Childhood Illnesses

Navigating through the myriad of childhood illnesses can be daunting for any parent. This comprehensive guide dives into the most prevalent conditions that children encounter, offering insights into their symptoms, when to seek medical attention, and common treatment options.

At Bootin and Savrick Pediatric Associates, we specialize in pediatric care in Houston, Texas, that prioritizes your child’s health and well-being. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing compassionate and expert care for all stages of childhood. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and ensure your child receives the best possible care!

Cartoon of a child who is sick with a thermometer.

Understanding Common Childhood Illnesses

Childhood is a time of growth and discovery, but it also comes with its share of health challenges. Many common childhood illnesses can affect children as they explore the world around them. These illnesses range from minor infections to more serious conditions, but most are manageable with proper care and attention.

Young children are especially prone to illnesses because their immune systems are still developing. They are often exposed to germs at daycare, school, and during playtime with friends. Some common symptoms that parents might notice include fever, coughing, runny nose, and rashes. While these symptoms can be worrying, many of them are simply the body’s way of fighting off infections.

Understanding many common childhood illnesses can help parents know when to seek medical help and when home care might be sufficient. For instance, conditions like the common cold, ear infections, and stomach bugs are frequent visitors in many households. They usually pass with time and supportive care, such as plenty of fluids and rest.

However, some illnesses require prompt medical attention. For example, high fever, difficulty breathing, obesity, persistent vomiting, and severe dehydration are signs that it’s time to see a provider. Vaccinations also play a crucial role in preventing many serious childhood illnesses, helping to protect children from diseases like measles, mumps, and whooping cough.

By staying informed about many common childhood illnesses, parents can better navigate their child’s health journey. Early recognition and appropriate care are key to ensuring children stay healthy and recover quickly from any illnesses they may encounter. In the following sections, we will explore these common illnesses in more detail, providing helpful tips on prevention, symptoms to watch for, and when to seek medical help.

Common Childhood Illnesses

Some common childhood illnesses are listed and explained in detail below.

ADD/ADHD

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are neurodevelopmental disorders affecting focus and behavior. Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. Behavioral therapy, medications, and supportive educational interventions are often recommended as treatment methods. See a provider if symptoms interfere with school, home, or social life.

Allergies

Allergies in children can cause a range of symptoms due to the immune system’s reaction to certain substances. Symptoms include sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, and sometimes skin rashes. Antihistamines, nasal sprays, and avoiding known allergens can help manage symptoms. If symptoms interfere with daily activities or there are signs of asthma, medical advice is necessary.

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic condition that causes inflammation and spasms of the airways, leading to breathing difficulties. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Inhalers, steroids, and avoiding triggers are common treatments to manage asthma. It’s important to seek medical attention if your child experiences frequent or severe asthma symptoms, or if usual medications do not alleviate symptoms.

Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is a common lung infection in young children, often caused by RSV and other respiratory viruses, leading to inflammation and congestion in the small airways. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Supportive care with fluids, humidified air, and sometimes hospitalization may be required for treatment. If breathing becomes very difficult, there is a high fever, or poor feeding, seek medical attention.

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that causes redness, swelling, and tenderness. Symptoms include red, swollen, and tender skin, often with warmth around the affected area. Antibiotics are usually prescribed to treat the infection, and rest is important for recovery. If the infected area is spreading, accompanied by fever, or the child looks very ill, seek immediate medical attention.

Colic

Colic is characterized by excessive crying in an otherwise healthy infant, usually occurring in the evening. Symptoms include prolonged, inconsolable crying without an obvious cause. Soothing techniques like swaddling, white noise, and gentle rocking can help calm the baby. 

If the crying persists despite soothing measures or if there are concerns about the infant’s weight gain or health, please call the office to schedule an appointment so we can check for other causes of irritability.

Concussion

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head, which can happen during sports participation or from an accidental fall or other trauma. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, confusion, and sometimes loss of consciousness. 

Rest, avoiding activities that could cause another head injury, and following a provider’s instructions are crucial for recovery. If there is a loss of consciousness, severe headache, or vomiting, seek medical attention.

Constipation

Constipation is common in children and is characterized by infrequent, hard, and/or painful stools. Increased fiber and fluid intake, and sometimes stool softeners, are recommended to alleviate symptoms—but never stimulant laxatives. If constipation persists despite dietary changes or is accompanied by severe pain, seek medical attention.

Cradle Cap

Cradle cap is a common, harmless condition in infants causing thick, oily, yellowish, crusty patches on the scalp. Gentle washing, baby oil, and soft brushing can help manage cradle cap, in conjunction with a selenium-based shampoo, such as Selsun Blue. If the condition is severe or not improving with home care, see a provider. 

Croup

Croup is a viral infection that leads to swelling around the vocal cords, resulting in a distinctive barking cough. Symptoms include barking cough, hoarseness, and stridor (noisy breathing).

Humidified air, fluids, and sometimes steroids to reduce airway inflammation are commonly recommended as treatment methods. Medical care may be necessary if the child has difficulty breathing, stridor at rest (which is a whooping sound when inhaling), or a high fever.

Dermatologic Conditions

Skin conditions in children, such as rashes and eczema, are common and can be caused by various factors. Symptoms include rashes, itching, redness, or blisters. Topical creams, antihistamines, and avoiding irritants are commonly used to manage skin conditions. If the rash is spreading, painful, or accompanied by fever, see a provider. 

Ear Infections

Ear infections are one of the most common childhood illnesses, often occurring after a cold or other respiratory infection. Symptoms include ear pain, pulling at the ear, irritability, and sometimes fever. 

Ear infections are almost always accompanied by or follow upper respiratory infections. These are middle ear infections (called otitis media), which are different from swimmer’s ear, are infections of the ear canal and are treated differently. 

Pain relievers, warm compresses, and sometimes antibiotics are prescribed to treat an ear infection. If ear pain is severe, there is fluid discharge, or symptoms last more than a few days, see a provider.

Eczema

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition that causes red, itchy, and inflamed skin. Moisturizers, topical steroids, and avoiding triggers help manage eczema. See a provider if the rash is severe, infected, or not responding to over-the-counter treatments.

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a viral illness common in young children, causing sores and a rash. Symptoms include fever, sores in the mouth, and a rash on the hands and feet. Some children also have mild abdominal symptoms, such as loose stool or upset stomach. 

Pain relievers, fluids, and rest help manage symptoms until the illness resolves. See a provider if the child is very uncomfortable, not drinking, or has a high fever.

Headaches

Headaches in children can be caused by various factors, including stress, dehydration, and illness. Symptoms include pain in the head or neck area, and sensitivity to light or sound. Pain relievers, hydration, and rest are typically recommended to treat headaches. If headaches are severe, frequent, or accompanied by other symptoms like vomiting, neurologic symptoms, or febrile illness, seek medical attention.

Impetigo

Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection, common in young children. Symptoms include red sores that quickly rupture, ooze, and form a yellow-brown crust. Antibiotic ointment or oral antibiotics are used to treat impetigo. If sores are spreading or not improving with home treatment, seek medical attention.

Injuries

Childhood injuries are common and can range from minor cuts and bruises to more serious injuries. Symptoms often include pain, swelling, bruising, or inability to use the affected part. Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), and sometimes splints or casts are used to treat injuries. If there is severe pain, deformity, or inability to move the injured part, seek medical attention.

Molluscum Contagiosum

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection causing small, firm, raised bumps. Although cryotherapy, topical treatments, and sometimes laser therapy can be used for treatment, they also will always go away on their own over about a 2-year period of time and resolve without scarring. See a provider if the bumps are spreading or causing discomfort.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, leading to inflammation and difficulty breathing. Symptoms include cough, fever, difficulty breathing, and chest pain.

Depending on the cause, treatment may include antibiotics, rest, fluids, and rarely hospitalization. Rapid breathing, persistent high fever, or a blue tint to lips or nails are signs that urgent medical care is needed.

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

RSV is a common virus that causes mild cold-like symptoms but can lead to serious respiratory illness in young children. Symptoms include a runny nose, coughing, mild cold-like symptoms, and sometimes wheezing. Supportive care, fluids, and sometimes hospitalization are needed for severe cases. See a provider if there is difficulty breathing, high fever, or dehydration.

Sports Injuries

Sports injuries can range from minor sprains and strains to more severe injuries like fractures. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and limited movement of the injured part. RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation), physical therapy, and sometimes surgery are necessary for treatment. If there is severe pain, obvious deformity, or inability to use the affected part, see a provider.

Strep Throat

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that causes a painful sore throat and is common in children. Symptoms include a sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, and sometimes rash. Many children also have headaches or abdominal pain and sometimes vomiting with strep throat.  

Antibiotics, pain relievers, and rest are typically recommended as treatment methods. If severe throat pain, difficulty swallowing, or a fever persists, or if your child has a sore throat after a known exposure to strep, it’s important to be seen by a provider. It’s always necessary to treat strep throat completely to avoid rare but potentially serious complications.

Swimmer’s Ear

Swimmer’s ear is an infection of the outer ear canal, often caused by water remaining in the ear after swimming. Symptoms include ear pain, itching, and discharge from the ear. This usually requires a prescription. 

Ear drops, pain relievers, and keeping the ear dry are commonly recommended treatments. If there is severe pain, fever, or spreading redness, see a provider.

Swollen Lymph Nodes

Swollen lymph nodes are often a sign of infection as the body’s immune system responds to a threat. Symptoms include enlarged, tender lumps under the skin, often in the neck. Treating the underlying infection, warm compresses, and pain relievers are common treatments. If nodes are very large, hard, or persist for more than a few days, see a provider.

Upper Respiratory Infection (URI)

Upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold, are among the most common childhood illnesses. They are caused by viruses and typically affect the nose, throat, and sinuses. With an upper respiratory infection, children often experience a runny nose, mild cold-like symptoms, cough, sore throat, and sometimes fever.

If symptoms persist for more than 10 days, a high fever develops, or if the child has difficulty breathing, it’s important to seek medical advice. Treatment involves rest, plenty of fluids, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Saline nasal drops can also help relieve congestion.

Vomiting and Diarrhea

Vomiting and diarrhea are common in children and can be caused by infections, food poisoning, or stomach viruses. Symptoms include frequent vomiting, watery stools, stomach cramps, and sometimes fever.

Keeping the child hydrated with oral rehydration solutions is crucial. Rest and a bland diet can help until symptoms improve. Seek medical attention if there are signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, no tears when crying, or if vomiting persists for more than 24 hours.

Warts

Warts are small, rough skin growths caused by a viral infection. Over-the-counter treatments, duct tape, and home remedies like apple cider vinegar are commonly used as treatment methods. See a provider if warts are painful, spreading, or not responding to home treatments.

Expert Care at Bootin and Savrick Pediatric Associates

At Bootin and Savrick Pediatric Associates in Houston, TX, our dedicated team is here to support you through every step of your child’s health journey. Whether it’s a routine well-child visit or addressing a specific conditions—such as bedwetting, we are committed to providing the highest quality care. Schedule an appointment today to ensure your child receives the expert medical attention they deserve!

Patient Resources