Beyond the Flu: Prevention and Treatment for Common Childhood Ailments

Children are especially susceptible to common health ailments like ear infections, seasonal allergies, sports injuries and stomach bugs. Although illnesses like chicken pox or the occasional cut or broken bone from a fall or accident are a normal part of childhood, a few precautionary steps combined with knowing when to seek medical treatment can help parents keep children healthy and active throughout the year.

Most Common Childhood Illnesses and Diseases

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some of the most common illnesses and conditions to affect children aged 4–11 include:

ADHD
Asthma
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASDs)
Chicken pox
Upper respiratory infections/common cold/flu
Diabetes
Ear infection
Hearing loss/impairment
Learning disabilities
Measles
Mumps
Obesity
Vision problems

When to See a Pediatrician

Conditions like the flu, seasonal allergies or a common cold can usually be managed with over-the-counter medications and rest. Others will require medical treatment, prescription medications (like antibiotics) or even lifestyle modifications.

The range and severity of symptoms for many childhood ailments can vary from child to child. According to guidelines from The Mayo Clinic, parents of infants and young children should monitor symptoms and schedule an appointment with a pediatrician for persistent symptoms that do not resolve with over-the-counter medications and self-care, including:

Fever
Rash
Unexplained appetite loss
Abdominal pain/tenderness
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Constipation
Ongoing cough with phlegm or mucus/discharge
Sore throat
Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
Earaches
Trouble understanding speech or following conversations
Visual impairment/difficulty reading or focusing on schoolwork

Some symptoms can be signs of a serious condition. Seek emergency treatment if your child or infant exhibits symptoms such as:

Uncontrollable bleeding
Seizures
Difficulty breathing
Signs of poisoning
Head injury
Severe cuts or broken bones
Smoke inhalation
Unexplained cognitive changes or sudden erratic behavior

Steps to Promote and Maintain Your Child’s Health and Wellbeing

The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to be proactive with childhood health and wellness, by scheduling regular check-ups and health screenings with a pediatrician.

Health and wellness screenings for infants, toddlers and young children offer advantages like disease and illness prevention, monitoring for healthy development and growth milestones, nutrition assessments and counseling, and immunization schedules.

In addition to regular health screenings, there are a few simple, everyday steps that parents and children can take to decrease the risk of common colds, sports injuries and excessive weight gain.

Wash hands frequently, and use tissues when coughing and sneezing
Wear protective gear and appropriate footwear (helmets, gloves, goggles, shin guards, insoles and arch supports) when playing contact sports or engaging in physical activities
Maintain a healthy weight with an age-appropriate exercise and nutrition plan
Get enough sleep
The start of a new school year is the perfect time to schedule a wellness exam to check a child’s vision and hearing, make sure that all immunizations are up to date, perform diabetes testing and nutritional counseling if necessary, and to discuss any individual issues or concerns regarding the child’s overall health and development.

Find a Pediatrician in Houston

From childhood vaccinations to disease prevention, screening and treatment, the pediatricians and physicians at 1960 Family Practice offer a comprehensive list of diagnostic and clinical services for the entire family. For more information, contact us by calling (281) 586-3888, or filling out an appointment request to request an appointment with a doctor in Houston today.