An academy of family doctor in Malaysia isn’t always necessary to know and treat illnesses that your child might have in their childhood. There are common diseases that, by chance or poor health upkeep, your child will be afflicted with. Even when you have to take them to a doctor regardless, it is advantageous for you to know about these illnesses and their remedies in advance.
Common cold
The common cold or flu are one of the most common diseases among children, and if your child looks like they are affiliated by more than just sneezing, something is wrong. Besides a stuffy nose and runny eyes, the symptoms also include headaches, fever, sore throat, intense, dry coughs, tiredness and aches.
The common cold and flu share similar symptoms, but each are caused by different viruses. In the flu’s case, the culprit is the influenza virus, and is considered more serious than a cold as intense symptoms can begin suddenly. A flu can also lead to more serious complications such as pneumonia.
Keep your child hydrated with plenty of fluids including water or low-sugar juices and use nasal sprays or drops to clear up congestions in the nose. Let your child get extra rest. When you are taking your child out to a doctor, steer clear away from crowds and put on a medical mask on them.
Hand, Foot And Mouth Disease (HFMD)
Hand, Foot And Mouth Disease, or HFMD, is a contagious yet mild disease that, true to its namesake, affects the hands, feet and mouth of your child. This is characterized by rashes on the limbs and ulcers in the throat and tongue. Fever and a loss of appetite will also become this disease’s companions.
HFMD can be spread through direct contact with saliva, nasal discharge and rash fluids from the sick child. This illness lasts for only a few days, but your child will feel uncomfortable from the ulcer’s pain in their mouth.
When feeding your child, stick to soft, digestible diets such as a porridge, soup or pureed fruit as the ulcer is too painful for your child to properly chew and swallow solid foods. Ensure that your child is hydrated often with fluids.
Disinfect anything that your child touches such as toys to prevent the spread of HFMD, and inform your child’s school, kindergarten or child care center in advance so it won’t be spread to other children.
Gastroenteritis
Also known as stomach flu, gastroenteritis is caused by a bacterial or viral infection in the stomach and intestines. This can occur if your child touches any contaminated items and then touches their mouth or food, or if they share drinks with infected people. Vomiting and diarrhea are the main symptoms, followed by fever, abdominal pain, body aches, bloating and appetite loss. Your child may also be affected by any of these secondary symptoms.
Diarrhea and vomiting can lead to dehydration, so monitor your child to see if it becomes severe enough to warrant a doctor’s help. Dry mouth, cold hands and feet and no urine are signs of dehydration. If it is mild, it can be treated with oral rehydration solutions from a pharmacy. Keep your child hydrated with water or juices too.