Common Illness In Childhood

Introduction to common illness in childhood

Children are more prone to infections as compared to elder people and illnesses due to their developing and weak immune systems. Many common diseases in children are treated at home with proper care, but it is important to seek medical attention if symptoms become severe or persistent for a longer time.

In this article, we will provide a detailed overview of the most common illnesses in children.

The list common illness in childhood include the following diseases.

Upper Respiratory Infections

Upper respiratory infections are the most common diseases in children and they include the common cold, flu, and sinusitis.

These infections are caused by viruses and are highly communicable. Symptoms include a runny nose, cough, sore throat, and fever.

Nearly all upper respiratory infections create on their own within one or two weeks, but antiviral medications and over-the-counter remedies are also helpful to ease the symptoms.

Ear Infections

Ear infections are the most common illness during childhood, particularly in children under the age of 5. They occur when fluid builds up in the middle ear and becomes infected.

Symptoms of ear infections are ear pain, trouble sleeping, loss of balance, and decreased hearing power.

Most ear infections resolve on their own, but sometimes antibiotics are necessary if the infection is severe or does not resolve on its own.

Strep Throat

It is most common in children between the ages of 5 and 15. Strep throat is a bacterial infection that affects the throat and tonsils.

Symptoms of strep throat include sore throat, fever, headache, and abdominal pain. Antibiotics are used for the treatment of Strep throat, but most children recover within 7-10 days.

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It is caused by viruses or bacteria or allergens.

It is also known as “stomach flu”. The gastroenteritis symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.

Mostly all cases of gastroenteritis resolve on their own within a few days, but rehydration and over-the-counter remedies are very crucial for soothing the symptoms.

Skin infections

Skin infections are very prominent in childhood. Common skin infections are chickenpox, rashes, and impetigo.

Chickenpox is a viral and widespread infection that causes an itchy rash and blisters. Rashes can be caused by many things, such as allergies, irritants, and infections.

Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection that causes sores and blisters. These conditions can be treated with topical or oral medications but most of these infections resolve on their own within a few days to a week.

Breathing infections

Breathing problems are also common illnesses in childhood. Common breathing problems include asthma and allergies.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the airways and causes difficulty breathing.

Allergies are an overreaction of the immune system to allergens, such as pollen or dust. Breathing problems can be treated with medications, lifestyle changes, and the avoidance of allergens.

Fever

There is no one who had no not face fever in childhood. Fever is a common symptom of many illnesses, such as upper respiratory infections, ear infections, and strep throat.

Fever is not a disease but it is an indicator of infection. It occurs when the body’s temperature rises in response to an infection or illness.

Most fevers resolve on their own, but it is important to seek medical attention if the fever is high or lasts for two or more days.

Conjunctivitis

The inflammation of the conjunctiva is known as conjunctivitis. It is commonly known as “pink eye”. Conjunctiva is the clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye.

It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi or allergens.

The symptoms of conjunctivitis include redness, itching, and discharge from the eye. Conjunctivitis is highly communicable and can be treated with appropriate antibiotics or other medications, depending on the cause.

Mumps

Mumps is the most well known disease in childhood. It is a viral infection that affects the salivary glands and can cause swelling in the neck and face.

It is most common in children between the ages of 5 and 9. The common symptoms of mumps include fever, headache, and fatigue, as well as the characteristic swelling in the neck and face. Fortunately, there is a vaccine for mumps. Mumps is prevented with the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine.

Scarlet Fever

Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection that affects the skin and throat. It is the most common fever in children between the ages of 5 and 15.

Symptoms of scarlet fever include a sore throat, fever, and a rash on the skin. Scarlet fever is treated with antibiotics, and most children recover within a few days to a week.

Rheumatic Fever

Rheumatic fever is not a common childhood disease but it is a rare complication of strep throat that affects the heart, joints, skin, and brain.

It occurs when the body’s immune system reacts to a strep infection. Symptoms of rheumatic fever include joint pain, fever, and a rash.

Rheumatic fever can be treated with antibiotics and other medications, but it can also cause heart damage if it is left untreated.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is the most prominent disease in childhood. It is caused by an inflammation of the intestines. Pathogens that cause diarrhea are viruses, bacteria, or other factors.

Symptoms of diarrhea include frequent, loose, watery stools, abdominal cramps, and nausea.

In most cases, children recover from diarrhea on their own within a few days.

But it is important to seek medical attention if the diarrhea is severe or extended for a long period of time, or is accompanied by dehydration or fever.

Vomiting

Vomiting is a common symptom of many illnesses in childhood. The diseases in which vomiting is a common symptom are upper respiratory infections, gastroenteritis, and ear infections.

It occurs when the contents of the stomach move back to the mouth. Most cases of vomiting are treated on their own within a few hours to a day, but it is important to tell your healthcare provider if the vomiting is severe and remains for a long period, or is accompanied by dehydration or fever.

Roseola

Roseola is a viral infection that most commonly affects children under the age of 2. Symptoms include high fever, followed by a rash on the trunk, arms, and legs.

Roseola typically resolves on its own within a few days and does not usually require medical treatment.

Mouth, hand and foot Disease

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease is a viral illness that affects the skin and mucous membranes.

It is most common in children under the age of 5. The symptoms of this disease include painful blisters on the hands, feet, and mouth, as well as fever and fatigue.

The illness typically resolves on its own within a few days, but it is very important to promptly seek medical attention if the child experiences severe symptoms or complications.

Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis. It is a bacterial infection that affects the respiratory system. It is highly communicable. The symptoms of pertussis include a persistent cough, which can be accompanied by a “whooping” sound when breathing in.

Whooping cough is preventable with the DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) vaccine.

Treatment usually comprises antibiotics and supportive care, such as coughing remedies and rest.

Prevention of Common Illnesses in Children

The following are the preventive measures for common illness in childhood.

Regularly Wash your hands
Avoid sharing personal items (such as towels, utensils, etc.)
Clean and disinfect surfaces regularly
Stay hydrated
Maintain good hygiene at your home
Teach children to practice good hygiene, such as coughing into their elbow
Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth
Practice healthy habits, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet
Avoid close contact with animals that may carry infections
Get vaccinated
Avoid close contact with sick people
Cover mouth and nose with cloths or tissue paper during coughing or sneezing
Cook food properly
Get enough sleep
Stay home if feeling sick, and seek medical attention if necessary.
Practice good self-care and stress management.

Symptoms of common illness in childhood

The complications of common illness in childhood include:

Common Cold

Runny nose
Cough
sore throat
sneezing
fever

Flu (Influenza)

High fever,
Fatigue
body aches,
cough
headache

Stomach Virus

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
abdominal cramps
fever

Ear Infection

Ear pain
trouble hearing
fever
fluid discharge from the ear

Asthma

Wheezing

Coughing

chest tightness

difficulty breathing

Chickenpox

Itchy rash
Blisters
fever

Streptococcal Pharyngitis (Strep Throat)

Sore throat

difficulty swallowing
red and swollen tonsils
fever

Roseola

High fever followed by a rash on the trunk, arms, and legs

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

Painful blisters on the hands, feet, and mouth, as well as fever and fatigue

Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

Persistent cough, which can be accompanied by a “whooping” sound when breathing in, and fever.

It is important to seek medical attention if your child is experiencing such symptoms or any other illnesses, as prompt treatment can help prevent complications and promote recovery.

Conclusion

Common illnesses in children can be disturbing for both the child and the parent. It is important to seek medical attention if symptoms persist for a long time or worsen.

It is important to practice good hygiene to prevent the spread of illness.

Regular vaccinations, hand washing, and healthy habits can help prevent the onset of these illnesses.

Author

Gowhar Ali

Pharm D, Mphil, Diploma in Nutrition
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Introduction to common illness in childhood