Childhood illnesses

What Parents Should Know...

A parent’s top priority is their child’s health. Young children, in particular, are more susceptible to various illnesses. Fortunately, most of these illnesses can be treated with simple measures. Below, you’ll find the most common health issues in children and basic information about them.

Respiratory Disorders

• Common cold: It is caused by a virus. It causes a runny nose, sneezing, a mild fever, and a cough. It usually goes away within a week. It should not be confused with influenza (the flu), which has no symptoms other than fever and joint pain.

• Cough: It is actually the body’s natural reflex to clear the airways of phlegm and other small harmful particles. However, prolonged or wheezing coughs can create extra pressure throughout the respiratory tract—especially in the lungs—and lead to permanent damage.

• Asthma: A chronic, inflammatory lung disease. It manifests as wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Especially during seasonal transitions and peak pollen seasons, asthma patients experience airway obstruction due to allergies; when combined with other disease-causing factors, this can easily lead to bronchitis.

• Bronchiolitis: This condition is particularly common in infants. It affects the small airways of the lungs. It is usually caused by RSV. In children under 1 year of age, it can be life-threatening and require hospitalization.

• Flu (Influenza): It presents with high fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and cough. Some subtypes can now last longer than a month, rather than just one week. Foremost among these is swine flu, which becomes an epidemic every winter with different subtypes each year.

• RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus): It can cause severe respiratory distress in infants. Since it can be fatal for infants under 1 year of age, it is recommended that older children stay away from infants during RSV outbreaks and wear masks if necessary.

• Sinusitis: This is the inflammation of the sinuses following a cold. It can cause a headache radiating from the forehead to the eyes by leading to inflammation in the hollow spaces within the skull bones—known as sinuses—after nasal congestion. When the nose is congested, mucus drains toward the back of the throat. This can cause a constant tickling sensation, nausea, vomiting, and a throat infection.

• Sore Throat: It is usually viral, though sometimes bacterial (e.g., strep). If it persists, you should consult a doctor. Contrary to popular belief, this does not mean a bacterial superinfection cannot occur after a viral infection. In fact, this often happens. Antibiotics are not necessary for illnesses that begin as viral infections. However, bacterial pathogens that require antibiotic treatment can cause secondary infections (superinfections) in areas that are prone to inflammation and easily become a breeding ground for infection.

Ear, Nose, Throat, and Eye Infections

• Middle Ear Infection (Otitis Media): It can develop following a cold. The child may complain of ear pain and be fussy. It is an inflammation that occurs after the Eustachian tube—a pinhole-sized canal connecting the eardrum to the nasopharynx that serves to equalize pressure—becomes blocked. Because this canal can become blocked by persistent inflammation following a cold or allergic reactions, middle ear infections can easily develop in children, especially infants, whose nasopharynx is relatively shorter. In children, it can cause pain severe enough to make them cry. In very young infants, however, because the infection can easily spread to the head, it can often be the sole cause of a fever. The infant may begin shaking their head from side to side, crying, and even stopping feeding. In such cases, it is essential to consult a pediatrician to prevent any permanent hearing loss that may develop later.

• Conjunctivitis (eye inflammation): It causes redness, itching, and discharge in the eyes. It can be viral, bacterial, or allergic in nature. Especially in cases of allergic causes, children may experience recurrent inflammation because they constantly rub their eyes with their hands due to itching. If allergic symptoms persist, particularly after the child reaches 7–8 years of age, it is advisable to conduct tests to identify the specific allergen. Tests performed before this age may yield inaccurate or incomplete results because the immune system is still immature (not fully developed).

Common Infections and Symptoms

• Fever: A sign of infection. You should see a doctor, especially in cases of high or prolonged fever. In particular, if a child has a fever accompanied by abdominal pain—other than that caused by diarrhea—administering pain relievers or fever reducers without consulting a doctor can lead to fatal consequences, as it may mask conditions such as appendicitis or other conditions requiring surgery. Under no circumstances should aspirin be given to children as a fever reducer, as it can cause Reye’s syndrome, which leads to irreversible liver damage!

  Infection: It can be viral or bacterial. Hygiene is important in preventing transmission. Infections can cause permanent damage for a wide variety of reasons.

• Pain: This can manifest as earaches, abdominal pain, or growing pains. Pain of unknown origin, especially if it becomes persistent, must be monitored by a doctor; in necessary cases, a complete blood count and infection markers such as CRP may be required to determine the cause.

Digestive and Urinary Tract Problems

• Gastroenteritis (stomach and intestinal infection): It causes vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The most important treatment is to maintain electrolyte balance and provide fluid replacement. When oral intake is not possible—especially in infants and young children—IV (intravenous) fluid replacement is vitally important!

• Constipation usually results from dietary changes. Fiber-rich foods and fluids should be increased. Sudden-onset constipation may be a sign of a surgical emergency. In such cases, evaluation by a pediatrician is vital.

• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): More common in girls. It presents with symptoms such as a burning sensation during urination and frequent urination. If left untreated, the infection can spread from the urinary tract to the kidneys. In such cases, vomiting and high fever may occur. The condition can worsen. It is critical to address this promptly, as it can lead to permanent kidney damage!

Skin Conditions Specific to Children

• Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: This is a viral illness characterized by sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet. Since it is a self-limiting illness, it usually resolves within one week without leaving any lasting effects. However, if a child is unable to eat due to the mouth sores, this can lead to fluid loss, which in turn makes the child more susceptible to other infections. Fluid loss, especially when accompanied by fever, is much more severe in children because their body surface area is smaller. If necessary, the condition must be brought under control with IV (intravenous) fluid replacement.

• Chickenpox: It is characterized by itchy blisters. It is caused by the varicella virus. It can be prevented with a vaccine. It typically resolves on its own, aside from managing high fever and, in some cases, using antiviral medications. However, the fever alone can cause complications. It rarely leads to pneumonia. It can be life-threatening, especially in infants. The vaccine has been safely administered for decades and provides high protection.

• Allergies: These can develop in response to triggers such as pollen, food, or animal dander. They can cause a runny nose, rash, and shortness of breath. When nasal congestion is persistent, it indirectly causes the throat to dry out due to mouth breathing. Consequently, recurrent throat infections may develop. Even if not inflammatory, persistent swelling in the respiratory tract can lead to the formation of adenoids, a deviation of the nasal septum, and recurrent sinusitis attacks due to Eustachian tube blockage. Edema in the lower respiratory tract—specifically in the bronchi and the small air sacs of the lungs—creates a conducive environment for the development of bronchitis and pneumonia. It is crucial for a pediatrician to monitor this process and identify potential causes to ensure healthy child development.

Developmental and Psychological Issues

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): It is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It can lead to learning disabilities in children. Since it can lead to problems with peer, social, and school adjustment, having the child evaluated by a clinical psychologist and/or psychiatrist specializing in this area is crucial to shaping the child’s future.

• Depression: It can also occur in children. Symptoms such as prolonged sadness and withdrawal are important indicators. Contrary to popular belief, a specific trigger is not necessarily required for the condition to develop. Even changes in diet—or even food intolerances—can cause a child to fall into depression out of the blue, as they can inhibit the production of chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. In addition, social and family problems can also serve as triggers.

• Early Childhood Issues: Conditions such as teething, colic (severe abdominal pain caused by a buildup of intestinal gas), and developmental delays are common and should be monitored. These may simply be due to a milk allergy, or they may stem from issues caused by constipation within the intestines, known as diverticulitis. A thorough pediatric evaluation is essential.

Chronic Diseases

• Diabetes (Type 1): Develops when the pancreas does not produce insulin. It presents with excessive thirst, weight loss, and fatigue. It requires lifelong management. Contrary to common misconceptions, it does not actually have a genetic origin. Genetic predisposition exists in Type 2 diabetes. Childhood obesity can sometimes lead to the development of Type 2 diabetes in children. Children diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes require insulin; it is essential that they receive the necessary training from a pediatric endocrinologist or pediatrician experienced in this field.

When Should You See a Doctor?

If your child has a high fever, difficulty breathing, dehydration, extreme fatigue, or is rapidly getting worse, seek medical attention immediately.

Your child’s health is our top priority. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact our clinic.