Common Illnesses in Little Ones

In honor of Father’s Day’s recent passing, our team here at DocChat wants to shine some light on the parents that kept us healthy as children through their tender love and knowledge on how to treat our common illnesses.

To help some of our new parents, there is no such thing as having too much information on common illnesses amongst youngsters. Although parents have months to prepare to raise their little one, common illnesses can be scary, especially during the first years when a child’s immune system is developing. Illnesses caught during this time can be life threatening and long-standing.

Four Common Complaints

1) Teething – Teething typically begins around six months old and can be spotted from common symptoms like crying, chewing, gnawing and even a fever. To reduce the inflammation of the gums, try giving your tot a cold teething ring or using teething gel. This will not only reduce soreness, but also give your baby a source of distraction from her hurting gums.

It can be tough to know what to give your little guy to eat when he is teething, but some great options are cold, soft fruits like strawberries, melons and blueberries. Strawberries and blueberries are an anti-inflammatory, calming your baby’s irritation. In terms of veggies, try mashed potatoes, peas, and sweet corn.

2) Colic – Nearly one in five babies are born with colic, a frustrating condition where an infant is under significant distress. Babies with colic will often cry for more than three hours a day, three days a week for three weeks consistently. Colic is predictable, with an infant being particularly upset during certain hours of the day. Luckily babies typically overcome colic after 3 or 4 months, but sometimes colic lasts longer. If your baby suffers from bouts of colic, stay calm and comfort your infant.

3) Common colds and coughs – It is likely that your baby is going to catch a cold at some point of the winter season. Adults acquire colds and coughs roughly 2-4 times per year, but children are struck with colds nearly 6 -10 times per year. Colds and coughs spread quickly during the fall and winter months because many are forced to spend more time indoors in close quarters. Colds typically last ten days and gradually build, but viruses and flu-like symptoms can be spotted from their quick onset. If this happens to your baby, try DocChat where you don’t have to bear the frigid outdoors to get your baby the care she needs.

4) Ear infections – Youngsters acquire ear infections nearly as often as the common cold. Eighty to ninety percent of children weasel their way into an ear infection before they turn 3. Children tend to get ear infections often because the Eustachian tubes in the ear canal are relatively flat. As the child grows, the tubes lift and widen, providing better ventilation and less likelihood for bacteria to congregate. Ear infections are typically marked by fevers, irritability, quick change in behavior, and rubbing or tugging on the ear. If this sickness strikes your little one, DocChat is here to help and can get your child a prescription in no time.

If your little one is sick, DocChat can help get him or her up and running again. Happy belated Father’s Day!