Being a parent is a huge responsibility that brings along a lot of worries and stress especially if you are a new parent. Each cough, cry, and even the slightest discomfort of your child might take you through an array of emotions along with a lot of worries. It is natural to worry about your child’s health and get into a small panic attack for not knowing enough. There are several childhood illnesses and their basics to stay alert at any moment.
Here are 10 common childhood illnesses you must know about:
1) Common cold:
Just like cold is common amongst adults, it is a little more common in children. It is indicated by mild fever, congestion, coughing, and sore throat. You can use saline drops to moisturize your child’s nasal passageways and an aspirator to remove excess mucus.
Apart from this, you can also use a cool-mist humidifier. Don’t use the medication without consulting a pediatrician. In some cases, it can be an overdose and prove out to be harmful.
2) Roseola:
Roseola mostly affects children under 2 years of age. You don’t have to worry as the symptoms are usually mild and disappear within a week. Some of the common symptoms are a high fever, congestion, coughing, and, a patchy rash that occurs on your chest in the beginning. Consult a pediatrician if the fever and rashes last for more than a week.
3) Gastroenteritis:
Gastroenteritis can be a little harmful than a regular stomach ache. Several viruses such as norovirus and others can lead to gastroenteritis. These viruses affect your children from child care centers or hospitals.
Many viruses and a mild stomach ache can go away within a week or a few days. Your child may experience diarrhea and discomfort. Consult a pediatrician if diarrhea lasts for more than 3-6 days.
4) Sore throat:
Sore throat is one of the most common childhood illnesses. It can be caused by both, bacteria as well as viruses. A sore throat usually goes away on its own. A sore throat can take a week to disappear.
If sore throat remains along with fever, consult a pediatrician at the earliest.
5) Ear infections/ Ear pain:
Ear infections are less common but ear pain is one of the most common childhood illnesses. Ear pain is usually a sign of ear infection, sinus, or even a cold. For an accurate diagnosis, consult a pediatrician and your child will be prescribed some antibiotics depending on the diagnosis.
6) Skin Infections/ Rashes:
Skin infections are common in children as they have sensitive skin. If your child is exposed to a lot of bacteria as per the environment and surroundings, then he/she is more likely to have a skin infection. Some of the common symptoms are rashes, redness, and irritation. Usually, these rashes go away on their own. If the rashes, or redness lasts for longer periods of time then consult your doctor at the earliest.
Some of the other common childhood illnesses are:
7) Bronchitis:
Bronchitis is an infection of the central airways in the lungs and is common amongst adults than in children. However, many kids get diagnosed with bronchitis and have to be treated at the earliest if lasts long.
8) Cough:
Coughs are usually caused by viruses and do not require any kind of specific treatment. There are no medications prescribed for coughs that are not recommended for children of 4 years of age or younger. They go away on their own and are nothing to worry about.
9) Influenza:
If you fail to get your vaccines on time, then your child might be diagnosed with influenza. Some of the common symptoms of influenza are fever, body ache, chills, headache, sore throat, cough, and diarrhea. Your child will either be given a nasal shot or a nasal spray to treat influenza. If you suspect any of these symptoms, consult the doctor at the earliest.
10) Dehydration and Breathing difficulty:
Dehydration might make your child have sunken eyes and lethargic. If your child is wheezing and lethargic, then consult your doctor at the earliest. It might be a serious condition and your child have to be consulted soon.
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