Care Tips When Your Child Is Sick

Care Tips When Your Child Is SickWhen your child has a fever, give a fever-reducing medication such as paracetamol, which is the safest option.Avoid using aspirin, as it can cause Reye’s syndrome in children with influenza or chickenpox, leading to liver failure and brain damage, which can be fatal.

 

 

1. When Your Child Has a Fever

     When there is inflammation or infection anywhere in the body, a fever can occur. As long as the infection or inflammation remains, the fever may persist-either fluctuating or staying consistently high, depending on the condition. Parents often wonder why the fever returns even after taking medication; this is because the underlying cause is still present. Fever-reducing medicine treats the symptom, not the root cause. However, it is still important, as very high fever can lead to seizures in children.

Care tips for a child with fever
     Give a fever-reducing medication such as paracetamol, which is the safest option. Do not use aspirin, as it may cause liver failure and affect the brain, potentially leading to death, especially if the child has influenza or chickenpox. While waiting for the medication to take effect, you can sponge your child with tap water to help reduce the temperature. The medication typically works for about 4-6 hours. During the first 1-2 days, fever is often high, so caregivers should set an alarm, as the child’s temperature may rise while they are asleep.

     It is important to consult a doctor to determine the cause of the fever. If the fever is due to an infection, it may take 3-4 days after starting antibiotics for the fever to subside. However, if the fever remains high after 3-4 days, medical evaluation is necessary, and the doctor may consider blood and urine tests.

 

 

2. When Your Child Is Vomiting

     Vomiting may occur alongside diarrhea or infections of the throat and respiratory tract, where children may cough and vomit at the same time. It can also be associated with conditions such as appendicitis.

     When your child is vomiting, give oral rehydration solution (ORS) in small amounts to replace lost fluids. Feed slowly and frequently. An anti-nausea medication such as Motilium syrup may be given every 8 hours as prescribed. It is important to consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause.

 

3. When Your Child Has Diarrhea

     You should always keep oral rehydration solution (ORS) at home. The most dangerous complication of diarrhea in children is dehydration, especially if fluids are not replaced promptly. Give ORS gradually using a spoon. If ORS is unavailable, rice water with a small amount of salt can be used as an alternative.

     If your child continues to have severe diarrhea, appears weak, or is unable to eat or drink adequately, seek medical attention immediately for proper fluid replacement.

 

4. When Your Child Has Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain in children may be caused by conditions such as gastritis, diarrhea, or appendicitis (which is often accompanied by fever and vomiting). For initial care, you may give medication to protect the stomach lining. If symptoms do not improve, consult a doctor promptly.

 

 

5. When Your Child Has a Seizure

     Be cautious of potential injuries, especially if the child falls and hits their head. Do not put your fingers into the child’s mouth, as they may bite and cause injury. Instead, gently turn the child onto their side to prevent choking on saliva or vomit. If the child has a fever, sponge them with water to help reduce the temperature. Once the child regains consciousness, you may give a fever-reducing medication. If the child has a history of seizures, anti-seizure medication may be given as prescribed.

It is important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause.

 

 

Source : Princsuvarnabhumi

Princsuvarnabhumi

**Translated and compiled by ArokaGO Content Team