Dealing with Common Childhood Illnesses: Advice from Pediatricians

1. DEALING WITH COMMON CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES: ADVICE FROM PEDIATRICIANS www.sunpediatrics.com

2. ABOUT US Sun Pediatrics, serving Marietta, Alpharetta, East Cobb, and the newly opened Cumming location, is the beacon of children's healthcare. Renowned for offering expert pediatric and adolescent care, we cater to all aspects of your child's health from birth to 18 years. Our compassionate, efficient, and reliable approach ensures a nurturing environment for your child’s growth and development. We prioritize personalization at every turn, from consultations and specialized procedures to wellness and preventive care. Our board-certified pediatricians and state-of-the-art facilities make us the first choice for comprehensive pediatric care in Georgia. 03 Our Services

3. Every parent knows the anxiety that comes with hearing their child cough in the night or feeling their feverish forehead. Common childhood illnesses, while usually not serious, can be distressing for both the child and their caregivers. Understanding these illnesses and knowing how to manage them can make these times less stressful and keep your child comfortable. Here, we gather advice from experienced Marietta pediatricians on how to deal with some of the most common childhood illnesses, including colds, flu, ear infections, and the stomach bug. 1. Colds Colds are frequent visitors in households with children. Pediatricians emphasize that while there's no cure for the common cold, symptom relief is possible and important. Keep your child hydrated; water, juice, and warm broths can help loosen congestion. A cool-mist humidifier in your child's room may also relieve stuffed noses and ease breathing. Importantly, avoid over-the-counter cold medications in children younger than six years old because of potential side effects. Instead, pediatricians recommend using saline nasal drops and a bulb syringe to clear your child's nasal passages.

4. 2. Flu Influenza, or flu, can appear similar to the common cold but tends to be more severe, especially in younger children. The flu vaccine is the first line of defense and is recommended annually for children six months and older. If your child does catch the flu, rest and fluids are key. Pediatricians advise that children with flu should stay home from school or daycare to rest and to prevent spreading the virus. If your child has a high fever, body aches, or seems particularly unwell, contact your pediatrician, as antiviral medications may be necessary if diagnosed early in the illness. 3. EAR INFECTIONS Ear infections are a common reason for pediatric visits. Children are more prone to ear infections because of the size and shape of their eustachian tubes. Symptoms include ear pain, difficulty sleeping, fever, and sometimes trouble hearing. If you suspect an ear infection, seeing your pediatrician is crucial. Many ear infections are viral and will improve without antibiotics. However, if your child is under six months old or the infection is bacterial and severe, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. To ease discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers and warm compresses can be helpful.

5. 4. Stomach Bug (Gastroenteritis) Gastroenteritis, often called the stomach flu, is another common childhood illness, marked by vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. The main concern with the stomach bug is dehydration, so pediatricians emphasize the importance of keeping your child hydrated. Start with small sips of clear fluids, such as electrolyte solutions, clear broths, or water. For older children, bland foods like toast, rice, bananas, and applesauce can be reintroduced gradually. If your child is unable to keep liquids down, shows signs of dehydration, or has a high fever, you should contact your pediatrician. Prevention and General Advice Preventative measures are a cornerstone of keeping common childhood illnesses at bay. Pediatricians universally champion the importance of handwashing with soap and water, which significantly reduces the spread of infections. Vaccinations, including the annual flu vaccine and routine childhood vaccinations, are vital in preventing serious complications from common illnesses. For any illness, if your child seems unusually lethargic, has trouble breathing, refuses to drink fluids, or if you're otherwise concerned, don't hesitate to reach out to your Marietta pediatrician. Trust your instincts; you know your child best.

6. The Takeaway: Pediatricians understand that managing common childhood illnesses is part and parcel of parenting. Armed with the right information and strategies, parents and caregivers can feel more equipped to care for their little ones during these uncomfortable times. Remember, most of these illnesses, while certainly unpleasant, are temporary. With supportive care, most children bounce back quickly. Yet, a pediatrician's advice and expertise are invaluable, so when in doubt, reach out to your child's doctor. They can provide guidance tailored to your child's specific needs and circumstances, ensuring that your child gets the best care possible.

7. CONTACT US Phone number 678-501-5601 Website www.sunpediatrics.com Office Address 11975 Morris Rd Ste 330 Alpharetta, Georgia 30005,United States