Childhood Illness

Childhood illness is always a worry. Every child gets ill occassionally and every parent has had that feeling of anxiety as they see their normally chearful child looking sad and listless.

Most bouts of illness pass quickly and leave children better able to resist the next attack.

You will find information here on common childhood illnesses and accidents, the best ways to prevent them and what actions to take in an emergency.

Knowing When Your Child Is Ill

Watch for:

Some sign of illness like vomiting or a temperature, cough, runny nose, runny eyes.

Behaviour that's unusual for your child like a lot of crying, being irritable or refusing food or drink, being listless or drowsey.

Using Your GP

Most practises are very supportive towards parents of small children. Many will fit babies into surgeries without an appointment or see them at the beginning of surgery hours. Some GP's will also give advice over the telephone.

If you are worried phone the surgery and speak to the receptionist. They will be able to advise you whether to take your child in.

Using Medicine

Medicine isn't always necessary when your child is ill. Some illnesses simply get better by themselves and make your child stronger and better able to resist similar illness in the future. If you are offered a prescription talk with your GP about why it's needed, how it will help and if their are alternatives.

Using Herbs

You can use herbs to relieve the symptoms of some childhood illnesses. Not all herbs are suitable for children but some can work really well. To find out more visit www.herbal-remedies-and-supplements.com

For information on controlling bad behaviour in children Click childhood illness