Experiencing common childhood illnesses like fever, stomach flu, or ear infections is a natural part of growing up. Understanding how these diseases develop and the best way to treat them will help you navigate parenthood and its many challenges confidently.
Well-informed parents are best equipped to care for their children’s wellbeing. Our commitment is to provide you with the best care and knowledge, empowering you through every step of your child’s growing journey.
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a viral infection common in young children who attend daycare and school. It is characterized by a rash with blister-like sores along the hand, feet, and/or mouth.
Since a virus causes HFMD, there is no specific treatment for it. However, HFMD symptoms typically improve within a week after the virus incubates.
While complications are rare, it's important to note that HFMD is highly contagious, making prevention vital to prevent its transmission among children and other adults. Proper hygiene methods like washing hands and avoiding sharing personal items can significantly reduce the risk of infection with HFMD.
A fever occurs when your child's immune system actively fights an infection and raises its temperature in response. Fevers are not considered an illness on their own but rather a symptom of an underlying condition.
Although they may be uncomfortable, fevers are rarely a cause for concern. However, when co-occurring symptoms like headaches or nausea start to appear, it may be best to consult your child’s doctor.
If your child has a mild fever, try monitoring their temperature while keeping an eye out for their behavior and mood. These can offer valuable insights into their state of health and can let you know when it might be best to look for professional attention.
Ear infections, medically known as otitis media, are one of the most frequent types of illnesses in childhood. These can affect children of all ages, from newborns to adolescents, and often cause symptoms like fever, difficulty hearing, swelling, and pain.
Ear infections tend to develop due to upper respiratory infections, which could cause the germs to travel to the middle ear, causing swelling and pain. While mild earaches and infections typically don't lead to long-term problems when managed properly, discussing any concerns about your child's health with your doctor is always important.
Paying close attention to the signs of ear infections in young children and newborns is essential since they can't express their discomfort directly.
Common colds and the flu are illnesses caused by viral infections that target the respiratory tract, including the nose and throat. Your child may become infected with these viral infections by touching infected surfaces, sharing personal items, or inhaling saliva droplets that carry the virus.
These viruses spread more during the winter since they can survive longer in colder temperatures, and the body’s ability to fight infections decreases.
Common colds and the flu are highly contagious, which is why encouraging your child to take preventative measures is essential to avoid becoming infected. These steps include avoiding sharing food, getting yearly flu vaccinations, and washing hands with soap after playtime and before mealtime.
Strep throat, a common childhood illness, is caused by the group A streptococcus bacteria. It frequently occurs in the colder months of winter and spring.
This bacterial infection is highly contagious and primarily spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Additionally, it can be contracted by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Complications from strep throat are usually unlikely, and symptoms quickly disappear as long as antibiotic treatment is started quickly. To prevent strep throat from spreading, it is important to encourage our little ones to regularly wash their hands and avoid sharing food or personal items with other children.
Respiratory illnesses caused by bacterial or viral infections affect the nasal structure, mouth, sinuses, and throat. Children are particularly prone to these illnesses during the spring or winter months, when infections happen more often.
Some of the most common respiratory illnesses in children include:
While antibiotics may be an effective treatment approach to bacterial infections, prevention remains the best strategy to protect your child.
As a parent, it is essential to always remain involved and attentive to your child’s health so that you can contact your pediatrician on time.
Gastroenteritis, often called stomach flu, is a common childhood illness that causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. It typically appears after having contact with an infected person or contaminated food.
Children who attend daycare are more likely to get in touch with the virus as they often share toys, food, or utensils with other kids.
Since there is no specific treatment for stomach flu, it is essential for parents to consistently encourage good hygiene practices, both before eating and after using the restroom.
Typically, stomach flu symptoms persist for a few days and can be effectively managed at home by ensuring the child gets plenty of rest and stays well-hydrated.
Constipation is a condition when stool moves too slowly through the digestive tract, causing swelling, stomach pain, and metabolic issues. This is a common problem seen in young children as they grow and learn healthy life habits.
Common causes for constipation in children may include early toilet training and changes in diet. Children with constipation usually struggle with infrequent bowel movements or hard and dry stools.
The good news is that constipation in children is usually temporary, and simple dietary changes and staying hydrated can resolve most cases.
Nosebleeds, also known as epistaxis, occur when the small blood vessels inside the nasal lining burst, releasing blood. They usually stop in less than 10 minutes, and although it may look like a lot of blood has been lost, excessive bleeding is rare.
In most cases, nosebleeds can be effectively managed at home with first-aid measures. When nosebleeds start to happen frequently, or they occur with severe headaches, they could indicate an underlying condition.
From common illnesses and allergies to chronic conditions, we’ve got your child’s health fully covered. Our team of expert Pediatricians at Robertson Pediatrics is here to deliver the top-notch care your family deserves.
We offer same-day visits in our clinic located in the heart of Beverly Hills. For appointments, please call us at 310-659-8687 or contact us online.
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