Paediatric Emergencies
Children get sick. On average a child will get between two to eight infections per year – annually – between the ages of one and six years. A vast majority of these infections will be viral and most will not need a visit to a doctor; even fewer will require admission to hospital. Children, however, do get bacterial infections and generally these result in a more serious illness.
Red flags or symptoms
Rapid/fast breathing
Fever esp. if persistently
Poor feeding
Weakness or severe lethargy
Vomiting / Dehydration
Profuse diarrhea or bloody diarrhea
Rapid heart rate
Some of the most important paediatric conditions that can cause paediatric emergencies include:
- Meningitis
- Prolonged seizures
- Pneumonia
- Acute asthma
- Croup
- Bronchiolitis (< 2yr)
- Congenital heart problems
- Severe gastroenteritis
- Appendicitis
- Severe kidney infection (pyelonephritis)
- Diabetes
- Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
- Poisoning (accidental ingestion)
Due to their smaller size, children have less “reserve” than adults, so it is vital that if your child has any of the listed symptoms or conditions, that you seek medical advice immediately.