Fairfield, CT - All kids deserve top-quality medical care, no matter how mild or severe their conditions. As parents, it's crucial to know the latest treatment guidelines to ensure their child is receiving the best care available. DOCS Urgent Care & Primary Care Fairfield reveals the most common childhood illnesses and treatments to help parents keep their children healthy and happy.
But note that there might be reasons why pediatricians have various recommendations for different kids, especially if they have a pre-existing condition or allergy. That's why these medical professionals strive to discuss variations in treatment with parents. So for those who have questions about medical care for their child, please discuss them with a pediatrician or visit nearby Urgent Care in Fairfield, CT.
All presented information is backed by a study conducted by the AAP ( American Academy of Pediatrics) about the most common childhood illnesses and their best treatments.
Strep Throat
- Strep throat is caused by the bacteria streptococcus pyogenes that enter the body through the nasal passages or the throat. Its symptoms include a fever, a scratchy throat, tonsil swelling, and abdominal pain.
- A lab test or an in-office rapid strep test, which involves a quick swab of the throat, is needed to confirm a strep diagnosis. If the child is strep positive, the physician will prescribe an antibiotic. Even if the symptoms get better or go away, they must finish the full course of antibiotics as directed.
Ear Pain
- Ear pain has many causes, such as otitis media, swimmer's ear, teeth pain, and pressure from a sinus infection. A pediatrician can determine the exact cause behind ear pain. Then, the patient should undergo an in-office exam.
- If the child's ear pain comes with other symptoms like a high fever, pediatricians may suggest they take antibiotics. Aside from that, if the pain affects both ears or the kid has other signs of illnesses, doctors may require the same.
Urinary Tract Infection
- Urinary tract infection (UTI) happens when bacteria build up in the child's urinary tract. UTIs can be present in kids from infancy through their teenage years and eventually adulthood. Symptoms of UTI include sharp pain or burning sensation whenever urinating, polyuria, stomach pain, side or back pain, and bedwetting.
- Pediatricians need the child's urine sample to test for UTI before determining the best treatment. The doctor may adjust the treatment depending on the bacteria in the kid's urine.
Skin Infection
- Most pediatricians require a skin test from a culture or a swab for kids with skin infections. It helps them determine the best treatment for the infected child.
- Parents should inform their children's doctors if they have a history of exposure to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or other bacterial infections. And it also tells pediatricians if the child has gotten exposed to other individuals with resistant bacteria.
Bronchiolitis
- Bronchiolitis comes from a virus that often doesn't need antibiotics. Instead, DOCS Urgent Care & Primary Care Fairfield pediatricians recommend making the affected kid comfortable with close monitoring for severe symptoms such as dehydration or difficulty eating or breathing. Wheezing is one of the most notable symptoms of bronchiolitis, and it's common among infants and toddlers, especially during the flu and cold seasons!
- Medications for asthma patients aren't ideal for infants and toddlers with bronchiolitis. And those born prematurely or have underlying health issues may require a unique treatment plan.
Common Cold
- The common cold comes from viruses in a person's upper respiratory tract. Generally, young children, especially those under child care, can catch a cold 6 to 8 times annually. Common cold symptoms include excess coughing, a runny nose, and congestion that can last as little as a few days to ten days!
- The presence of green mucus in a child's nose doesn't mean the kid needs antibiotics, as the common cold goes away on its own and doesn't need medication. But if the doctor suspects a sinus infection, they'll carefully decide whether the child needs antibiotics depending on their symptoms and physical exam results.
Cough
- Coughs originate from viruses and often go away on their own. Mild cases do not require antibiotics.
- Never give cough medicine with narcotics like codeine to kids. Children under the age of 4 should not take OTC cough medicine unless advised by the pediatrician. Not only do they don't work on young kids, but they also pose numerous severe side effects.
When to Call DOCS Urgent Care & Primary Care Fairfield
Many common childhood illnesses run their course on their own or get better with rest and medicine. But some symptoms are signs that you should call your child's doctor. Seek medical help if your child:
- Has a weakened immune system, diabetes, asthma, or another long-term illness
- Showing signs of dehydration
- Has a very high fever
- Has difficulty breathing
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About the Company:
Docs Urgent Care & Primary Care Fairfield is Connecticut's leading specialty and general medical care provider. Their urgent care center in Fairfield, CT is open 365 days a year, with extended weekend hours, for medical needs that require immediate care. Their urgent care clinics also offer medical testing such as allergy tests, blood work, x-ray and imaging services, and more.
