"My throat hurts! My head hurts! I can't breathe!". These are the first words our children usually say out loud when they don’t feel well. With the arrival of the winter season, mothers will begin to hear these words more and more often. Unfortunately, figuring out what exactly is wrong with your child is not a piece of cake.
Here are the most common health conditions children can suffer from during winter:
- Colds and flu – studies have shown that over 20% of people around the world catch flu at least once a year, most of them being children. Caused by external viruses, these illnesses can be easily transmitted through a cough or sneeze. The symptoms include a raise in temperature, chills and shakes, severe fatigue, muscle aches, coughing and nausea.
- Bronchitis – over 25% of the people diagnosed with bronchitis during a year are children, most of them under 5 years old. The disease, an inflammation of the airways, is caused by viruses, bacteria or pre-existent allergies. The symptoms can include fever, difficulty breathing and a severe, chesty cough that can last more than one week.
- Sinusitis – doctors say that 10% of colds the children have can lead to sinusitis, an inflammation of the lining of the sinuses caused by allergies or an infection. The symptoms are nasal congestion, headache and even a severe cough or sore throat.
No matter the symptoms, a visit to the pediatrician is essential when it comes to your child’s health. Not only they can recommend the best treatment, but doctors always know the best means of prevention in the future.
