Most Common Childhood Illnesses (And What To Do With Them)

/ Parenting

Most common childhood illnesses that you need to know

Do you fear for your child’s health as he grows and goes out more often?  If so, it’s crucial that you know the signs and symptoms of the most prevalent illnesses that affect the children today. It’s important for parents to be aware of these illnesses and what to do to recover from them.

1. Cold or Flu

Is your child complaining of a stuffy or runny nose and watery eyes? Does he sneeze and cough? Perhaps he has a cold. Babies and toddlers often catch colds. It’s also possible that the child has a fever if his body temperature seems high.

Steps to Take:

  • Provide him with plenty of fluids, such as water and low-sugar drinks, to keep him hydrated.
  • Don’t let him go to crowded areas, or near sick people, and other children.
  • Show your kid how to properly use a tissue when he has to blow his nose or cover his mouth when he sneezes.
  • If your child’s condition worsens after a few days, or if he has a high temperature, you should take him to the doctor.

2. Bronchial infections and inflammations

Does your kid make a high-pitched whistling sound when they breathe? Is he having problems breathing and breathing rapidly? It’s possible that the small airways of his lungs have become infected.

Steps to Take:

  • Give your kid lots of water and vitamin C-rich juice to stay hydrated.
  • Keep him away from smoke-filled rooms. Your child’s illness may worsen if you smoke cigarettes.
  • If your child is wheezing for the first time, has difficulty breathing, is lethargic, lacks energy, or refuses to eat, you should take him to the doctor.

3. The Stomach Flu (Gastroenteritis)

Is your child experiencing nausea and vomiting? Does he have loose, stinky bowel movement? He might have the stomach flu or a gut infection. Aside from  those, your child might also be experiencing a mild fever, stomach pain, and muscle aches.

Steps to Take:

  • Keep your child hydrated with non-milk drinks and water to replenish fluids and electrolytes. Remind your child to drink lots of water frequently, but in little amounts.
  • Stomach flu is contagious, so stay indoors and rest if you have it.
  • Take your kid to the doctor if the symptoms don’t go away or get any worse.

4. Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)

Have you noticed any rashes or blisters on your child’s hands, feet, or buttocks? Has your kid been complaining about a sore throat, a fever, or mouth ulcers? Hand, foot, and mouth disease could be present in him. Sometimes this can lead to a more serious issue.

Steps to Take:

  • If your kid has HFMD, you should let the school or daycare know. Don’t risk spreading the illness to other kids by letting your kid go to school.
  • Make sure your kid stays hydrated. Provide him with a lot of fluids.
  • Mouth ulcers are quite uncomfortable, therefore you should let your child eat soft foods (like oatmeal) instead.
  • Encourage your kid to get a lot of rest.
  • Disinfect any toys and other items your child plays with to avoid the spread of HFMD in your home.
  • If you think your child has HFMD, don’t wait to see a doctor.

5. Chickenpox

Have you noticed that your kid has a fever and some red, itching spots? Chickenpox rash develops into blisters over the course of a few days. If the scratches become infected, the spots may leave scars. Chickenpox is a very frequent and typical disease among children. It is highly contagious and can spread quickly through a population through casual touch or airborne droplets.

Steps to Take:

  • If your child has chickenpox, you should keep him home from school or daycare to prevent the spread of the disease.
  • Trim your kid’s fingernails and perhaps allow him to sleep with gloves on to prevent nighttime scratches.
  • The itchiness might be relieved by giving your child a cool bath.
  • If your child’s rash becomes very red or sensitive, or if it extends to the eye, you should take him or her to the doctor right away. In addition, if your child has a high fever, tremors, lack of muscular coordination, a stiff neck, or is suffering rapid heartbeat or shortness of breath, bring him to a doctor.

6. Asthma

Does your child have episodes of wheezing and chest tightness or pain? Is he struggling to get enough air? Maybe his cough just won’t go away, too. A child with asthma has sensitive and inflamed airways. About 20% of Singaporean children suffer from it, making it a common problem.

Steps to Take:

  • Let your child start using an inhaler immediately as directed by your child’s doctor. Every 20 minutes for up to an hour, repeat the process.
  • Keep your child away from known allergens and triggers such dust, pollen, animal fur, cigarette smoke, and stress
  • Take your child to the emergency room if the asthma symptoms are not resolved, have worsened, or return within four hours.

7. Allergic Rhinitis (Allergies)

Does your kid have a runny nose and be sneezing all the time? Due to the constant humidity and heat, allergic rhinitis is a common problem in Singapore. Childhood asthma is the most frequent form of chronic allergy disease and can be linked to eczema and ear infections. It can also cause sleep disruption.

Steps to Take:

  • Stay away from known allergens like dust mites and cigarette smoke.
  • To lessen the amount of dust in the air, use a HEPA filter.
  • If your kid has a stuffy nose or trouble breathing, you might try propping up his head with an extra pillow.
  • If your child’s allergic rhinitis is interfering with his daily activities, you should take him to the doctor. Antihistamine pills and sprays may be prescribed by his doctor.

Protect your child’s health

Provide your children with the right amount of food to keep them healthy and growing. Know the symptoms of common illnesses and keep an eye on their well-being to head them off  from getting infected.