Danger signs of Childhood illnesses

The signs to not ignore

Hey mommas, 

The list of childhood illnesses seems to be endless and just as the name implies, all children are susceptible to them. These illnesses can either be infectious or noninfectious and the most common ones are usually viral, bacterial, allergic or immunological illnesses. These illnesses include the likes of bronchiolitis, ear infections, pink eye, rotavirus, chicken-pox, measles, mumps, rubella, whooping cough, flu, meningitis, etc. 

Getting your child vaccinated can usually prevent a number of the illnesses listed above. Thus, the importance of vaccination cannot be overemphasized. 

Regardless, it is important that you know how to identify an emergency and what to do if they arise. This is why knowing the danger signs of various illnesses is important. 

Here are a number of danger signs to look out for in your child which has been classified so you understand and remember easily.

General danger signs;

• They cannot be woken from sleep or are not responding as much as they normally would to what is going on around them.

• Their eyes are glazed and seem unfocused.

• They look drowsy or less alert than they usually are.

• They have a convulsion.

• They cry unusually (like a high pitched, weak or continuous cry) for an hour or more.

• They have severe abdominal pain.

• They have a bulge or swelling in the groin or scrotum that becomes more obvious when they cry.

Vomitings and diarrhoea;

• If your child throws up at least half of their food or milk. 

• If the vomit is green.

• If they vomit and have diarrhoea as well.

• If they use the toilet less than they usually do or take lesser fluids. 

• Has blood in their poo.

Temperature; 

• If your child feels too hot or too cold (that is temperatures below 35ºC and above 38.3ºC). 

Note: The average body temperature for children and babies is between 36.6ºC and 37.2ºC.

Skin colour and circulation; 

• Their skin is paler than normal or becomes very white suddenly. 

• Their nails are blue or colour doesn’t return to the toes three seconds after squeezing it.

• They develop a rash with reddish-purple spots or bruises.

Breathing; 

• They struggle while breathing or they stop breathing completely.

• Their breathing is faster or slower than normal.

• They wheeze when breathing out. 

If your child presents with any of the danger signs listed above, you need to speak to a doctor immediately! We can help you get in touch with the very best children's health care specialists! 

We wish both you and your child the very best of health momma!