The first thing you care about when your child is sick as a parent is their well-being. Everyone knows how quickly kids and teenagers can go from perfectly healthy to desperately ill in a few days. One of the primary concerns while they’re getting over an illness like bronchitis or strep throat is the perils of becoming dehydrated. That’s why it’s essential to be on-hand in case they need medical attention or have someone nearby you trust to handle things. Then, sometimes it’s not easy to determine whether a child’s illness is a virus or bacterial origin. Sometimes, you may also wonder if it’s best to see a pediatrician for urgent care. Most parents struggle with this – when is it time for your child to get treated at an urgent care center?
Since it is never an easy answer if you need pediatrics on demand, certain situations or symptoms deserve close attention and perhaps immediate action from your side. Let’s delve into them at once.
Coughing
Colds and the flu are common causes of coughs, but some tell-tale signs can help diagnose what is going on if you suspect it may be something more serious. The most common type of cough is usually shallow and doesn’t produce much phlegm. But other kinds sound deeper, like they come from way down in your lungs or throat. Other symptoms accompanying this kind of cough include a sore throat or vomiting. If left untreated, it could lead to bronchitis or, even worse, lung cancer. If you suspect your child has more than just a cold, take him into urgent care right away.
High fever
Fevers are never fun, especially in kids, as they may not necessarily respond to home remedies quite as quickly. A fever that doesn’t go away or subside even after 24 hours provided you gave your kid a lukewarm compress and medicines is worthy of urgent attention because it might be an early sign of another underlying chronic illness. In such situations, it is best to consult an urgent care medical facility where experts can identify the cause and prescribe medications and other healing treatments.
Fractures or broken bones
If you think your child has a fracture or broken bone, you must take them to urgent care for treatment. Fractures and broken bones can be very painful and, if not treated properly, can lead to further complications. The doctors and staff at urgent care will be able to diagnose and treat your child’s injury properly. They may need to put a cast or set the bone. In some cases, surgery may be necessary. Regardless of the treatment, it’s vital to get your child the care they need at the earliest. Since these facilities have advanced diagnostic systems and tools, you can rely on their services and procedures.
Like any other parent, your first thought would be to take your kid to an emergency room. While nothing is wrong with that, you cannot be sure if the child will get immediate attention. Sometimes, the wait can extend to five hours or more. And this can be the most challenging and exhausting phase for your kid and you.