Childhood illnesses are a regular aspect of growing up, as children's immune systems develop the ability to fight off different infections. Most of these illnesses are generally mild and often clear up without the need for medical intervention. However, it’s important for parents and caregivers to understand these illnesses and how to care for sick children properly. In this guide, the doctors from the best paediatrics hospitals in Thane have suggested some of the most pediatric diseases list, their symptoms, and basic treatment options.
A sore throat is when the throat feels painful, and it's one of the major pediatric diseases. Many sore throats are caused by viruses. If a sore throat is from a virus, it usually doesn't need any specific medicine. Children with viral sore throats should get better on their own within about a week or so (7 to 10 days). Sometimes, a sore throat can be caused by a bacterial infection called strep throat (or streptococcal infection).
If a child tests positive for strep, the doctor will give them antibiotics (medicines that kill bacteria). It’s very important for the child to take all of the antibiotics for the full time that the doctor prescribes, even if they start feeling better before finishing the medicine.
Ear pain is common childhood illnesses and can be caused by various issues, such as ear infections, swimmer's ear, pressure from a cold or sinus infection, or pain from teeth that spreads to the ear. To diagnose the cause, a pediatrician needs to examine the child's ear, as this is the best way to find the problem. If the ear pain comes with a high fever, affects both ears, or shows other signs of illness, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics, usually amoxicillin, unless there is a penicillin allergy or frequent infections. However, many ear infections are caused by viruses and do not need antibiotics; in these cases, the doctor will offer advice on how to relieve the discomfort while the body heals on its own.
A UTI happens when germs (specifically bacteria) build up in the urinary tract, which includes the bladder. This can happen to people of all ages - from babies to teenagers and adults. If someone has a UTI, they might experience:
If you think your child has a UTI, the doctor will need to collect a urine sample (pee) to check for the infection. This is necessary to confirm that a UTI is present. Once the doctor knows what bacteria is causing the infection from the urine sample, they can determine the best treatment. Sometimes, the treatment might change based on the type of bacteria found.
When a child has a skin infection, doctors often take a test, like a culture or swab, to find out what is causing the infection. This helps them decide which treatment will work best. If your child has had a history of certain bacteria that are hard to treat, like MRSA or staph infections, it is really important to tell the doctor. This is also true if your child has been around other people (like family members) who have these tough-to-treat bacteria. Knowing this information helps the doctor choose the right medicine to help your child heal.
It is a health problem that affects the airways in your lungs. When someone has bronchitis, the tubes that carry air to and from the lungs (called bronchi) get inflamed or irritated. This type lasts a long time and is more common in adults. It can cause coughing and difficulty breathing over a period of time. Sometimes, people use the word "bronchitis" when they are talking about a virus that affects the chest but isn’t serious. This kind of bronchitis usually doesn't need antibiotics because it is caused by a virus, not bacteria.
Bronchiolitis is a common childhood illnesses that usually affects babies and young children, especially during the colder months when flu and colds are more common. When a doctor listens to a child’s breathing who has bronchiolitis, they might hear a whistling sound ‘wheezing’.
The main cause of bronchiolitis is a viral infection, which means it's not caused by bacteria. Because it’s a virus, antibiotics (which fight bacterial infections) won't help and aren't needed. Instead, the main focus of treatment is to keep the child comfortable and keep an eye on how they are breathing, eating, and whether they are dehydrated (not getting enough fluids).
A cold is an illness caused by viruses that affect the nose and throat. It’s most common illness in children and youth. Kids in daycare can get colds quite often, sometimes around 6 to 8 times a year. When someone has a cold, they may experience:
These symptoms can last for up to ten days. Most of the time, a cold is not serious and people get better on their own.
Colds usually don’t need antibiotics because they are caused by viruses, not bacteria. Antibiotics are only effective against bacteria. So, if a doctor suspects that there might be a sinus infection (which is different from a cold), they will decide if antibiotics are necessary based on a physical exam and the symptoms.
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Dealing with these common Pediatric diseases can be tough for both kids and their parents, but with timely care and good information, most of these issues can be handled well. It's important to keep a close eye on your child's symptoms and reach out for medical help when necessary. By promoting good hygiene, offering nutritious food, and adhering to doctor's advice from one of the Best Paediatrics Hospitals in Thane known as DR Hiranandani Hospital, they can support your child's recovery from these common ailments and promote their overall health as they grow and thrive.
