Being a parent or guardian of a child is one of the biggest responsibilities you will ever have. Taking care of them on a day to day basis means keeping them fed, clothed, and healthy. Sometimes the latter is out of your control, which means you will need a good family doctor. Finding a good pediatrician means they can diagnose and treat some of the ailments your child will face throughout their childhood. In order to get a better idea of what some of those illnesses may be, this guide goes over some of the most common childhood sicknesses and what they entail.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a type of chest infection that can cause a lot of pain and discomfort in children and babies. The symptoms and signs may differ from each child, but the main ones are:

  • Rapid breathing

  • Wheezing

  • Struggling to breathe

  • Cough

  • Runny nose

  • Fever

  • Pale skin

  • Stomach pain

  • Chest pain

These are just some of the symptoms your child may have. It can be a very serious illness and may even require hospitalization in extreme cases. Children that are admitted to the hospital usually receive fluids for dehydration or oxygen for low oxygen levels. The other treatment methods will depend on whether it is viral or bacterial pneumonia. Antibiotics, steroids, and inhalers may be used to help the child fight the illness.

Chicken Pox

Pretty much everyone has heard of chicken pox. It is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. The symptoms of the illness include:

  • Red spots on the skin

  • Fever

  • Headache

  • Stomachache

The child will be pretty uncomfortable due to the red, itchy rash that spreads over their body. Your pediatrician will prescribe medicine to reduce the itching, but since it is a virus there are no antibiotics that can be used to treat the condition itself. The virus is extremely contagious until the rash is blistered over, so keep your child away from others until then. In order to prevent chicken pox, you can choose to give your child the immunization shots for it.

Conclusion

These are just two common childhood illnesses. Your child will face many more sicknesses throughout their adolescence. That is why it is ideal to find a good doctor who you and your child feel comfortable with. Don't be afraid to "fire" a doctor and find another one until you have the right one that you like. You can also ask your insurance provider about pediatricians in the area that accept your insurance and go from there.

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