According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's glossary of terms, acute care is one that intends to cure an illness or to provide definitive care of an injury, or to reduce symptoms or severity of an injury or illness. For children, acute care involves medical attention for common pediatric illnesses and injuries that require prompt evaluation and treatment.
Sports Injuries
According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, sports injuries are the most common cause of musculoskeletal injuries in children. These include sprains, which are injuries to a ligament; strains, which are injuries to muscles or tendons; growth plate injuries, which occur in the area of growth of the long bones in children; and repetitive-motion injuries, like stress fractures and tendinitis.
Infections
Children with certain infections require acute care. For example, meningitis, a dangerous inflammation of the meninges, the tissue layer that covers the brain and the spinal cord, requires prompt intravenous antibiotics in order to prevent complications or even death. Children with pneumonia may need oxygen therapy. Other infections treated in acute care centers include urinary tract infections, strep throat, stomach viruses and even ear infections.
Surgical Emergencies
Children may require surgery as part of their acute care. It may be for something as simple as a deep cut that requires suturing, to a procedure as complex as open-heart surgery. According to the Cleveland Clinic, appendicitis is the most common cause of acute abdominal surgery in children. Other acute surgeries in children include intestinal obstruction and intestinal perforation leading to peritonitis, or an infection of the lining of the abdominal wall.
Treatment
The treatment for acute injuries and illnesses in children starts with making sure the child is breathing appropriately, that her airway is clear and free of obstruction, and that her heart is beating efficiently and delivering blood to vital organs. Intravenous fluids are often needed to treat dehydration. Fever- and nausea-reducing medicines help in the management of infections. Antibiotics, either oral or intravenous, are necessary to decrease the impact of serious bacterial infections. Suturing and splinting are part of the management of lacerations, sprains and fractures.
Prevention/Solution
Prevention is the best strategy to prevent acute injuries and infections in children. Vaccinations can help prevent pneumonia, meningitis and other serious bacterial and viral infections. Proper use of protective equipment, like helmets and kneepads, can decease the incidence of musculoskeletal injures. Stretching during warm-up and cool-down can prevent sprains and strains.
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