Kid’s physiology and anatomy differ from adults’, necessitating extra care and attention when administering emergency medical treatment. Considering these distinctions, treating children in emergencies presents particular problems and considerations. For example, children’s bodies are still developing and growing, resulting in differences in vital signs, medicine dosages, and reactions to medical intervention. Also, kids frequently have poor communication skills, making it difficult to diagnose their symptoms appropriately. Also, obtaining informed consent to conduct procedures isn’t possible, especially if the kid is too young or in distress, requiring healthcare personnel to work closely with parents or legal guardians. Furthermore, children will most likely experience fear during emergencies; therefore, addressing their emotional needs is critical to promote effective treatment and reduce psychological stress.
Luckily, pediatric emergency departments understand all this and know what to do to make the whole care process smooth and successful. This guide by experts from Friendswood Community Hospital highlights some of the common pediatric emergencies. Continue reading for more information.
7 Common Pediatric Emergencies
Respiratory distress
Breathing difficulties in children are a worrying symptom, frequently indicating an underlying medical issue that necessitates rapid treatment. Various conditions, including infections, chronic illnesses, and airway obstructions, can cause respiratory distress in kids.
Respiratory infections, both viral and bacterial, can cause airway inflammation and constriction, making breathing difficult. Asthma attacks, on the other hand, can cause wheezing and difficulty breathing. Next, allergic responses, particularly severe ones such as anaphylaxis, can result in rapid swelling of the airways. If not treated promptly, this swelling can cause respiratory discomfort and possibly even death. Furthermore, inhaling foreign items can block the airway and induce choking, necessitating rapid attention from a pediatric professional.
2. Trauma
Pediatric traumatic injuries include a variety of scenarios, for example, injuries sustained in a serious accident such as a car accident, falling off a bike or a roof, or sports-related injuries. Trauma, ranging from deep wounds (lacerations) to sprained or fractured bones, concussions, and other types of head trauma, is a common cause for an emergency room visit, particularly if severe.
3. Seizures
Seizures are sudden, uncontrollable electrical disturbances in the brain. It can induce transitory alterations in behavior, movement, emotion, and consciousness.
Pediatric seizures can present in a variety of ways. Widespread tonic-clonic seizures begin with a loss of consciousness and rigidity of the muscles (tonic phase), followed by repetitive jerking of the legs (clonic phase). Absence seizures are momentary gaps of lack of awareness that are sometimes misinterpreted for daydreaming. Complex partial seizures are characterized by altered consciousness as well as odd behavior or motions.
4. Stomach Issues
Kids can suffer from a variety of digestive issues. Infections with viruses, bacteria, or fungi can result in diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain. It can also result from an undiscovered food allergy or intolerance. (In some situations, a food allergy might result in respiratory discomfort.)
Another reason for stomach issues is intestinal blockage. The body cannot digest or eliminate waste when anything blocks the intestines.
5. Burns
Burns are a common pediatric emergency. The most common cause of burns is boiling water in the kitchen or a toddler touching something hot. Burns can be extremely painful and, if severe, can leave scars. To determine whether your child has a burn emergency, check for red or blistered skin, inflammation, and discoloration.
6. Allergic Reactions
Food, insect bites and stings, drugs, latex, airborne allergens, substances, and environmental variables such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander can all cause allergic reactions in children.
Reactions can range from minor, like allergic rhinitis, to severe, like anaphylaxis, which necessitates pediatric emergency treatment. If not treated, it advances fast, resulting in respiratory and cardiovascular failure.
7.Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when a kid loses more fluids than they take in. Infants and toddlers are especially vulnerable because of their small stature and underdeveloped systems. Diarrhea, vomiting, fever, a lack of fluid intake, and hot temperatures are all contributing factors. Dehydration symptoms in children, particularly infants and toddlers, include dry mouth and lips, irregular urination, and decreased usage of wet diapers. Infants’ fontanelles (soft spots on the head) may also appear sunken, and they can cry without tears. Such symptoms necessitate pediatric emergency care.
Get Immediate Care for Pediatric Emergencies- Visit Friendswood Community Hospital in Friendswood, TX
Friendswood Community Hospital boasts numerous qualified pediatricians who can diagnose and treat newborns, toddlers, and children for any pediatric emergency, be it an injury or sickness. Call us today for directions or any queries. We are here to serve you.
