3 Common Childhood Illnesses and Their Treatments

Children tend to develop certain illnesses that can either be infectious or non-infectious. In the former case, children outgrow these conditions with time but in the latter scenario, the possibility of recurrent episodes is higher. Thus, parents must consult the best child specialists in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, or other metropolitan cities in order to relieve their child of the discomfort and pain. Mentioned below are three childhood illnesses along with their symptoms and treatment: 

1. Bronchiolitis 

A respiratory condition in which a child experiences inflammation in her/his lungs is known as bronchiolitis. This particular disease is caused by a virus that attacks the small air passages or bronchioles that further leads to an inconsistent flow of oxygen. Shortness of breath, wheezing, nasal flaring, blue skin and fatigue are the most common symptoms observed in infants. In some children, this condition does not require treatment as it naturally clears up, however, in severe cases, immunosuppressant medications and oxygen treatments are done. 

2. Glue Ear

Children that have an accumulation of fluid in their middle ear suffer from adhesive otitis or glue ear. One of the most common infections among children, glue ear is caused due to the excessive clogging in the narrow Eustachian tube in a child’s ear. The first signs of this disease can be observed if a child talks too loudly and experiences difficulty in hearing other people talk. In most cases, the infection clears up on its own but those children who get an additional middle-ear infection would require antibiotics. 

3. Fifth Disease 

Another viral disease that is common among children is the fifth disease. In this infection, children get red rashes on their legs, arms and cheeks. As it is an air-borne condition, children tend to catch it from their peers in school during spring or early summertime. Fever, fatigue, runny nose and sore throat are other symptoms observed in children with the fifth disease. The immune system of children is strong enough to fight off the infection naturally but in some cases, antibiotics are also prescribed. 

Children often experience viral as well as bacterial infections that naturally clear up over time. However, in cases where the child’s immune system is compromised due to other diseases, consulting a child specialist is highly recommended.