By Dr. Celeste Gomez
Q.My baby is only two-months-old and is sick with fever that's 38.2 high. What parameters should I follow in terms of bringing babies to the emergency room? I do not want to be the OA mom who wastes the time of doctors and nurses, as well as expose my baby to the unnecessaries. What are warning signs should I watch out for?
A.Emergency Room (ER) consults may be the most convenient way to having your child checked immediately because it is open 24-hours, and it is a one-stop venue for check-up and laboratories. However, it is true that ER consults are very risky because there are more harmful viruses and bacteria per square meter in a crowded ER than in any other open space. Airborne viruses such as Chickenpox, Measles, and Influenza can fill up a room and infect anyone inside the room who is vulnerable to it.
However, if the child has fever of more than 38.5 degrees Celsius showing the following signs and symptoms, the benefit of visiting the ER outweighs the risks and an ER consult is necessary:
Q.My baby is only two-months-old and is sick with fever that's 38.2 high. What parameters should I follow in terms of bringing babies to the emergency room? I do not want to be the OA mom who wastes the time of doctors and nurses, as well as expose my baby to the unnecessaries. What are warning signs should I watch out for?
A.Emergency Room (ER) consults may be the most convenient way to having your child checked immediately because it is open 24-hours, and it is a one-stop venue for check-up and laboratories. However, it is true that ER consults are very risky because there are more harmful viruses and bacteria per square meter in a crowded ER than in any other open space. Airborne viruses such as Chickenpox, Measles, and Influenza can fill up a room and infect anyone inside the room who is vulnerable to it.
However, if the child has fever of more than 38.5 degrees Celsius showing the following signs and symptoms, the benefit of visiting the ER outweighs the risks and an ER consult is necessary:
- A baby or childthat has fever and is significantly not feeding well and is showing signs of weakness (would rather lie down more often than sit or stand) might be dehydrated already or have electrolyte imbalance.
- A baby with or without fever but with difficulty of breathing with signs of gasping for air, abdominal breathing, or turning blue or cyanotic (gray in skin tone).
- A baby with fever that has has very small amount or very concentrated (dark-color) urine and only has 1 diaper change a day may also be dehydrated.
- A baby with bleeding episodes especially from urine or stools might need emergency care to prevent blood loss and infection.