Managing Common Childhood Illnesses: A Guide for Parents

Published on: 20th March 2023
Medically reviewed by: General Practitioner at First Response Healthcare

When kids are younger, they tend to fall sick often because of different childhood diseases. As parents, it is important to know about the signs and symptoms of common childhood illnesses so that you can ensure that your child receives quality medical care at the right time. Prevention of childhood diseases in the early stages itself will ensure no further escalation of these grave diseases. As parents, it’s important to be aware of the treatment guidelines so you can be confident that your child is receiving the best possible care for childhood diseases.

Following are some of the most common childhood illnesses and their approved treatments. The treatments described here are based on scientific evidence and best practices. However, there may be reasons why pediatricians make different recommendations for children. Especially if your child has an ongoing medical condition or allergy. There are several measures that a pediatrician can make use of for the prevention of several grave childhood diseases. Whatever may be the case, its a pediatrician’s job to discuss possible treatments with you when your child has signs and symptoms of common childhood illnesses.

There are several types of childhood sicknesses that can affect different parts of your child’s body.

Following are some of the common childhood illnesses

1. Sore Throat

Sore throat is a common childhood sickness and can be painful. A sore throat may also be caused by an infection called strep throat (streptococcal pharyngitis). Rapid in-house streptococcal testing, including laboratory testing or throat swabs, is required to confirm the diagnosis of streptococcal infection. Babies and young children rarely get streptococcal pharyngitis, but they are more likely to get a streptococcal infection if they are nursing or have older siblings with the disease. It primarily spreads by coughing and sneezing but can also be spread by touching toys that an infected child has been playing with.

2. Ear Pain

Ear pain is another common childhood illness. Ear pain in children can range from ear infections (otitis media), swimmer’s ear (infection of the skin in the ear canal), pressure from a cold or sinus infection, and toothache that radiates from the jaw to the ear. To diagnose the same, your child’s ears should be examined by a pediatrician to tell the difference. If your child’s earache is accompanied by a high fever, if both ears are affected, or if your child has other signs of illness, your pediatrician may decide that antibiotics are the best treatment. Many times, ear infections are caused because of viruses and do not require treatment through antibiotics.

3. Urinary Tract Infection

A bladder infection, also known as urinary tract infection or UTI is also among the common childhood diseases. It occurs when bacteria build up in the urinary tract. Symptoms of a urinary tract infection include pain or burning when urinating, frequent or urgent urination, bedwetting accidents caused by children who know how to use the toilet, abdominal pain, or pain in the side or back. For diagnosis, your child’s doctor will need a urine sample to test for a UTI before deciding on treatment. The doctor may adjust treatment depending on the bacteria in your child’s urine.

4. Cold

Colds are among common childhood illnesses and are caused by viruses of the upper respiratory tract. Many young children, especially nursing children, tend to catch colds 6-8 times a year. Cold symptoms include runny nose, stuffy nose, and cough, which can last up to 10 days. Green mucus in your child’s nose doesn’t automatically mean he/she needs antibiotics. However, if a sinus infection is suspected, the doctor will carefully determine whether antibiotics are the best option based on the child’s symptoms and physical examination.

5. Skin Infections

Skin infections are also among common childhood illnesses. Most children with skin infections may need skin tests (cultures or swabs) to determine the most appropriate treatment. If you or your child have been in contact with other family members who have skin infections, it is advisable to see a doctor.

6. Bronchitis

Chronic bronchitis is an infection of the larger, more central airways of the lungs and is more common in adults. Often the term ‘bronchitis’ is used to describe a chest virus that does not require antibiotics.

7. Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is a common childhood sickness in infants during cold and flu season. Your doctor may hear a ‘wheeze’ when your child is breathing. Bronchiolitis is most often caused by viruses that do not require antibiotics. Instead, most treatment recommendations aim to refer the child to close monitoring for signs of difficulty breathing, difficulty eating, or dehydration. Medications for people with asthma (such as albuterol and steroids) are not recommended for most infants with bronchiolitis. Premature babies or children with underlying medical conditions may require a different treatment plan.

8. Bacterial Sinusitis

Bacterial sinusitis is caused by bacteria trapped in the sinuses. Sinusitis is suspected when cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, daytime cough, or both persist for 10 days or more and do not improve. Antibiotics may be needed if the condition is accompanied by thick yellow nasal discharge and fever for at least 3 to 4 consecutive days.

9. Cough

Cough is a common childhood sickness caused by a virus and often does not require any use of antibiotics. It is not recommended to use cough suppressants on children under the age of 4, or children between the ages of 4 and 6 unless recommended by a doctor. Occasionally, a mild infection (viral or bacterial) can develop into a more serious infection. Call your pediatrician if your child’s illness seems to change, is getting worse, does not go away after a few days, or if you are concerned about new symptoms. If your child gets sicker or has complications, your pediatrician may recommend new treatments.

10. Pain because of injuries

Young children tend to injure themselves often. The best medicines for pain relief in children are acetaminophen or ibuprofen. It is important to consult your pediatrician about the same though and about how much of it to give based on your child’s weight. Narcotic pain relievers are not suitable for children who have frequent injuries or conditions such as ankle sprains, earaches, and sore throats. Codeine is associated with severe respiratory problems and even death in children, so it should never be used for children.

Important Reminder

Talk to your pediatrician if you have any questions or concerns about proper care for your child or regarding signs and symptoms of common childhood illnesses. While it may be tempting to call an ambulance when your child is sick, your pediatrician knows your child best, has your child’s medical records, and is the best person to go for advice. However, do not hesitate to call an ambulance in case there is a medical emergency. Also, remember to ask your pediatrician how to contact him/her when their clinic is closed.

Pediatrician At Home In Dubai | First Response Healthcare

With First Response Healthcare (FRH), your search for quality pediatric care services is over. FRH provides medical services to some of the best pediatricians, who can come right to your doorstep for diagnosis and treatment of childhood diseases. First Response Healthcare (FRH) has been awarded the Gold Seal of Approval by the Joint Commission International Standards for Home Healthcare, which reflects our commitment to providing high-quality medical services in Dubai.

You can always find a pediatrician in Dubai through FRH, no matter what the time or day since our doctor on call services are available even on weekends and public holidays. Our team of pediatricians is DHA licensed and highly qualified and experienced. Our team of pediatricians is extremely caring and attentive towards children. We also have a team of highly trained and experienced nurses who can assist you in taking care of a newborn or toddler.

We offer a variety of diagnostic services, including blood tests and urine collection. We can come to your home and collect samples for your child.

Following are some of the common childhood illnesses that our pediatricians can help with:

Acute Childhood Illnesses Including Fever, Urinary Tract Infection, Diarrhea, Cough
Ear And Throat Infections
Common Chronic Issues in Children Such As Abdominal Pain And Allergies
Growth Issues and Anaemia
Management Of All General Pediatric Diseases
Care Of New-Born Babies
Infant And Child Nutrition
Childhood Growth and Development Assessments
Asthma And Allergy Management
Guidance Support and Counseling of Parents

Benefits of FRH Pediatric Homecare Service

Flexible Appointments: You can book an appointment with us based on our schedule and availability. We can come to you whenever you need us to. Our services are available throughout the day, including weekends and holidays.
Express Service: We will get back to you within 30 minutes after you book an appointment with us.
Areas Covered: We can come to you anywhere in Dubai.
Convenient Locations: Our pediatrician can visit your home, hotel, or office to diagnose your child.
One-to-One Care: Our pediatricians are attentive to your needs and expectations. Our team of the best pediatricians in Dubai are extremely caring, compassionate and treat children with patience and dedication.
Effective Communication: We will keep you up to date with your child’s progress through reports and ensure that we answer all questions and concerns.

To book services of a pediatrician at home in Dubai for diagnosis or treatment of common childhood illnesses, you can simply call on 0505050387 or 800DIALDOC. You can also book an online appointment by visiting our website.