Understanding Common Childhood Illnesses: What Every Parent Should Know

Let’s take a closer look at the top common childhood illnesses affecting children today:

Common Cold

• Cause: Viral infection
  
  
• Symptoms: Runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, mild fever
  
  
• Treatment: Rest, fluids, and over-the-counter remedies (if advised by a doctor)
  
  

The common cold is one of the most prevalent childhood illnesses, particularly in daycare and school settings.

Influenza (Flu)

• Cause: Influenza virus
  
  
• Symptoms: High fever, chills, body aches, fatigue, dry cough
  
  
• Treatment: Antiviral medications (if prescribed), hydration, rest
  
  

Annual flu vaccinations can significantly reduce the risk of this seasonal illness.

Ear Infections

• Cause: Bacteria or viruses
  
  
• Symptoms: Ear pain, irritability, trouble sleeping, fluid drainage
  
  
• Treatment: May require antibiotics or pain relievers
  
  

Ear infections are among the leading reasons children visit doctors. Untreated cases can lead to hearing problems.

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)

• Cause: Coxsackievirus
  
  
• Symptoms: Fever, sores in the mouth, rash on hands and feet
  
  
• Treatment: Supportive care, hydration, soft foods
  
  

HFMD is highly contagious but usually resolves within a week.

Chickenpox

• Cause: Varicella-zoster virus
  
  
• Symptoms: Itchy rash, blisters, fever, tiredness
  
  
• Treatment: Calamine lotion, antihistamines, rest
  
  

Vaccination can prevent this once-common illness or reduce its severity.

Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu)

• Cause: Viral or bacterial infection
  
  
• Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, dehydration
  
  
• Treatment: Oral rehydration solutions, rest, medical attention if severe
  
  

One of the more distressing common childhood illnesses, this requires careful fluid management to avoid complications.

Asthma

• Cause: Chronic inflammation of airways (often triggered by allergens or infections)
  
  
• Symptoms: Wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, chest tightness
  
  
• Treatment: Inhalers, medications, and avoiding triggers
  
  

Asthma can be well-controlled with early diagnosis and regular monitoring by specialists.

Tonsillitis

• Cause: Viral or bacterial infection of the tonsils
  
  
• Symptoms: Sore throat, swollen tonsils, difficulty swallowing, fever
  
  
• Treatment: Antibiotics if bacterial, otherwise supportive care
  
  

Recurrent cases may require a consultation with an ENT specialist.