Common Childhood Illnesses

CEBU, Philippines – Flu is a viral infection of the nose, throat, ears and sinuses. Look out for your child developing a stuffy, runny nose, sore throat, cough and high temperature. She may also develop a headache and severe aches and pains, plus exhaustion.

How does one get it? Viruses are transmitted by coughing, sneezing and by hand contact, and can survive on objects such as door handles for several hours. Flu tends to occur as seasonal epidemics.

Treatment:

Paracetamol as needed. See your doctor if symptoms worsen or last longer than a week, or if your child develops trouble breathing. Also visit your doctor if your child has a medical condition which can be difficult to control, such as asthma or diabetes. An annual flu vaccination may be suggested in some cases.

Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

This is a bacterial infection of the airways that starts with cold-like symptoms and then progresses to severe coughing spasms. The characteristic 'whoop' sound occurs when the poor child desperately tries to take in air between coughs.

How does one get it? Whooping cough is spread by coughing and sneezing. Vaccination has made whooping cough much less common in infants and young children, but it is making a come-back in older children who were vaccinated more than five to 10 years ago.

Treatment:

See your doctor as soon as possible for throat swabs or a blood test to confirm diagnosis. Your child will need antibiotics.

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is usually caused by a virus, but can be bacterial too. It triggers vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pains and sometimes fever. It's spread by touching the hands of someone who's struck down with the illness, from eating infected food or by swimming in water containing the germs.

Who gets it? Children of any age can be affected.

Treatment:

Replace lost fluids and salts with oral rehydration fluids, which you can buy in sachets from pharmacies or on prescription. See your doctor if you see blood in your child's poo, she develops a fever or does not improve within a couple of days. Always seek medical advice if a child passes six or more diarrhea stools - or vomits three times or more - in 24 hours as young children can quickly become dehydrated.

Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis, an infection of the tonsils, can be caused by a virus or bacteria, but most cases are viral. Symptoms include a sore throat with red, swollen tonsils, pain on swallowing, fever, coughing and headache. The glands in the neck are often swollen too, and there may be spots of pus on the tonsils.

Who gets it? It is most common in children aged five to 15. Infection is spread from person to person by coughing, sneezing or picking up germs after shaking hands or touching.

Treatment:

See your doctor for a throat swab to check if your child has a bacterial infection, which would need antibiotics. If your child has frequent and severe tonsillitis, your doctor may suggest an operation to remove her tonsils. Paracetamol, ibuprofen, throat lozenges or throat sprays will help symptoms.

Chicken pox

This highly contagious viral infection causes fever, headache and a red rash before developing into itchy, fluid-filled blisters. Some children get away with just a few spots, but others get them everywhere, including inside the mouth and on the scalp.

Who gets it? Mostly children under 10 years. Infection is spread by inhaling droplets containing the virus from the air, and also by direct contact with the blister fluids - perhaps by touching clothing that the blisters have rubbed against.

Treatment:

See your doctor if you're not sure of the diagnosis. Paracetamol will help with the pain and fever, while soothing lotions will relieve itching.

Editor's Note: Dr Sarah Brewer is a general practitioner medical nutritionist and the author of more than 50 popular health books, including "The Essential Guide to Vitamins, Minerals and Herbal Supplements." This article is part of the one she writes for www.familytime.co.uk.