Illnesses

Sore Throat

Sore throats are a common occurrence in children and can be quite painful. Nonetheless, viral infections that cause a sore throat usually do not require antibiotics.

In general, no specialized medication is needed in these cases, and they can usually resolve within a seven- to ten-day period.

It is possible, however, that a sore throat may be caused by the infection known as streptococcal or ‘strep throat’. To accurately diagnose if strep is the culprit, a lab test or in-office rapid test which involves a throat swab must be completed.

If the test comes back positive, medical advice from your paediatrician should be sought and a course of antibiotics prescribed. It is important to ensure that your child completes the full course of antibiotics, even if the symptoms improve or disappear. Also, steroid medications such as prednisone are not typically used to treat most cases of sore throat.

Infants and young children infrequently contract strep throat, though they are more likely to be infected with streptococcus bacteria in the case of being cared for in a childcare facility or if an elder sibling has it. Transmission of streptococcus bacteria typically takes place via sneezing and coughing, nonetheless your child may acquire it by coming into contact with a toy belonging to an infected individual.

Ear Pain

Pain in the ears is a frequent issue among children. It can stem from many causes, such as ear infection (otitis media), swimmer’s ear (infection of the skin inside the ear canal), pressure due to a cold or sinus infection, or pain from teeth that radiates to the jaw and then the ear. A paediatrician must examine the child’s ear for a proper assessment, as this is the most effective way to come to an accurate conclusion. If the youngster is suffering from a high fever along with the ear pain, if both ears are feeling pain, or if the child is exhibiting further signs of illness, the paediatrician could determine that an antibiotic is the treatment of choice. Generally, amoxicillin is the antibiotic of preference for ear infections, except in cases of penicillin allergy, chronic or recurrent infections

If your paediatrician suspects your child’s ear infection may be viral in nature, they will discuss the best strategies to manage the pain until the virus subsides. In many cases, viral ear infections require no antibiotic treatment.

Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract infections (UTIs), also known as bladder infections, is a condition in which the presence of bacteria increases in the urinary tract. UTIs can affect anyone from babies, adolescents to adults and is not only limited to the said stages.

Common signs and symptoms include pain or burning sensation during urination, frequent urination, bedwetting in children who are already toilet trained, stomachaches and pains in the side and back region. In order to confirm UTI as a diagnosis, a urine sample needs to be analysed by a physician.

Depending on the bacteria that is retrieved from the sample, adjustments to treatment may be necessary.

Skin Infection

If your child has a prior history of MRSA, staph infection, or other resistant bacteria and/or exposure to family members or contacts with resistant bacteria, inform your doctor. This may necessitate a skin test (culture or swab) to establish the appropriate treatment for skin infections in the majority of children.

HFMD

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common viral illness that primarily affects infants and children under the age of 5. The disease is caused by several different viruses, most commonly the coxsackievirus A16 and enterovirus 71.

Causes:

The viruses that cause HFMD are highly contagious and can be transmitted through close personal contact, such as coughing and sneezing, or contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. The virus can also be spread through fecal-oral contact, such as touching contaminated surfaces and then putting your hands in your mouth.

Symptoms:

Symptoms of HFMD typically appear within 3-7 days after exposure to the virus and may include:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Mouth sores, typically on the tongue, gums, and inside of the cheeks
• Rash on the hands, feet, and/or buttocks
• Loss of appetite
• Irritability
• Fatigue

Treatment:

There is no specific treatment for HFMD, but most cases are mild and resolve on their own within 7-10 days. Treatment is focused on relieving symptoms, such as fever and pain, and preventing dehydration.

Some tips for treating HFMD in children include:

• Encouraging your child to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
• Giving your child over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to reduce fever and relieve pain
• Using topical medications, such as mouthwashes and creams, to relieve mouth sores
• Keeping your child home from school or daycare until the fever has gone down and the rash has disappeared
• Practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently and disinfecting toys and surfaces to prevent the spread of the virus to others

In rare cases, HFMD can lead to more serious complications, such as viral meningitis, encephalitis, or myocarditis, so it is important to monitor your child’s symptoms closely and seek medical attention if they worsen or if your child develops any concerning symptoms.

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis, also known as stomach flu, is a common condition in children that causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It can be caused by viral, bacterial or parasitic infections. Here are some causes, symptoms, cures and prevention methods for gastroenteritis in children.

Causes:

1. Viral Infections: Most cases of gastroenteritis in children are caused by viral infections. Common viruses that can cause gastroenteritis include rotavirus, norovirus, adenovirus and astrovirus.
2. Bacterial Infections: Bacteria such as Salmonella, Campylobacter, Shigella, and Escherichia coli (E. coli) can cause gastroenteritis.
3. Parasitic Infections: Parasites like Giardia and Cryptosporidium can cause gastroenteritis.

Symptoms:

1. Diarrhea: Frequent, loose, or watery stools are a common symptom of gastroenteritis in children.
2. Vomiting: Children with gastroenteritis may also vomit frequently.
3. Stomach Pain: Children may complain of stomach pain, cramping or discomfort.
4. Fever: Many children with gastroenteritis will develop a fever.
5. Dehydration: Children can become dehydrated quickly due to the loss of fluids from diarrhea and vomiting.

Cure:

1. Rest: Give your child plenty of rest and avoid giving them solid foods until their symptoms improve.
2. Fluids: Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Electrolyte solutions like Pedialyte can help replace lost fluids and electrolytes.
3. Medications: Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen can help relieve fever and pain.
4. Antibiotics: If the gastroenteritis is caused by bacteria, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the infection.

Prevention:

1. Handwashing: Encourage your child to wash their hands frequently, especially before eating or after using the bathroom.
2. Proper Food Handling: Ensure that food is prepared and stored properly to prevent the growth of bacteria.
3. Vaccination: Vaccines are available to prevent some types of viral gastroenteritis, such as rotavirus.
4. Stay Home When Sick: Keep your child home from school or daycare if they are experiencing symptoms of gastroenteritis to prevent the spread of infection.

In summary, gastroenteritis is a common condition in children that can be caused by viral, bacterial or parasitic infections. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, fever, and dehydration. Treatment involves rest, fluids, medications, and antibiotics if necessary. Prevention includes handwashing, proper food handling, vaccination, and staying home when sick.

Chicken Pox

Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection that is most common in children. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus and is characterized by a rash of itchy, fluid-filled blisters.

Causes:

Chickenpox is spread through direct contact with the rash or by breathing in the virus that is released into the air when an infected person sneezes or coughs. The virus can also be spread by touching objects or surfaces that have been contaminated by the virus.

Symptoms:

The first symptoms of chickenpox include fever, headache, and a general feeling of being unwell. This is followed by the appearance of a rash of small, itchy blisters that typically begin on the face, chest, and back and then spread to other parts of the body. The blisters will eventually scab over and heal, which can take up to two weeks

Cure:

There is no cure for chickenpox, but the symptoms can be managed with home remedies such as taking cool baths, applying calamine lotion to the rash, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce fever and discomfort. It is also important to keep the affected person away from others who have not had chickenpox or who have not been vaccinated against it. In some cases, antiviral medications may be prescribed by a doctor to help speed up the healing process and reduce the severity of symptoms. Vaccination is the best way to prevent chickenpox

Respiratory syncytial virus

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a highly contagious virus that affects the respiratory system, especially in children under the age of two. Here are some common causes, symptoms, treatment options, and prevention methods for RSV:

Causes:

• RSV spreads through contact with respiratory secretions, such as saliva or mucus, from an infected person.
• It can be contracted by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.
• It can also be spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Symptoms:

• Symptoms of RSV can range from mild to severe.
• Common symptoms include coughing, sneezing, runny nose, fever, and wheezing.

In severe cases, RSV can cause bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs) or pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs), which can lead to difficulty breathing

Cure:

• Currently, there is no specific cure for RSV.
• Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, such as using a humidifier, giving fluids to prevent dehydration, and using medications to reduce fever and alleviate congestion.
• In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary to provide supportive care, such as oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation

Prevention:

• The best way to prevent the spread of RSV is to practice good hygiene, such as frequent hand washing, covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
• There is a vaccine available for certain high-risk groups, such as premature infants and children with certain health conditions.
• There are also medications available, such as palivizumab, that can be given to high-risk infants to prevent severe RSV infection.

It’s important to note that while RSV can be serious, most children recover from the virus without complications. However, if you suspect your child has RSV or is at high risk for severe infection, it’s important to seek medical attention.

Head Lice

Head lice are tiny, wingless parasites that live on the scalp and hair shafts of humans. They are common among school-age children, and they can be easily spread through close personal contact, sharing hairbrushes or combs, or sharing hats or other clothing items. Here are some common causes, symptoms, treatment options, and prevention methods for head lice:

Causes:

• Head lice are caused by the parasitic insect Pediculus humanus capitis, which feeds on human blood from the scalp.
• They are highly contagious and can spread easily through direct contact with an infested person or through sharing personal items.

Symptoms:

• Common symptoms of head lice include an itchy scalp, small red bumps on the scalp, and visible lice or nits (lice eggs) on the hair shafts.
• Itching may not always be present in the early stages of infestation, but it typically becomes more severe as the infestation progresses.

Cure:

• Treatment for head lice typically involves using medicated shampoos or lotions that kill the lice and nits.
• It’s important to follow the instructions carefully and to use a fine-toothed comb to remove any remaining nits from the hair.
• In some cases, a prescription medication may be necessary if over-the-counter treatments are not effective.

Prevention:

• The best way to prevent the spread of head lice is to avoid close contact with infested individuals and to avoid sharing personal items such as combs, brushes, hats, and clothing.
• Regularly washing and drying bedding and clothing in hot water can also help prevent the spread of head lice.
• It’s important to check your child’s scalp regularly for signs of head lice, especially if they have been in close contact with someone who has head lice.

It’s important to note that while head lice can be bothersome, they do not pose a serious health risk and are not associated with the spread of disease. If you suspect your child has head lice, it’s important to address the issue promptly to prevent the spread to others

Influenza

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a viral infection that can affect people of all ages, including children. Here are some causes, symptoms, cure, and prevention measures for influenza in children:

Causes:

Influenza is caused by the influenza virus. The virus spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching the nose, mouth, or eyes.

Symptoms:

The symptoms of influenza in children can vary, but they typically include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.

Cure:

There is no cure for influenza, but there are treatments that can help alleviate the symptoms and reduce the duration of the illness. These treatments include antiviral medications, which are most effective when given within the first 48 hours of symptoms appearing, and over-the-counter pain relievers, fever reducers, and cough suppressants. Children should also get plenty of rest and drink fluids to stay hydrated.

Prevention:

The best way to prevent influenza in children is to get them vaccinated each year. The flu vaccine is recommended for children aged six months and older. Other prevention measures include:

• Encouraging children to wash their hands frequently with soap and water or use hand sanitizer
• Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of the elbow
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
• Keeping children home from school or daycare if they are sick
• Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces, such as toys, doorknobs, and light switches.

In conclusion, influenza in children can be prevented through vaccination, proper hygiene practices, and staying away from sick individuals. In the event that a child contracts influenza, treatments are available to help manage the symptoms and shorten the duration of the illness.

Prevention Tips for Common Childhood Illnesses

A range of parasites, viruses and bacteria can cause divergent illnesses; however, many common childhood illnesses tend to be transmittable in similar fashions. Ergo, a few precautionary measures can be instrumental in mitigating the likelihood of their occurrence.

1. Get Vaccinated:

Be aware that there is a considerable abundance of misinformation about vaccines circulating, yet be reassured in the fact that all childhood vaccines that have been recommended are backed by sound scientific research as being safe and successful. It is advised to adhere to the vaccination timetable for children up to 18 years of age that has been set forth by prominent medical institutions.

(The vaccine schedule below is a more generalized recommendation for India – courtesy of MSD India)

Regular Hand Wash

Model good hygiene habits by regularly washing your hands with your child. Educate your child on the importance of washing their hands before and after eating, using the restroom, and returning home from public places. Establishing these practices is an invaluable way to reduce the risk of illness

Coughs & Sneezes

Your child and yourself can assist in halting the transmission of ill health by covering sneezes and coughs with either a tissue or an elbow. Additionally, make sure to wash their hands thoroughly after.

Disinfect commonly used items

In order to adequately protect against the potential presence of bacteria or parasites on commonly touched household objects, it is recommended that alcohol wipes or rubbing alcohol be used regularly to clean favorite toys, tablets, phones, doorknobs, and any other surfaces. Additionally, bath towels and bedsheets should be washed in hot water at least once per week.

Eat Healthy & Regular Exercise

Following a healthy diet and exercising are powerful ways to boost the immune system. Follow a diet recommendation from a medical professional if necessary.

Good Habits

It is important to emphasize the significance of good hygiene habits, and incorporate them into everyday routines. Reinforcing these practices through positive reinforcement when applicable can be a great motivation for children.