When your little one arrives safe and sound in the world, you may not be aware of just how many illnesses and diseases they’re susceptible of getting. From the obvious ones like a cold or flu to chicken pox and chronic conditions like asthma, knowing what actions to take and treatment to give is key for keeping your child in good health. Here we will explore some of the most common childhood illnesses, as well as what treatment options are available to relieve symptoms.
Colds
Let’s face it – your child is going to get a cold from time to time. After all, colds are part and parcel of life. If your child is displaying symptoms like a sore throat, runny nose, cough, and fever, then chances are they’ve caught one. Make sure your child is getting lots of rest, drinking plenty of water, and taking medication like ibuprofen to relieve symptoms. If your child isn’t getting any better after a week, it’s wise to book an appointment with your GP.
Ear Infection
Ear infections are caused by viruses or bacteria that can be incredibly painful. Common symptoms include ear pain, difficulty hearing and a fever. If you’ve ever had an ear infection before, you will know exactly the pain and discomfort your child is going through. There are antibiotics, warm compresses, and pain relief medication that you can give to your child to relieve suffering and clear up the infection.
Chickenpox
Cast your mind back to when you were little. We bet you can remember yourself or those in your class with chickenpox! This is a highly contagious viral infection that causes red, itchy blisters all over the body. If your child has chickenpox, it’s essential that they get lots of rest. In severe cases, your child may need antiviral medication. To prevent chickenpox from occurring in the first place, Childhealthy offers a chickenpox vaccination. They are a private paediatric centre based in London who can provide support and aid in your child’s health and development.
Stomach Flu
Stomach flu is brought on by a virus that can cause symptoms such as vomiting, stomach cramps, and diarrhoea. If your child comes down with stomach flu, make sure they’re getting plenty of fluids in their body and lots of rest. Unfortunately, there isn’t much more that can be done. Instead, it’s simply a waiting game until symptoms clear up and your child is back on their feet.
Asthma
If your child has been diagnosed with asthma, knowing what actions to take going forward are critical for their wellbeing. You may find your child is coughing uncontrollably or having difficulty breathing. These are both common asthma symptoms. With that in mind, it’s important your child uses an inhaler, nebuliser, and oral medication to manage symptoms. As parents, keeping a close eye on your child’s health and wellbeing is critical. It must be noted that in some instances, these illnesses may require medical attention, rather than home remedies or over-the-counter medication.