When Your Child Gets Sick

As parents, we can’t help but worry all the time about our children especially when they get sick. It is more worrisome when they get sick and they cannot fully explain to you what it is they are feeling. However, there are common types of sickness that get children down at one point. We experience these same illnesses as adults. We just worry too much because they’re just kids and we can’t just give them any over-the-counter medication.

There are also injuries that they may experience as a result of their curiosity such as minor scrapes and scratches, bee stings and the like.

1. Flu otherwise known as influenza is a result of a viral infection. Normal symptoms of being bitten by the flu bug are fever, body ache, sometimes with cough and colds; and headaches. Give your child plenty of water and let him rest in bed – a complete bed rest will speed up his recovery. Your doctor may prescribe paracetamol for his fever, decongestant for his colds and mucolytic for his cough. Ask your doctor what medicines to give.

2. Gastroenteritis or stomach flu is also caused by a viral infection. Your child might feel a little nauseated and he might have loose bowel. Vomiting is also common so don’t panic. This viral infection usually lasts from 24 up to 48 hours only; if it persists tell your doctor about it. Administer liquids as well to prevent him from getting dehydrated.

3. Tummy aches. These can include a lot of possible reasons: gastroenteritis is one, constipation another, then there’s bad reaction to food, lactose intolerance, flu, appendicitis among others. Observe the bowel movement of your child, if it is normal, check for other symptoms. Try pressing the lower right side of his stomach, if he screams in pain it is a possible appendicitis problem. It could also be gas. Observe him overnight. If he is inconsolable or if it persists don’t hesitate to call your doctor in the middle of the night.

4. Bee sting. If you suspect that your child has been stung by a bee, check if there is a stinger left on the child’s skin. The stung area will look red and swollen, feel itchy and hot. Your child may have an allergic reaction to a bee sting if he suddenly vomits after being stung, feels nauseated, dizzy and hoarse in the throat.

Have your child checked by a doctor right away if these symptoms occur. However, if there is no other reaction from the sting, try washing it with soap and water; and putting ice over it. It will decrease the swelling and the itching.

5. Cuts and abrasions. If your child gets scratched or cut, immediately place a cloth over it to stop it from bleeding. Wash it with water and soap. Gently do this as the washing might sting him a little. Apply ointment over it to wipe out any bacteria and cover it with Band-Aid to prevent it from getting infected. If the cu is deep however, he might need to have stitches so take him to the nearest clinic or hospital.