Why Do Kids Get Sick So Often and Some Common Childhood Ailments

 As a parent, it can feel like your child has a new ailment every other week. From coughs to runny noses, stomach bugs, injuries, or other symptoms, there's always something going on and a new reason why you need a doctor's/urgent care/emergency visit (delete as appropriate). Parents know the drill. But why do kids get sick so often? Will they grow out of it, and what exactly do you need to be concerned about?

Immature Immune Systems

This is especially true of younger children who will appear to be ill on a more frequent basis than older kids or teens. And while babies are born with some immunity from their mother, this fades pretty quickly, and within the first few months of life.

As awful as it is, the continuous cycle of colds, bugs, viruses, etc., is essential to maintaining kids' immune systems so that they can respond to and fight off infections. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, 8-10 colds a year is actually pretty normal for kids.

But the reality is you don't need to worry about every cough or snuffle, and most childhood illnesses are short-lived with no lasting damage done. But also, it's important to seek medical advice for your child if they experience any of the following

• A high fever that won't respond to medication

• Breathing difficulties or wheezing

• Signs of dehydration

• Unusual rashes that don't fade when pressed

• Signs of mental confusion or vomiting after they've banged their head or due to an illness they're experiencing.

Sore Throats and Tonsillitis

Kids' throats are prone to viruses and infections, and this is something that is pretty common in school-aged children across the world. Symptoms of tonsillitis can include 

• Pain

• Redness

• Fever

Depending on the illness, these symptoms can vary in frequency and severity. While some symptoms and illnesses relating to the throat dissipate with OTC medications, others need a course of antibiotics.

However, if your child is suffering from recurrent throat infections or tonsillitis, it's best to get them checked out by a pediatric ear nose and throat doctor who can assess if anything else is going on or if they need a tonsillectomy, for example.

Ear Infections

Ear infections are up there with sore throats for giving kids trouble, and ears are one of the main reasons kids need to see a doctor.

But why do kids get so many ear infections? Basically, it's due to the eustachian tubes being shorter and more horizontal than in adults. And this size and position means it's easier for fluid and bacteria to build up, resulting in ear infections.

Again, for recurrent issues, your pediatrician can suggest effective treatments or procedures that can help with ear trouble your children might be having.

Allergies and Asthma

Sometimes, a sniffle isn't caused by an illness. It can be down to an allergy your child has. The most common allergies found in kids are to pets, dust, and pollen (not including food allergies, just those that present as an illness). If you suspect an allergic reaction, get your child to a doctor right away, even if you don't feel it's serious, as you need further investigation, ongoing treatment, and support if they do have allergies.

When it comes to asthma symptoms, you'll typically notice wheezing when your child breathes or struggles to breathe, and this is something you need to address right away to get the right management plan. Untreated allergies and asthma can lead to serious health complications, so it's crucial to seek medical help if you suspect your child has these conditions.