How to Treat Common Childhood Illnesses

Treatments for Common Sicknesses in Kids

Aug 14, 2009 Charlina Stewart

Unless one intends to house her child in a bubble, it's unlikely he will escape his youth without being affected by some common childhood illnesses.

Youngsters who spend time in daycare or school settings are bound to catch strep throat, pinkeye, or chickenpox at some point during their childhood. None of these ailments are life-threatening in healthy kids, but they are highly contagious, and can cause more severe problems if they are not treated swiftly. Here’s how to treat common sicknesses in kids.

Strep Throat

Strep throat (streptococcus) is a very common childhood illness that causes sore throat, pain swallowing, fever, fussiness (in young kids), swollen lymph nodes, and sometimes pus covering the tonsils. A pediatrician can easily identify strep by examining and doing a culture of the child's throat.

Strep throat that’s caused by bacterial infections must be treated with prescription antibiotics such as amoxicillin. Untreated strep can cause complications such as acute rheumatic fever, and abscess behind the throat. In addition to antibiotics for strep, kids should get plenty of rest, and stay properly hydrated by drinking plenty of clear liquids such as water, apple juice, and broths. Avoid giving youngsters caffeinated beverages such as cola and tea. These drinks have a diuretic affect, and increase the risk of dehydration.

Bacterial Pinkeye

Bacterial Pinkeye is a common sickness in kids that causes the inner eyelids, and the whites of the eyes to become red. The eye will also swell, itch, and produce a thick, greenish-yellow discharge that can cause the eyes to be glued shut when kids sleep.

Bacterial pinkeye infections in children are treated with prescription antibiotic eye drops, or ointments. Also, frequently placing warm washcloths over the eyes will help relieve pinkeye discomfort.

Chickenpox

Chickenpox in kids causes an itchy, blister-like rash on the body. The blisters first appear on the body and scalp, and then spread to the face, arms, and legs. Chickenpox blisters eventually crust over and heal on their own, so unless kids have a fever of 102 degrees or higher, this common childhood illness can usually be treated at home.

Acetaminophen (never give kids aspirin) such as Children’s Tylenol will reduce fever. Regular oatmeal baths, Calamine lotion, and over-the-counter antihistamines such as Children’s Benadryl will relieve itching.

Try to discourage a young child from scratching when he has chickenpox, as this can result in secondary infections. If the young child can’t control the impulse to scratch, trim his fingernails, and put mittens, or a pair of clean socks on his hands.

Prompt treatment of strep throat, chickenpox, and pinkeye in kids can prevent more serious problems from occurring.

This article is intended for informational purposes only. Always consult a physician when dealing with childhood illnesses.

References:

American Academy of Pediatrics. Accessed 8-14-09

Medicine Net. Accessed 8-14-09

The copyright of the article How to Treat Common Childhood Illnesses in Early Childhood is owned by Charlina Stewart. Permission to republish How to Treat Common Childhood Illnesses in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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