Wow. What a huge topic. Children’s health is actually one of my main passions, which is probably why I left making this part of my website for so long; there are so many things that I want to say.
At the moment, I will list a few common childhood, illnesses, ailments, and issues. In doing this, I think it will allow for some good resources, which I do often show to patients.
INTRODUCING SOLIDS
This is something I get a lot of people asking me questions about. You can start to introduce solids around 6 months of age, but no earlier than 4 months.
I often tell people to let their baby decide when it is time to start eating.
Babies will often seem interested in the food you are eating, and be keen to have food or toys in their mouth or toys, have neck control and can be seen licking their lips when around food.
If the are not ready, they will push the food away when offered it.
ROYAL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL – Food and play in the first year of life
ROYAL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL – Guide to Baby’s First Year
RAISING CHILDREN’S NETWORK – Introducing Solids
These are some of the useful resources that I use with regards to introducing solids. Some people like to introduce purée food with increased texture as the baby gets older, and some people like baby led weaning.
The important things for me, are no reduced fat dairy products until age 2 (they need the energy to grow), and no honey or raw egg yolk until 12 months of age (due to the risk of bacterial infection).
ECZEMA
Eczema is a common skin condition that I see a lot in children.
I’m going to pop some links up here about eczema, however, as with any new rash, it should be seen by a doctor and diagnosed.
Eczema is a condition that affects up to 20% of children, with most growing out of by the age of 5 . It belongs to a group of conditions that together, make up what we call atopy. Conditions we include in this are hay fever, eczema and asthma.
There is often a family predisposition, meaning that it can run in families.
It’s best to have a good eczema management plan for your child, that your doctor will help you develop. The main stay of treatment is preventing flare ups, keeping the skin moisturised and ensuring you have the most appropriate steroid for the area of skin you are treating.
If treated correctly, eczema can be managed well, even if it’s a long-term condition for your child.
Here’s my fav picture depicting what dermatitis is. The original picture can be found at https://www.lifeextension.com/protocols/skin-nails-hair/dermatitis-and-eczema
GASTROENTERITIS
Gastroenteritis, or gastro, is a common condition that we see in children. If your child is under 12 months of age, I always recommend having a medical review if you child develops diarrhoea or vomiting. It is also important to note that not all diarrhoea or vomiting IS gastro, so if you are concerned, seek medical attention.
If your child does have gastro, as they can get dehydrated, very quickly. The main thing that I talk with families about with gastro, is making sure that the child is remains hydrated.
One thing that I usually say with Gastro, is that don’t recommend water alone to rehydrate your little one. I recommend replacement solutions such as hydrolyte, sports drinks, or even dilute full sugar cordial or dilute apple juice.
The issue with giving a child water if they have vomiting or diarrhoea, is that the electrolytes which I lost through either vomiting or diarrhoea and not getting replaced. If you just drink water, the salt or electrolytes in the bloodstream just get more dilute. This can make children feel more unwell, nauseated and even cause more vomiting. If your child is having trouble with a vomiting, and can’t stop, again, I do recommend seeing a medical practitioner as they may need medication.
If at any stage they become floppy, or have uncontrolled vomiting or diarrhoea, or you are concerned, seek medical attention urgently.
VIRAL ILLNESSES
Coughs and colds are caused by viruses. A lot of parents will ask me whether or not their child needs antibiotics, however, antibiotics are used for bacterial infections (for viruses, if medication is needed, it’s anti-viral medication, which makes sense).
It’s not that we don’t want to give you antibiotics, however, we just do not want to give them if they are not necessary and not needed. Antibiotics for a virus will not change the cause of the illness at all. Instead, for viruses, we recommend plenty of fluids, paracetamol, ibuprofen and rest.
Here are some common links that we have regarding viral, illnesses and children.
ROYAL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL – Viral Illnesses
FEVER
One thing to note, though, is that the temperature does not necessarily correlate with how bad the viruses. For example, if I see your child with a temperature of 40°, how are they are pretty bright, responsive and happy, I’m not too fussed. If, however, I see a child with a temperature of 38, who is flat, floppy, and lethargic, then I certainly will be more concerned. One thing that we do when we are assessing a child, is making sure that there is not a secondary bacterial infection, which is one reason why kids with viruses should come and see the GP if you are in anyway worried about them. The only way that we can say for certain that they don’t have a secondary illness, it’s by checking them out.
If your child is under 3 months of age, with a fever, get them seen by a medical professional, even if they are well otherwise.
Normal temperature is 36.5-37.5.
A low grade fever is 37.6-37.9
Anything over 38, I classify as a fever.
Dr Rosie Gentle 