed over and cloudy? Stiff neck? All of these are physical indicators that you should take your child in to be seen by a professional.

Listen and watch

Kids sometimes have an odd way of describing how they feel. But as parents, we‘ve learned to understand this language better than others.

Is your normally talkative child suddenly refusing to speak? Have they stopped drinking and eating, and complain when you insist they do? Check their throats.

Trust your instinct

As they say, mother knows best, and this is especially true when it comes to your children. It’s not easy to know how your child will react to every bump, cut and fever. Your instinct is your best tool as a parent.

It’s always better to go to the doctor and be sure. Sometimes it’s the peace of mind that a doctor’s visit gives that helps the most. No matter if it’s a runny nose or a bruised ankle, go with your gut.

January 12, 2016
Written by Bailey Morgan
Content Writer at Nutex Health, Inc
Nutex Health, Inc supports you and your family’s health. With our 24 Hour Emergency Rooms in Port Arthur and Orange, we can treat you promptly with our expert team of nurses and board certified ER doctors.