Common childhood ailments & emergencies : what to do ?
Having kids mean having to cope with a lot of surprises along the way. In the last 4.5 years, I have seen my share of various ailments (myself or friends') & want to share some of the experiences. In general, I suggest to bring kids to see doctors whenever they are not well as doctors know best.
Nonetheless, during sudden situations, I think it's also important to know what we are dealing with so I am sharing what I have googled along the way to educate myself (my first way out is always to see PD or GP by the way). Do note that I am not a doctor and the following is for reference only.
1.Spitting up / vomiting milk
When a baby who is feeding suddenly vomits milk, quick hold the baby vertically up. Don't let the baby continue to lie flat in case he/she chokes. Spitting small amount of milk is common in young babies but if vomit is projectile and happens once a day or more, please go see doctor. See article for more details on spitting up and reflux
2. Nosebleed
If child is standing or running, sit down immediately. Don't lie down, or else blood can flow to back of throat. Don't lean your head backward either (though this is commonly advised). Instead, lean head slightly forward, firmly pinch the nose and apply pressure where the source of blood is coming from. Ask kid to breathe using the mouth. Please stay calm yourself or else kid will cry and it will make things worse. The blood should stop after 5-10 min of doing this. If it still doesn't stop, go to hospital. You don't want to bleed to death. If there's frequent nosebleeds, please consult doctor to see if there''s other underlying causes. See link for more details.
3. Allergies
Cayen had these when he first transitioned to formula milk. After 10 minutes of trying formula milk. I saw small red bumps (looking like hives) on his skin and I have a hunch it's an allergy. We quickly stopped the feed and went to the doctor. He confirmed it was cow milk allergy - always trust your instinct! So thereafter we had to switch to goat milk , which fortunately worked. Else, we might have to switch to soy or hydrolysed milk. Over time, we tried to re-introduce cow's milk gradually and eventually he was able to take cow's milk too though it took quite a few months. If either parents have allergies, there is a high chance kids will get allergies and/or eczema , and cow's milk is a common allergen. Hence, do be careful when introducing cow's milk or other common allergens.
By the way, to avoid Cayson having eczema or allergies, I took probiotics during my pregnancy. He turned out fine. Not sure if he was plain lucky or the probiotics worked but I'm real glad.
4. Croup
This is characterised by a loud barking cough which gets worse at night. This can be a medical emergency if kid has problem breathing or show other symptoms . Hence, please send to hospital as they will have the equipment to suck the phlegm out.
5. Ear infection
Apparently, this is quite common amongst kids before 3 years old. As this can cause hearing loss if untreated, one has to visit the doctor when kid shows signs like pain in the ear or if they can't speak, signs like tugging at the ears, fluids coming out from ears, inability to hear properly.
6. High Fevers
For babies, temperatures above 37.5 degrees is considered a fever. If babies under 3 months old are having a fever OR fever is persistent regardless of age, please send to doctor immediately instead of trying to self medicate (For me, I am a bit more kiasu, I will bring kids to see a doctor if they have any fever above 38 degree or fever that doesn't go away after one day). For older kids, one can alternate between something like paracetamol or ibuprofen for higher temperatures (provided no allergies). Also, the right dosage has to be administered depending on the kid's age. Again, please go see doctor to be safe. Note that aspirin can cause Reye's syndrome so do not give unless with doctor's advice.
7. Fits caused by fever :
Source of all info below from this site:
A febrile convulsion is a convulsion or fit that occurs when a child has a fever. They occur in about 3% of children aged between 6 months and six years.
What to do :
- Lie your child on their side with their head in a neutral position. Never lie a person who is unconscious or having a fit, on their back.
- Do not put anything inside their mouth.
- Stay with your child during the convulsion.
- Do not give your child paracetamol or ibuprofen until your child is fully awake.
- Try to cool your child by removing outer clothing and putting a fan on (if available). Do not use ice or put your child into a bath. If your child starts to shiver cover him with a light sheet to slow down cooling. Shivering is the body's way of trying to raise the body temperature when it is exposed to cold air or water.
- Seek medical help as soon as possible, eg. your local doctor or nearest hospital to find out why the fit has happened.
- If the convulsion does not stop within five minutes call an ambulance.
- Do not drive a car with your child in it if your child is still fitting. You will not be able to concentrate well enough to drive safely.
8. Who to call - Emergency Lines
See https://sg.theasianparent.com/useful_singapore_emergency_numbers/ for full list of numbers including non emergency ambulances and private hospitals emergency services that can be considered.
Note: When you dial 995, you cannot choose which hospital to send to, they will assign to the nearest hospital.
Nonetheless, during sudden situations, I think it's also important to know what we are dealing with so I am sharing what I have googled along the way to educate myself (my first way out is always to see PD or GP by the way). Do note that I am not a doctor and the following is for reference only.
1.Spitting up / vomiting milk
When a baby who is feeding suddenly vomits milk, quick hold the baby vertically up. Don't let the baby continue to lie flat in case he/she chokes. Spitting small amount of milk is common in young babies but if vomit is projectile and happens once a day or more, please go see doctor. See article for more details on spitting up and reflux
2. Nosebleed
If child is standing or running, sit down immediately. Don't lie down, or else blood can flow to back of throat. Don't lean your head backward either (though this is commonly advised). Instead, lean head slightly forward, firmly pinch the nose and apply pressure where the source of blood is coming from. Ask kid to breathe using the mouth. Please stay calm yourself or else kid will cry and it will make things worse. The blood should stop after 5-10 min of doing this. If it still doesn't stop, go to hospital. You don't want to bleed to death. If there's frequent nosebleeds, please consult doctor to see if there''s other underlying causes. See link for more details.
3. Allergies
Cayen had these when he first transitioned to formula milk. After 10 minutes of trying formula milk. I saw small red bumps (looking like hives) on his skin and I have a hunch it's an allergy. We quickly stopped the feed and went to the doctor. He confirmed it was cow milk allergy - always trust your instinct! So thereafter we had to switch to goat milk , which fortunately worked. Else, we might have to switch to soy or hydrolysed milk. Over time, we tried to re-introduce cow's milk gradually and eventually he was able to take cow's milk too though it took quite a few months. If either parents have allergies, there is a high chance kids will get allergies and/or eczema , and cow's milk is a common allergen. Hence, do be careful when introducing cow's milk or other common allergens.
By the way, to avoid Cayson having eczema or allergies, I took probiotics during my pregnancy. He turned out fine. Not sure if he was plain lucky or the probiotics worked but I'm real glad.
 |
| Source: https://sg.theasianparent.com/fend-off-allergies-formula-milk/ |
This is characterised by a loud barking cough which gets worse at night. This can be a medical emergency if kid has problem breathing or show other symptoms . Hence, please send to hospital as they will have the equipment to suck the phlegm out.
5. Ear infection
Apparently, this is quite common amongst kids before 3 years old. As this can cause hearing loss if untreated, one has to visit the doctor when kid shows signs like pain in the ear or if they can't speak, signs like tugging at the ears, fluids coming out from ears, inability to hear properly.
6. High Fevers
For babies, temperatures above 37.5 degrees is considered a fever. If babies under 3 months old are having a fever OR fever is persistent regardless of age, please send to doctor immediately instead of trying to self medicate (For me, I am a bit more kiasu, I will bring kids to see a doctor if they have any fever above 38 degree or fever that doesn't go away after one day). For older kids, one can alternate between something like paracetamol or ibuprofen for higher temperatures (provided no allergies). Also, the right dosage has to be administered depending on the kid's age. Again, please go see doctor to be safe. Note that aspirin can cause Reye's syndrome so do not give unless with doctor's advice.
7. Fits caused by fever :
Source of all info below from this site:
A febrile convulsion is a convulsion or fit that occurs when a child has a fever. They occur in about 3% of children aged between 6 months and six years.
What to do :
- Lie your child on their side with their head in a neutral position. Never lie a person who is unconscious or having a fit, on their back.
- Do not put anything inside their mouth.
- Stay with your child during the convulsion.
- Do not give your child paracetamol or ibuprofen until your child is fully awake.
- Try to cool your child by removing outer clothing and putting a fan on (if available). Do not use ice or put your child into a bath. If your child starts to shiver cover him with a light sheet to slow down cooling. Shivering is the body's way of trying to raise the body temperature when it is exposed to cold air or water.
- Seek medical help as soon as possible, eg. your local doctor or nearest hospital to find out why the fit has happened.
- If the convulsion does not stop within five minutes call an ambulance.
- Do not drive a car with your child in it if your child is still fitting. You will not be able to concentrate well enough to drive safely.
Emergency Ambulance 995
Police 999
Police 999
Note: When you dial 995, you cannot choose which hospital to send to, they will assign to the nearest hospital.
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