As parents, it’s natural to worry when your child isn’t feeling well or has an injury. One of the most frequent questions we hear at Chantilly Pediatrics is: “Should I call you, go to urgent care, or head to the emergency room?” Knowing where to go for your child’s care can save time, reduce stress, and ensure they receive the most appropriate treatment.
We understand that it’s not always clear, so here’s a helpful guide to help you make informed decisions when your child needs medical attention.
Call Chantilly Pediatrics First (When In Doubt!)
Your pediatrician is your child’s primary healthcare provider and knows their medical history best. We are always your first and best resource for most health concerns.
Call us for:
Fevers: Especially in children over 3 months old, or if accompanied by other mild symptoms. We can guide you on fever management and when to be concerned.
Colds, Coughs, and Sore Throats: Most common illnesses can be managed at home with our guidance or require an office visit.
Ear Pain: Often requires an in-office examination, but can typically wait for a scheduled appointment.
Minor Rashes or Skin Irritations: Many rashes can be identified and treated with our advice, or require a non-urgent visit.
Diarrhea or Vomiting (without severe dehydration): We can help you manage fluid intake and advise on when to be concerned about dehydration.
Minor Injuries: Small cuts, scrapes, minor sprains (where there’s no obvious deformity or severe pain preventing movement). We can often advise over the phone or fit you in for a quick check.
Persistent Symptoms: If your child has symptoms that linger for a few days and aren’t improving.
Chronic Conditions: Flare-ups or questions about managing conditions like asthma or allergies.
Medication Questions: Dosing, side effects, or refills.
Behavioral Concerns: Sleep issues, feeding problems, or developmental questions.
ANYTHING you’re unsure about! We’d rather you call us first so we can direct you appropriately. We offer advice during office hours and have an on-call system for urgent after-hours questions.
Consider Urgent Care When Our Office is Closed
Urgent care centers are a good option for non-life-threatening conditions that require prompt attention when our office is closed (evenings, weekends, holidays) and cannot wait until our next available appointment.
Go to urgent care for:
Moderate Fevers with other mild symptoms: If you can’t reach us, and your child seems generally okay but has a fever that concerns you after hours.
Minor Lacerations that might need stitches: If a cut is deep but not actively spurting blood.
Sprains or Possible Fractures (without bone protruding): If your child fell and is experiencing pain or swelling, but the limb isn’t obviously deformed.
Mild to Moderate Asthma Attacks: If your child is wheezing but still breathing comfortably and responsive.
Urinary Tract Infection symptoms: Painful urination, frequent urges.
Mild Allergic Reactions: Hives, itching, but no difficulty breathing or swelling of the face/tongue.
X-rays for suspected breaks/sprains: Urgent care centers often have X-ray capabilities.
Remember: Always inform the urgent care center that Chantilly Pediatrics is your child’s primary care provider so they can send us a report of the visit. This helps ensure continuity of care.
Go to the Emergency Room (ER) for Life-Threatening Conditions
The Emergency Room is for true medical emergencies that could be life-threatening or cause permanent disability if not treated immediately.
Call 911 or go to the nearest ER immediately for:
Severe Breathing Difficulties: Gasping for air, severe wheezing, retractions (skin pulling in between ribs), turning blue around the lips.
Loss of Consciousness or Unresponsiveness: Cannot be woken up, sudden unresponsiveness.
Severe Head Injuries: Loss of consciousness, vomiting, confusion, severe headache, seizure after a head injury.
Serious Burns: Large burns, burns to the face, hands, feet, or genitals, or any burn causing blistering.
Severe Bleeding: Bleeding that won’t stop after 10-15 minutes of direct pressure, or spurting blood.
Poisoning or Overdose: If your child has ingested a toxic substance or too much medication. Call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) first if conscious.
Seizures: Especially if lasting longer than 5 minutes or if your child has never had one before.
Broken Bones: Especially if a bone is protruding, or there’s severe deformity and intense pain.
Sudden, Severe Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis): Difficulty breathing, swelling of the face/tongue/throat, widespread hives, sudden weakness.
High Fever in an Infant under 3 months: A rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher in an infant this young is an emergency.
Non-Accidental Trauma: Any suspected child abuse or neglect.
When in doubt, always err on the side of caution. Your child’s health and safety are paramount.
We are always here to guide you. If you’re ever unsure where to go, please don’t hesitate to call Chantilly Pediatrics first. We’re your partners in your child’s health journey!