Common childhood illnesses are diseases and infections that are more likely to occur during infancy and childhood. Children are more susceptible to sicknesses due to their underdeveloped immune systems and their high exposure to germs at schools and child care facilities.Many childhood illnesses are highly contagious. Knowledge about these illnesses enables parents to take preventive measures, such as vaccination, hygiene practices, and sanitation, reducing the risk of transmission.
Our Paediatricians here will discuss the treatment variations which suits well for your child, especially for the common childhood illnesses. If you need further clarification our experts at Kamala Hospital are here to help you with the approved treatments to provide standard results.
SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT FOR THE MOST COMMON CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES
Symptoms For Common Cold
- Runny or stuffy nose: Nasal congestion or a discharge of clear mucus.
- Sore throat: Irritation or discomfort in the throat.
- Coughing: Often a dry or hacking cough.
- Sneezing: Frequent bouts of sneezing may occur.
- Mild headache: A dull ache in the head is common.
- Mild body aches or a slight fever: Sometimes, but not always present in a cold.
- Fatigue: Feeling tired or rundown.
Treatments For Common Cold
- Rest: Make sure to get plenty of rest to allow your body to recover.
- Drink plenty of liquids: Staying hydrated can help in relieving congestion and preventing dehydration.
- Humidify the air: Using a humidifier or steamy showers can help moisten the air and soothe a sore throat and dry nasal passages.
- Use saline nasal rinses: Saline nasal rinses can help alleviate nasal congestion and clear mucus from the nasal passages.
Symptoms For Bronchiolitis
- Runny or Stuffy Nose: Nasal congestion or discharge.
- Cough: Often accompanied by rapid or difficult breathing.
- Wheezing: High-pitched whistling sounds during breathing.
- Rapid Breathing: Faster than usual breathing rate.
- Fever: Sometimes with mild to moderate fever.
- Irritability or Fussiness: Children might appear more irritable or have decreased activity levels.
- Reduced Appetite and Energy: Children may eat less and seem less energetic.
Treatments For Bronchiolitis
- Supportive Care: This includes measures such as ensuring the child gets plenty of rest, maintaining hydration with fluids, and using a cool mist humidifier to help soothe respiratory passages.
- Nasal Suctioning: Infants with bronchiolitis often have nasal congestion, which can make it difficult for them to breathe and feed. Suctioning the nose with a bulb syringe or nasal aspirator can help clear mucus and improve breathing.
- Oxygen Therapy: In severe cases where the child’s oxygen levels are low, oxygen therapy may be necessary. This involves providing supplemental oxygen through nasal prongs or a mask to increase oxygen levels in the blood.
- Medications: Medications typically reserved for more severe cases or hospital settings include bronchodilators like albuterol and corticosteroids2. Antibiotics are generally not used unless there is a coexisting bacterial infection.
Symptoms For Bronchitis
- Cough: Initially, it starts as a dry cough, which may later produce mucus (sputum). The cough can persist for several weeks.
- Mucus production: Sputum or phlegm may be clear, white, yellowish-gray, or greenish. Its color isn’t always indicative of the severity of the infection.
- Fatigue: Feeling tired or fatigued is common, especially during the acute phase.
- Shortness of breath: Difficulty in breathing, especially during physical activity or exertion.
- Chest discomfort: Pain or tightness in the chest due to continuous coughing.
- Sore throat: Irritation in the throat can accompany bronchitis.
- Low-grade fever: Some people may experience mild fever or chills.
- Wheezing: A whistling sound while breathing, particularly common in people with asthma or chronic bronchitis.