Being a parent is tough and no tougher than when your child is unwell. While you get used to mild illness happening on a frequent basis – stuffy nose, mild fleeting fever, there may be certain symptoms that cause you to question whether you’re doing the right thing in staying home or whether you should take them to see a doctor.

Vitamin D is important for all ages but has particular importance in children. Here are some of the common questions pediatricians get asked by parents.

It’s very common for children to experience abdominal pain. Depending on their age, you may only know their stomach is uncomfortable as they cry and clutch it or point to it. Even when older, it can be difficult for them to describe. Most cases of tummy pain tend to get better on their own without any treatment and usually just last a few hours or a couple of days. If the pain continues, it’s severe, or you have specific concerns, you should speak to your doctor. Symptoms associated with abdominal pain can include vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, increased temperature, poor appetite, cramps, tenderness when you touch the stomach, and swelling of the abdomen.

A tonsillectomy is a surgery to remove your tonsils, which are two small glands at the back of your throat. Doctors usually do this surgery if you have lots of throat infections, trouble breathing while sleeping (sleep apnea), or problems swallowing.

Toddler's diarrhea is a common condition that doesn't usually mean anything serious, so long as your child is growing well, keeping up with their developmental milestones, and doesn't have other symptoms. As the name implies, it affects those aged 1 to 5. Children usually pass loose stool at least twice a day, but sometimes up to 10 times, and it might appear a bit paler and more smelly than usual, possibly with some undigested food. It's thought to be a combination of their developing gut and a less-than-ideal diet. It's more common in boys, although it's not clear why.

The BCG vaccine is designed to protect your child against catching a disease called tuberculosis (TB). TB is a bacterial infection that mainly affects the lungs, but the more severe form can also cause meningitis (swelling of the brain) in young children, and abscesses can form in the spine or other key organs and structures. There were almost 8,000 new cases of TB reported in the US in 2021, but it’s more common in Southeast Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. TB is infectious and can spread by coming into contact with the infected droplets of another person – by them coughing, sneezing, or speaking while they have the so-called “active” form of the infection. The bacteria need a good bit of time and exposure to pass themselves on, so it’s usually transmitted through very close and prolonged contact, like in the workplace or living with someone infected. The vaccine contains a weakened form of the bacteria that cannot cause the disease but will protect your baby if they ever come into contact with the disease. But it’s not routinely offered to every baby in the US; it depends on their individual risk of acquiring the disease.

Teething is a significant developmental milestone in your baby's early years, marking the arrival of their first teeth. As this natural process begins, it often brings with it a host of discomforts and challenges for both the baby and the parents. From the first signs of swollen gums to increased drooling and irritability, teething can be a difficult phase to navigate. Understanding the signs and symptoms of teething is crucial for providing effective relief and support. This article aims to guide you through the various indicators that your baby is teething, helping you to distinguish between typical teething symptoms and other health concerns. Additionally, we will explore practical strategies for alleviating teething pain and discomfort, including both over-the-counter remedies and natural approaches. One common concern among parents is the potential link between teething and gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea. We'll clarify this relationship and offer advice on how to manage your baby's symptoms effectively. By familiarizing yourself with the signs of teething and the best ways to help your baby through this period, you can ensure a smoother transition and provide much-needed comfort during this developmental phase.

Teething is a natural developmental process where an infant’s first set of teeth, known as primary or baby teeth, begin to emerge through the gums. This usually starts between 4 and 7 months of age, although it varies. Some babies might begin teething as early as three months, while others may not start until closer to their first birthday. The teething process can last until the child is about three, as the full set of baby teeth gradually emerges. Teething is an important milestone, but it can also be challenging for babies and parents. The discomfort associated with teeth breaking through the gums can lead to various symptoms, some of which may cause concern for caregivers. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for identifying what is expected during teething and what might indicate another issue, such as an illness that could cause a fever.

Mental health is just as important as physical health, especially during adolescence, a time of rapid growth and change. Teenagers face unique challenges, including hormonal shifts, social pressures, school stress, and identity development. While feeling stressed or anxious occasionally is normal, ongoing mental health struggles can affect daily life, relationships, and school performance. Understanding teenage mental health helps parents, caregivers, and teens themselves identify problems early and access support. This article covers common mental health issues, their causes, signs to watch for, and strategies to help teens maintain emotional well-being. What is Teenage Mental Health? Teenage mental health refers to a teen's emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how they think, feel, and interact with others. During adolescence, the brain undergoes significant development, particularly in areas related to decision-making, impulse control, and emotional regulation. Common mental health issues include: Anxiety Depression Body image concerns Low self-esteem Persistent or severe mental health problems can affect confidence, academic performance, and relationships. Recognizing the signs early is key to practical support and intervention.

Most sore throats are caused by viruses, and will not respond to antibiotics. They need good self-care, pain relief, fluids, and time, to get better. Some sore throats are caused by bacteria, and these will tend to need a course of antibiotics to get better. ‘Strep throat’ is a colloquial term used to describe a bacterial throat infection caused by streptococcus bacteria. Group A Streptococcus (Strep A) is one of the causes of bacterial sore throat, and it usually produces more severe symptoms than a viral sore throat. You may have severe pain, fever, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, an absence of other viral symptoms such as cough, and symptoms that last longer than a viral infection would be expected to last. If your doctor suspects a bacterial throat infection, they may take a swab to check the bacteria. Or if they are confident, may start a course of antibiotics immediately.

Children catch stomach bugs very easily, and they feel pretty rotten while it lasts. It can be tough to see them unwell, but parents also feel exasperated that it will be a few days before their child or toddler can return to school or nursery. Signs and symptoms of gastroenteritis in children Stomach bugs, also known as gastroenteritis or "stomach flu", mostly cause diarrhea, vomiting, stomach ache, pain or cramps, and sometimes  fever. Most tummy bugs are infections caused by a virus and essentially the body just needs time to do the hard work of getting rid of it. Unfortunately, there's nothing doctors can prescribe to chase it away any sooner, it resolves by itself. But there are ways to help them feel more comfortable while they battle on, and there are things you can give them to avoid further illness. What causes stomach bugs? Tummy bugs are most often viral, but they can also be caused by bacteria and parasites. Rotavirus is the most common gastric virus, with nearly every child in the US coming across it by the age of 5 years, and they are given a vaccine in the US childhood immunization program, to protect them. Adenovirus and norovirus can also cause diarrhea and vomiting. Bacterial infection can cause fever and bloody diarrhea, and they may appear more unwell. The most likely bacteria are Campylobacter, E. coli , and Salmonella.

A sore throat is a pain, scratchiness, or irritation of the throat that often worsens when your child swallows. It may come out of the blue if they’re fighting a viral or bacterial infection, and they may also experience cold symptoms like a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, a fever, coughing, and headache. You might be able to feel that the glands in their neck are enlarged, and they may be quite tender to the touch. If you look in the back of their throat, you might see one or both tonsils are enlarged and red, causing the gap between them to reduce, and you may notice some white spots on the tonsils.