Tag Archive | "toddler sickness"

Heat Rash Treatment For Toddlers


Heat rash is common in children. Although it is usually not a serious condition, it can cause discomfort in toddlers. The following are some heat rash treatment tips to relieve a toddler’s itching and distress.

Stay In A Cool Place

Start by taking off your toddler’s clothing and moving him in a shady area or airy room and let the cool natural breeze dry the sweat. Stop your toddler from playing or racing around so he can cool down. Use a mini fan if you are out during a hot day. Run an air conditioner or electric fan in your toddler’s bedroom to circulate air to keep him cool and comfortable at night.

Keep Your Toddler’s Skin Cool

You can lay him on a cotton towel to absorb sweat from the skin. Cool the affected areas with a wet washcloth. Make sure to pat, not rub or scrub the affected areas. Rubbing his skin will only aggravate heat rash or cause an infection. Give your little one a quick lukewarm bath if he is okay with it. You may add baking soda or ground oatmeal powder (2 teaspoons per gallon) to bath water as these can help relieve irritation. Let him air dry.

Use Lotion or Ointment

If your toddler’s pediatrician approves, you may apply a small amount of calamine lotion or 1% hydrocortisone cream on the heat rash to cool it. Do this 3 times a day until the rashes fade away. But, make sure not to put some near the eyes. It can come into contact with the eyes and cause irritation once your toddler rubs his eyes. Be careful when choosing lotion or ointment. Avoid those that are heavily concentrated.

Apply Cornstarch

Another option is to apply a light dusting of cornstarch to help prevent heat rash in your toddler’s folds (neck, armpits, back of the ears, behind knees and elbow folds). Never use talcum powder since this can be hazardous for your toddler when inhaled.

Dress Your Toddler For The Heat

Dress your toddler in lightweight clothes. Opt for light-colored, loose-fitting clothes that are made of cotton to let the skin breathe and allow him to perspire more efficiently. Avoid clothes made of synthetic fabrics such as nylon and polyester since they trap heat.

Increase Fluid Intake

See to it your little one is getting enough fluids into his body. Encourage him to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day or give him ice chips or popsicles if he dislikes drinking water. Limit caffeinated and sugary beverages as these can cause dehydration.

Medications

If your toddler becomes very uncomfortable, you may give him oral anti-itch medicines such as Benadryl and Claritin to relieve itching. If your toddler has a fever, giving a correct dose of acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) may be necessary to lower his temperature. Never give aspirin to a young child as this can cause Reye’s syndrome – a fatal disease.

Most heat rash will clear up within a few days. But, if rashes seem to be getting worse or your toddler’s temperature is 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, visit your doctor immediately.

Posted in Health, Toddler SicknessComments (0)

Dehydration In Children


Children are more prone to dehydration than adults. It occurs when the body lacks enough fluid. Dehydration in children can be lethal. Here is a guide to help you become more aware of this condition so you can protect your toddler from this life-threatening illness.

Causes

Lack of Fluids

The most obvious reason why a toddler gets dehydrated is because he is not drinking enough liquids, especially during the summer season or when doing vigorous activities.

Viral and Bacterial Infections

Dehydration is most often caused by a viral infection like rotavirus and adenovirus (infections of the lung, stomach, intestine and eyes) or a bacterial infection such as salmonella or e-coli. Viral and bacterial infections can cause fever, vomiting, diarrhea and a decreased ability to eat and drink, draining the body of important body fluids.

Parasitic Infections

Parasitic diseases such as Giardia lamblia – a parasite responsible for a transmittable form of diarrhea.

Medical Conditions

Cystic fibrosis and medical conditions that cause excessive urination such as diabetes can cause dehydration. Some medications that are prescribed to toddlers can also lead to fluid loss.

Signs and Symptoms

If a toddler is dehydrated, he may show one or more of these symptoms:

  • Decreased frequency of urination (may go up to 12 hours without urinating and if he does urinate, his urine looks darker and smells stronger than usual)
  • No tears while crying
  • Dry or sticky mouth and tongue
  • Sunken eyes
  • Lethargy (feeling exhausted and sluggish)
  • Extreme fussiness
  • Fever
  • Increased thirst

When To Call A Doctor

If your toddler is dehydrated, it would be best to call the doctor for advice and to make sure your toddler is not seriously dehydrated. But, if you notice your toddler shows serious signs of dehydration - temperature is higher than 103 degrees Fahrenheit, severe abdominal pain and frequent vomiting, take your toddler to the emergency room right away.

Treatment

Increase Fluid Intake

If your doctor recommends it, you may let your toddler drink an oral rehydration solution such as Pedialyte and ReVital. You may also offer freezer pops, flat soda, ice chips and clear soup. If he has trouble keeping the solution down, try giving him 1 tablespoon of liquid every 15 minutes. Steer clear of plain water, gelatine, juices, sodas, chicken broth and sports drinks as they do not have the necessary electrolytes to replace the lost fluids in the body.

BRAT Diet

Give your toddler the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, apples and toast) 4 hours after vomiting stops. After 24 to 48 hours, you can continue on your toddler’s regular diet.

Keep Your Toddler Comfortable

Stay in a well-ventilated place. Dress your toddler in lightweight clothing. See to it your toddler gets plenty of rest and do not allow him to play physically demanding games for the mean time. Read a book, talk, listen to music or play board games to keep him entertained.

IV Fluids

For severe dehydration, your toddler might have to stay in the hospital and receive IV fluids through an intravenous tube until he is rehydrated.

Dehydration is a serious condition. But, you can prevent your toddler from getting dehydrated by making sure your child is consuming plenty of fluids throughout the day, maintaining a healthy diet and getting adequate rest.

Posted in Health, Toddler SicknessComments (0)

Food Poisoning Treatment – A Guide For Parents


Food poisoning can also strike children. This occurs a few hours after consumption of contaminated food. Most cases of food poisoning resolve after one to two days. Here is a guide on food poisoning treatment to help parents remedy this illness.

Identify The Symptoms

First of all, you need to assess the symptoms of food poisoning. These include vomiting, severe diarrhea, fever, queasiness, stomach pains or cramps and lethargy. It is important that you do this to ensure immediate medical attention is not required.

Maintain Good Hydration

Encourage your toddler to drink plenty of liquids. This will help replenish the lost fluids and electrolytes in the body preventing dehydration and wash out toxins from the body. You may let him take smalls sips of water, tea, ginger ale, apple juice, broth or an electrolyte oral solution such as Equalyte or Pedialyte (as long as your pediatrician recommends it) frequently throughout the day. However, avoid offering carbonated and sugary drinks such as soda and fruit juice as this may aggravate your toddler’s condition.

Monitor The Fever

If your toddler’s temperature is over 102 degrees Fahrenheit, you may give him over-the-counter acetaminophen or ibuprofen (e.g. Tylenol or Motrin). Make sure you read the label or ask your doctor for the proper dosage. If your toddler does not get better after taking the medication or his temperature rises to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, go to your pediatrician immediately.

Keep Your Toddler Comfortable

If your little one is vomiting, have him lie down on his side to minimize the risk of aspiration (accidental inhalation of vomit into the lungs). Keep his area at a room temperature. Extreme cold and heat can worsen the symptoms.

It is also important that you limit or remove distractions. Keep the TV volume down, avoid entertaining visitors for now, do not let him play vigorous activities or anything that can stress your toddler out. Encourage your toddler to read or play quiet games (e.g. jigsaw puzzles, stacking blocks, drawing, etc.) in bed. Play soothing music. This will allow your little one to relax without getting bored.

Monitor Your Toddler’s Diet

Since your toddler’s digestive system will still be weak and sensitive from the symptoms, do not give him solid foods for at least 24 hours. Stick to soft foods or the BRAT diet – bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. Once the symptoms have stopped, you may slowly introduce solid foods again. Serve small portions of food that are mild on the stomach such as cereal, crackers, skinless chicken breast and light soups. Stay away from acidic, dairy, fatty, greasy, spicy and sweet foods for 3 to 7 days.

Get Plenty of Sleep

Make sure your toddler gets complete bed rest for 24 hours or until the symptoms are gone. Adequate rest enables the body to deflect energy to the problem and to recuperate from the stress and energy necessary to fight against the infection.

Food poisoning normally goes away in a few days. But, if food poisoning last longer than five days or your toddler shows signs of dizziness, dehydration, discolored hands and feet and decreased urination, see your doctor. Your toddler might have to be hospitalized for a few days to receive IV rehydration.

Posted in Health, Toddler SicknessComments (0)

Toddler Cold Prevention Tips


Common cold is one of the most widespread childhood illnesses. Catching a cold is no fun. Here are some toddler cold prevention tips to help you protect your toddler.

Wash Your Hands

This is the most important cold prevention tip. Encourage your toddler to wash his hands often especially after playing, after using the bathroom, before meals and each time he gets his hands dirty. Have him wash his hands with soap and water for at least 30 seconds or while singing “Happy Birthday”. Make sure you keep an alcohol-based hand sanitizer handy in case soap and water are unavailable.

Cover Your Nose and Mouth

Millions of germs are expelled in the air when a person sneezes. Thus, it is very important that you teach your little one to cover his nose and mouth when sneezing. Have him use his elbow or sneeze into a tissue.

Hydrate

Limit your toddler’s intake of sugary and caffeinated beverages such as soda and iced tea. These drinks can deplete calcium (the most abundant mineral in the body) and weaken the immune system, making your toddler more susceptible to catching a cold. Make sure your toddler drinks at least 8 to 10 glasses of water per day. Fluids, particularly water, helps flush out toxins in the body.

Eat and Sleep Well

See to it your toddler is eating a well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables. They are loaded with nutrients that help strengthen the immune system. Health experts recommend children to consume at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Getting plenty of sleep is also effective in preventing colds. Sleep can boost your child’s immunity to help fight-off cold viruses.

Get Fit

Exercising builds up immune cells in the body so encourage your toddler to be active. Walking around the neighbourhood, playing physically demanding games and riding a bike for 30 minutes every day can effectively boost immunity. Plus, exercise is also beneficial for your toddler’s overall health.

Bundle Up

Keep your little one dry and warm, especially during cold season. Your toddler can catch a cold from getting chilled. Pick clothes made of polyester to keep moisture off the skin. Dress him in a second layer of clothing such as a sweatshirt, fleece jacket, socks, hat, mittens and closed shoes or snow boots.

Avoid Sharing Personal Items

Give your toddler his own cup, spoon and fork, plate, toothpaste and the likes. This will protect your child from getting the virus if someone in your family has a cold.

Clean Your Home

Rhinovirus (virus that leads to common cold) can live up to 3 hours on surfaces. Hence, you should make it a point to clean your home regularly. Use a sanitizing spray to disinfect high-germ items such as doorknobs, countertops, toothbrush holder, bathroom faucet handle and other commonly used household items.

Limit Exposure

Keep your toddler away from people who are sick, including yourself. Kissing and touching the eyes, nose or mouth after being around an individual with a cold are the fastest way to transmit cold viruses.

Remember, prevention is better than cure. Common cold is very contagious and can be dangerous. Thus, it is best for you to take preventive measures to keep your toddler cold-free and healthy.

Posted in Health, Toddler SicknessComments (0)

All You Need To Know About Diabetes In Children


Diabetes is one of the most common chronic conditions that affect children. It is a condition that causes harmful levels of sugar to accumulate in the blood. Type 1 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes in children while type 2 diabetes usually affects older people. But according to recent studies, more and more children are diagnosed with it. Use this guide to help you educate yourself about diabetes in children.

Causes

Type 1 diabetes can be caused by an autoimmune disorder that causes the body to attack the healthy cells in the pancreas that create insulin (a hormone that regulates the level of glucose in the bloodstream). The cause of this attack is unknown, but according to child health experts, genetics and viruses can trigger the condition.

On the other hand, type 2 diabetes in children can be a result of the body’s inability to react to the insulin that is being produced. It can also be inherited or a result of being obese and physically inactive. Type 2 diabetes is more common in children of African American, Hispanic, Asian American and Native American descent.

Signs and Symptoms

You know your toddler has diabetes if he has one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Abrupt weight loss
  • Extreme thirst or dehydration
  • Increased appetite
  • Frequent urination
  • Fatigue
  • Crankiness
  • Yeast infection
  • Stomach pains
  • Vomiting
  • Kussmaul breathing (quick and heavy breathing)
  • Ketoacidosis (breath smells like acetone)

Once you notice any of these symptoms, consult with your pediatrician immediately. Diabetes is a lethal disease that can affect every major organ in your toddler’s body which can lead to heart, blood vessel, eye, kidney and nerve damage.

Treatment

Blood and Sugar Monitoring

You have to ensure your toddler’s glucose level stays in a healthy range by checking it three times a day with a blood glucose meter.

Medications

You will have to give your toddler daily shots of insulin, depending on your toddler’s age and needs. Insulin shots are available in different types – fast-acting insulin (starts working 5 to 15 minutes after injection, usually given during the day), slow-acting insulin (works 30 to 60 minutes after injection, normally given at night), long-acting insulin (provides coverage for as long as 20 to 26 hours) and intermediate-acting insulin (works 1 to 3 hours after it is taken).

Healthy Diet

Children with diabetes are advised to eat nutritious foods and limit the intake of carbohydrates, fats and sweets. You can consult with a nutritionist to determine the correct diet plan for your little one.

Physical Activity

A diabetic toddler will greatly benefit from exercising. Encourage your toddler to take a sport, play physically demanding games, walk around your neighbourhood or ride a bicycle together. Any activity that will get your toddler moving will be good for him.

Diabetes is one health condition that should be taken seriously. Talk to your child’s doctor and make a research so you can learn as much information as you can about diabetes.

Posted in Health, Toddler SicknessComments (0)

Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Ulcer In Children


Stomach pains are often associated to stomach ulcer. Although this condition is more common in adults, children are at risk as well. Here is some information to help you better understand the causes, symptoms and treatment of ulcer in children.

Causes

  • H. Pylori – Helicobacter pylori is a bacteria that destroys the mucus that guards the lining of the abdomen and small intestine.
  • Acid and Pepsin – A toddler’s delicate stomach is unable to defend itself from powerful digestive fluids, hydrochloric acid and pepsin that results to the formation of ulcer.
  • Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) – Moderate intake of anti-inflammatory medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen can break down mucus barrier that can cause ulcer and bleeding in children.
  • Caffeine – Toddlers who love taking caffeinated beverages such as soda, iced tea, and energy drinks are prone to developing an ulcer since caffeine stimulates acid discharge in the stomach.
  • Stress – Children who are often under emotional and physical stress due to a medical condition or a grave injury are susceptible to ulcer.

Symptoms

Ulcer symptoms are similar to the symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases. Thus, it is very important to have the condition diagnosed by a doctor right away. Symptoms of stomach ulcer in children include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Chest pain (dull and achy)
  • Lack of appetite
  • Fatigue
  • Belching (frequent burping)
  • Weight loss
  • Diarrhea
  • Blood in vomit or stools

Treatment

Consult With Your Pediatrician

The doctor may perform an upper IG series (set of x-rays of the esophagus, tummy and small intestine) on your toddler in order to get a close-up look at your toddler’s gastrointestinal area. Your doctor may also refer you to a gastroenterologist who will perform an upper endoscopy (inserting an endoscope (a flexible tube with a camera) into the mouth and through the esophagus). This procedure is not painful but your toddler has to be sedated.

Medications

Antibiotics can be given to your toddler to eliminate bacteria in the body if ulcer is caused by a bacterial infection. H2 blockers (acid reducers or antacids) and acid pump inhibitors are used to decrease acid production if your child’s ulcer is due to stress and NSAIDs. In addition, doctors advise parents to avoid giving their children NSAIDs.

Modify Your Toddler’s Diet

Eliminating certain foods in your toddler’s diet is unnecessary unless a particular food aggravates your child’s stomach pain. Just be sure your toddler gets his daily dose of fruits and vegetables. Also, have him drink water (no caffeinated drinks) and reduce his intake of hot, spicy and acidic foods until his ulcer is totally treated and also 1 to 2 weeks after that.

At times, children with severe ulcers that do not react to treatment have to go through surgery to remove them, but this is very rare. In order to avoid this, make sure you seek professional help immediately if you suspect an ulcer so proper action can be taken.

Posted in Health, Toddler SicknessComments (0)

Chicken Pox In Children


Chicken pox in children is very common. In fact, it has been reported that 4 million children in the United States catch this infection annually. Here is a guide to help you understand this “children’s disease”.

What is chicken pox?

Chicken pox or varicella is a transmittable disease that is caused by VZV (varicella-zoster virus). Children under the age of 10 are the primary target of this infection. Small red bumps can emerge all over the body (some parts of the body are more affected than others) and these bumps will rapidly turn into clear liquid-filled blisters on a pink base which eventually turn into dry brown crusts. Chicken pox is infectious from 1 to 2 days before the rash starts until about 5 days after the rash appears. Your toddler can get chicken pox by direct contact or through the air.

Is chicken pox dangerous?

Generally, chicken pox is more of a nuisance for toddlers. But for toddlers with weak immune systems, the disease can lead to grave complications which can be fatal.

Signs and Symptoms

Aside from developing 250 to 500 rashes (on average), here are other symptoms of chicken pox:

  • Fever (101 degrees Fahrenheit)
  • Mild headache
  • Sore throat
  • Lack of appetite
  • Abdominal pains
  • Dry cough
  • Uneasiness

Treatment

Keep your toddler at home until he is no longer contagious to prevent him from spreading the illness and to give him time to recover.

To help alleviate the itchiness, give your toddler a cool compress or a cool bath every 3 to 4 hours. You can add a small amount of baking soda or colloidal oatmeal into the water for extra relief. Afterwards, pat (do not rub) the body dry and apply calamine lotion on the itchy spots.

Give your toddler acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to help relieve discomfort. Never give your toddler aspirin as this can cause Reye’s syndrome, a rare but lethal condition that affects the brain and liver.

Prevent your little one from scratching and infecting blisters by trimming his finger nails or placing mittens or socks over his hands during sleep.

Serve foods and drinks that are bland, cold and soft so your toddler can still eat easily even if there are blisters in his mouth. Avoid anything acidic and salty.

Engage your toddler in quiet activities such as reading, playing video games and board games, listening to music, assembling jigsaw puzzles and such to keep him entertained and to rid his mind off his discomfort.

Give your child an OTC children’s antihistamine if your toddler is really in pain. Make sure you ask your pediatrician for the proper dosage.

Prevention

Have your toddler immunized with a chicken pox vaccine. It is 99% effective and only has few side effects. Doctors recommend that children receive this immunization twice - at 12 to 15 months old and a booster shot at 4 to 6 years old.

Chicken pox does not need medical treatment. However, if fever lasts for more than 4 days or your toddler develops a high fever, becomes dehydrated and rashes ooze pus or becomes warm, red and sore, call your doctor at once. Also, if you have questions about chicken pox, ask an expert for further information.

Posted in Health, Toddler SicknessComments (0)

Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Headache In Children


Children also experience a throbbing pain in the head known as “headache”. Although most cases of headache in children are usually not severe, it is still recommended for parents to be aware of its causes, signs and treatment.

Causes

Infection

Common diseases such as cold, flu, fever and gastroenteritis are some of the most frequent causes of headache in toddlers. More serious illnesses such as sinusitis, meningitis and other respiratory infections can also cause headache but are normally accompanied by other signs and symptoms.

Head Trauma

Too much bumping and bruising of the head (e.g. if your toddler falls hard on his head) can cause headache. Immediate medical attention is necessary to prevent internal bleeding.

Migraine

This type of headache is oftentimes inherited. Migraines are painful and may cause your toddler to have mood swings, vomit, lose his appetite and feel nauseous.

Emotional Factors

Tension headache is often a result of anxiety, depression and stress. For example, a toddler who is starting preschool in a few weeks might experience bouts of headache because he is nervous to go to school.

Foods and Beverages

Certain foods and drinks can cause headache. Nitrate-filled foods such as bacon and hotdog and caffeinated drinks like soda are known to trigger headaches.

Symptoms

Generally, toddlers suffering from headaches experience one or two of these symptoms:

  • Tension on one or both sides of the head that usually last for 30 minutes to several days
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Changes in mood
  • Dizziness
  • Abdominal pain
  • Sensitivity to light and sound

Treatment

Adequate Rest

Encourage your toddler to get plenty of sleep as this will help reduce stress. Create a sleep schedule and make sure you stick to it. Sleep is the most powerful tool to treat a headache rather than medications.

Identify The Source

Find out what is bothering your toddler. Does he have a headache because he is exposed to bright lights or too much sun? Is it because he is scared of sleeping alone in his bedroom? Once you know the triggers, you can come up with ways to relieve his mind.

Relax

Teach your little one how to relax. Do breathing exercises. Let him listen to calming songs (e.g. classical music and white noise). Sit with your toddler and talk. Read to him. Cuddle. Give your toddler a kiss.

Exercise

Exercising helps enhance blood flow and boost overall health. Exercising also makes your heart beat at a lower rate which significantly minimizes the occurrence of headaches. Exercise together. It can be as simple as talking a walk around your neighbourhood for 30 minutes, playing tag or running around the park.

Cold Compress

Place an ice pack or a cool washcloth on the sore spot. This effective technique slows blood flow to the head and reduces head pressure.

OTC Medications

Give your toddler an over-the-counter medicine such as children’s acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin). Make sure to read instructions carefully to determine the correct dosage for your toddler. If unsure, talk to your pediatrician. Never give your toddler aspirin.

If your toddler’s headache persists, take him to the doctor for further evaluation.

Posted in Health, Toddler SicknessComments (0)

Tips For Treating Diarrhea In Toddlers


Diarrhea is very common in toddlers. It can be caused by an immature immune system, a change in diet, teething or a viral infection. Here are some tips for treating diarrhea in toddlers.

Offer Plenty of Fluids

Keep your toddler hydrated. Diarrhea can cause dehydration so make sure your toddler gets plenty of fluids. Offer clear fluids such as water and milk or have him suck on ice chips or popsicles. Avoid giving your toddler sweet and caffeinated drinks like fruit juice (especially apple and orange juice), soda and sports drinks since excess sugar can drain water out of the intestines, making diarrhea worse. If your toddler is unable to keep fluids down, give your toddler an oral rehydration solution such as Pedialyte to replenish the body of electrolytes.

Try The BRAT Diet

Feed your toddler bland, solid foods. Doctors recommend following the BRAT diet to speed up the recovery process. The BRAT diet consists of bananas, rice, applesauce and dry toast. These foods are flavorless and starchy which are easy on the stomach and helps create more solid stools. Over the next 48 hours, gradually include carbohydrate and fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, yogurt (that contains lactobacillus) and lean meat into his diet.

Change Diapers Frequently

If your toddler is not yet potty trained, change his diaper immediately after a bout of diarrhea. Clean his bottom and make sure it is dry before applying a diaper rash cream to keep his bottom from becoming irritated due to the loose stools.

Cuddle Your Toddler

Comfort your toddler as much as possible. Cuddle, talk to him and give him a hug and a kiss. These actions can soothe your toddler which can help reduce some of the discomfort that comes with the condition.

Make Sure Your Toddler Gets Plenty of Rest

Do not allow your toddler to play physically demanding activities for now. His body needs as much rest as it can get to recuperate and strengthen the immune system. Instead, perform quiet activities together such as reading, singing a song, coloring, stacking blocks and completing a jigsaw puzzle.

Do Not Self-medicate

Stay away from over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications unless a child health expert prescribes it. Sure, it hurts to see your toddler in pain but offering this drug is very hazardous as it contains bismuth subsalicylate, a substance similar to aspirin which can cause a serious health condition known as Reye’s syndrome.

Seek Expert Help

If the diarrhea lasts longer than 2 days or your baby has a high fever (more than 103 degrees Fahrenheit), vomits multiple times, shows signs of dehydration (dry mouth and irregular urination) and blood appears in the stool, consult with your doctor. Your toddler may need to undergo several tests for signs of issues such as bacterial and intestinal infections which require medical intervention.

Diarrhea is not a serious ailment when treated properly. By taking immediate action, your toddler will be in tiptop condition once again in no time.

Posted in Health, Toddler SicknessComments (0)

Ten Toddler Symptoms You Should Never Ignore


Children are prone to sickness. But, how will you know if it is something serious? Here are ten toddler symptoms you must never ignore.

Symptom # 1: A Temperature Higher Than 103 degrees Fahrenheit

A temperature over 103 degrees Fahrenheit is an indication that your toddler has a fever and a bacterial infection. It is very important that you call your doctor immediately as the infection can spread throughout the body and there is a big chance he can have a seizure. But if your toddler has a high temperature yet he seems to be fine, you do not have to worry too much. However, you still have to talk to your doctor for guidance.

Symptom # 2: Widespread Rash

If the rash covers your toddler’s entire body and looks like tiny red dots, a bruise or bulls-eye, it can be a sign your toddler has meningitis, Lyme disease, blood disorder or is allergic to something. He should be checked by the doctor especially if your toddler has bouts of vomiting or has trouble breathing.

Symptom # 3: Difficulty Breathing

If your toddler starts to rapidly breathe or struggle for air and he turns blue, he may have a respiratory illness such as asthma, bronchitis, croup, pneumonia or whooping cough. Ignoring these symptoms can cause dizziness, brain injury and heart failure.

Symptom # 4: Sudden Abdomen Pain

Stomach pain can either be a sign of gastroenteritis or stomach flu accompanied by fever and vomiting or appendicitis (if he feels pain on the lower right side of his stomach) followed by diarrhea, vomiting and then fever. If it is appendicitis, it can spread rapidly so early treatment is needed. It can also be intussusception (a condition in which one part of the intestine slides to the other).

Symptom # 5: New or Changing Mole

Check your toddler’s moles. If a mole appears to have an uneven shape, is elevated or has a different color, this can be a sign of skin cancer.

Symptom # 6: Blood In Urine and Stool

If your toddler urinates or poops and you see blood, this can mean he has UTI (urinary tract infection), intestinal infection or hemorrhoid. Seek medical help at once.

Symptom # 7: A Cut That Is Gaping

A cut that gapes open and does not stop bleeding may require adhesive bandage (for minor cuts) or skin glue and stitches (for major cuts) in order to stop infection.

Symptom # 8: Bad Headache

Headaches often go away after resting or drinking pain reliever. But if your toddler suffers a headache for hours to the point he cannot function properly, this could be a sign of migraine or a brain condition (if headache is accompanied by blurred vision and confusion). Immediate evaluation is needed.

Symptom # 9: Dry Mouth, Lips and Skin

These are warning signs of dehydration. You can give your toddler an electrolyte solution in small amounts to replenish lost fluids in his body. However, if his eyes look hollow and he does not urinate often, take him to the hospital to avoid shock.

Symptom # 10: Liquid Oozes Out of Your Toddler’s Ears

When you notice a white or yellowy liquid coming out of his ears, your toddler has ear infection. A ruptured eardrum can be treated by antibiotics or ear drops.

Parents should always exercise extra caution when it comes to their children. So if you notice something yet you are unsure, it is best to ask for professional advice. This way, even if the doctor tells you there is nothing to be worried about, at least you are assured your toddler is healthy and safe.

Posted in Child Health Issues, HealthComments (0)

advert
  1. We welcome any feedback, questions or comments

Calendar

November 2017
M T W T F S S
« Feb    
 12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
27282930