Understanding Common Childhood Health Issues: A Guide for Parents

Children are facing an ever-increasing burden of stress and pressure in school, increased use of antibiotics and minimal free play time. Parents and teachers wonder if there's a toll on their health based on the common medical conditions children face daily.

Asthma

• An increase in pollution seems to be related to an increased number of children diagnosed with asthma, according to Medical News Today.

Depression

• Depression is the most costly medical condition to treat in children, according to Medical News Today. It cost about $8.9 billion in 2006.

The Common Cold

• The sniffles, cough and a fever have been the cause of many lost days at school. That remains as true today as it has in the past.

Obesity

• Most alarming is the increase in obesity in children, with its related issues of diabetes and heart problems. This medical condition has increased exponentially in recent times.

Self Injury

• According to the Mayo Clinic, self cutting is becoming a more common problem. This seems to be related to children needing a method to release tension and may be related to impulse control issues.