Substance abuse is not only an adult patient problem. Alcohol and illegal drug abuse, unfortunately, also afflicts our pediatric population too. While many of us are accustomed to dealing with the ramifications of such substance abuse in our patients, teenagers…
Respiratory Distress is a common emergent complaint encountered when caring for children. Whether it is Out of Control Asthma or Pneumonia, or Severe Croup or Aspirated Foreign Bodies, or Bronchiolitis or Heart Failure, or Spontaneous Pneumothorax or Traumatic Pneumothorax … (goodness, that is a…
Pediatric hip pathology is a common consideration. From SCFE to Legg Calve Perthes Disease and from Septic Arthritis to Osteomyelitis, there are many conditions that may present with hip pain. Of course, trauma is the most common cause of morbidity and…
Urticaria (AKA Hives) are commonly encountered in the ED. When they occur with respiratory distress, vomiting, trouble swallowing / intra-oral swelling, or hypotension we become quite aggressive (See Anaphylaxis); however, if they occur in isolation, we may become less vigilant.…
Genital problems are not pleasant for anyone involved, especially the patients. Whether twisted (ex, Ovarian Torsion, Testicular Torsion, Appendix Testis Torsion) or inflamed (ex, phimosis, PID) they are painful and garner much attention. One condition that will unquestionably grab everyone’s attention is…
There are many conditions to consider when dealing with a patient who presents with altered mental status. Is there a significant intracranial pathology (ex, AVM, Trauma)? Is there a serious bacterial infection? Is there a terrible abdominal catastrophe (ex, Intussusception)?…
The vast majority of the time, caring for patients, particularly children, is extremely rewarding and life affirming. We are among the few who are privileged to make a true positive impact on a person’s life. There are times, however, when…