Children suffer from a variety of childhood illnesses that are sometimes unavoidable. As you raise your kids, you will be faced with a variety of such issues that you must learn to deal with quickly and effectively. Your child’s pediatrician is an excellent go-to resource for any illness that your child may develop. From preventive care steps, such as vaccinations, to treating acute and chronic health conditions, a pediatrician is the perfect doctor for your child.
Illnesses that Can Be Prevented
One of the most important things your pediatrician can do is to guide you on how to prevent illnesses. Many serious illnesses can be prevented with vaccinations. Following the recommended guidelines for vaccines throughout your child’s life can prevent unnecessary suffering and give you some peace of mind. Here are some serious illnesses that can be prevented with vaccines:
· Hepatitis A and B are caused by viruses that result in inflammation of the liver. Day cares and school environments can increase risk of infection.
· Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrhea and vomiting in babies.
· Tetanus, Pertussis, and Diphtheria These immunizations protect against whooping cough, severe respiratory illnesses, and muscle spasms resulting in respiratory arrest.
· Polio is a viral infection that can result in paralysis and death. While is it considered eradicated, your child needs to get the vaccine to remain protected.
· Pneumococcal Pneumonia Streptococcus pneumonoiae (pneumococcus) causes one of the most serious illnesses in children. It is a bacterium that can cause severe pneumonia.
· Influenza The flu is a seasonal illness that affects people of all ages but is more complicated for children and older adults. Symptoms include abrupt fever, achiness, headache, cough, sore throat, and runny nose. More severe cases may require hospitalization and can even cause death.
· Chickenpox While its symptoms of blisters and itching are uncomfortable, some people get more severe complications, including secondary infections and neurological problems. Anyone who has ever had chickenpox is also at risk of getting shingles later in life.
· Measles, Mumps, and Rubella The measles virus causes fever, cough, runny nose, itchy eyes, and rashes, but may also include severe complications including inflammation of the brain. Mumps is also caused by a virus that causes fever and swollen glands, but in severe cases can cause inflammation of the ovaries or testicles as well as the brain. Rubella is usually a mild illness with a rash, however it can cause severe birth defects in pregnant women.
· Meningococcal Meningitis is caused by infection with bacterium Neisseria meningitidis, which results in inflammation around the brain and spinal cord. It can cause respiratory symptoms and neurological symptoms like headaches, stiff neck, nausea and vomiting, confusion, and coma.
Common Childhood Illnesses
Below are some childhood illnesses that your pediatrician can help treat. If your child has symptoms of one of these issues, make sure to see a pediatrician as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.
· Strep Throat is a bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus. It is contracted by contact with someone with the infection. You should suspect strep throat if your child has severe throat pain, a fever higher than 100.4, and swollen glands. You may notice white patches in the back of your child’s throat. If you suspect your child has strep throat, your pediatrician can do a quick test in the office and send another sample to the lab. If they suspect strep throat, your pediatrician will prescribe antibiotics and offer you advice on how to make your child feel more comfortable.
· Bronchitis is inflammation in the bronchial tubes, which are responsible for carrying air to the lungs. A common symptom is frequent coughing that brings up mucus. Other common symptoms include fever, chest tightness, and wheezing.
· Common cold The common cold can result in coughing, stuffy nose, body aches, feeling cranky and tired, and sneezing. While most colds go away quickly, children’s immune systems are weaker and can cause worse symptoms than that of adults. As such, seeing a pediatrician can help your child get better sooner and reduce discomfort while they heal.
· Ear Infection Children frequently get ear infections that often need to be treated with antibiotics. If your child complains of heaviness or pain in their ear, see a pediatrician quickly, as it could get worse without treatment.
· Cough There can be many reasons why your child has a persistent cough. Some reasons are fairly harmless, while others are serious illnesses. If your child has a persistent cough, talk to their pediatrician just to be safe.
· Allergies are a very common issue for children. Your child could be allergic to a food, a substance in the environment, or something else. Allergies can cause mild symptoms, such as sneezing and runny nose, to serious ones, such as anaphylactic shock. If your child has any allergy-related symptoms, talk to a pediatrician to get them tested.
Experienced Pediatricians in Fairless Hills, PA
Seeking the advice of a pediatrician when your child is ill can make them more comfortable, shorten their recovery, prevent complications, and even prevent hospitalization or death. The doctors at Patient Care Now are happy to serve as your child’s pediatrician to help them have a healthy childhood.
No appointments are necessary at our clinic. You can simply walk in to get the care you need. For more information, call (267) 202-6433, check in online, or visit us. We’re here 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
