COMMON CHILDHOOD AILMENTS & TIPS TO HANDLE THEM

Children are prone to illnesses and health issues. Here, we discuss some useful tips for the most common ones, as well as the role of your doctor in dealing with them.

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Children will inevitably pick up colds, bugs and various light illnesses as they move through the world. Most of the time, these are not causes for concern! However, if your child is unusually unwell or if you feel uncertain about their health, be sure to bring them to your family doctor. A trusted doctor is one of the best safety nets you can have as a parent - it prevents a lot of stress for both you and your child. If your child has a good relationship with a medical practitioner, it creates a calm and safe environment and they won’t be as afraid. Remember, a visit to the doctor can be a very scary experience for our little ones so we should do everything we can to keep the mood light and cheerful.

COMMON CHILDHOOD HEALTH ISSUES

Asthma

The most frequent asthma symptoms include wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing), a dry cough, shortness of breath and chest tightness. Your child may describe chest tightness as a pain in their chest or stomach. A visit to the doctor is a must if you think your child has asthma.

Common cold

Your child may catch the common cold as much as 5-10 times a year. The usual symptoms include a sore throat, a blocked or runny nose, a raised temperature and a cough. The best course of action is to keep them warm, comfortable and hydrated, and to make sure they get plenty of rest.

Gastroenteritis