15 Most Common Children's Illnesses

Childhood is a period of human life between infancy and adolescence. With slight variations, this phase starts from 1-2 years and extends to 12-13 years. Children need more robust healthcare because their immune system is still developing, and they are more exposed to germs. The metabolism inside the body in the early childhood is more focused on development than defending the body. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 789 child deaths were reported in 2020 in the United Kingdom, giving a rate of 7.0 deaths per 100,000 population. Besides physical growth, emotional and psychological development of the child is also undergoing. Any severe childhood sickness compromises their performance in the adult life.

If proper care is absent or deficient, the children become exposed to various preventable childhood sicknesses. Therefore, parents must be aware of the causes, signs and symptoms, complications, treatment, and prevention of the most common child health issues. The most common childhood illnesses are;

1. Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils caused by group A Streptococcus. The bacterial infection causes swelling of the throat and tonsils, making it difficult for children to swallow food.
2. Eczema is a skin condition which causes the skin to become itchy, dry and cracked. Several factors, e.g., allergies and genetic causes, are responsible.
3. Bronchitis is the bacterial or viral infection of the bronchi. It causes shortness of breath, wheezing, fever, fatigue, mucoid coughing and chest discomfort.
4. Sinusitis is an infection of the sinuses, the cavities on the face and head that are connected by narrow passages. The fluids build up in these cavities, allowing the germs to grow. The swelling around the eyes and face becomes noticeable along with other symptoms.
5. The common cold is a mild upper respiratory tract infection, including the throat and nose. Children experience many episodes, particularly during spring and winter. It is not severe unless complicated.
6. Constipation is when the stools become dry and difficult to expel. Various diseases and dietary factors are responsible.
7. Asthma is a long-term lung disease affecting both the young and children. The respiratory airways become narrow, causing chest tightness, breath shortness, wheezing and coughing.
8. Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the conjunctiva, a thin layer around the white part of the eye. It causes the eyes to become painful, red or pink (pink eye) and itchy.
9. Gastroenteritis is the inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by bacteria and viruses. The most common cause in childhood is the rotavirus, resulting in diarrhoea and constipation.
10. Influenza is a very contagious and dangerous respiratory system infection caused by the influenza virus, causing cough, body aches, high fever, and other issues. Pneumonia and death occur in complicated cases.
11. Head, foot, and mouth disease is a contagious viral infection causing rashes on the feet and hands and oral sores. It is a common childhood sickness caused by coxsackievirus.
12. Chickenpox is a highly contagious and severe disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), causing blisters like itchy rashes on the chest, face, back and other body parts.
13. Ear infections refer to the diseases caused by bacteria and viruses in the ear canal, causing symptoms e.g., irritability, muffled hearing, a feeling of fullness in ears, fever, pain, crying, and ear tugging, in addition to other symptoms associated with the infections.
14. Febrile seizures are the convulsions and seizures experienced by young children during a high-grade fever. Various possible causes are ear infections, flu, common cold, etc.
15. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a respiratory viral disease causing cold-like mild symptoms. It is a benign disease. However, children and infants often develop severe and life-threatening complications.

 

1. Strep Throat

It is a bacterial infection of the tonsils and throat caused by the Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus). It is widespread in young children in early spring and winter. Data published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) showed that up to December 2022, 122 children have died in England since September of the same year. In response, the Government issued special instructions to the parents to look for the signs of strep throat in children.

The leading cause is the Streptococcus pyogenes. However, sometimes the infection is complicated by other respiratory conditions, e.g., seasonal flu, bronchitis, asthma etc. Various risks also increase the risk of disease, e.g., young age, living or working in a polluted and congested environment, close contact with the infected people, poor hygiene and active smoking or exposure to cigarette smoke.

The common signs and symptoms are painful and sore throat, swollen and red tonsils having streaks of pus and white patches, fever, red spots on mouth roof, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. However, remember that strep throat is not the sole cause of these symptoms, and the symptoms should be discussed with the doctor for confirmatory diagnosis and treatment.

As it is a bacterial infection, antibiotics e.g., amoxicillin and penicillin, are the standard treatment option. The antibiotics treat the disease, reduce the complications and lower the severity of signs and symptoms. Effective antibiotic therapy should ensure improvement within 24 hours. However, the patients should ensure to complete the entire course to eliminate it from the body. Practising thorough hand hygiene is the best and most effective way to prevent it. The children must wash their hands with soap or use a hand sanitiser regularly, particularly after sneezing, coughing, eating and shaking hands with the suspected person. A tissue should be used to cover the nose and mouth during sneezing and coughing, and contact with the infected people should be avoided.

It takes 2-5 days to develop the symptoms after exposure, and the untreated infection should resolve in the next 3-5 days. However, if the symptoms persist after 1-2 weeks and there is no improvement after several days of antibiotics, the situation should be consulted with the doctor. Age is one of the significant risk factors, and the majority of cases are observed in children 5-15 years of age, and these cases are 20-30% of all Streptococcus pyogenes infections. The risk is lower in children below five and above 15.

The infection is contagious and spreads quickly from person to person through respiratory secretions. However, the disease is only severe if it is complicated. The parents should look for the complications that increase the severity of infection, e.g., sinusitis, abscesses in the neck and tonsils, glomerulonephritis (develops after the end of infection), rheumatic fever, ear infection, symptoms of toxic shock syndrome, e.g., dizziness, fainting, cold, fever and physical weakness, septicemia (blood poisoning by the bacteria) symptoms e.g., hypotension, sweating, fever, chills, weakness etc.

 

2. Eczema

Eczema refers to a group of diseases that cause the skin to become inflamed, itchy and red. The common conditions in this category are atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, dyshidrotic dermatitis and contact dermatitis. The most common situation is atopic dermatitis which affects 11-20% of children in the United Kingdom. The most commonly affected areas are the back, knees, elbows, legs, arms, scalp and face. In severe cases, the whole body becomes involved.

The exact cause is unknown, but a combination of genetic factors, pathogens and environmental allergens are involved. The environmental triggers are some ingredients in the ointments and other skin products, dry air, chemicals in shampoos, soaps and cleansers, moisturisers and some clothing materials. Allergies to foods, e.g., soya, wheat, peanut, eggs and cow's milk, also trigger flare-ups.

The common symptoms are itchy, dry and red skin (the itchiness frequently induces skin scratching), the location infections causing blisters and sores, forming crusts and oozing out fluids, and darker, leathery and rough skin.

No definitive treatment is available as no defined cause is found. However, several over-the-counter and prescription medications, e.g., topical corticosteroids, immunosuppressants and antihistamines, control flare-ups and reduce the severity of signs and symptoms.
The prevention involves the identification of the triggers and prevention of exposure, avoiding or reducing the exposure to the most common triggers, e.g., harsh and itchy materials and clothing made of non-breathable fabric, e.g., polyester, practising good skin hygiene involving regular bathing and moisturizing, the consistent and regular use of OTC and prescription skin products, avoiding toys like stuffed animals, pets and fuzzy toys, Reducing exposure to sweating and extreme heat. In dry weather, use a humidifier to achieve the desired humidity level of 40-60% in the room.

Eczema is a chronic issue, and frequent flare-ups occur periodically. The symptoms of a flare-up often persist for several days weeks. Most children grow out of it as they become adults. However, milder flare-ups still occur in adulthood, although at a lower frequency.
Infants and younger children are most susceptible to this condition, and the incidence decreases with age. According to Professor Simon de Lusignan and his colleagues, the annual incidence of eczema was highest (17.4%) in infants under one year of age. The incidence falls rapidly between 2-7 years and stabilises up to 18. Their research used the data of 3.85 million children from the Royal College of General Practitioners Research and Surveillance centre database. It was published in the Journal of the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

The condition is not life-threatening. However, some young children and infants die from the associated genitourinary and respiratory complications. Frequent scratching damages the skin and predispose it to other infections.

3. Bronchitis

Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchi, the large air tubes diverging from the windpipe. The increased mucus production and local irritation causes several signs and symptoms in the children. The acute form mainly occurs in children, while adults experience a more protracted and chronic illness. The disease is relatively common as, according to data published by the NICE, there were 39,400 cases of bronchitis in England in 2014/15 in children up to 4 years of age. The incidence rate decreases with age as the immune system develops.

Acute bronchitis is caused by bacteria or viral infections. Some other problems e.g., tobacco smoke, strong chemical fumes, allergens or dust also trigger acute bronchitis. Viral infection is the most crucial cause in children who develops it after the common cold and other respiratory illnesses.

Viral infections spread rapidly from one person to the other through contact. The other risk factors are the presence of different allergies, living in a crowded and polluted environment, having asthma or other allergic conditions, sinusitis and other respiratory issues in the past.
The common symptoms are cough with or without mucus, and if the mucus is there, it is yellow, green or grey, chest discomfort, fatigue, fever, chills, body aches, headaches, sore throat, stuffy nose, breadth shortness and wheezing. The last two signs are typically associated with chronic bronchitis. The treatment depends upon the cause. Antibiotics are used for bacterial causes, while only symptomatic care and rest are used in viral bronchitis.

The symptomatic treatments involve using OTC or prescription cough suppressants; cough drops etc. Honey also soothes the throat and help to manage the cough. The doctor should prescribe the treatment in complicated cases. The nebulisers or inhalers also provide breathing comfort to the child.

Prevention involves avoiding exposure to any cause or triggering agents. If the child has a known allergy to anything, exposure to that allergen should be avoided. Maintain the child's hydration status and reduce their outside time in the season of high incidence, i.e., in winter and early spring. The parents should ensure that the child takes plenty of fluids and rest properly and also that the child is vaccinated against all possible causes of bronchitis.

The individual symptoms take different times to regress. Most symptoms should disappear within 2-3 weeks unless other health issues exist. The presence of secondary bacterial infections prolongs the duration of illness. If the cough persists for more than three weeks, consult the doctor.

The most susceptible age is less than two years, with an incidence of 11-15% in the first year. The second spike in incidence is reported in 9-15 years. It is, however, experienced by all age groups. Bronchitis is rarely severe, and the death rate in uncomplicated cases is less than 0.5%. But, the death rate is higher in case of the presence of other diseases, e.g., chronic lung diseases (3.45%) and congenital heart diseases (3.5%).

4. Sinusitis

Sinusitis means the inflammation of the sinuses. Sinuses are air-filled cavities found close to the nasal passages. Four different types of sinuses inside the face are frontal, sphenoid, maxillary, and ethmoid. These sinuses are lined by the same mucus membrane that lines the nasal passages. The infection of these sinuses occur due to bacterial or viral infections or an allergic reaction. The incidence rate is variable and depends upon many factors. According to a source, 7.5% of cases of upper respiratory tract infections in paediatric patients are complicated by acute bacterial sinusitis.

It occurs as an extension of bacterial or viral infections of the upper respiratory tract and allergic reactions, and 90% of patients with the common cold develop some degree of viral sinusitis. Swelling and inflammation of nasal tissues increase mucus production, which becomes trapped in these sinuses due to blockage of paranasal sinuses openings leading to infections.

The most common bacteria involved are Moraxella catarrhalis, Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. The important other risk factors of sinusitis are; abnormal structure of nose, nose trauma, infections in the oral cavity, teeth and gums, presence of foreign objects in the nose, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and cleft palate.

The symptoms vary from child to child and depend upon age and health status. The most common are runny nose, nighttime or daytime cough, swelling around the face, particularly around the eyes, headaches in older children, bad breath, facial swelling, cough, fever and sore throat. Most of the symptoms are similar to other respiratory-rate infections.

The treatment depends upon the child's age, medical history and health status. The typical treatment options are antibiotics (prescribed by the doctor and given for 10-14 days), acetaminophen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve discomfort and pain, decongestants, e.g., pseudoephedrine to provide respiratory comfort and nasal sprays containing corticosteroids or other drugs to lower the inflammation. Surgery is often needed to remove some factors, e.g., adenoids. Antihistamine drugs are helpful only if the cause is the allergic reaction. Keep the child hydrated, as dehydration complicates the situation. Saline drops and warm compresses helps keep the nose and sinuses moist and also provide comfort.

Prevention involves avoiding risk factors and avoiding contact with the patients. Keep the susceptible children in well-ventilated rooms where humidifiers are installed. Keep the child away from any potential allergens, cigar and cigarette smoke and teach them about hand and face hygiene. Bathing in chlorinated pools irritates the nose and sinuses. Therefore, limit the child’s time in the swimming pools.

Symptoms of acute sinusitis respond to the treatment and should not last for more than 3-4 weeks. The complicated and chronic cases often last longer. Maxillary and ethmoid sinuses are often infected in younger children. The forehead sinuses don't start developing in the child under 9-12 years; hence, there is no risk of infection of these sinuses. Sinusitis is less common in children than adults, and its risk increases with age.

Sinusitis is rarely a serious issue. However, the infection sometimes spreads to nearby areas, e.g., the brain causing severe problems. A case report published in 2018 noted that the sinusitis travelled to the brain, causing the death of 13 hard-old boys.

5. Common Cold

Common cold is a viral infection of the throat and nose. Babies and young children are highly susceptible to the common cold as they acquire it from many sources, and their immunity is not fully developed yet. Babies and children develop many colds in the first few years. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), children experience 5-8 episodes of the common cold in the first years compared to 2-3 per year for adults.

It is a viral problem, and more than 200 viruses have been identified to cause it, the rhinovirus being the most common cause. The virus spreads through direct contact with the infected person, by exposure to contaminated air, touching the contaminated surfaces and using contaminated materials. Secondary bacterial infections complicate the situation.

The common signs and symptoms are a runny and congested nose, a clear nasal discharge that turns to thick yellowing and green later on, difficulty in sleeping, irritability, coughing, low appetite, sneezing, fever, crusty or watery eyes, tiredness, sore throat, sinusitis, inflammation of the ears (otitis), headaches, body and muscle aches.

No specific treatment is available as it is a viral disease. Antibiotics are rarely prescribed unless a secondary bacterial infection is suspected. Treatment is often symptomatic and involves the provision of electrolytes, fruit juices, warm soup and fresh water to keep the body hydrated and avoid dehydration, providing enough rest to the child as sleep is itself a helpful therapy. The saline nasal spray helps ease the nasal congestion.

Protect the child from any possible triggers, e.g., tobacco smoke, vehicle smoke, dust and pollens; install humidifiers to maintain room humidity in the dry weather, do not use OTC drugs for children under four years unless the doctor recommends; keep the children away from the infected people, particularly during the most susceptible season, keep an eye on possible complications, e.g., throat infections, pneumonia, ear infections and sinus infections etc., and inform the doctor, teach the kids the basics of hand and mouth hygiene and ensure to keep the toys the children are using are clean and neat.

If the symptoms are not improving despite treatment, persist for more than ten days, or there is a continuous or intermittent fever, consult the doctor. The cold is mostly a seasonal nuisance, and the child should recover completely within 10-14 days. Any symptoms persisting beyond this range should be viewed with worry and discussed with a doctor. It occurs in all ages, and children and the elderly are equally susceptible, but the frequency and severity of episodes are high for children. For example, according to a source, the frequency in children under 6 is once per month from September to April; it is just 2-3 per year in adults. The duration of illness is almost double in the children compared to the elders.

The common cold is rarely a cause of concern. If the symptoms increase in severity after three days, consult the doctor. In complicated cases, issues like pneumonia, ear infections, heart complications, asthma, etc., can be severe as, according to BBC, the common cold caused the death of 100,000 children globally in 2019.

6. Constipation

Constipation is a condition in which bowel movements are reduced, resulting in harder stools that are difficult to expel. It is a prevalent condition, and according to NIH, it affects 5-30% of the children in the UK and globally. It significantly influences the appetite, growth and general health of babies.

Constipation is a complex situation, and many factors are responsible for it. The most common causes are taking less of the fibrous foods, e.g., vegetables and fruits, water deficiency or the baby not drinking enough water, regular interruption during toilet training, any stressful events that disturb the child and any worries, e.g., home shifting, the start of a school or nursery or the introduction of a new baby in the family. Some risk factors are changes in the diet, teething, lack of proper exercise and physical activities, spending more time in front of the TV, presence of some physical and mental health issues, e.g., cerebral palsy, infections of the intestinal tracts, hypothyroidism etc., the use of some drugs, e.g., narcotics, antidepressants, iron supplements etc.

The signs and symptoms vary from person to person. However, the common signs are lack of appetite, lack of regular bowel movements, difficulty in passing dry and hard stools, often causing straining, abdominal cramps, bloating or pain, showing signs of straining, e.g., clenched teeth, redness of the face, squeezing the buttocks, crossing the legs etc., marks of soft stools or liquids on the underwear of the child. These symptoms are familiar to many health issues and should be consulted with the doctor for a diagnosis.

The treatment depends upon age, general health and the severity of the symptoms. The most common lines of treatment are, dietary modifications by adding more fibre to diet through fruits and vegetables, use whole-grain cereals and the use laxatives after consulting with the doctor. Sometimes, the long-term use of laxatives is required. Provide sufficient water and other liquids to the child and limit the intake of junk foods and high-fat fast foods. Replace the junk foods with healthy snacks and well-balanced meals, limit the intake of sugary drinks, e.g., soda and tea, change the lifestyle of the baby to include more physical exercise, train the child for good bowel habits, e.g., to sit on the toilet seat for at least 10 minutes twice a day, preferably just after the meal, as bowel movement is expected within 30-60 minutes of a meal. The parents can use a reward system to train the child to use the toilet.

The use of laxatives should ensure a quick resolution of the condition. However, consult the doctor if the situation persists for over 2-3 weeks. Although children of all ages can experience constipation, younger and preschool children are more likely to develop it. The most common type in children is functional constipation, in which no cause is identified, and it accounts for 95% of all cases in children. Children between 2-3 years of age are undergoing potty training and dietary changes and are most susceptible. Constipation is not a severe issue in children. However, a chronic type of constipation signals the presence of some underlying health conditions and shouldn't be ignored.

7. Asthma

Asthma is a common lung disease resulting in the swelling and narrowing of the airways, causing breathing difficulty and other complications. Severe cases result in hospitalization. It is one of the most common childhood diseases, and every one out of 11 children in the UK has this condition. No specific treatment is available. However, the parents need to coordinate with the doctor to avoid any potential damage to the growing lungs.

The research is yet to identify the exact cause of asthma. However, its risk is particularly high during childhood when the child's immune system is developing. Some factors known to have a role are;
Genetic and family history: The genes inherited from the parents have a role as the children of asthma patients experience it more frequently.
Viral infections: The risk is particularly high for children who experience respiratory viral infections in childhood, e.g., flu, common cold etc.
Exposure to allergens: Environmental allergens, e.g., dust, smoke and pollens often trigger an asthmatic flare-up.

Some other risk factors are low weight at birth, living in a congested or polluted environment, and belonging to some specific ethnicities, e.g., African Americans, Native Americans etc.

The signs and symptoms and their severity vary from child to child. The symptoms also vary between one attack and the other. The common symptoms are a severe and non-responsive cough, severe bouts of coughing, particularly after exercise, during laughing or crying, at night and during cold weather, a feeling of weakness and breadth shortness, inability to participate in social activities and sports, trouble sleeping due to breathing problems and coughing, pain and tightness in the chest, tightening in the muscles of the neck and chest, grunting while eating or drinking and a wheezing or whistling sound during breathing.

The doctors develop the treatment plan (asthma action plan) after thoroughly reviewing the situation. This plan covers everything from medication use, reporting complications, and when to seek medical assistance. Share the plan with everyone who is supposed to be in contact with the child, e.g., teachers, caretakers, bus drivers etc.

Quick relief and long-acting type of medicines are used to treat asthma. These include bronchodilators, steroids, antibiotics (if bacterial infections are involved) etc. Their doses are adjusted according to the child's age, weight and health status. For prevention, avoid exposure to anything that triggers asthma attacks. The common things to consider are, identifying triggers that causing asthma attacks and reducing the child's exposure, don't smoke near the child, and limit the child's exposure to secondhand smoke, encouraging the child to participate in sports activities and remaining physically active, keeping an eye on other health issues, e.g., heartburn and respiratory infections and take the help of a doctor whenever necessary. Take care of the diet and overall health of the child.

It is a long-lasting issue; once the child's airways become sensitive, the issue is likely to persist for life. However, almost half of the children experience some improvement as they enter adulthood. The attacks can occur at any age. However, studies have shown that nearly 80% of cases of childhood asthma start in the first 6 years of life. The incidence rate reduced after this age. Asthma attacks are severe and result in missing school days, a permanent decline in lung function, and emergency trips to the hospital. According to a report published by the BBC, asthma caused 20 deaths in children under 18 in 2018.

8. Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis (also known as pink eye) is the inflammation, redness and swelling of the conjunctiva, the white layer of the eye. The mucus production in the eyes increases, leading to sticky eyes. The condition is common and accounts for 1% of all general physician consultations in the country. Viral infection is the most common cause, accounting for around 80% of all the causes of acute conjunctivitis.

The causes depend upon the type of conjunctivitis. In the case of infectious conjunctivitis, the cause is a bacterial or viral infection. It is a highly contagious form of conjunctivitis, and the child acquires it through infected persons and contaminated equipment and objects. The cause of allergic conjunctivitis is some allergens, and this form is not contagious. Other signs of allergic reactions also accompanies it. Another type is chemical conjunctivitis due to some chemicals in the eye drops or accidental spilling of some chemicals in the eyes.

A child with conjunctivitis shows the following signs and symptoms;

• Pinkish or reddish eye (one or both)
• Redness beneath the eyelids
• Swollen eyelids (particularly during allergic conjunctivitis)
• Excessive production of tears
• A yellow or green discharge from the eyes. This discharge dries up during sleep, forming crusts.
• Itchy eyes leading to rubbing
• A feeling of sand or hard objects in the eye (gritty feeling)
• Photophobia (fear of very bright lights)

Symptoms develop within 1-2 days of the infection and persist for weeks. Other generalized signs of bacterial or viral infection or allergic reactions can also develop.

The treatment depends upon the cause, child's weight and health status. Antibiotic ocular drops are available on prescription and over the counter for bacterial infections. These drops also help prevent secondary bacterial infections if the cause is a virus. Drops containing steroids and antihistamines are available, which are used for allergic conjunctivitis. Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis is contagious, so the child should be kept away from other children. Teach the children the basic hand and mouth hygiene protocols. Preventing exposure to allergens is necessary for allergic conjunctivitis.

The symptoms start 24-72 hours after exposure to the causative agents and last from 2 days to many (2-3) weeks. If symptoms persist, it is a sign of some other issues. It occurs at any age, but children under 5 are more susceptible. Their immunity is not yet developed, and they are at high risk of exposure to different causative agents.
It is a mild infection and is not a serious cause of concern. However, if the child shows the signs, an immediate response is necessary as some causes of conjunctivitis need treatment and takes many weeks to recover by themselves.

9. Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis, also called stomach flu, is the infection of the intestines, causing diarrhoea and occasionally vomiting. Depending upon the cause and other health factors, it lasts up to more than a week. Severe or chronic gastroenteritis cause dehydration which is often fatal in children.

It is caused by different agents, e.g., bacteria, viruses, parasites, toxins, chemicals, some drugs and bacterial toxins in the contaminated foods. The bacteria, viruses and parasites together cause infectious gastroenteritis. The common agents responsible for infectious gastroenteritis are shigella, salmonella, campylobacter, cryptosporidiosis, giardiasis, rotavirus, norovirus, astrovirus and adenovirus. The drugs which cause gastroenteritis as a side effect are laxatives, antiparasitic drugs, anticancer drugs, antacids and some antibiotics.

Symptoms vary from child to child, and not all children experience all symptoms. The common symptoms are abdominal pain and cramps, diarrhea, constipation, pus or blood in the stools in some cases, nausea, bloating, body aches, weakness, poor appetite and dehydration in server and untreated cases.

Treatment depends upon the cause. In the case of bacterial gastroenteritis, antibiotics are helpful. Symptomatic treatment is given including antidiarrheal (e.g., loperamide), anti-vomiting (antiemetic drugs) and rehydration solutions in case of dehydration. If parasites are responsible, antiparasitic drugs e.g., nitazoxanide, and metronidazole are given.

The parents should monitor the child's hydration status, and proper bed rest facilitates recovery. Probiotics are also helpful and increase intestinal immunity and restore the healthy environment of intestines. Preventive protocols are vaccination against the viral causes (e.g., rotavirus), food hygiene, hand washing before and after eating and drinking a lot of water and fluids to avoid dehydration.

Some signs, like vomiting, go away much earlier. However, other signs like diarrhoea can persist for 10 days or even more in complicated and untreated cases. Some causes, like contaminated food and water, can cause disease anytime. However, the virus most commonly affects early childhood when the baby is 6-18 months of age. It can happen anytime, but 80% of cases occur in November- April. It is a serious issue, particularly for very young children and is responsible for 1.5-2.5 million deaths in children worldwide (Merck).

10. Influenza

Influenza is a viral infection of the airways. It is highly contagious and causes cough, body aches, fever and many other symptoms. It is a common ailment of the winter season, and mostly the symptoms persist for less than a week unless other infections complicate it. It causes pneumonia and death in server cases.

It is caused by one or more of the three types of flu viruses. Types A & B are more common and responsible for most cases in the winter season. These viruses change rapidly, so children have to face a new virus each season. Type C influenza virus is associated with mild disease and is not a cause of concern. The flu virus is highly contagious and easily passed from one child to another. It is also transmitted through contaminated surfaces and utensils.

It is a respiratory virus. However, generalized symptoms often occur. The common symptoms are stuffy or runny nose, tiredness and body aches, severe cough, headache and sore throat, and high-grade fever (103-105F). In some cases, the digestive system gets involved causing diarrhoea, vomiting and nausea.

The general physician decides on the treatment after a review of the general health, clinical signs and age of the child. The treatment is symptomatic and is focused on easing the symptoms. Some NSAIDs, e.g., acetaminophen, are given to relieve pain and fever. Antibiotics are not effective and are only given in case of secondary pneumonia. Antiviral drugs are also prescribed in some severe cases. Getting a lot of rest and drinking sufficient water and fluids help in recovery.

For prevention, the flu vaccine is the best option. A new flu shot is recommended each year to boost immunity. Besides flu shots, the vaccine is also available as nasal sprays. The vaccine should be administered to all babies 6 months or above. In the winter season, teach the children to avoid touching surfaces, their mouths and eyes and avoid contact with the infected persons.
Most children recover within a week unless it is complicated. However, signs like tiredness and weakness sometimes persist for 3-4 weeks.

Children and adults of all ages are equally susceptible. However, children under 6 months are particularly vulnerable because they are not vaccinated. So, parents should focus on protecting infants. The complicated cases are severe, and a survey study in 2014 found that infants under 6 months have the highest hospital admission rate of 0.3%. However, the death rate was lower; only 12 deaths in children under 15 were attributed to influenza.

11. Chickenpox

It is a highly contagious disease resulting in itchy rashes and small, raised, fluid-filled blisters on the skin. The Varicella zoster virus causes it. Unvaccinated children are particularly susceptible, and routine vaccination is recommended to treat it. The major cause is the Varicella zoster virus. The open blisters and wounds are often infected by bacteria present on the skin.

Skin rashes and itchy blisters appear within 2-3 weeks of exposure to the virus. These blisters last for 5-10 days. They reappear in some other areas of the body. These rashes and blisters occur in several stages.

 

• Stage 1: Raised reddish or pinkish bumps (papules) form on the skin. These bumps break up several days later.
• Stage 2: Small fluid-filled vesicles (blisters) form, breaking open and releasing their fluid.
• Stage 3: Crushing and scabbing occur that covers the blisters. It is the healing stage.

The other possible signs are headache, loss of appetite, fever, tiredness and weakness. A child becomes contagious 48 hours before clinical signs start until all blisters have developed crusts and no new blisters develop. Another complication (rare in children) is shingles, a painful cluster of blisters that develop several years after the primary disease. These are short-lived and regress rapidly.

No treatment is available except the symptomatic one. Panadol is used to relieve discomfort and pain. The soothing creams, cooling lotions and ointments are also helpful. Antihistamine drugs are used to relieve severe itching.

The prevention relies on the vaccination using the Varicella vaccine. A priming dose followed by a booster shot provided 98% protection. Even if the disease occurs in vaccinated children, the severity is lower than the non-vaccinated people. The young children are given the first priming shot at 12-15 months of age, and s second booster shot is administered between 4-6 years. The vaccine schedule varies according to the disease challenge, so the parents should follow the protocol recommended by the local authorities.

The infected children should avoid going to school or any other community centre until the situation is resolved. Rashes become blisters and develop scabs within 4-7 days. However, new rashes appear. The chickenpox should go away on its own within 1-2 weeks. It is a childhood issue; more than 90% of adults are immune to it through vaccination or natural immunity. It is most common in children under 10 years. It is not a fatal condition. However, occasional deaths occur in young babies, particularly those having weak immune systems. The deaths are, however, extremely rare.

12. Ear infections

Ear infections are very common in early childhood and are a common cause of visits to the general physician. They are very common, and according to NIH, every 5 out of 6 children experience some form of ear infection before reaching their third birthday. Two common ear infections occurring in childhood are infections of the outer ear (otitis externa) and the middle ear (otitis media).

Middle ear infections are more common in young children and babies than adults because children have smaller eustachian tubes connecting the throat and the middle ear. During the cold, influenza or any other respiratory disease, the germs from the throat reach the middle ear causing this condition. The smaller tubes are more prone to infections than the mature ones. Children also experience more episodes of cold and influenza than adults. The damage to the outer ear canal during cleaning and scratching and the excessive moisture (due to swimming) causes the infection of the outer ear.

Ear pain occurs in both types of infections, irritating. In the otitis media, the fluid accumulation causes the eardrum to bulge, and damage it, causing pain and a temporary loss of hearing. A thick yellowish discharge comes out of the ears. Fever is also one of the first signs of otitis media. Discharge is also noticeable in the otitis externa. The swelling and redness of the ears are visible. The other signs are painful ears and fever. These infections at an early age causes delayed language development, sleep difficulty and problems in body balance.

Antibiotic drops are used for otitis media and externa if bacterial infections are suspected. The antibiotics drops are used. Pain killers like ibuprofen and paracetamol are given to relieve pain. Consult the doctor if the situation persists for longer or is becoming more severe. These problems are rare in the youth, and the babies outgrow these infections within a few years. The parents should be careful while bathing the children and not allow them to bathe or swim in the contaminated pounds. Discourage scratching and excessive cleaning with the earbuds. Prevent the exposure of the children to cigarette smoke and teach basic hygiene to the children. The younger babies should be breastfeed. If bottle feeding is necessary, they should be placed at some angle instead of lying flat. In the case of otitis externa, the symptoms last just a few days if properly treated. Sometimes, these symptoms persist for months. The otitis media resolved within 3-5 days with symptomatic care and without any other compliance.

Most ear infections occur between 6 months to 2 years of age. However, they also occur for up to 8 years. Around a quarter of children experience repeated ear infections. The elders also experience ear infections, but the risk is lower. Ear infections are not serious in most cases. However, a severe complication of otitis media is meningitis. Some complicated cases cause a temporary or permanent loss of hearing.

13. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

It is a serious, contagious and highly dangerous lung infection. Incidence is high in childhood but it also occurs in adults. It causes bronchitis, pneumonia and death in severe cases in young children. It reaches a leak in winter and is associated with around 20,000 hospital admissions in England annually in children under 1 year of age.

It is caused by the respiratory syncytial virus, which targets the respiratory tract. The infection reaches the lungs through the throat and nose and damages the cells in the lungs and other respiratory organs, causing severe symptoms. The signs and symptoms appear after 3-6 days of exposure to the virus. In adults, the signs and symptoms are milder than in children. The symptoms in milder cases are headache, sore throat, sneezing, dry cough, runny or congested nose and low-grade fever. In severe cases, the virus reaches the lower respiratory tract, causing bronchitis and pneumonia-causing symptoms, e.g., severe cough, fever, wheezing, difficulty in breathing, very rapid breathing, the reduced blood supply to the body causing blushing of skin (cyanosis), irritability, weakness and poor appetite.

The symptoms are similar to the common cold, and no treatment is required in most cases. The symptomatic treatment involves using drugs like ibuprofen and acetaminophen for pain and fever, drinking fluids, and avoiding exposure to triggers like tobacco smoke and dry air. Saline nasal sprays and drops help loosen the nose's mucus and getting proper rest aids in recovery. In case of severe symptoms, hospitalisation is needed.

To avoid the spread of infection, train the child to use a tissue for coughing, avoid coughing on others, and practice and avoid contact with the infected people. The parents should regularly sanitise and clean the surfaces which are likely to be touched by the children and do not allow the susceptible child to attend social gatherings in the winter season.

Most adults and children recover in 1-2 weeks. In severe cases, some signs like wheezing persist for longer. The infections occur at all ages, but premature infants, children living with congenital heart disease or chronic lung infections and with a weakened immune system are particularly susceptible. The infections are rarely serious in healthy children and adults. However, in premature infants or adults with chronic lung or heart disease, severe infections causing hospitalisations often occur. The RSV is responsible for 450,000 appointments, more than 29,000 hospitalisations and estimated 83 annual deaths in adolescents and children in the UK.

14. Febrile seizures

Also known as febrile convulsions, these are the fits that children experience during a fever. The seizures are experienced by young children and are often very distressing for the parents. However, most of the children recover without complications. Febrile seizures are experienced by 2-5% of children under 5 years of age.

The cause is unknown. However, they are often linked with a high-grade fever (100.4F or higher). High-grade fever is a sign of internal or external infections like chickenpox, otitis media, tonsillitis, influenza and tuberculosis. The seizures also have a genetic link as a family history of the seizures increases the likelihood in children. Very rarely, the seizures occur in response to the vaccination.

The signs and symptoms depend upon the type. In the case of simple febrile seizures, they last from a few minutes to up to 15 minutes. The symptoms noted are moaning, rolling the eyes, twitching, convulsions and shaking all over the body, urination, vomiting and ultimately unconsciousness. In the case of complex febrile seizures, the symptoms last for more than 15 minutes and can reoccur within 24 hours. Twitching or convulsions on one side or part of the body are apparent.

Treatment involves identifying and treating the underlying cause which is responsible for fever. Go to the GP or paediatrician for physical examination, testing and treatment.

In case of seizures, the parents or attendants shouldn't panic and stay calm. Place the child gently on the ground or floor and remove nearby hard objects. Place the child on one side to avoid choking. Loosen the clothing around the neck and head and watch for any signs of breathing difficulty, e.g., cyanosis. If the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes and signs of respiratory difficulty are apparent, immediately call the helpline. Don't restrain the child, put anything in the mouth, or practice any self medications. Once the seizure is over, reach the doctor for an appointment. The doctors recommend anti-seizure medicines, which should be given in case of a severe secure attack.

A typical and simple attack lasts up to a few minutes. Occasionally, they last for 5-15 minutes. A longer duration is a warning sign of serious health issues. Febrile seizures occur mostly in the child 6 months to 5 years of age. They occur most commonly in occur in toddlers between 12-18 months. The children outgrew the risk by their 5th birthday. Febrile seizures are harmless, don't cause serious problems, and are not fatal. They should, however, be addressed as they signal some internal problem.

15. Hand, foot and mouth disease

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HDMD) is caused by the coxsackievirus, which causes oral sores and rashes on the feet and hands. Sometimes, the sores also appear on the buttocks. The sores cause pain and discomfort but heal spontaneously within a week. The child contract this virus through sneezing, coughing, polluted air, contaminated diapers etc., and develop signs within 5-6 days of exposure. The condition is rare in the UK.

The main cause is the coxsackie virus, mainly transmitted through the mouth. It spreads from one person to the other through throat discharge, nasal secretions, discharge from blisters, saliva, stools and respiratory droplets. Occasionally, the infection is also complicated by secondary bacterial infections of the blisters.

The exact clinical picture is variable. However, the following signs are noted;

• Feeling of sickness
• Sore throat
• Fever
• The appearance of a blister is like painful lesions on the gums, inside the cheeks and tongue.
• Loss of appetite
• Fussiness in toddlers and infants
• Rashes on the soles, palms and occasionally on the buttocks. The rashes are grey, white or red in appearance (depending upon the tone of the surrounding skin), is non-itchy and sometimes appear just like tiny bumps.

Antibiotics are not effective as it is a viral disease. With symptomatic care, it resolves spontaneously within 7-10 days. Some strategies like drinking sufficient water and fluids, eating soft foods like porridge and yoghurt, and avoiding acidic and spicy foods are helpful. Painkillers like ibuprofen and paracetamol are used to relieve pain and discomfort. Several measures are helpful to reduce the risk of disease, e.g., washing hands regularly with antiseptic soap for at least 20 seconds (a hand sanitiser should be used if soap and water are not available), teaching good hygiene practices to the child, like how to be clean and why not to put hands, fingers and other objects in the mouth, regularly cleaning and disinfecting the surfaces which come in contact with the child and teaching the child how to avoid close contact with people, particularly those with bacterial or viral disease signs.

In most cases, the issue resolves spontaneously within a few days. If the symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks, consult the doctor. It affects adults and older children equally, but younger children under 10 are particularly susceptible. The disease is, however, not serious, and complications are rare. Most of the children spontaneously get better.

What Children Illness Affects Little Kids Most Often?

The common cold is undoubtedly the most common childhood illness experienced by almost all children in their preschool years. Preschool children experience several episodes each season, but the number of episodes decreases sharply as the child matures. The common signs are fever, runny or blocked nose, watery eyes, and sneezing. The young children experience 5-8 episodes of common cold in each season. So, it is the most common illness in preschool children.

Various factors make kids more prone to the common cold, e.g., underdeveloped immune systems and increased exposure to germs due to high mobility and contact with people and surfaces. More than 200 viruses cause the common cold, and exposure and developing immunity against them take years.

What Causes a Child to Constantly Get Children Illness?

Younger children under 7 have immature and developing immune systems and get common illnesses more often than adults. The increased frequency of common illnesses in children is normal, and the health experts like Dr. Priya Mody have supported this idea. She is an experienced pediatrician in the CHOC Primary Care Network.

The younger children are exposed to new daycare and school environments. They are thus exposed to novel pathogens regularly, against whom, immunity still needs to be developed, and thus, they get viral and bacterial infections more often than adults. Habits also play a role. For example, younger children tend to play on the floor, touch different surfaces and put their hands in on the eyes or in the mouth, thus, facilitating the transfer of germs from dirty surfaces. As the immune system is fighting one illness, it is vulnerable to the other bacteria and viruses present in the environment, and thus a cycle of illness starts.

However, there is nothing to worry about as this exposure improves the development of the immune system. For most children, frequent infections do not mean an underlying health condition, e.g., immune deficiency, as the immune deficiency is linked with some typical infections whose clinical picture is different from the typical colds and seasonal respiratory illnesses. If the child is growing, healthy, and undergoing normal development, there is nothing to worry about. But according to Dr Priya, a visit to a paediatrician is necessary if the child is experiencing more than 12 viral illnesses, including the common cold, respiratory illnesses, etc., losing weight and not growing physically according to age, the illnesses are not resolving as expected and are more severe than usual, requiring frequent hospitalizations and frequent use of antibiotics, there is a family history of immunosuppressive disorders, the child is experiencing viral illnesses frequently outside the most common October to April window, and these illnesses are interfering with the normal routine and learning of the child.

Why Do Little Kids Get Children Illnesses so Often?

The younger kids under 7 get the common diseases more often due to their underdeveloped immune systems and increased risk of exposure to new environments and germs.

Sometimes, the parents have to engage in a never-ending and repetitive cycle of wiping noses, comforting the sick child and covering the coughs. It is normal in the majority of cases. To understand why this happens, you must understand how the immune system works. The immune system needs continuous exposure to a variety of different germs regularly. After years of regular exposure to various germs, the pool of circulating antibodies in the blood becomes diverse and large enough to provide protection against hundreds and even thousands of germs in the environment.

The toddlers are undergoing physical and mental growth at a very rapid pace. They move extensively, touch various surfaces and try to take everything into their mouth. In short, they are regularly exposed to new germs. By the age of 7, their immune system is primed against most of the germs in their environment, and the frequency of illnesses decreases by early adulthood. The situation can take an unexpected turn if the child is exposed to a new environment, like a new school or daycare centre, and a new phase of repetitive infections starts again. The children experiencing changing environments experience more episodes of the common diseases but develop stronger immunity.

Another factor responsible for the higher risk of common illnesses in childhood is inadequate nutrition. Children in the growing years, particularly during the teeth development phase, lose interest in food. Given that food is the basic raw material required for the antibody formation, the risk of childhood illnesses is increased. A balanced diet promotes a healthier balance of the microbes in the body, while unhealthy foods like sugary drinks and processed foods (more liked by the growing toddlers) negatively influence the microenvironment and thus the development of immune system.

 

What is the Importance of a Child's Health?

The child’s health is the ultimate foundation of future development and growth. Health influences not only physical development but also mental health, emotional and social growth and cognitive development of the child and all these aspects of health combine to achieve the optimum well-being.

Physical growth refers to an increase in the size of body organs and an overall increase in body size. The growth is very rapid in the first 2 years. From this early toddler phase, the growth slows until the arrival of adolescence. Any chronic illnesses or repeated infections during these early years influence the food intake and growth of the child, leaving negative marks on the future life. Likewise, physical health and physical activities also influence emotional and mental development. A physically healthy and active child has a better mood and lower risk of childhood depression and anxiety. Thus, perfect mental health ensures that the milestones of emotional growth are reached in time and that the child is learning problem-solving and social skills. Physical health thus ensures that the child has a better quality of life and perform better at home, school and other social gatherings.

Ultimately, the emotional and behavioural problems in childhood negatively impact the child, the family and the overall society. The prolonged childhood illnesses result in poor psychosocial functioning and poor occupational performance of the parents and the academic performance of the children. Therefore, parents, healthcare professionals, and teachers must be fully aware of all aspects of a child’s health so that the problems are caught well in time, and proper mitigation strategies are employed to avoid any long-term issues.

 

What are Tips for Children's Health to Prevent Common Children's Illnesses?

Given the importance of health for children, parents should teach their children healthy eating and living habits from early childhood. It ensures overall well-being by keeping common illnesses at bay. Here are some simple and easy-to-practice tips for a child's health.

Teach hand washing to the child
Frequent hand washing brushes aside the dangerous disease-causing germs and prevent them from spreading. From the hands, these germs easily reach the mouth and eyes of the baby. So, teach the baby to wash hands regularly with soap and water and scrub properly. Teach the baby to wash for at least 20 seconds and also guide about the best times to wash hands.

Provide balanced meals to the children
Complete health needs different nutrients, including proteins, healthy fats, minerals and vitamins. All these have to be provided by the diet. So, the parents must ensure that the child is taking all essential nutrients and consuming enough fruits and vegetables. Introduce new foods slowly, and only include one new food weekly. It is better to mix the new foods with the previous ones the child is already familiar with.

Encourage physical activities
Encourage the child to be physically active and discouraged from passive activities like spending time on the internet, video games and television. Although these activities are fine, spending too much time in front of a screen harms the development and growth. In short, parents need to replace screen time with activity time.

Prioritize the sleep
Sleep is very important for growth and development, and sleep deprivation negatively influences all aspects of well-being, including academic performance, the risk of diseases, appetite and mood. The parents should train their child for a specific sleep time and turn off the screen at least half an hour before. Some calming and relaxing activities like bedtime stories etc. are helpful in this task.

Teach the children about healthy choices in everyday matters
The parents must teach their little ones about healthy choices in everyday matters, e.g., brushing their teeth, interacting positively, managing their time, healthy eating and drinking habits, etc. Teach the children to manage their everyday affairs properly and manage stress healthily.

When Should You See a Pediatrician when Children Have Illnesses?

All childhood illnesses don't resolve spontaneously, making it difficult for the parents to decide when to call the paediatrician. Here are some indications of when the parents should stop self-management and call a paediatrician;

 

• High-grade, persistent or relapsing fever: If the child has a fever of 100.4F or higher, call the paediatrician for evaluation and treatment.
• Difficulty in breathing: Laboured breathing that doesn't respond to treatments and home remedies is an indication of severe health issues and need immediate attention.
• Diarrhoea and vomiting: The presence of severe diarrhoea or vomiting that does not respond to dietary modifications should be consulted with the doctor.
• Sore throat with tenderness in the neck: These are often indicative of strep throat and need immediate attention by the doctor.
• Complicated upper respiratory tract infections: If issues like ear infections compound upper respiratory tract infections, they require immediate treatment.

Is It Normal for A Child to Have Illness Every Month?

Yes, it is normal for a child under 7 years of age and above 6 months to get frequent illnesses every month. It just means that the body struggles to cope with the physical and biological environment, and the situation will stabilise soon. The situation must be discussed with the paediatrician if stability is not noted.

For the first 6 months, the child receives antibodies from the mother, which offer protection from infectious diseases for the initial months. After this period, the immunity received from the mother begins to fade away, and the child also becomes exposed to germs in the environment due to increased mobility. Therefore, young babies, toddlers and preschool children get 7-8 colds per year; up to 12 is considered the upper limit. By the age of 7-8, the immune system is developed fully, and the number of episodes begins to decrease. Therefore, the parents should worry only if the frequency of illness is more than 1 per month or 12 per year.

Should I Be Worried if My Child Experience Illness Too Often?

Yes, the parents need to worry if the child has more than usual episodes of illness and the frequency and severity of the episodes are increasing. It means the child is not developing the immune system as it should be, and there is some underlying cause.

The difference between a normal and abnormal immune system is that children with a deficient immune system takes longer to recover from common illnesses. However, the frequency of illnesses is same. The immunocompromised children also have more serious illnesses like pneumonia and skin boils, do not gain weight properly, and do not look normal between two episodes of illness. There are some things which the parents should note. Have a general look at the child. If the baby is gaining weight and looks vigorous, there is nothing to worry about. So, the overall health status matters more than the frequency of illnesses and should be viewed when deciding to take the child to the hospital or the school.