Common Illnesses Among Children And Their Treatments

Our children deserve all the best in the world. Parents make a huge investment in their children’s education, in the development of their children’s skills, and especially in their children’s health. Parents are always on the lookout for the best treatment and most up-to-date guidelines to provide their children with quality care.

The following list contains some of the most common illnesses among children and their scientifically-approved treatments:

1. SORE THROAT

A sore throat is one of the most common illnesses that children suffer from. It is often caused by a virus. A viral infection does not require antibiotics. Your child should get better in seven to ten days unmedicated.

A lab test is necessary to determine accurately if a different type of infection causes the sore throat. If your child tests positive for strep, your pediatrician will prescribe antibiotics as treatment.

2. EAR PAIN

An examination is necessary to diagnose the cause of the ear pain accurately; it can have many causes. If an infection causes it, an antibiotic may be prescribed.

If your child is suffering from an ear infection caused by a virus, your pediatrician will not prescribe antibiotics. He/She will discuss with you ways to help your child with the pain and to keep them comfortable.

3. URINARY TRACT INFECTION

This bacterial infection in the urinary tract is often accompanied by pain or a burning sensation during urination, frequent and urgent urination, and pain in the abdomen, side, or back.

A urine sample will help the doctor determine if there is an infection. The treatment will depend on which bacteria is found in the sample.

4. SKIN INFECTION

A skin test by your medical provider helps determine the best treatment for your child’s skin infection.

5. BRONCHITIS

Chronic bronchitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane in the bronchi in the lungs. It is more often seen in adults and not so much in children.

6. BRONCHIOLITIS

This is often caused by a virus, in which case antibiotics are not necessary for treatment. What you will be prescribed to do is to help make your child be as comfortable as possible while the body naturally deals with the virus. Monitor your child’s breathing, diet, and hydration.

7. PAIN

Acetaminophen or ibuprofen is the most prescribed medicine for pain relief for children. The dosage will depend on your child’s weight.

8. COMMON COLD

A viral infection causes a common cold in the upper respiratory tract. In a year, a child may get 6 to 8 colds on average.

Common colds, being a viral infection, do not need antibiotics for treatment. Your doctor will carefully decide if your child needs antibiotics for other accompanying symptoms.

9. BACTERIAL SINUSITIS

Symptoms for sinusitis include nasal discharge or a daytime cough that lasts over ten days without improvement. This differentiates it from a regular cold.

When accompanied by thick yellow nasal discharges, you may use antibiotics as treatment. This also applies if your child experiences a fever that lasts 3 or 4 days.

10. COUGH

Coughs do not often require antibiotics because they are caused by viruses.

You should not give cough medicine to your children, especially if they are four years old or younger. Only give cough medicine to your children from 4 to 6 years old if advised by your doctor. Cough medicines do not work in children in this age group. It can even have serious side effects on their health.