What is a PICU?
A pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) is for children beyond the newborn period who are seriously ill and need continuous monitoring and advanced support. It brings together pediatric doctors, nurses trained in child critical care and equipment sized for children so that changes in the child's condition are noticed and treated quickly.
When a child may need PICU care
- Severe breathing difficulty from pneumonia, asthma or bronchiolitis
- Prolonged or repeated seizures
- Severe dehydration or shock
- Serious infections such as sepsis or meningitis
- Poisoning, serious burns or major injury
- Diabetic emergencies and other metabolic conditions
- Close monitoring after surgery
What happens in intensive care
The child is assessed quickly and life-saving treatment such as oxygen, fluids or medicines is started without delay. Heart rate, breathing, blood pressure and oxygen levels are monitored continuously, investigations are arranged as needed and the treatment is adjusted as the child responds. The doctor explains the diagnosis, treatment and expected course to the family and updates them regularly.
Emergency first, intensive care when needed
At Sparsh, children first come through pediatric emergency and critical care, where the team assesses and stabilises them. Those who need close observation or intensive support are managed with PICU monitoring, depending on the child's condition and available capacity. If a condition needs services beyond what the hospital provides, the team coordinates a safe referral.
Warning signs: seek emergency care at once
- Fast or difficult breathing, blue lips
- A fit lasting more than five minutes, or repeated fits
- Unusual drowsiness or unresponsiveness
- Persistent vomiting with signs of dehydration
- High fever with stiff neck, rash or lethargy
Supporting the family
A child in intensive care is a difficult time for parents. Ask questions, share your child's history and medicines, and let the team know about your concerns. Stay updated through the doctor's rounds, and follow infection-control instructions.
Related information
Read about pediatric hospital services, see our PICU and pediatric emergency facility, and learn about pneumonia in children, one of the common reasons for admission. Pediatric care is led by Dr. Pankaj Kumar.
हिंदी में संक्षेप
PICU गंभीर रूप से बीमार बच्चों के लिए है जिन्हें लगातार निगरानी और उन्नत सहायता चाहिए, जैसे गंभीर निमोनिया, लंबे दौरे, गंभीर डिहाइड्रेशन या संक्रमण। जरूरत के अनुसार टीम आपको स्थिति और सुविधा की उपलब्धता के बारे में स्पष्ट जानकारी देती है।
Visit Sparsh in Chitaipur, Varanasi
Sparsh Mother & Child Hospital & IVF Fertility Center, Gokulpuram Colony, Chitaipur - Chunar Road, Kandwa, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221106. Open 24 hours. Call +91 80900 76144 or book an appointment online.
Frequently asked questions
When does a child need PICU admission?
What is the difference between NICU and PICU?
Can parents stay with the child?
What if my child needs a facility that is not available?
Should I wait for an OPD appointment if my child is very sick?
Ready to talk to a specialist?
Book a consultation and our team will confirm your appointment. Every plan is made after an individual examination.
Medical information is general and does not replace an examination. Outcomes vary between patients. For an emergency, use appropriate emergency services.