Childhood is a time of growth, exploration, and boundless energy. However, it’s also a period when children are susceptible to common illnesses. In India, where factors like climate, sanitation, and healthcare infrastructure can vary significantly, it’s crucial for parents to be well-informed about these illnesses and the steps they can take to prevent them.

Before delving into the specific illnesses, it’s essential to understand the prevalence of childhood illnesses in India. According to data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS), nearly 62% of children under the age of five in India suffer from at least one form of malnutrition, making them more susceptible to infections. Additionally, respiratory infections, diarrhoea, and vector-borne diseases are common among children due to environmental factors and sanitation issues.

Common Childhood Illnesses

Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs)
Common cold and ARIs such as pneumonia and bronchitis, are widespread among children, often triggered by viral or bacterial infections.
Prevention: Keep your child’s surroundings clean, ensure good ventilation, and maintain proper hygiene practices.

Gastrointestinal Diseases
Stomach flu and Diarrhoea are a significant health issue among Indian children, mainly due to poor sanitation and contaminated food or water. Symptoms include persistent stomachache, vomiting, fever.
Prevention: Provide safe drinking water, practice thorough hand washing, and educate your child about safe food handling.

Vector-borne Diseases
Malaria and dengue fever are prevalent in India, with children being particularly susceptible to mosquito-borne infections.
Prevention: Use mosquito nets, insect repellents, and eliminate stagnant water sources to prevent mosquito breeding.

ENT Infections
Children are more prone to infections of the throat, ear and nose compared to adults. The infections can stem from bacterial or viral sources and result in symptoms such as ear pain, tonsillitis, fever, restlessness, difficulty in breathing and fitful sleeping.

Vaccine-preventable Diseases
Measles, mumps, rubella, and polio are preventable through vaccination.
Prevention: Ensure your child receives all recommended vaccines according to the schedule provided by the paediatrician.

Reasons for Childhood Illnesses

Malnutrition: Poor nutrition weakens a child’s immune system, making them more susceptible to infections.

Inadequate Sanitation: A lack of proper sanitation facilities can lead to waterborne diseases like diarrhoea.

Overcrowding: Overcrowded living conditions can speed up the spread of infectious diseases.

Lack of Vaccination: Insufficient vaccination coverage leaves children vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases.

Building Immunity in Children

Building a strong immune system in children is essential for their overall health and resilience to infections. Here are some effective ways to boost and maintain immunity in children:

Balanced Diet: Ensure your child eats a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy products. These provide essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, and antioxidants that support immunity.

Breastfeeding: If possible, breastfeed your baby exclusively for the first six months. Breast milk contains antibodies and nutrients that help strengthen a baby’s immune system.

Adequate Sleep: Ensure your child gets sufficient sleep according to the age. Sleep is crucial for immune function and helps the body recover from daily stressors.

Regular Exercise: Encourage physical activity appropriate to your child’s age. Exercise promotes a healthy immune system by increasing the circulation of immune cells in the body.

Hydration: Proper hydration is essential for maintaining a strong immune system. Ensure your child drinks an adequate amount of water each day.

Hand-washing: Teach your child proper hand-washing techniques and encourage her to wash hands regularly to prevent the spread of germs and infections.

Vaccination: Keep your child up-to-date with recommended vaccinations. Vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect against serious diseases.

Probiotics: Consider incorporating probiotic-rich foods like yogurt into your child’s diet. Probiotics can help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which plays a significant role in immune function.

Limit Sugar and Processed Foods: Excessive sugar and highly processed foods can weaken the immune system. Reduce your child’s intake of these items.

Sun Exposure: Ensure your child gets some sunlight exposure (with appropriate sun protection) to help the body produce vitamin D, which is essential for immune health.

Good Hygiene Habits: Teach your child to cover their mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, and to avoid close contact with sick individuals to reduce the risk of spreading or catching infection.

Maintain a Clean Environment: Keep your home clean and well-ventilated to reduce exposure to allergens and pathogens.

Consult a Paediatrician: If you have concerns about your child’s immunity or if they have frequent illnesses, consult with a Paediatrician for advice and treatment if necessary.

Remember that building a strong immune system is a gradual process, and it’s essential to focus on long-term habits and a healthy lifestyle.

Children’s health is a matter of great concern for every parent. It is important therefore to choose a Paediatrician, or better still, a hospital with the right child-specific attitude, expertise and infrastructure as the go-to destination for your kid’s health issues. At BBR Hospitals at Balanagar, Hyderabad, your child will meet friendly caregivers in a child-friendly ambience. The Paediatricians offer personalized guidance specific to your child’s health, his/her growth and development, and vaccination schedule. If your child requires hospitalisation for any reason, BBR’s air-conditioned 10+24 bed units with warmers, phototherapy units, monitors, Paediatric ventilators manned 24×7 by Neonatologists, Paediatricians & Registrars is just the place for a full and quick recovery. Your child’s well-being is paramount, and BBR Hospital is always alert to help.

To conclude, understanding common childhood illnesses, their causes, and how to prevent them is crucial for parents. By following these prevention tips and seeking professional advice when needed, you can help safeguard your child’s health and ensure he/she has a happy and healthy childhood.