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Childhood illnesses are a common part of growing up, as a child's immune system learns to defend against various infections. If you're a parent, you probably know the difficulties of dealing with a sick child. And while many of these illnesses are unpleasant, they're typically mild and are resolved on their own. However, understanding their nature and knowing how to provide proper care is essential for parents and caregivers.
Click on to understand the most common childhood illnesses.
Bronchitis is the bacterial or viral infection of the bronchi. It causes shortness of breath, wheezing, fever, fatigue, and mucoid coughing.
Treatments involve using prescription cough suppressants and cough drops. Honey also soothes the throat and helps to manage the cough. However, the doctor may prescribe further treatment in complicated cases. Nebulizers or inhalers also provide breathing comfort to the child.
Chickenpox is a common childhood disease. It causes an itchy, blistering rash, and is easily spread to others.
Chickenpox symptoms are usually mild in children. But symptoms may be life-threatening to adults and people of any age with weak immune systems.
Ear infections are very common in early childhood and are a frequent cause of visits to the doctor.
Ear infections can be caused by bacterial or viral infections. Symptoms include ear pain, fever, irritability, difficulty sleeping, and tugging at an ear.
Also known as stomach flu, gastroenteritis is the infection of the intestines, causing diarrhea and occasionally vomiting. Other symptoms include muscle aches, abdominal pain, and a slight fever.
Usually, the symptoms pass within a couple of days and treatment includes rest and giving fluids to avoid dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea.
A common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract that usually lasts for seven to 10 days and mostly resolves on its own. Common symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, coughing, sneezing, and a sore throat.
Rest and adequate hydration help with a faster recovery. Don't give any antibiotics or over-the-counter cold medications unless prescribed by the doctor.
Also known as pink eye, conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, a thin layer around the white part of the eye. It causes the eyes to become painful, red or pink, and itchy.
There are multiple causes, but the contagious type of conjunctivitis is caused by a bacteria or virus that gets into the eye. A pediatrician may treat it with antibiotic ointment or eye drops.
HFMD is a viral illness usually seen in children under the age of five. It's characterized by sores or blisters in the mouth, hands, and feet, accompanied by fever and general discomfort.
In most cases, it resolves spontaneously within a few days. But if the symptoms persist for more than two weeks, consult the doctor.
Various skin conditions can cause redness, itching, and irritation. Eczema is a chronic skin condition, while diaper rash is a common irritation in the diaper area. Allergies and genetic causes are usually responsible.
Allergy is the immune system's abnormal response to harmless substances, resulting in symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and skin rashes.
Identifying the allergens is important for proper management and preventing recurrences. Bring your child to the doctor if allergic rhinitis affects their daily activities
Identifying and avoiding triggers for eczema is necessary to avoid flare-ups. Your doctor may prescribe topical ointments, or antifungal creams for diaper rash.
If a child has an asthma attack, get them to use an inhaler immediately as instructed by their doctor. Avoid common triggers, such as dust, pollen, animal fur, tobacco smoke, and stress.
Constipation is a condition in which bowel movements are reduced, resulting in harder stools that are difficult to expel. When it comes to children, symptoms include a hard abdomen, discomfort, and crankiness.
For infants and small children, massaging the abdomen and bicycling the legs are great measures to help pass stools. However, check with your doctor before trying anything to relieve your child's discomfort.
Febrile seizures are the convulsions and seizures experienced by young children during a high-grade fever above 100.4°F (38°C). It's experienced by 2-5% of children under five years of age.
Treatment involves identifying and treating the underlying cause which is responsible for fever. In case of seizures, remain calm. Place the child gently on the ground or floor and remove nearby hard objects. Place the child on one side to avoid choking. Loosen the clothing around the neck and head and watch for any signs of breathing difficulty. If the seizure lasts more than five minutes and signs of respiratory difficulty are apparent, immediately call the helpline.
If your child has these symptoms, they should see the pediatrician so they can get a strep test and be treated with antibiotics.
More commonly known as the flu, influenza is a type of virus that spreads easily when infected people cough or sneeze. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, fatigue, body aches, and chills.
Most cases can be treated at home by managing symptoms with medication, fluids, and rest. For prevention, the flu vaccine is the best option. A new flu shot is recommended each year to boost immunity.
Sources: (Johns Hopkins Medicine) (Health Hub) (Care Hospitals)
See also: Is your child well nourished?
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HEALTH Children
Childhood illnesses are a common part of growing up, as a child's immune system learns to defend against various infections. If you're a parent, you probably know the difficulties of dealing with a sick child. And while many of these illnesses are unpleasant, they're typically mild and are resolved on their own. However, understanding their nature and knowing how to provide proper care is essential for parents and caregivers.
Click on to understand the most common childhood illnesses.