Top 10 Reasons Why Kids Visit the ER: Essential Knowledge for Parents
Keep Your Kiddo Safe. Know When to Visit the Emergency Room
As a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or teacher, understanding the top reasons why kids visit the ER can help you keep your child safe. Every year, 25.5 million children under the age of 18 visit the emergency room. Here are the top 10 reasons kids visit the ER, based on data and expert insights from Prestige ER’s 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 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 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 important tip: remember why kids visit the ER. Ensure 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 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 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 it has hit hard this year. Children are at a higher risk of developing complications 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 daily dangers, so they take unnecessary risks during their explorations and playtime. As a result, many children 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 mess with the wrong neighbors, whether a beehive or a nervous dog cat. Sometimes, they will be bitten. Dog or cat bites can be easily infected, so a round of antibiotics may be prescribed to avoid this. Insect bites, on the other hand, can cause dangerous allergic reactions that require immediate emergency medical attention.
#5 Dehydration
Fevers, vomiting, or diarrhea can dehydrate a child, but sometimes, kids simply do not stay well hydrated while playing sports or outside. Always ensure your children have access to plenty of water or fruit juices, but keep in mind that these later ones contain a lot of sugar, so try to limit them.
#4. Drunk Teenagers
The teenage years are difficult for everyone in the family, 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 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 causes of depression, anxiety, and suicide attempts among children, especially teenagers.
Again, it is up to their parents to get involved in their kid’s daily activities, 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 reactions, so parents must be extremely vigilant and keep an eye out for unusual swelling or breathing problems. If you suspect your child has an allergic reaction, bring your child for immediate evaluation.
#1 Fever
While fever is not an illness, it is an underlying 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 must 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. However, 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
- Extended Stay Capacity
