When to Worry: Your Child’s Common Health Symptoms, Debunked

Symptoms

For babies, a fever is a body temperature above 37.5 ̊C. Most fevers with viral illnesses range between 38.3 ̊C and 40 ̊C, and may last three to five days. (Normal body temperature falls between 36.5°C and 37.5°C)

Age group

Fevers can occur at any age, but they are most common in infants and young children, especially between 6 months and 5 years old.

Possible Causes

This is usually a sign that the immune system is working to fight an illness, usually a bacterial or viral infection, such as upper respiratory tract infection or influenza.

Immediate Treatments

Newborn infants with weak immune systems will need to be admitted to hospital if their fever reaches 38°C. 

For babies above three months old, doctors will do a thorough examination to determine the cause of their infection. In milder cases, they may be prescribed paracetamol or ibuprofen. Parents are advised to keep their child well hydrated and cool, and for the child to get ample rest.

Who should I seek help from? 

For Newborn infants: Visit the A&E if fever reaches 38°C. 

For babies above three months old: Visit your baby’s GP promptly.

Symptoms

Phlegm, wheezing and rapid or difficult breathing

Age group

Between 1-5 years old

Possible Causes

This is an infection of the small airways of the lungs

Immediate Treatments

Visit a GP. In more serious cases, children may need additional treatment, such as oxygen therapy or nebulisation. 

Who should I seek help from? 

Start by visiting a GP. You should see a paediatrician if:

• The bronchitis is severe or prolonged

• Your child has underlying health issues (e.g., asthma or other lung conditions)

• Symptoms worsen or don’t improve after a week

• Your GP refers you for specialist care or further tests

Symptoms

If your infant cries more than three hours a day in the late afternoon or evening, more than three days a week for more than three weeks, it could be due to colic. 

Other symptoms include clenched fists, tense abdominal muscles and may curl up the legs. 

Age group

Starts: Around 2 to 3 weeks of age

Peaks: At 6 to 8 weeks

Possible Causes

• Excessive swallowing of air

• Milk allergy 

• Immature digestive system.

Immediate Treatments

Give your baby small but frequent feeds, and ensure your little one burps well. 

Cuddle and talk or sing to your baby. 

Who should I seek help from? 

Consult your GP if the crying doesn't stop, or if there's a change in your baby's feeding pattern.

Symptoms

Baby passes watery stools.

Age group

6 months to 5 years old

Possible Causes

• Viruses, the most common being Rotavirus, which can be prevented with a vaccine.

• Bacteria such as Salmonella, Campylobacter or Shigella.

• Excessive intake of fruit juice or sweetened drinks

• Lactose intolerance

Immediate Treatments

Stay hydrated. Diarrhoea can lead to dehydration. 

Continue feeding your baby with small and frequent breast milk/formula throughout the day.

Who should I seek help from? 

Visit your GP, who may prescribe oral rehydration solutions to replace water and salts lost, and medications to reduce your baby's diarrhoea episodes.

Note: Do not self-medicate your baby with anti-diarrhoea medicine, unless it has been prescribed by a doctor. The majority of children with gastroenteritis do not need any medication.

Symptoms

Abnormal pattern of bowel movements in which stools are passed less frequently than usual and are often harder than usual.

Age group

Most common: 4–12 months

Higher risk: Formula-fed babies, during introduction of solids, or if fluid intake is low

Possible Causes

• Lack of fibre-rich foods (cereals, vegetables, fruits), inadequate fluid intake and an excess of sweet junk food in the diet

• Poor bowel habits, problems with toilet training and at times, unwillingness to spend time on the toilet

• Small tears (fissures) at the bowel opening (anus), causing pain at the time of bowel movements

• Some medications such as iron

• Illness (vomiting, fever) in which a lot of fluids have been lost

Immediate Treatments

Increase your baby’s fibre intake and make sure they stay hydrated. Monitor your baby's bowel movement. 

Who should I seek help from? 

If the stools are harder than usual or if your little one shows any sign of discomfort, do visit a GP

Symptoms

Inflamed red patches

Age group

commonly seen in babies between 9 – 12 months of age, but may begin as early as 2 months.

Possible Causes

• Irritation from waste trapped in diapers

• Yeast infection

• Allergic Dermatitis (caused by soaps, detergents or the diaper itself)

Immediate Treatments

To calm diaper rash, immediate steps to take would be to change diapers more frequently, and clean the affected area with water in a dabbing (not rubbing) motion, so as not to break the superficial layer of the skin. 

A barrier cream will provide an additional layer of protection. Double check your baby’s soaps, detergents and diaper brands to ensure that they are allergen-free and safe for baby’s use.

Who should I seek help from? 

In more serious cases where the area between the pubic area and the legs is affected, your baby might possibly be suffering from a fungal infection and a visit to your General Practitioner (GP) for an anti-fungal cream prescription is recommended. 

Symptoms

Appears as little red bumps, similar to small blisters or pimples. The skin often feels prickly to the touch and commonly occurs in body creases or on areas where clothing rubs onto the skin, such as the neck, diaper area, armpits, upper back and chest.

Age group

Highest risk: Under 12 months old 

Possible Causes

Prolonged exposure to hot and humid environment 

Immediate Treatments

Heat rashes should usually resolve by itself. When the temperature gets too warm, keep your baby’s surroundings cool by turning on the air-conditioner or fan. Keeping them in cool, lightweight clothing, as well as moisture resistant diapers may also help. 

Note: Applying any topical medication may make the rash worse by causing the sweat glands to become more blocked.

Symptoms

Red, scaly, scratched rashes. Blisters may be seen. In long-standing chronic cases, the skin can become quite thick.

Age group

Usually begins in infancy (3 months and above) or during childhood. 

80-90% of cases begin before 6 years of age, 60-70% in infancy and 10% of cases continuing into adulthood. Eczema is usually chronic and relapsing, though it can potentially improve with age and may even clear completely. 

Possible Causes

• Genetic factors

• Skin barrier immaturity

• Environmental triggers or food sensitivities

• Infections

Immediate Treatments

Soothe the skin and prevent further irritation. Start by applying a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser frequently to keep the skin well-hydrated, especially after bathing (3 - 4 times daily). 

Use lukewarm water and mild, soap-free cleansers to avoid further drying the skin. Avoid excessive heat, sweating, and harsh soaps, which can trigger flare-ups. Dress your child in soft, breathable fabrics like cotton and keep them cool to minimize itching. 

Discourage scratching (by using mittens and booties) to prevent open sores and potential infections. 

Who should I seek help from? 

If the skin appears weepy, crusted, or unusually red, it may be infected and should be reviewed by a GP promptly. 

If the eczema is not responding to treatment, your GP may refer you to a pediatrician for more advanced treatment  

Symptoms

Red, itchy, and swollen areas appear on the skin, varying in size from small to large patches.

Age group

Most commonly seen in babies and young children under 5 years old

Possible Causes

In 80% of acute hives in children, an ongoing viral infection (e.g. common cold or flu virus) is usually the most common cause. 

However, it can also be due to allergic reactions from eating certain foods like shellfish, eggs, nuts, cow’s milk, soy, wheat or from medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) e.g. Ibuprofen.

Immediate Treatments

Viral hives typically last for 1-2 weeks before gradually resolving. 

For hives that are a result of an allergy, strictly avoid the food/medication trigger, but this should be done after consulting your child’s doctor. 

Your child’s GP would commonly prescribe antihistamines to decrease the symptoms of hives, of which some may cause drowsiness as a side effect.

Who should I seek help from? 

If you notice your child having difficulty breathing, sudden facial swelling, cold or pale skin, or faints or vomits, he may be suffering from anaphylaxis, a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction. In such cases, go to the A&E immediately.

Symptoms

Redness and swelling on the skin, blistering, itchiness and temporary thickening of the skin

Age group

• Diaper rash 

• Saliva

• Soaps and baby lotions

• Detergents

• Certain foods

• Plants (commonly poison ivy, poison oak)

• Metals (common metals include nickel, chrome and mercury)

• Latex (including products such as rubber toys, balloons, rubber gloves or pacifiers)

• Certain medications

Possible Causes

Contact dermatitis is a physiological reaction that occurs when the skin comes in contact with certain substances. 

Irritants to the skin cause 80% of these reactions, while the remaining 20% are caused by allergens, which trigger an allergic response.

Immediate Treatments

When identified, strictly avoid contact with the irritants. Wash skin with soap and water thoroughly after exposure. 

If your child has blisters, a cold compress may help relieve the itch and inflammation. 

Who should I seek help from? 

Seek medical attention from your GP if the reaction is severe.