If you are a parent, you already know how hard it is to deal with a child who is sick. Statistics say that children fall sick about six to eight times a year on average. There can be several reasons behind their susceptibility to illness. Exposure to germs, poor immune system, and lack of nutrition are a few to name. As parents, it is important to know about the 7 most common childhood illnesses that may force you to visit a good pediatric doctor to recognize and treat the symptoms.

Common Childhood Illnesses That Every Parent Should Know

Common Cold

It is not surprising that the common cold is the most prevalent childhood illness. The viruses that cause colds are spread easily in the environment where people are in close contact with each other. Though there is no cure for the cold, there are over-the-counter medications that can help manage the symptoms like fever, headaches, and muscle aches.

The symptoms of a common cold usually start one to two days after exposure. Nasal congestion is one of the most prominent signs in children. If these signs and symptoms persist for longer, then make sure to visit the child specialists doctor or a pediatrician. However, simple hygiene practices can help prevent infection with the virus that causes colds.

Bronchitis

 Bronchitis is the inflammation of the lungs. The condition can be either acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). It is mainly caused due to virus that causes the lungs to swell, often making it difficult for children to breathe. In addition, it can also be caused due to other things such as allergens, dust, or strong fumes. It irritates the tissues of the bronchial tube lining and leads to the overproduction of mucus.

Some of the common symptoms include frequent coughing, feeling short of breath, headache, wheezing, lack of energy, etc. On observing these symptoms, find the best pediatricians in Bulandshahr to consult and start the treatment as soon as possible.

Conjunctivitis

Also commonly known as pink eye, conjunctivitis is a common eye infection. It's an inflammation (redness and swelling) of the conjunctiva, which is the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye and inside of the eyelids. Conjunctivitis can be allergic or infectious condition and highly contagious. There are various causes of conjunctivitis, but the contagious one is usually a result of bacteria or virus that gets into the eyes.

Apart from pink or colour, eye discomfort is another common symptom. Besides, often there is some discharge from the eye along with swelling and pain. Some kids may even experience sensitivity to bright light or swollen eyelids. It can affect one or both eyes. Your best pediatricians specialist may treat the condition with eye drops or antibiotic ointment. 

Influenza

Commonly known as flu, influenza is a sort of virus that spreads fast and easily when the infected person sneezes or coughs. In short, it is a contagious viral infection that affects the air passages of the lungs. It is one of the most common and severe childhood illnesses. These flu viruses can be divided into 3 types, including Influenza types A, B, and C. Influenza types A and B cause widespread epidemics during winter. They often become the reason why you may have to look for the 'best pediatrician doctor near me' on the internet and visit the one.

On the other hand, influenza type C causes mild respiratory illness, and it does not lead to epidemics. Some of the common symptoms of influenza include fever, fatigue, chills, body aches, and sore throat. You can manage most symptoms at home with proper medication, rest, and fluids.

Asthma

It can be tricky to know whether a child who is wheezing and coughing is suffering from asthma or any other respiratory problem like bronchitis. While the symptoms of asthma can be seen at any age, most kids experience symptoms by age 5. Frequent coughing is one of the main symptoms of asthma, which can get worse when the child has a viral infection.

Moreover, it can also be triggered by cold wind or exercise. Other signs include shortness of breath, chest congestion, and a wheezing sound when breathing out. Poorly controlled asthma in children can cause long-term damage to the lungs. Getting regular health care and taking proper medication as prescribed by your pediatric doctor in Bulandshahr can help control the symptoms to a great extent.

Constipation

Constipation is a common yet sometimes challenging condition that parents may encounter. If your kid has less than three bowel movements in a week, or if they are passing hard and large stools, they may be constipated. Other symptoms include feeling pain or straining while passing stool, stomach pain, or bloating. Not having enough high-fibre foods, drinking water, and lack of exercise are the major causes of constipation.

In addition, some emotional or behavioural issues can also lead to constipation. These issues include stress at school or home, feeling anxious in unfamiliar surroundings, being interrupted during toilet time, etc. There are many pediatricians in Bulandshahr; all you have to do is to find the best one and make a visit if your child is dealing with constipation.

Sinusitis

Rhinosinusitis, or simply sinusitis, is a sinus infection caused by a build-up of fluid in the sinuses that allows germs, such as viruses and bacteria, to grow. Some of the main symptoms include stuffy and runny nose, headache, sore throat, bad breath, cough, post-nasal drip, and pain or pressure in the face. If your kid complains about these symptoms, then it is wise to visit the pediatric hospital right away.

Chronic sinusitis can last up to 12 weeks or longer. If your child has viral sinusitis, treating the symptoms can improve the condition. However, in the case of severe bacterial sinusitis, antibiotics are a good option. In some rare cases where medication fails to do its job, surgery remains the effective and safe method of treating sinuses in children.

In Conclusion

So, these are the most common childhood illnesses that you should know about to stay alert and take a right preventive measures. If your child encounters any of these illnesses, it is better to take them to a good pediatric doctor who has the experience to treat the condition effectively.

If you do not know any pediatrician, then make a search query that says 'pediatric clinic near me' to get some great options to choose from. Hopefully, the article will be helpful to all those parents who care about their child's health.