Childhood Allergies & Illnesses: Symptoms, Causes & Management

Allergies

Signs and symptoms:

* Sneezing

* Runny nose

* Itchy eyes

* Watery eyes

* Congestion

* Coughing

* Wheezing

* Difficulty breathing

* Hives

* Swelling

* Nausea

* Vomiting

* Diarrhea

Appropriate responses:

* Avoid the allergen if possible.

* If the allergen cannot be avoided, take an antihistamine or other medication to relieve symptoms.

* See a doctor if symptoms are severe or do not improve with medication.

Common childhood illnesses

Colds:

Signs and symptoms:

* Sneezing

* Runny nose

* Congestion

* Coughing

* Sore throat

* Fever

* Headache

* Body aches

* Fatigue

Appropriate responses:

* Rest at home.

* Drink plenty of fluids.

* Use over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms.

* See a doctor if symptoms are severe or do not improve after 10 days.

Influenza (flu):

Signs and symptoms:

* Fever

* Coughing

* Sore throat

* Headache

* Body aches

* Fatigue

* Weakness

* Nausea

* Vomiting

* Diarrhea

Appropriate responses:

* Rest at home.

* Drink plenty of fluids.

* Use over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms.

* See a doctor if symptoms are severe or do not improve after 5 days.

Strep throat:

Signs and symptoms:

* Sore throat

* Fever

* Headache

* Body aches

* Fatigue

* Swollen lymph nodes in the neck

* White or yellow spots on the tonsils

Appropriate responses:

* See a doctor for antibiotics.

* Rest at home.

* Drink plenty of fluids.

* Use over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms.

Chickenpox:

Signs and symptoms:

* Fever

* Headache

* Body aches

* Fatigue

* Loss of appetite

* Itchy rash of red bumps that turn into blisters

Appropriate responses:

* Stay at home and avoid contact with others.

* Drink plenty of fluids.

* Use over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms.

* See a doctor if symptoms are severe or if you are at risk for complications.

Measles:

Signs and symptoms:

* Fever

* Coughing

* Runny nose

* Red, watery eyes

* Swollen eyelids

* Koplik's spots (small, white spots on the inside of the cheeks)

* Rash of red, flat spots that start on the face and spread to the rest of the body

Appropriate responses:

* Stay at home and avoid contact with others.

* Drink plenty of fluids.

* Use over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms.

* See a doctor if symptoms are severe or if you are at risk for complications.

Mumps:

Signs and symptoms:

* Fever

* Headache

* Body aches

* Fatigue

* Loss of appetite

* Swollen salivary glands (under the ears)

Appropriate responses:

* Stay at home and avoid contact with others.

* Drink plenty of fluids.

* Use over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms.

* See a doctor if symptoms are severe or if you are at risk for complications.

Rubella (German measles):

Signs and symptoms:

* Fever

* Headache

* Body aches

* Fatigue

* Loss of appetite

* Mild rash of pink, flat spots that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body

* Swollen lymph nodes

Appropriate responses:

* Stay at home and avoid contact with others.

* Drink plenty of fluids.

* Use over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms.

* See a doctor if symptoms are severe or if you are at risk for complications.