Urgent care is a medical option when you don't have a life-threatening emergency but need to get medical assistance as soon as possible. If you're the parent of a child, there are times when they may have an ailment that can't wait several weeks for a standard doctor's appointment. As a result, you should look for signs that it's time to go to an urgent care clinic.

1. Signs of Gastrointestinal Problems

A case of diarrhea isn't an automatic cause for alarm in your child. However, according to our team, if you notice your child is excessively vomiting and has had lingering diarrhea for over 24 hours, you should take them in for walk-in medical care. It may be a sign of food poisoning. Plus, if it continues, they may eventually become dehydrated, which could lead to other problems. You'll notice dehydration has set in if your child appears lethargic with a dry mouth.

2. Fever

According to the University of Utah Health, small children can come down with as many as seven to eight colds annually. As your child battles the typical cold or flu, look out for fevers that are higher than normal. If the fever is above 140°F, take them in from urgent care as soon as possible. This high fever can be a sign that your little one is fighting an infection. According to Seattle Childrens.org, high fevers can lead to seizures in about 4% of children.

3. Certain Allergic Reactions

Your child may have developed an allergy that you're just discovering. These allergies can reveal themselves by way of swelling, hives, rashes, or breathing issues. If these allergies intensify, it could lead to major respiratory reactions such as throats closing up. That's why if you suspect certain allergies or asthma in your child, take them in for urgent care before they have a severe reaction. The sooner you know what allergies your child may have, the sooner you can make the necessary lifestyle adjustments and get proper medication.

Our team of pediatric medical providers is here for your child's non-emergency but urgent needs. We can provide regular wellness visits, immunizations, lab work, X-rays, and more. Our clinic provides emergency care seven days a week. Don't hesitate to visit our team at Black Hills Pediatrics, LLP, or make an appointment when you need our care.