Once a child is born, they become a new full-time responsibility. Parents can’t always be there with them, and even when they are, some situations can’t be avoided. Children are constantly experiencing new things, and not all of them are good. Falling and getting hurt or becoming sick is part of being a kid. When it comes time for the parent to handle the situation, it’s good to know where to take the child for treatment ahead of time.

AFC Urgent Care Louisville is capable of providing quality care for your child. Our pediatric urgent care services are all similar to our adult urgent care services. Learn more about the options we provide and visit our walk-in center with your child today.

Available Treatment for Children

The three options for medical care for a child are the pediatrician, the emergency room, and urgent care. It’s essential to have a good idea of which one is required for many of the primary situations a parent may find their child in. It will save time, money, and multiple trips to multiple healthcare providers.

Pediatrician’s Office

The child’s pediatrician is the medical professional that knows the child the best. The doctor will be a familiar face and have all the medical records and notes ready.

Pediatrician visits are for when there isn’t an emergency. If something is bothering the child or they are sick, the doctor will be able to help solve the problem in a relaxed situation. The downside to the doctor’s office is that they may not have an available appointment in a timely manner.

These conditions include:

• Colds
• Minor wounds
• Minor burns
• Gastrointestinal illnesses or stomachache
• Allergies
• Rashes
• Sore throat
• Earaches
• Urination issues

Children’s Urgent Care

Urgent care centers have physicians on hand with various medical backgrounds and experiences with all types of patients. Going to urgent care at a moment’s notice is not an issue as they are designed for walk-ups or short-notice situations.

AFC Louisville can help solve the problem and prescribe medicine if needed within a short turnaround time. They aren’t suited for more serious issues or emergencies, but otherwise, they are a quick and effective option and will be less hectic than an emergency room.

Conditions that can be treated at urgent care:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Trouble swallowing
• Rashes
• Severe sore throat
• Bloody stool or urine
• Severe earache
• Stomach pain

Emergency Room

The emergency room is the best place to take the child when something serious or sudden occurs. They are equipped for the most difficult situations and can provide treatment in a somewhat timely manner.

They won’t have a relationship with the child, but they will be able to diagnose and treat the medical emergency efficiently. Unfortunately, the emergency room can have long waits and may be quite costly.

Conditions that require an emergency room visit:

• Uncontrollable bleeding
• Difficulty breathing
• Uncontrollable vomiting
• Sharp, sudden stomach pain
• Unconsciousness
• Eye injury
• Neck stiffness
• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis, rash, trouble breathing)
• Bluish skin, lips, or fingernails
• Seizures
• Severe head injury
• Spinal Cord injury
• Strange behavior such as becoming withdrawn

Treating Newborns

Newborns or children under three months should be treated differently than older children. They have a more sensitive immune system, and therefore they should be taken in for medical treatment for any out-of-the-ordinary situation.

Conditions that require emergency treatment for newborns include:

• Dehydration
• Fever over 99 F
• Unusual breathing
• Frequent vomiting
• Difficulty waking up
• Trouble keeping fluids down
• Diarrhea with fever
• Bloody stool
• Bloody vomit
• A soft spot on the head that bulges out
• Extreme fatigue

Ask A Professional

While taking a child in for medical treatment is important and often necessary, it’s crucial to know the best place to go. If there is any doubt about the best option for a specific situation, it is good to call a pediatrician for a recommendation.

Once the child has been treated, follow the doctor’s prescription and advice. Strict adherence can help speed up recovery, ease symptoms and prevent more trips to a medical practitioner.