Probably nothing causes more stress in parents than when their child has a fever. And, as the child’s temperature rises, so does the parent’s concern. This is a situation all too familiar to most parents. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, fever in children is the leading cause of families’ visits to ER’s and pediatric physicians. In most cases, a child’s temperature does not indicate any serious underlying problem. Nevertheless, there are certain illnesses and diseases that both cause a fever and are severe, and these should be medically treated as soon as possible.
In all cases, if your child develops a fever, it is a good practice to bring the child to one of the Emergency Hospital System’s ER’s for an evaluation. Even if the source of the fever is routine, such as a cold, the physician on duty can prescribe steps that can relieve the symptoms. Visiting with a doctor also provides great relief for a parent’s anxiety. At EHS we are available 24/7/365 to address your concerns whether those are related to your child’s fever of to any other medical emergency.
There are many reasons children can have a fever. Vigorous physical activities, such as running and playing, can cause a child’s body temperature to rise. In most cases, this is normal and should not be a cause for concern. Below are some of the reasons that can bring on fever in a child. Elevated temperatures in children can arise from any number of sources, many of which are not life-threatening. Checking with a physician at an EHS emergency room is always a wise move.
Reasons a child may have a fever include:
- Reaction to a vaccine
- A bacterial or viral infection such as a common cold, ear infection, or one of the typical childhood diseases, such as measles, mumps, chickenpox, etc. A quick visit to an Emergency Hospital System’s ER can result in a diagnosis and information on steps to alleviate the child’s condition.
- If a child becomes dehydrated either because they have not had enough water to drink or from severe vomiting or diarrhea, the child can develop a fever. This is usually reversed by giving fluids.
- Sunburns can cause a temperature, as can sunstroke. In the case of sunstroke, it is essential to lower the body’s temperature as quickly as possible and seek medical attention.
- Hives and some rashes can cause the child’s temperature to rise.
- Some serious bacterial or viral infections such as pneumonia, appendicitis, meningitis, and joint or bone marrow infections. These are conditions which should be treated by a medical professional as soon as possible.
- Although rare, allergic reactions to foods or medications can bring on fevers.
- Also unique are fevers brought on by metabolic and rheumatic diseases.
In most cases, the causes of the fever will not be dangerous, but the ER staff can provide relief for the symptoms. In those cases where the temperature is caused by more serious underlying diseases, emergency measures can be taken.
Other circumstances that should indicate a trip to the ER include:
- The child has recently visited a foreign country. It is possible your child contracted some infectious disease during their stay. Out of the ordinary infections can be identified via lab tests and imagining.
- Your child has had the fever for more than several days.
- Your child has a rash, or
- Any other out of the ordinary circumstances.
It is vital that children running a fever be given plenty of fluids. If your child has a fever, call or visit one of Emergency Hospital System’s emergency rooms to visit with one of our skilled medical staff. They can evaluate your child, determine the fever’s cause, and provide guidance on the appropriate care that should be given. Should your child have a serious underlying problem, our staff is trained to manage the condition or to refer you to one of our network of specialists.
Walk-ins are welcome and our wait times are short. If you prefer, you can call ahead for an appointment. One stop at our emergency room can relieve both your child’s symptoms and your own anxiety. Stop in or call today, 281-592-5400.