Nausea and vomiting is hard on your child, and can be hard on you as a parent. No parent wants to see their child miserable. The good news is that, most of the time, nausea and vomiting pose little cause for alarm since with a little TLC, the symptoms usually subside on their own. In most situations, hydration, over-the-counter medications such as simple antacids, a controlled diet, and rest can help relieve symptoms. But when the symptoms don’t get better, or intensify quickly, you should immediate medical attention. In situations like these, your best bet may be seeking out a pediatric urgent care facility. Here’s some signs when to go.
- Frequency – If your child vomits once or twice, it’s generally nothing to be concerned about. But if you notice your child experiencing nausea and vomiting repeatedly, even after trying to take in a sip of liquid or is experiencing dry heaves, get to an urgent care facility.
- Color – Vomit color usually depends on the food your child eats, but there are certain colors to look out for. If you see brown, red, or green liquid in the vomit, go to an urgent care immediately. This could be a sign of an internal problem.
- Fever – A fever with vomiting or nausea is a sign that your child has more than just a tummy ache and may have something more serious. Check your child’s temperature frequently and if the fever goes above 102o Fahrenheit, seek medical attention. Any temperature in a newborn or infant should warrant a visit to urgent care.
- Dehydration – If your child is vomiting frequently, there is a chance of dehydration. When in doubt check the diaper. If the diaper is dry or dryer than usual, or has diarrhea more than once in a matter of a couple of days, there is a chance he or she is dehydrated. Seek medical attention if you notice these signs; it could be a sign of rotavirus, a particularly aggressive strain of virus that dehydrates a child very quickly.
- Blood –If you notice blood in your child’s vomit or stool, it’s time to seek medical attention immediately.
- Eating a Dangerous Item – If you suspect your child has consumed something dangerous (like a cleaning supply), you should seek medical attention immediately. The vomiting may be a sign of poisoning.
Why Pediatric Urgent Care?
Nausea and vomiting in their own right are generally nothing to get alarmed over, especially if the child is carsick or has eaten something they don’t like. But, if you notice any of the symptoms above accompanying nausea and vomiting, it’s a sign that your child requires swift medical attention. The next available appointment with your child’s pediatrician could be several days later, and in situations of emergency, you shouldn’t wait that long. And while many urgent care facilities are great with children, there is no guarantee there is a pediatrician on site to care for your baby’s or child’s medical needs. Pediatric urgent care facilities are designed to deal with health emergencies that impact children. They can see your child immediately, so you don’t have to wait hours or even days for an appointment time.
Why is it that so many pediatric emergencies happen after regular office hours? Tots ‘N’ Teens Pediatric Urgent Care is a walk-in emergency clinic specifically for pediatric emergencies. If your child has a pediatric emergency, visit Tots ‘N’ Teens Pediatric Urgent Care for fast and trustworthy care. If you have any questions, call 210-267-5411 today.
