Brooklyn Pediatrician

Common Childhood Symptoms that Should Be Checked

If you have children you know that they can carry more dust, dirt, food and crayon marks that any other creature known to man. They can cover their faces with chocolate, wear corn kernels in their hair, and run through the mud with abandon. They also have runny noses, red faces and stomach aches at the least opportune moments.

Being a parent means knowing when to ignore dirt and runny noses, and when to see symptoms that may mean something more serious is afoot. Here are some common health issues that you should know and be aware of. If they occur, consult your pediatrician.

1. Diabetes

Some or all of these will occur regularly:

• Increased thirst or urination
• Lethargy, lack of energy to play
• Increased appetite with sudden or unexplained weight loss
• Vision changes
• A fruity odor to the breath

2. Vomiting

It’s not unusual in children unless:

• It is accompanied by diarrhea, stomach pain and fever
• There is blood or bile (usually green) in the vomit or stool
• If the child is under 6 years of age and can’t keep liquids down
• It is accompanied by signs of dehydration, which include:
• Decreased urination
• Dry lips
• Decreased energy
• Your child looks unwell to you

3. Ear Infections

Symptoms include fever, fussiness and ear-pulling.

4. Croup

This is a cough that sounds like a barking seal. Breathing may be difficult for the child.

5. Strep Throat

Symptoms include:

• A sore throat that lasts more than a week
• Difficulty swallowing
• Pain when swallowing
• Excessive drooling
• Fever over 100.4
• Contact with someone who has strep throat.

6. Flu

Sometimes it’s difficult to tell if your child has the flu or a cold. The flu usually causes:

• High fever
• Chills
• Body aches
• Extreme fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting

It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Get checked. The flu can lead to pneumonia.

7. Impetigo

Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection. Symptoms include:

• Tiny blisters on the skin
• Blisters ooze
• May crust over with golden or yellow color
• Highly contagious

Any skin rash or blisters should be checked by a pediatrician.

8. Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

The eye will be:

• Teary
• Red
• Eyelashes will be crusty

It spreads rapidly through schools and day care centers.

Children can have any number of illnesses as they grow. Knowing the signs and symptoms of conditions that may be more serious helps you to keep your child safe and healthy.

If you ever have questions as to whether your child should be seen by a physician, call us. It’s always better to have them checked than to worry.