All children are entitled to high-quality medical care. As a parent, you must be aware of the most recent treatment standards in order to ensure that your child receives the best possible care. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) provides the following information on some of the most common childhood illnesses and their recommended treatments. The treatments presented in this article are supported by scientific evidence and best practices. However, there may be reasons why your pediatrician makes a different suggestion for your child, particularly if your child has a chronic medical condition or an allergy. Any changes in treatment will be discussed with you by your doctor. If you have any concerns regarding your child’s care, please consult with your pediatrician.
Common childhood diseases
1. Sore Throat
Sore throats are frequent in youngsters and can be excruciatingly unpleasant. However, antibiotics are not required for a viral sore throat. In those circumstances, no special medication is required, and your child should be able to return to normalcy within seven to 10 days. In some circumstances, a sore throat is caused by a streptococcal infection (strep throat).
Strep cannot be diagnosed by just peering into the throat. To confirm the diagnosis of strep, a lab test or in-office fast strep test, which includes a brief swab of the throat, is required. If you test positive for strep, your pediatrician will give you an antibiotic. It is critical that your child take the antibiotic for the entire course, even if the symptoms improve or disappear. Steroid medications (such as prednisone) are not recommended for the majority of occurrences of sore throat.
Babies and toddlers rarely have strep throat, but they are more likely to develop it if they are in childcare or if an older sibling has the infection. Although strep is primarily transmitted through coughs and sneezes, your child can contract it by touching a toy that an infected child has used.
2. Ear Pain
Ear pain in children is frequent and can be caused by a variety of factors, including ear infections (otitis media), swimmer’s ear (infection of the skin in the ear canal), pressure from a cold or sinus infection, teeth ache traveling up the jaw to the ear, and others. Your pediatrician will need to inspect your child’s ear to detect the difference. In fact, an in-office exam is still the most accurate way for your physician to make a diagnosis. If your kid’s ear discomfort is accompanied by a high temperature, involves both ears, or if your child has other symptoms of sickness, your pediatrician may recommend an antibiotic.
Except in cases of penicillin allergy or persistent or recurring infections, amoxicillin is the preferred antibiotic for middle ear infections.
Many genuine ear infections are caused by viruses and may not necessitate the use of medicines. If your pediatrician feels that your child’s ear infection is caused by a virus, he or she will discuss with you the best ways to ease your child’s ear pain until the virus has run its course.
3. Urinary Tract Infection
Bladder infections, commonly known as urinary tract infections or UTIs, develop when bacteria accumulate in the urinary tract. A UTI can occur in children from infancy to adolescence and into maturity. Pain or burning during urination, the desire to urinate frequently or urgently, bedwetting or accidents by a youngster who knows how to use the toilet, abdominal pain, or side or back pain are all symptoms of a UTI.
Before considering treatment, your child’s doctor will require a urine sample to test for a UTI. Depending on the germs discovered in your child’s urine, your doctor may modify the medication.
4. Skin Infection
A skin test (culture or swab) may be required in most children with skin infections to determine the best treatment. Inform your doctor if your kid has a history of MRSA, staph infection, or other resistant bacteria, or if he or she has been exposed to resistant bacteria from other family members or contacts.
5. Bronchitis
Chronic bronchitis is an infection of the lungs’ bigger, more central airways that is more common in adults. The term “bronchitis” is frequently used to denote a chest virus that does not require antibiotics.
6. Bronchiolitis
During the cold and flu season, newborns and young children are prone to bronchiolitis. Your doctor may notice “wheezing” when your child breathes.
Bronchiolitis is typically caused by a virus and does not require antibiotic treatment. Instead, most treatment options are aimed at making your child as comfortable as possible while closely monitoring for any trouble breathing, eating, or signs of dehydration. Most infants and young children with bronchiolitis should not be given asthma medications (such as albuterol or steroids). Children born preterm or with underlying health issues may require a specialized treatment approach.
7. Pain
Acetaminophen or ibuprofen are the most effective pain relievers for children. Consult your pediatrician about how much to give your child, as it should be determined by their weight.
Children with common injuries or complaints, such as sprained ankles, ear aches, or sore throats, should not be given narcotic pain relievers. Codeine should never be given to children because it has been linked to severe respiratory issues and even death.
8. Common Cold
Viruses in the upper respiratory tract produce colds. Many young children, particularly those in childcare, are susceptible to 6 to 8 colds every year. Cold symptoms (such as a runny nose, congestion, and cough) can continue for up to 10 days.
Green mucus in the nose does not always indicate the need for antibiotics; medicines are never required for ordinary colds. If a sinus infection is suspected, however, your doctor will carefully consider whether antibiotics are the best option based on your child’s symptoms and a physical exam.
read more on medicine for common cold
9. Bacterial Sinusitis
Bacteria trapped in the sinuses cause bacterial sinusitis. When cold-like symptoms such as nasal discharge, daytime cough, or both persist for more than 10 days without improvement, sinusitis is considered.
If this disease is accompanied by thick yellow nasal discharge and a fever for at least 3 or 4 days in a row, antibiotics may be required.
10. Cough
Coughs are typically caused by viruses and do not generally necessitate antibiotics.
Cough medicine is not indicated for children under the age of four, or for children aged four to six unless otherwise directed by a doctor. Cough treatments do not function in children aged four and under and have the potential for major adverse effects, according to studies. Cough treatments containing narcotics, such as codeine, should not be given to children.
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