How To Treat Your Unwell Child
As a parent, it can be disheartening to see your little one down with a cold, flu or bogged down by some other bug that’s just begun to rear its ugly head. With a whole lot of doubts bombarding your mind, wouldn’t it be helpful to learn of some recommendation that can help you and your child sail smoothly during the ‘sick phase?’ Therefore, here are some aspects that health experts have laid emphasis on.
Health Pointers For Children Who Are Unwell
Treatment At Home
Colds, cough, stomach aches, headaches and lever are some of the common childhood illnesses that can be treated at home, However, parents or guardians should always go about the homecare for the sick child under medical supervision and guidance.
If you feel you are familiar with your child’s symptoms and the child is active and alert even though he or she may be suffering from a fever or a headache, or any other symptom, you needn’t worry. Your child’s behaviour and how he/ she feels when sick will determine the severity of the situation and the need to call your healthcare provider.
Offer your child plenty of fluids at regular intervals. Due to lack of appetite. a child may not be too keen to eat, so never force feed your child. Otter smaller portions of a soft diet, like a well-cooked khichadi, gradually or as advised by the doctor. Kids need plenty of rest when they are unwell, So ensure your child has regular naps. perhaps with a storytelling session and some comfort time with you.
When To See A Doctor
It your child is exhibiting any of the following signs or symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention:
- Difficulty in breathing
- Overtly inactive
- The colour of the skin and the lips turning blue or purple
- Seizure
- Burns
- Unconsciousness
- Uncontrolled bleeding
The behaviour of your child when sick will determine the severity of the situation and the need to call your healthcare provider
Knowing If Your Child Can Attend School
Listen to your child’s body cues, if your child feels too fatigued and ill to be a part of the school’s daily activities, it’s best to let the child rest at home. In addition, there is always a likelihood of transmitting the infection to others, as kids can more readily transfer the germs to their peers. Hence, restricting them at home when they are exhibiting symptoms becomes crucial, not only for their health but also for the well-being of others.
Look for the telltale signs such as absence of fever for at least 24 hours, without the use of medications. The child should be able to have a normal diet routine, along with the energy to participate completely in daily school activities.
Treatment Guidelines
Promote health at home with regular discussions, especially with the help of online media (videos preferred). The idea here ¡s to make children aware of the importance of medication once it enters the body. Older kids may be keener to get an insight into what works for them when they are unwell, with a condition they are confronted with frequently. They would be hesitant at first, but they shall feel the importance as they feel your concern. But please do not scare them about the disease or the condition for which the medications are being used.
Do not tall prey to some advertisements which promise changes overnight in your child’s vitality, memory power etc. Your concerns are appreciated, but consult a paediatrician or your family physician before you proceed with a major food supplement as your children’s metabolic needs may duller from other children.
Reward your children for their compliance with the medication. This may help in case of young children, but may not be applicable for teens. Do not torce the medication on children under any circumstance. Some conditions like fever and cold may affect the child again and the rewards may help in providing better compliance the next time.
Inform and keep the school authorities updated on the medical condition of your children, even post the treatment, The class teacher is the first person of contact in case of any emergency and you should be assured that the school authorities would take care of your children. Besides, children may feel better post the treatment, but a better follow-up requires assistance from elders.