An Ailing Child: Common Childhood Ailments

Article contributed by:

Raffles Medical Group

 

It happens so often - your child falls sick and you wonder whether you should rush him to the emergency room, take him to the nearest clinic or self-medicate at home.  Ponder no more as Dr Tan Mein Chuen, Specialist in Paediatric Medicine, Raffles Children’s Centre shares when these common childhood ailments would call for a visit to the doctor and how to manage these ailments at home.

 

On this page: ► Fever ► Constipation   ► Diarrhoea ► Vomiting   ► Flu ► Cold

 

Fever

Your child is having a fever if his body temperature is more than 37.5 ºC. This is often accompanied by chills, sweating, shivering, loss of appetite, nausea, skin rash, lethargy and/or seizures.  Fevers are usually caused by viral infections and sometimes, bacterial infections.  Most fevers that older children get are usually not harmful.
 
Doctor?

If your infant is under three months old and running a fever, your toddler’s fever is above 38.8ºC or your older child’s temperature is above 40ºC, you should bring him to the doctor immediately.  For children below two years old without any obvious source of fever e.g. cough/cold, a urine test should be done to exclude a urine infection.
 
@Home

Monitor your child’s temperature.  To bring your child’s temperature down, you can sponge him with lukewarm or tap water.  Avoid using cold water as it may cause chills and discomfort.  Keep the room well ventilated, dress him in light clothing and give him lots of fluids.  Paracetamol may be given to children above three months.  If the fever persists, bring your child to the doctor immediately.

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Constipation

It is not necessary for a child to move his bowels daily - moving bowels every two to four days is normal.  Your child might become constipated when he is not getting enough fluids.  The symptoms may include hard stools, irritability, a hard abdomen, abdominal pain and discomfort.
 
Doctor?

You should check with your family doctor before trying anything to relieve your child’s discomfort.  If the problem persists, consult a doctor to rule out other illnesses.
 
@Home

For older children on solids, you can try giving pureed prunes, fruits and vegetables in small bits so that he gets adequate fibre.  Also, give him plenty of fluids and fruit juices.

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Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection, food poisoning, allergic reactions to milk, food or medicine and antibiotics.  Usually lasting for two to four days, occasionally up to 10 days, it may be accompanied by vomiting.
 
It is important to replace the fluids lost from the frequent bowel movements as diarrhoea can lead to dehydration.  Dehydration can be serious in babies and young children.  Signs of dehydration include not passing urine, loss of weight, tiredness, dry tongue, eyes and lips and increased heart rate.
 
Doctor?

While diarrhoea usually requires no medication, you should bring your child to the doctor if the diarrhoea does not subside within the first four hours; is accompanied by persistent vomiting; your child refuses to eat or drink and if the stools are black, bloody or look like rice water.
 
@Home

Stay on a light diet of rice, bananas, bread, water and fruit juices. Avoid milk and milk products as it may prolong the diarrhoea situation or even worsen it. Oral rehydration solution may be given in place of milk.

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Vomiting

Vomiting is often caused by a viral infection of the lining of the stomach or by food poisoning.  It can also be caused by overfeeding, indigestion, excessive crying and coughing, stomach flu, poisonous substances, head injury and infections.  Often, a child who is vomiting may also develop diarrhoea.  It is important to replace the fluids lost to prevent dehydration.
 
Doctor?

Do not hesitate to bring your child to a doctor if you notice any of the following signs and symptoms in your child: repeated vomiting, blood in the vomitus, abdominal pain, swollen abdomen, lethargy, irritability, diarrhoea, vomiting associated with head injury and ingestion of poisonous substances, signs of dehydration (e.g. dry mouth), depression of the soft spot on your baby’s head and decreased urination.

@Home

To help your child, you can give frequent sips of fluids and bland food such as porridge and bread.

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Flu

We often mistake a cold for flu and vice versa.  Influenza (flu) is a more serious illness than the common cold and is caused by different viruses. Common flu symptoms include fever (usually high), dry cough turning into productive cough, vomiting and diarrhoea.  Other common but less frequent symptoms include headache, aches and pains, neck stiffness and fatigue. Although rare, influenza can do serious damage to the central nervous system and heart.
 
Doctor?

It is very important to call your doctor if your child is under six months or if the symptoms are severe or last more than three days.  Antiviral drugs may be prescribed in these instances.
 
@Home

You should increase clear fluids in your child’s diet and give them fresh fruit juices for the necessary nutrients.  Also, allow your child plenty of time to rest.

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Cold

A cold, on the other hand, is caused by viral infection of the air passages affecting the nose and throat.  You child may be experiencing a cold if he shows symptoms of a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, sore throat, loss of appetite and/or fever.
 
Due to their immature immune systems, children are highly susceptible to cold viruses and it is not uncommon to catch a cold several times a year. Each episode can last several weeks in infants and up to a week or more in older children.
 
Doctor?

Bring your child to see a doctor as he may need some medication to help to relieve his cold symptoms
 
@Home

While you can give your child paracetamol, be careful about the dosage given and do not give aspirin.  Take a cough suppressant for dry cough and expectorant for wet cough (with phlegm).  The best way to recover is to have plenty of rest and fluids, and avoid strenuous physical activity.  Try raising his head while sleeping to allow for easier breathing through a stuffy nose. Also, keep away from irritating fumes, fresh paint, smoke and animal dander.

 

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Article contributed by:
Raffles Medical Group

Dated: November 2011

 

 

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