Today is

By: Ikedi Ani-okoye

Childhood illness

Babies and young children can become seriously ill within a very short space of time. It is vital that the parents and any other carers are familiar with what is normal for that particular child and, therefore, know when something is wrong. Very often children are unable to articulate exactly what the problem is and so you have to be prepared to make an informed guess about the cause. Whenever you are in any doubt about the health of a child you should consult a doctor or go to hospital immediately, no matter what time of day, or night, it is.

Children are not simply miniature adults their bodies are different and respond differently to illness and trauma. The responses of a baby will differ to that of a toddler, and the responses of a 7-year-old or a teenager will differ too. Children may not be physically or emotionality able to articulate how or why they feel ill, or where it hurts. This is why it is always important to listen to their parents. Parents may not be certain of what the problem is either, but they know that "something is not right" with their child.

Doctors always find time to see children, as they know how difficult it can be to judge childhood illness, and that problems may develop rapidly. At the same time, being able to deal with the common, short-lived childhood illnesses and with emergency situations yourself may allow you to avoid seeking unnecessary medical help or to improve matters until further medical help is available.

A reassuring manner

Always try to calm a sick child - children soak up, any respond to, mood and atmosphere very readily. Being reassuring in turn, lessen their pain and distress. If you come across a situation where you are dealing with distraught parents as well as an ill child, the key thing is to put both the parents and the chfid at ease before attempting to examine the child. Chat calmly to the parents before Addressing their child at all, and try to gather as much information about the situation as possible. Then keep the child occupied by playing and chatting quietly with them.

Assessing an ill child

Children react differently to illness at different ages. So, a baby's small nasal passages and inability to mouth-breathe make a cold a very distressing experience that affects sleep and feeding, whereas an older child tolerates the symptoms more easily. There are, however, a few pointers to Illness that apply more generally
How alert is the child? If they show interest in their toys and in people around them, this is a good sign. if they are slumped, silent and inert in their parent's lap, you should be concerned.

Look for rashes or abnormal skin colour, for example a greyish pallor may indicate a very sick child.

Identify any areas of pain. You can ask an older child where the pain is, but in babies and younger children you may have to use your intuition.

Is there any restricted movement in the arms or legs? The child may be protecting an injured limb.

Babies' cries can offer clues - a high- pitched cry is often a sign of illness.