As a parent, every sign of illness in your child can set off alarm bells. It’s easy to worry that a runny nose or a cough might be the symptom of something greater, and these concerns can send you running straight to your Westminster pediatrician. While a doctor of pediatrics can give you the care you need to deal with even the most innocuous cold or flu, it’s good to know the symptoms of common childhood diseases so that you can be informed and prepared for a future outbreak.
RSV
RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is the leading cause of bronchitis in children and initially resembles the common flu. A cough, running nose, and fever are typically exhibited, and children will sometimes develop wheezing. It can be hard to identify initially but is on average much milder when contracted by older children and adults. Be sure to monitor your child’s flu symptoms closely and visit your doctor if the conditions worsen.
Pinkeye
Pinkeye is one of the most recognizable conditions in children and can be particularly frustrating due to the rapid pace at which it can pass through a community. Children suffering from pinkeye will experience reddening and swelling in their eyes, and the virus often develops as the symptom of a cold. If your child develops pinkeye, contact your pediatrician to receive prescription eye drops and be sure to avoid touching items like washcloths and towels that have been used by your child.
Ear infections
Due to the small size of their auditory tubes, children are especially prone to suffering from ear infections. These connect to the throat, and swelling from a cold can cause them to become blocked. This can result in a fever and ear pain. Most ear infections will resolve themselves on their own, but a doctor can often prescribe medication to ease the suffering and speed up the healing process.
Chickenpox
Perhaps the most well known childhood disease, chickenpox causes rashes and blisters on the child’s body. Children with healthy immune systems rarely suffer serious effects from chickenpox but should be quarantined from their peers until they recover. Medicines to reduce swelling and fever can make the experience more tolerable.
If your child displays the symptoms presented here and his condition worsens over time, take him or her immediately to trusted Westminster pediatricians such as the ones from Indian Crest Pediatrics.
Slideshow: Childhood Illnesses Every Parent Should Know, WebMD
Children’s Common Illnesses and Concerns, GHC.org