Any parent knows that every child will get bumps, bruises and scrapes throughout their life; however, sometimes their injury or illness may be more serious and require immediate attention. But, as a parent, how do we know when it’s time to take them to urgent care?
While many situations can be handled at home with basic first aid, there are times when seeking medical attention from urgent care or even the emergency room becomes necessary.
When to Head to Urgent Care
Persistent High Fever
Fevers are common with numerous types of illnesses and in most cases, a fever is the body's natural response to fight off infections. However, a high fever (generally above 102°F or 38.9°C) that persists for more than a couple of days or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as lethargy (extreme sleepiness or lack of energy), difficulty breathing, rash, or dehydration, warrants a visit to urgent care.
Persistent Vomiting and Diarrhea
While occasional vomiting and diarrhea are normally not a problem in children, severe and persistent (often 24 hours or more) can lead to dehydration. If your child is unable to keep fluids down, appears lethargic, or exhibits signs of dehydration (dry mouth, sunken eyes, decreased urine output), it is time to seek medical attention.
Deep Cuts and Wounds
Accidents happen, and children are no strangers to minor cuts and scrapes. Most of these can be treated at home with proper cleaning and bandaging. However, deep cuts that won't stop bleeding, or wounds that appear infected (redness, swelling, pus) require professional medical attention to prevent complications and ensure proper wound care.
Respiratory Issues
If your child is experiencing persistent coughing, wheezing, or rapid breathing, urgent care is the best place for immediate evaluation or treatment. Here, a provider can determine the next best step to make your child feel better. Sometimes, that means sending your child on to the emergency room because they need a higher level of care than what the urgent care can offer. This might be necessary if your child is showing signs of respiratory distress or difficulty breathing. For severe, life-threatening difficulty breathing sometimes it best to call 911.
Suspected Fractures, Sprains, or Breaks
Active children are prone to falls and injuries, which may result in fractures, sprains or breaks. If your child is experiencing severe pain, swelling, limited mobility in a limb, or difficulty bearing weight, it's time to bring them to urgent care.
Severe Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions can range from mild to life-threatening. If your child exhibits signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face or throat, or hives all over the body after exposure to an allergen, seek immediate medical attention at an urgent care center. For life-threatening reactions, call 911 immediately.
Suspected Ear or Sinus Infections
Ear and sinus infections are common in young children and can cause great discomfort. If your child complains of severe ear pain, has persistent ear drainage, or experiences facial pain, an urgent care visit is warranted to determine the appropriate course of treatment.
Head Injuries
Head injuries should always be taken seriously. If your child has taken a hard hit or bump to the head you should always bring them in to be evaluated. Learn more about the seriousness of head injuries.
Better Safe Than Sorry - See a Doctor
As a parent, knowing when to take your child to urgent care is vital to help ensure timely and appropriate medical care. While minor illnesses and injuries can often be managed at home, certain symptoms and situations require immediate attention from healthcare professionals. Trust your instincts as a parent and seek medical care when you believe your child's health is at risk. Prompt action can lead to quicker recoveries and peace of mind for both you and your child.
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