Understanding Common Childhood Illnesses: Symptoms and Treatment Options

As a parent, witnessing your child's discomfort due to illness can be distressing. Understanding the symptoms and treatment options for common childhood illnesses can help you provide the best care and support for your little one. When you understand the common illnesses that your child may deal with, you can be prepared for whatever may come your way. Your pediatricians at Florida Pediatrics Group in Melbourne and West Melbourne, FL, can explain childhood illnesses and how you can treat them.

Understanding Common Childhood Illnesses

There are several types of common childhood illnesses that you should talk to your pediatrician in Melbourne and West Melbourne, FL, about. When you have an understanding of the symptoms and how these illnesses are treated, you can be prepared for whatever your child may face. This helps you find relief for your child quickly and helps them avoid missing important events or school.

The common cold is caused by viruses that infect the upper respiratory tract. Symptoms often include a runny nose, cough, sneezing, sore throat, and low-grade fever. Treatment involves rest, plenty of fluids, over-the-counter (OTC) medications for symptom relief, and maintaining good hygiene to prevent the spread of the virus.

The flu is a viral infection that can cause fever, chills, body aches, cough, sore throat, and fatigue. Treatment includes rest, fluids, OTC medications for symptom relief, and in some cases, antiviral medications prescribed by a healthcare provider. Annual flu vaccination is recommended for children to help prevent influenza.

Ear infections can cause ear pain, fever, irritability, and difficulty sleeping. Ear infections are common in children because of the developing structure of their ears and the inability to properly drain fluids. Treatment may include pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, antibiotics, and warm compresses to relieve pain. In some cases, your child may need a tube inserted into their ear to help with drainage in the future.

Contact Our Pediatricians Today

Make sure you understand the common illnesses your child may face! Contact your pediatricians at Florida Pediatrics Group in Melbourne and West Melbourne, FL, to learn about common childhood illnesses and what to look out for. Call for more information and to schedule your appointment today at (321) 752-5210.