Your child’s well-being is always your topmost priority. Children get sick more often than adults do because their immune system is still developing, and they also tend to get injured more often because they’re always moving around and don’t yet know how to protect themselves from everything.
When your child is hurt or sick, visiting the emergency room (ER) may be your first inclination; however, it is not your only option. The medical staff at pediatric urgent care facilities can attend to your kid’s injuries or illnesses more quickly than can the staffs in emergency rooms.
When Is Pediatric Urgent Care Best for My Child?
Some urgent care clinics have specialized areas for pediatric healthcare, so you don’t have to wait for hours in a hospital’s emergency room. Let’s talk about the main reasons why to choose a pediatric urgent care center for your child:
Colds and Flus
A cold will usually begin to get better on its own. However, if it does not improve after several days or if the child is getting worse rather than better, consider bringing your child to a pediatric urgent care facility to see a doctor. Likewise, a flu requires medical attention especially when the child is experiencing shortness of breath, high fever, and dehydration.
Stomach Flu
The most common reason for severe diarrhea is a stomach flu, which is a viral infection. It is usually acquired from close contact with infected individuals or exposure to viruses present in contaminated water and food.
Symptoms of this condition include:
- Nausea
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Cold sweats
If you notice these symptoms in your child, seek immediate care. Do not try to treat it yourself at home. Stomach flu can lead to severe dehydration and death if not treated by a doctor.
Allergies
Allergies can happen when environmental factors or food triggers a reaction from your immune system. Urgent care centers can help identify the cause and treat the symptoms of mild allergies. Depending on your child’s condition, there are over-the-counter or prescription medications that they can take to manage the symptoms. However, if your child has a sudden and severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, seek immediate emergency care.
Rashes
Over-the-counter and prescription medications are available to treat skin rashes. However, symptoms such as increased redness, swelling, pain, and fever demand urgent medical care.
Infections
Kids are more susceptible to bacterial infections than adults are because their immune system is still developing. One of the most common infections in children is an ear infection. Check with a doctor for the proper medication for your child if the child’s ear infection does not improve within several days.
Sprains and Strains
Because bone fractures can sometimes be misinterpreted as simple strains or sprains, it is best to have the injury evaluated by a doctor right away. Otherwise, the injury could become worse or heal improperly, which can cause long-term disability. Also, a fully torn ligament or tendon may require surgical repair because it may not heal on its own.
Fractures and Dislocations
Fractured bones and dislocated joints are also common to an active and playful child. Both of these conditions require urgent care for them to heal correctly.
Lacerations
Cuts and deep scratches that result in a bleeding skin wound are also called lacerations. You can easily treat superficial cuts with first aid kits at home, but deep lacerations need urgent care to help promote healing and stop an infection from developing.
Vaccines
Pediatric urgent care clinics do not only offer treatment for your kid’s health problems but can also provide preventive medicine for them. Immunizations and vaccinations are readily available at an urgent care center to protect your child’s health.
Pediatric Urgent Care in Fairless Hills
Like you, we value your child’s welfare. If your child has minor injuries and diseases, pediatric urgent care is your best bet. In an urgent care facility, you can avoid emergency room costs and long wait times.
Our medical team here at Patient Care Now Urgent Care offers the solution to your child’s medical problems. Our team of highly skilled doctors and specialists will provide the highest quality of care for your children.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us by calling us at (267) 202-6433. Let us be your partner in securing your child’s health and wellness.
