Ear Infections
Not every ear pain is an infection. Ear pain can be because of a viral syndrome, fluid build-up behind the ear drum because of allergies, or referred pain from a sore throat. However, it is always a good idea to get an ear pain evaluated to make sure it is not an infection needing antibiotics.
Teething and Acetaminophen
Teething is very normal process that should not have pain severe enough to require many doses of acetaminophen. If your child is fussy and needing frequent medication, there may be something else going on.
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Air Travel
Air travel can be fun but a great way to catch viruses that cause common childhood illnesses. It is always a good idea to quickly wipe the seats, the tray, and the windows next to your seat with sanitizing wipes. This will reduce the chances of coming home from a well-enjoyed vacation ending with a viral illness. Airport security will allow a few sanitizing wipes in a Ziplock bag, or you can take individually packed wipes for this purpose.
Avoid Getting Sick
It is always a good idea to wash hands before eating. However, it is also a good idea to teach children to avoid touching their faces, especially eyes, nose and mouth without first cleaning hands. This is because germs use the eyes, mouth and nose to enter the body. Children should clean their hands either by washing with soap and water or using hand sanitizer.
Immunizations
Immunizations are highly recommended to protect children from illnesses that can have severe complications and be deadly. The antigen load from a vaccine is far less than the antigen exposure a newborn receives when it first comes into this world. Being vaccinated not only saves lives, but it also contributes to herd immunity which is heavily relied upon by those who cannot receive vaccines.
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There is a lot of misinformation about vaccines on social media, including vaccines are causing autism. Because of the increasing misinformation, immunization rates are decreasing, and we are seeing infections like measles that were made rare with immunizations, resurge as outbreaks in communities. Always consider the source of your information, and question the reliability of it. Always seek professional opinion. The CDC and medical professionals will always provide scientific evidence that is reliable and authentic.
Saying ‘’Sorry’’
Making your child say ‘sorry’ is not necessarily the right thing to do. If your child does not have remorse, saying ‘’sorry’’ becomes meaningless. It is best to empower your child to understand the difference between right and wrong, and then to make the right choice. If your child truly understands the choice made was wrong, then remorse should follow. That is when saying ‘’sorry’’ is appropriate. Teach your child to say what they mean, and to do what they say. Otherwise, the behavior continues, only to be atoned by that one word that may not hold any meaning for your child.
Food Allergies and Behavior Changes
Food allergies can manifest as rash, breathing difficulties, wheezing, cough, swelling, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea. Food allergy does not affect developmental milestones. Food allergy does not directly cause behavioral changes either. The behavioral change can be from a symptom of food allergy, for example irritability because of an itchy rash. Not all food-associated reactions are allergies. There can be intolerance such as lactose intolerance causing bloating and diarrhea, and milk protein intolerance causing bloody stools. Understanding if your child is allergic to a certain food can be very challenging.
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Over-the-counter (OTC) Medications
While over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be very useful, be cautious of products that are not FDA approved. OTC medications that do not bear the FDA-approved label can have ingredients varying in quantities from batch to batch, and contain impurities and ingredients that may not be listed on the label. Harmful effects have occurred from OTC products that are not FDA approved. Always choose an OTC medicine by looking for an FDA-approved label.
Does Your Child Need a Vitamin?
If your child does not follow a special diet, is not a picky eater, and does not have conditions like anemia then your child probably does not need a daily vitamin. A child who eats well, eats a variety of foods, and is overall healthy is less likely to need a dietary supplement.
What to Do on A Rainy Day
Playing indoor games like Hide-and-Seek or board games with your child is a great way to show the art of losing and winning, taking turns, spending quality time, stimulating imaginative play, being creative, and just really getting to have conversations you otherwise wouldn’t have. In fact, it does not have to be raining to spend some quality time with your child, and make memories for when they are grown.
Have a Conversation with Us
At Happy Kids Pediatrics, we are here for you to answer all of your questions, and address all your needs. Do not hesitate to make an appointment, even if it is just for a healthy discussion. We are easily accessible at https://happykidspeds.com.
Thank you to our contributor, Dr. Chaudry at Happy Kids Pediatrics!
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