My 2 year old son was diagnosed with pneumonia on friday, the 21st. i wanted to know when should i take him back to the emergency room? he is taking all his medicines.

ER: The er is not the place for a follow-up visit. Make an appointment to see a pediatrician and establish a lasting relationship with a doctor that you relate to and trust and let them care for your son. Actually, if your son is better right now and completes his medications it may not be necessary for an immediate revisit. Make the effort to find a pediatrician. Good luck and hope he stays well.

See a Pediatrician: The er is not a great place for follow up care. It is best to see a pediatrician or your primary care provider. If you don't have one, it would be good to establish with one. Most kids with pneumonia should be checked in a couple of days to see if they are starting to improve. Definitely call the doctor if the fever does not decrease in a few days, increased breathing problems or anything new.

Depends on symptoms: As long as the kid is taking his meds well, keeping fluids down and making pee at least every 6 hours you can monitor the situation at home. If he seems to be working harder to breathe, refuses fluids or fever persists in spite of rx, i would have him re-evaluated.

WHY ER....?: Usually after 1-2 days of er visit, the child needs to see the primary care pediatrician. So it is already overdue, call the office of his doc and make appointment. Er is only when there is an emergency, the child is very sick; after hours and weekends when the office is close.