There are many illnesses that are common during childhood, including the following:

• Common Cold — The common cold is known as “common” for a reason; it affects nearly everyone at some point during their life and can be very prevalent during childhood.

• Ear Infections — Ear infections are a common complication of upper respiratory infections, and can be recurring in some individuals.

• Influenza — The flu, which is similar in prevalence to the common cold, frequently affects children, causing symptoms of fever, muscle soreness, headaches, and lack of appetite.

• Conjunctivitis — Pink eye (or pinkeye) is a common childhood illness that is characterized by inflammation of the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane that covers the front of the eye. It can be caused by infection, irritation or allergies.

When a child is unwell, they show many visible signs of sickness, such as whining more, playing less, and lethargy. Children also exhibit symptoms indicative of an illness, including runny nose, coughing, low-grade fever, sneezing and gastrointestinal upset (vomiting or diarrhea). Fortunately, common childhood illnesses typically clear up on their own with rest, at-home care and over-the-counter medicines. It is normal for a child who is feeling unwell to exhibit the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Headache
• Malaise (tired)
• Diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rash
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Swollen lymph glands
• Excessive drooling (in young children)
• Abdominal pain
 
However, some symptoms are indicators of a more concerning condition or complication, especially if the child has a suppressed immune system, diabetes, asthma, or other chronic illness. Symptoms that require medical attention include:

• Difficulty breathing
• High fever (over 104ºF)
• Dehydration

The best way to prevent diseases and illnesses in children is to teach them proper hygiene and self-care practices, and most importantly, ensure they are well-nourished and physically active. Many diseases, in children and adults alike, are the result of improper diet, leading to an imbalance that causes symptoms of sickness. In addition to this, it is vital for children to see a pediatrician on a regular basis, at least once a year, but in many cases more.

The most common illnesses that pediatricians treat include:

• Abscesses
• Acid reflux disease
• Acne
• Asthma
• Atopic dermatitis
• Bronchitis
• Bronchiolitis
• Canker sores
• Celiac Disease
• Cerebral palsy
• Chronic cough
• Constipation
• Croup
• Dermatitis
• Diphtheria
• Dyslexia
• Dry skin
• Eczema
• Flat foot
• Food Allergy
• Gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD)
• Guillain-Barré syndrome
• Headaches
• Impetigo
• Infections
• Influenza
• Iron-deficiency anemia
• Jaundice
• Lactose intolerance
• Measles
• Meningitis
• Otitis (ear infection)
• Pharyngitis
• Rash
• Roseola
• Rubella
• Scoliosis
• Sickle-cell disease
• Sinusitis
• Skin infections
• Sore throat
• Styes
• Urinary tract infections
• Uveitis
• Viral gastroenteritis
 
If your child is feeling unwell, bring them to Suburban Healthcare Associates for professional care and effective treatments. Call us today to book an appointment at our common pediatric illness treatment clinic, or visit one of our three locations: We serve patients from Naperville IL, Plainfield IL, Joliet IL, Woodridge IL, Wolfs IL, Warrenville IL, Crystal Lawns IL, Romeoville IL, Lockport IL, Crest Hill IL, Shorewood IL, Gilletts IL, and Fairmont IL.