Pediatric Injuries Treatment Questions and Answers

Unintentional injuries are a concern in children age 1 to 14 in the United States, and many can be prevented. The common childhood injuries include falls, road accidents (as pedestrians, cyclists or passengers in vehicles), burns, or even poisoning. The good news however is that many injuries can be treated, but the real concern for parents is the “big one” that sends you speeding towards the hospital or rushing to dial 911 on your smartphone. Injuries can also happen anywhere at any time: on the stairs, windows, beds without railings, bathtubs, cluttered pathways, or elevated landings.

The common cause of an injury can be from objects that penetrate the body or impact from blunt objects. Common types of injury may include lacerations, broken bones, joint dislocations, strains, sprains and burns.

Preventing your child, or children, from having an injury takes work, but it’s worth it to help keep them safe. Childproof caps on medications and cleaners around the house are important, booster seats and seatbelts should be used in your vehicle, bicycle helmets, baby gates, and locked gates around a swimming pool are all key ways in preventing your child from having an injury. Here are some more prevention tips: never leave your child alone in the bath, remove tripping hazards in rooms, hallways and stairs so they don’t fall, make sure you have window safety in place to prevent accidents or falls, and install a fixed guard around open fires, heaters, and radiators to prevent burns, and never have your child play around the stove or near anything that just came out of the oven. You should also be aware of foods and objects that children could choke on, and always check toys that have small parts that could become a choking hazard. Also, make sure your curtain cords and blinds are not anywhere in reach, and always make sure the microwave is out of reach for children.

The most common injuries among infants and toddlers are fractures. Falling off of beds, sofas, coffee tables, changing tables, and even falling from standing are common. All it takes is the right force and angle for a fracture to be sustained. How do you know if your child has a fracture? Look for swelling, reluctance to use the area of injury, or deformity. Head injuries, eye injuries and burn injuries are also common among infants.

If you suspect your child, infant or toddler has an injury, don’t wait, get medical attention right away. A doctor or healthcare provider may provide treatment and if the injury is serious, take your child to emergency or call 911 immediately. Remember, children are always active and curious, and injuries will happen no matter how many safety precautions you put in place. This is why it’s important to monitor your child and take all the right steps to ensure they are safe. Contact us or make an appointment with one of our pediatricians through our website. We serve patients from Kirkland WA, Seattle WA, Shoreline WA, Lake Forest Park WA, Kenmore WA, Woodinville WA, Mountlake Terrace WA, Woodway WA, Edmonds WA, Lynnwood WA, Bothell WA and Lake Washington WA.