Children get sick more often as they grow because of their developing immune system and exposure to different viruses, bacteria, and infections. Most common childhood illnesses are temporary and improve with appropriate care, while some illnesses need proper medical help.

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Let’s take a look at some common childhood illnesses and their symptoms:

Common Cold

A cold is among the most common illnesses in childhood. It is caused by different respiratory viruses and usually affects the nose and throat. Some children can have several colds each year, particularly when they are young.

Symptoms of Common Cold:

Runny or blocked nose
Sneezing
Cough
Sore throat
Mild fever
Headache
Mild body aches
Reduced appetite

Most colds improve with time; however, if your child has breathing difficulties, then you should see a doctor.

Flu

Flu, also known as influenza, is a respiratory infection that causes more noticeable symptoms than an ordinary cold.

Common symptoms of flu that children develop are:

Fever
Cough
Sore throat
Runny or blocked nose
Headache
Body or muscle aches
Chills
Tiredness
Sometimes vomiting or diarrhoea

Children under 5 years of age can be more vulnerable to complications from influenza, including dehydration, pneumonia, and worsening of conditions such as asthma.

Ear Infections

Ear infections are common in babies and young children, especially during a cold. Though, younger children are not able to explain that their ear hurts, so parents should notice changes in their behaviour instead.

Symptoms of Ear Infections:

Ear pain
Pulling or rubbing the ear
Irritability
Crying more than usual
Difficulty feeding
Restlessness or difficulty sleeping
Fever
Sometimes fluid coming from the ear

For an ear infection, parents must visit the paediatrician so they can determine whether an infection or another condition is causing the symptoms. Moreover, you must not use any home remedy if your child has an ear infection.

Stomach Infection

There are viral gastroenteritis and other infections that cause vomiting and diarrhoea in children. These illnesses spread easily, especially among children who attend school or childcare.

Common Symptoms of Stomach Infection:

Loose or watery stools
Vomiting
Stomach cramps
Nausea
Fever
Reduced appetite

The main concern with these stomach infections is that repeated vomiting or diarrhoea can cause dehydration; visit a doctor for this.

Sore Throat and Tonsillitis

Children are also affected by sore throat and tonsillitis; these are caused by a viral infection such as a cold or flu.

Common Symptoms of Sore Throat and Tonsillitis Are:

Sore or painful throat
Difficulty swallowing
Red or swollen tonsils
Fever
Swollen glands in the neck
Bad breath
Tiredness

Sore throats can improve on their own, but persistent symptoms such as high fever and difficulty swallowing require medical advice.

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common viral illness in young children. It can spread easily in childcare and school settings.

Common Symptoms of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease:

Fever
Sore throat
Reduced appetite
Small painful ulcers or spots in the mouth
A rash or small blisters on the hands and feet
Spots that may also appear around the buttocks or other areas

It’s important to keep the children hydrated, especially when mouth sores make eating or drinking uncomfortable.

Chickenpox

Chickenpox is a contagious viral infection that commonly causes an itchy rash.

Symptoms of Chickenpox Are:

Fever
Tiredness
Reduced appetite
An itchy rash
Small fluid-filled blisters
Blisters that eventually dry and form scabs

This rash appears in crops, so different spots can be at different stages at the same time.

When Should You Take Your Child to a Paediatrician?

children hospital near meYour child needs a paediatrician’s evaluation if symptoms are persistent, worsening, unusually severe, or affecting eating, drinking, sleeping, etc. Searching for “” in Chennai will help you connect with professionals who can treat your child.

You need medical advice if your child:

Has persistent or high fever
Is having difficulty breathing or repeated wheezing
Has repeated vomiting or diarrhoea
Shows signs of dehydration
Has persistent ear pain
Has severe or worsening pain
Has a rash accompanied by significant illness
Is unusually sleepy, weak, or difficult to wake
Is not feeding or drinking normally
Has symptoms that improve and then become worse again

The Cloudnine Advantage

Cloudnine is among the leading paediatric healthcare service providers in India. They provide healthcare services for children from infancy through adolescence. Their paediatric services include consultations, growth monitoring, management of common childhood illnesses, vaccination and immunisation services, neonatal care, and paediatric intensive care when required.

Conclusion

Children have a weak immune system, making it easier to get illnesses such as colds, flu, ear infections, stomach infections, etc.

If your child is suffering from any of these illnesses, searching for “pediatrician near me” in Chennai and getting a consultation will be helpful. Treatment on time is important for children.

Common Childhood Illnesses and Their Symptoms

Children get sick more often as they grow because of their developing immune system and exposure to different viruses, bacteria, and infections.