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Reviewed by

Dr. Moupia Chakraborty

Consultant - Paediatrics And Neonate

Manipal Hospitals, Salt Lake

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5 Common Childhood Illnesses and Their Management

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Watching your child fall sick can be worrying, especially when it happens often. But the truth is, frequent illnesses are a normal part of growing up. Children’s immune systems are still learning to fight off germs, which makes them more vulnerable to common childhood illnesses. Add to that changing weather, pollution, and school exposure, and it's no surprise they catch colds or fevers so easily.

As a parent, understanding these illnesses and how to manage them can make a big difference. It is both for your child’s comfort and your peace of mind. Let’s look closer at some of the most common childhood illnesses and how you can care for your little one through them.

Common Cold

The common cold is one of the most frequent childhood illnesses, especially in school-going children. It’s caused by a group of viruses and spreads easily in crowded places. Cold signs may include a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, cold symptoms, sore throat, cough, and a mild fever. In most cases, proper care at home can help resolve the cold in about a week. If symptoms persist or worsen, despite that, consulting your paediatrician is advisable.

How to manage a common cold

Let the child take ample rest
Emphasise the intake of fluids to keep your child hydrated
Use a humidifier to help with congestion
For infants, use saline nasal drops and bulb suction
Avoid antibiotics as they play no role against viruses

How to manage common cold

Ear Infections

Middle Ear Infections (Otitis Media) result in a painful condition that often follows a cold. Caused by bacteria or viruses, these infections are more common among younger children, leading to ear pain, fussiness, trouble sleeping, and sometimes fever. For cold signs or symptoms that persist beyond two days or a fluid discharge, consulting the doctor is essential.

How to manage ear infections?

Mild cases improve on their own
Pain relievers can help ease discomfort
Warm compressions on the ear may provide relief from pain

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

HFMD is a contagious childhood illness that affects children under 5. Caused by a virus, it leads to fever, painful mouth sores, and rashes on the hands and feet. Though it looks serious, it usually resolves in a week.

How to manage HFMD:

Give the child cool fluids to keep them hydrated
Keep them away from spicy or acidic foods to avoid irritating mouth sores
Encourage them to practice hygiene to prevent the condition from spreading

Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu)

This is another common childhood illness often caused by rotavirus or norovirus. It is commonly known as the Stomach flu. This spreads quickly through contaminated food, water, or contact with infected surfaces. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, and fever.

How to manage stomach flu?

Keep the child hydrated with Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)
In case of aggravated symptoms, avoid sugary drinks or dairy products
Introduce bland food like rice, mashed potatoes or toast before shifting back to a normal diet
In case of persistent vomiting, dehydration or blood in the stool, seek immediate medical help

Bacterial Sinusitis

Bacterial Sinusitis is a common yet non-contagious infection among children that needs antibiotics in most cases. Care given at home can accelerate recovery. The purpose is to keep the sinuses moist for relief. The kid should stay at home and rest during this phase. Consulting with your doctor becomes important if the symptoms continue for more than 10 days or seem to worsen over time.

How to manage bacterial sinusitis

Nasal saline rinses help clear mucus
Use a humidifier or steam inhalation
Warm compresses relieve sinus pressure
Make sure your child drinks enough fluids
Visit your doctor if symptoms last over 10 days

Intestinal Parasite Infection

Parasites can enter your child’s system through unclean food or water, causing abdominal pain, itching, diarrhoea, vomiting, or even weight loss. These infections are fairly common and can easily recur without proper hygiene.

How to manage

Anti-parasitic medications prescribed by the doctor are a must for killing the worms and preventing re-infection
Serve well-cooked food and do not feed raw or uncooked fish or meat
Provide purified water for drinking
Teach your child to wash hands frequently and practice basic hygiene to prevent recurrence

Conclusion

Childhood illnesses, in most cases are not serious. They resolve on their own. Yet, at times, they can be challenging for both children and parents. Identifying the symptoms early and seeking medical advice on time is the key to a fast and complete recovery. Always consult a doctor if symptoms get severe, persist for a long time, or appear unusual. Remember, good hygiene practices, up-to-date vaccinations, and a balanced diet can go a long way in reducing the frequency and severity of common childhood illnesses.