Kids typically can get ill every couple of weeks (it certainly feels that way!), and while it is great for their immune system, it can play havoc if you have a full-time job to get to, other children – or more often than not, catch the bug yourself. Children, well everyone, deserve high-quality medical care, but some things can be treated successfully at home. As a parent, it pays for you to be up to date on how to manage the smaller general illness.

Here are a few of the most common childhood illnesses and how to treat them.

Ear Pain

Ear pain can be horrific. Unfortunately, they are prevalent. There are a few causes of ear pain, included (but not limited to) an ear infection, pressure from a cold or sinus infection, swimmer’s ear an even toothache that has radiated up the jaw and is sitting in the side of the head. For anything that seems to be causing more pain than a typical earache, you would be wise to take a trip to your doctor. They will need to examine your kiddos ear to be sure of what is going on.

On occasion ear pain might be accompanied by a higher than average temperature, there is more often than not an underlying infection that will need to be treated with antibiotics. Some ear issues don’t need to be treated with antibiotics, things that are caused by an underlying virus, for example.

Of course, if you are worried about your child’s hearing in general, then taking a trip to your doctor and talking with them about your observations will get the ball rolling on some extra hearing checks. There is nothing to worry about here because with hearing loss and deafness, we are lucky enough to have exceptional hearing aids now.

Sore Throat

Sore throats can vary wildly in how painful they are. They are very common and can be passed on quickly by children in nursery/kindergarten and schools. The most common one doesn’t need antibiotics due to them being caused by a virus. Another common, but very painful throat issue is strep throat.

Strep throat cannot usually be diagnosed simply by taking a look into the throat, it will more likely need a swab to be taken. These tests are pretty quick and can confirm strep throat and give you some medication if required. It is essential that you remember to follow the instructions for the medicines and complete the full course.

Cough

It seems like there is always at least one child in a class who has a cough. Not only are the annoying for the child who has it, but they spread rapidly, and in some cases, the cough isn’t painful. The throat and stomach muscles can have some issues because of the constant tensing.

Although many people recommend you get a cough medicine for children, it is better to buy a glycerine tincture to keep the throat lubricated and less like to be dry and painful. Some coughs, however, present very differently, and you will need to see a doctor swiftly. Whooping cough is uncontrollable and can present in very violent coughing fits. You will need to check with your doctor about the next steps as it is typically very contagious and dangerous for pregnant women and young babies.

Wheezing

If your child has recently started wheezing when the breath, they might be suffering from bronchiolitis. This is very common in babies and young children in cold and flu season.

Most often, bronchiolitis is caused by a virus and will not need antibiotics. You should try and keep your child comfortable and hydrated, with monitoring for any difficulty in breathing or decrease in appetite. In general, your child will need a few days off school and will recover well.

UTI

No one likes to hear these little letters. UTIs can be found in babies all the way through adulthood. It is a build up of bacteria in the urinary tract. Common signs to look for are bed wetting when they have been dry for a while, frequently needing to wee, tummy pain and often back pain.

Your doctor will need a urine sample to diagnose this, and your little one will more than likely need antibiotics to clear it up too.

Follow your doctor’s guidelines, and it is worth getting some special pads designed to go on top of the mattress to absorb any accidents your child might have. Plenty of water and a healthy dose of fruits and vegetables can really help this clear up faster too. You should also look to see if your child’s bathroom hygiene is okay, go through the basics with them again.

Colds

Unsurprisingly children can experience between 6-8 colds per year. Most of those will be between September and May. Colds generally last around 10 days, but some kiddos are affected way more than others. You’ll likely see a runny nose, sore throat, a cough, some congestions and perhaps a little rise in temperature.

If after a few days you notice thick green mucus (snot) then you should give your doctors a ring. It might be a sinus infection which may need antibiotics.

General Pain

Sometimes children get ill for the odd day, and no one knows what is going on. They might have tummy pain or earache, and you aren’t sure if you need to take them to A&E or snuggle them in a blanket. If they are just generally under the weather, then you might like to give them children’s paracetamol to take the edge off the pain and that their temperature down a little bit.

Be sure that what you give them in terms of medication is designed for children, it is usually based on age and weight – if in doubt you should always consult a doctor.

Finally, it is worth noting that many pharmacists can help you when it comes to common childhood diseases. They are trained to give a range of advice and can help you avoid either a bill for the doctors or taking up an appointment without a ‘real’ need. If you are worried, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice as parental instincts can be spot on.

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