A child is more likely going to get sick or develop an illness during the first four years of their life. After all, this is when children are being exposed to the viruses and germs of the outside world for the first time. Understanding common health issues in early childhood is a key way to help them stay well.
Their immune systems are not fully developed at this point. As a result, they are more likely going to get sick if they encounter these viruses and germs. In a way, this is healthy and natural because this helps build the strength of their immune systems.
It only becomes a problem if they contract a serious virus that causes dangerous symptoms. Parents need to monitor their children very closely during their early childhood.
4 Common Health Issues in Early Childhood to Monitor
There are so many common health issues that they could develop. You need to know which health issues to watch for by learning how to recognize their symptoms. Then you can seek the proper medical treatment for your child to give them relief.
Below are the top 4 common health issues in early childhood that parents should keep an eye on.
Poor Oral Health
It is never too early to consider the dental care and dental hygiene of your child. Did you know that 47% of children in school have some level of tooth decay? If you do not care for oral health in their early childhood, then it could cause problems when they develop their permanent teeth.
That is why you should make regular appointments for your child to see a dentist ensure there are no problems. This could be with a Lake Haven dentist or a dentist in any area near you.
You should always emphasize to your child the importance of brushing their teeth. Teach your child how to use a toothbrush. If your child is too young, you will need to do the brushing for them. Also, try to avoid giving them sugary foods that contribute to tooth decay.
Colds
The average person in early childhood will get a cold up to 8 times per year. As they get older and go to grade school, they only get a cold up to 6 times per year. Cold symptoms include runny nose, cough, sore throat, sneezing, congestion, and mild headaches.
If you notice that your child is suffering from any of these symptoms, then you should take them to see a pediatrician. Young children cannot take the same cold medicine that adults take. They will require a specially prescribed medication from a doctor.
At home, the best thing you can do is give your child plenty of fluids to drink, such as water or breastmilk. You should also run a cold-water humidifier in their room to help them breathe better.
Asthma
Roughly 25% of children will develop asthma or asthma-related symptoms. The common symptoms of asthma include wheezing, difficulty breathing, and coughing. These symptoms intensify if they move around or exercise.
Bronchi inflammation is the reason for their asthma. A doctor may prescribe an inhaler to the child to help them breathe better. What you can do is try and reduce their chances of having an asthma attack.
Be wary of things like pollen, cigarette smoke, dust mites, colds, and pet hair as this aggravates their symptoms.
Ear Infection
It is common for small children to get ear infections at some point in their early life. They may develop either an outer ear infection or middle ear infection. If you notice your child has trouble hearing or irritation in their ears, then you can assume they have an ear infection.
An ear infection will eventually go away on its own. You should wait two days before going to the doctor. If the symptoms do not clear up by that point, then a doctor can prescribe antibiotics to eliminate the infection.
Common Health Issues in Early Childhood to Monitor
Being a parent is one of the best jobs in the world and we want to do everything to keep our children. Keeping an eye out for these common health issues in early childhood will set your child on the right path. If you notice any of these symptoms, please contact your child’s doctor for medical advice.
