Common Childhood Sicknesses and How to Identify Them

Babies are the most vulnerable to health problems and illnesses as their immune systems are not developed well enough to fight against them. They will always end up with sick no matter how well they are taken care of, which is why there are mandatory check-ups after birth. Some babies are born with certain conditions that may disappear with time, and others last the whole lifetime. Here are three of the most common baby health problems and how to identify them:

COMMON COLD

Almost every baby experiences a common cold estimated at up to ten times every year. The usual coughing and running nose characterize them. Here are the signs of a common cold that you should know:

1. A running nose. It may be blocked, and you will know this instantly because the baby will be making sounds as they breathe.
2. Sneezing
3. Watery eyes
4. A mild fever
5. Coughing as the baby expels mucus

Treatment for the cold will depend on how bad it is. You may need to rush the baby to the hospital if the baby does not seem to be getting better. Make sure they are in a warm boys romper or your girl has appropriate headwear and footwear.

The cold usually at its worst during the first days and the symptoms subside within a few days. See to it that your baby gets plenty of rest. Since it is infectious, let the baby cough or sneeze onto a towel.

Increase the warmth and humidity in your baby’s room to help them breath better. Don’t give them antibiotics or any other medicine unless prescribed by the doctor. You can, however, use some little decongesting nasal spray if they are struggling to breathe.

CHICKEN POX

This is a viral disease that manifests itself as an itchy rash with flu-like symptoms. Babies below three months are very likely to catch chicken pox as they are still strengthening their immune system through antibodies acquired from the mother’s milk. Having the appropriate breast pump and nursing pillow can support overall health of the little one. Symptoms of chickenpox include:

1. A rash on the chest, on one part or all over the body. It looks like red pimples that eventually fill up with fluid to form blisters.
2. Fever
3. Loss of appetite
4. The baby generally looks unwell.

Chickenpox usually subsides after a few days. The blister breaks off and eventually disappear. You can issue a small dose of paracetamol to bring down the fever and relieve the baby’s discomfort. Ibuprofen, however, is discouraged as it is likely to make the chicken pox worse.

HAND, FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE

This is also a viral and communicable disease that is usually contracted by children under the age of five years. Symptoms include:

1. The baby may look generally unwell
2. High fever
3. Loss of appetite
4. Red spots and ulcers inside the mouth and on the tongue
5. A red rash on the hands, feet, bottom, groin, and the back of the legs

The hand, foot and mouth disease is very uncomfortable but is usually clears within a week. It is not really necessary to see a doctor unless the baby’s symptoms are worsening.