Not Just Fever: How to Know When Your Child Needs Emergency

Not Just Fever: How to Know When Your Child Needs Emergency

Not Just Fever: How to Know When Your Child Needs Emergency

As parents, it can be difficult to know when your child’s illness can be safely managed at home and when urgent medical attention is needed. Children can deteriorate faster than adults, and some common childhood illnesses may become serious if not treated early.

At Sunway Medical Centre Ipoh, our Emergency Department (ED) is equipped to provide 24/7 specialised emergency care for children, with doctors and nurses trained to recognise early warning signs and act quickly when every minute matters.

Below are five of the most common paediatric conditions seen in our Emergency Department, and how parents can recognise when it’s time to seek urgent care.

1. Acute Bronchopneumonia

When a cough and fever affect breathing

Bronchopneumonia is a lung infection that can affect children of all ages. While mild respiratory infections may improve with home care, bronchopneumonia can cause breathing difficulty and reduced oxygen levels if not treated promptly.

Bring your child to the ED if you notice:

• Fast or laboured breathing
• Chest indrawing or flaring of nostrils
• Persistent high fever
• Lethargy or reduced responsiveness
• Poor feeding, especially in infants

2. Acute Bronchiolitis

A common but potentially serious illness in babies

Bronchiolitis mainly affects infants and young children, causing inflammation of the small airways. Babies can worsen quickly, especially during viral infections.

Seek emergency care if your baby has:

• Rapid breathing or wheezing
• Poor feeding or reduced milk intake
• Signs of dehydration
• Bluish lips or fingertips
• Pauses in breathing (apnoea)

3. Acute Gastroenteritis (AGE)

Vomiting and diarrhoea that can lead to dehydration

AGE is one of the most frequent reasons children visit the Emergency Department. Young children can become dehydrated very quickly.

Red flags that require urgent attention:

• Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
• Reduced urine output
• Dry mouth or sunken eyes
• Lethargy or unusual sleepiness
• Blood in stools

4. Acute Tonsillitis

When a sore throat becomes more serious

While tonsillitis is common, some children may develop complications that affect breathing or swallowing.

Visit the emergency department if your child experiences:

• High fever with severe throat pain
• Difficulty swallowing or drooling
• Muffled voice or neck swelling
• Poor fluid intake leading to dehydration
• Breathing difficulty

5. Acute Exacerbation of Bronchial Asthma (AEBA)

Asthma attacks that need immediate treatment

Asthma flare-ups can escalate rapidly and should never be ignored, especially if inhalers are not providing relief.

Go to the emergency department immediately if:

• Breathlessness persists despite inhaler use
• Wheezing worsens or breathing becomes laboured
• Your child struggles to speak in full sentences
• Lips or face appear bluish
• Extreme tiredness or reduced alertness

Why Choose Sunway Medical Centre Ipoh for Paediatric Emergencies?

Children are not small adults. Our Emergency Department is designed to provide:

• Rapid triage and early intervention
• Trained doctors and nurses
• Comprehensive service - neonate, paediatric, intensive care services
• A holistic care setting that meets the needs of both child and parent

When in Doubt, Seek Emergency Care Early

If you’re unsure whether your child’s symptoms are serious, it’s always safer to seek emergency care early. Prompt treatment can prevent complications while offering reassurance to parents.

Paediatric Emergency Care Available 24/7

Emergency Department Hotline: 05-871 15151

Trust your instincts, if something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait!