Top 10 Reasons Why Kids Visit the ER
Keep Your Kiddo Safe. Know When to Visit the Emergency Room
If you’re a parent, grandparent, aunt/uncle or teacher, this one is for you! Learn about the top 10 reasons why kids visit the ER. According to health officials, 25.5 million children under age 18 visit the ER for one reason or another. This statistic should be a a good reason for parents to heed the advice of Prestige ER and its dedicated pediatric emergency medical staff.
Although no parent wants to contemplate the possibility of their child visiting the emergency room for treatment, it is a source of comfort to know that we have the most qualified staff on call 24/7 to help nurse your child back to health.
Although the reasons for a child visiting the emergency room may vary, you can count on these to be the top 10 most common reasons why why kids visit the ER:
#10 Accidental or Intentional Ingestion
Small children and even some mischievous older ones tend to ingest items that are not edible, it could be a small toy, coins, and lately, we’ve seen an alarming trend of teens and young adults eating tide pods and other types of detergents.
To avoid a trip to the ER, here’s our first tip that’s important keep in mind why kids visit the ER. Make sure you only give them age appropriate toys to play with and watch them closely as they play. Also, make sure to talk to your teenage kids about the dangers of ingesting detergents and giving in to peer pressure.
#9 Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Another reason why kids visit the ER is that children are vulnerable to all types of viruses as their immune systems build, and stomach flu is at the top of the list for children visiting our ER. Vomiting and diarrhea are of great concern as these can easily lead to dehydration.
Gastrointestinal symptoms can also be caused by infections such as gastroenteritis or by food poisoning if your child shows any of the following symptoms bring them in for an immediate evaluation:
- Severe, unabating, or abrupt abdominal pain
- A tummy that is tender to the touch
- If the child complains their abdominal pain is radiating to their back
#8 Breathing Problems
Flu season is amongst us and this year it has hit hard, and children are at a higher risk of developing complication from the flu, this means parents should be especially vigilant if their child shows any of the following symptoms:
- Barking cough
- Rapid breathing
- Trouble breathing even without physical exertion
- Severe wheezing or squeaking while breathing
If your child stops breathing or if their lips turn blue or gray seek immediate emergency medical attention.
#7 Injuries and Trauma
Children are mostly unaware of the dangers they face in their daily activity, and for this reason, they take unnecessary risks during their explorations and play time, as a result, many children will slip, or fall and become injured even under the watchful eye of their loving parents.
Most injuries will be minor and can be treated at home, others, however, will require medical attention, at Prestige ER we specialize in the pediatric treatment of:
- Sprains and Strains
- Bone Fractures
- Lacerations
- Head Trauma (Concussions)
- Burns
#6 Animal Bites and Stings
Children love to play outdoors and sometimes they mess with the wrong neighbors, be it a beehive, or a nervous dog cat, sometimes they will be bitten.
Dog or cat bites can be easily infected, to avoid this a round of antibiotics may be prescribed, insect bites, on the other hand, can cause dangerous allergic reactions that require immediate emergency medical attention.
#5 Dehydration
Fevers, vomiting or diarrhea can result in a child becoming dehydrated, but sometimes kids simply do not keep well hydrated while playing sports or playing outside.
Always make sure your children have access to plenty of water or fruit juices, but keep in mind these later ones contain a lot of sugar so try to limit those.
#4. Drunk Teenagers
The teenage years are difficult for everyone in the family, but especially teens who are trying to assert their independence and try new things. The main problem stems from peer pressure, which could lead to your teenager to ingesting too much alcohol.
Parents should always have open conversations with their kids about the dangers of alcohol, and how to avoid giving in to peer pressure.
#3 Depression, Anxiety, and Suicide Attempts
Sadly, teen suicide is on the rise, today’s kids are exposed to so much pressure from outside influences, that it is hard for them to feel like they fit in.
The fear of rejection from their peers, the anxiety of constantly being judged, and bullying, are the main cause of depression, anxiety, and suicide attempts amongst children and especially teenagers.
Again, it is up to their parents to get involved in their kid’s daily activity, offer them a safe space to talk without fear of judgment, and offer advice.
#2 Allergic Reactions
Insect bites, food, exposure to cleaning products, and pollen are all causes of allergic reaction, parents must be extremely vigilant and keep an eye out for unusual swelling or problems breathing. If you suspect your child is suffering an allergic reaction bring your child for immediate evaluation.
#1 Fever
While fever is not an illness, it is an underlining symptom that something is not right, most fevers are a symptom of an infection, and when these are mild they can be treated at home with over the counter medications.
However, if your child’s fever is 104°F or higher you need to bring them in for evaluation and treatment.
Prestige ER – In Mesquite and Plano, Texas
#1 CHOICE for FAST 24/7 EMERGENCY CARE
Prestige ER is committed to doing everything we can to stop the rise in child emergency room visits, but sometimes no matter how vigilant a parent is children will become ill, or injure themselves, for this reason, our emergency room is open 24/7/365.
Do not risk your health. Visit Prestige ER immediately in Plano or Mesquite.
Find the ER Specialists at prestigeer.org, We provide the Best 24 HR. Emergency Medical Services in Plano. Don’t Wait in Line for ER Care!
Get back on track to enjoying life, FAST! Experienced, Effective, and Caring Emergency Physicians team up with the best On-Site ER care for everything from Minor to Major Injuries and Conditions.
- CT Scan, Digital X-Ray & Ultrasound
- Certified Full-Service Diagnostic Laboratory
- Specialized Pediatrics ER Care Facilities
- Extended Stay Capacity
