Most childhood problems can be planned. A few cannot. If you see any of these, go to a hospital the same day. Do not wait for the next chamber day, and do not give food while you are travelling if a blockage is possible.
Go the same day
- Sudden pain or swelling in a boy's scrotum. A twisted testis can be lost within hours.
- Green vomiting at any age, especially in a newborn.
- A groin bulge that will not go back, with crying or vomiting.
- Sudden attacks of severe crying in a baby with drawn-up legs, or stool like red jelly.
- A swollen, hard belly, or a child who is pale and drowsy with belly pain.
- A newborn who has not passed stool in 48 hours, or has no anal opening.
- Pain in the lower right belly with fever and vomiting (possible appendicitis).
What to bring
Any previous reports, scan images and the medicines the child takes. Call the serial number if you are unsure where to go.
And afterwards
The details of each condition are in the condition pages of this site. If you are not sure whether something is an emergency, it is better to have the child seen.
This page is for general information for parents. Every child is different: after examination and tests, an experienced paediatric surgeon decides the condition and the method of treatment. So for any problem, please consult a registered paediatric surgeon.