Identifying Common Childhood Infections

All children are susceptible to commen illness. A child's immune system is less well developed than an adult's. Coughs, colds, fever, diarrhoea and allergiesare quite usual.If you pay attention to your child's nutrition, you can help him stay healthy.

Cold - A blocked nose ar runny nose, sneezing, a sore throat and ear ache are symptoms of a cold. There's no cure but you can ease your child's discomfort. Lots of fluids and ice creams will help a sore throat. keep the room wll ventilated.

Fever - A fever is a body temperature over 38C. Have a good thermometer available to measure temperature accurately. A fever is ussually the sign of a mild viral infection. See your doctor to find out the exact cause, rather than self-diagnose. In the meantime, keep the room temperature down.

Diarrhoea - Tummy trouble or diarrhoea could be caused by a viral infection or bad food. Your child could also run a fever with this. Give your child lots of fluids and take him to see the doctor.

Ear-ache - Ear pain without other cold symptoms may be caused by inflammation. Take him to see the doctor - if it's after office hours, wrap a hot water bottle in a towel for your child to hold against his ear. Prop him up against a pillow; he shouldn't lie flat.

Itcthy Skin - Eczema is a common complaint easy ti identify, even on babies because the skin is itchy and looks angry. If your baby is scratching, put gloves on him. Should the condition persist, see a doctor.

Boosting Immunity

You can take several step to boost your child's immune system and most concern the diet. Make sure your child's diet includes sources of vitamins A, C and E as well as iron and calcium. Vitamins help keep your child healthy and strong by reinforcing vulnerable internal organs and fighting infection.

Fruits and vegetables are the source of most essential vitamins and minerals. They also contain fibre, which aid digestion. Some growing-up milks come enhanced with prebiotics and probiotics. Prebiotics are fibre while probiotics are healthy live bacteria such as L.reuteri, proven good for warding off fever and diarrhoea.

For calcium, drink milk and eat cheese. Other important minerals include selenium which can increase the efficiency of white blood cells an important component of the immune system.