Most childhood illnesses are common, natural and necessary for correct immune system development. Described below are three childhood illnesses that parents typically don’t need to panic about, along with information on how to naturally relieve symptoms and when to see your health care provider. 

Does Ear Pain Always Indicate an Ear Infection?

Between the ages of one and five, it is common for kids to complain of ear pain when they have a cough, cold or congestion. But don't be surprised if your provider says the ear pain is due to just some fluid behind the eardrum and not an actual ear infection.

Natural Therapies for Ear Infections

Ear drops containing garlic and willow oil soothe discomfort. Chiropractic adjustments may help clear effusions (fluid behind the middle ear). Salt therapy sessions help decrease inflammation and increase drainage in the upper respiratory system.

When Might You Need to Call Your Pediatrician Regarding Ear Pain? 

Call your provider about ear pain when it is significantly impacting your child’s quality of life. Specifically, if there is inconsolable fussiness, if there are continuous or unrelieved high fevers, if your child won't eat or drink, or isn't comfortable enough to sleep or play.

Is a Snoring Child Something to Worry About?

Light snoring is not uncommon in kids. However, if they snore loudly every single night, make choking or gasping sounds and they're restless sleepers who don’t wake well rested, then we must take a closer look. 

Can Children Have Sleep Apnea?

If the above sleep breathing problems are occurring every night for a month or more when a child is NOT sick with a cold, a sleep study might be indicated to see if obstructive sleep apnea is present. If it is, and especially if it is moderate or severe, removal of large tonsils/adenoid may be indicated. That would be determined by an ear, nose, throat provider.

Natural Remedies for Snoring Not Associated with Sleep Apnea

Saline nasal sprays and diffused essential oils like eucalyptus help open the nasal passages. Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine and elderberry helps boost the immune system. Salt therapy sessions decrease inflammation and help increase drainage.

How to Know If It’s Strep Throat

Strep throats are usually accompanied by a fever, rash, headache and/or a tummy ache. They do not usually occur in the setting of cough/cold/congestion. When your child exhibits that constellation of symptoms, go to your pediatrician, who will swab your child’s throat. If it is strep throat, an antibiotic is indicated—not to help the sore throat itself as that will go away on its own—but instead to help prevent secondary effects of the strep infection that can lead to disease of the heart valves (rheumatic fever) or the kidneys.

Soothing Remedies for a Sore Throat

If your child has a sore throat, you can choose to manage pain with acetaminophen or ibuprofen, or you can choose to ride it out with extra fluids and some natural measures to relieve the symptoms. Natural measures can include silver spray, elderberry, warm bone broths, cool liquids and throat lozenges.

We hope knowing the facts about common childhood illnesses puts your mind at ease, clarifies what you can do and when you need the aid of your pediatrician.

 

 Gail Ezell, APRN, draws on over 43 years of nursing experience to educate, support and treat her patients. At the Cannizzaro Integrative Pediatric Clinic, she works collaboratively with families to share empowering health information and enhance their wellbeing in a more natural way. Gail’s 24-year career as a pediatric nurse practitioner has centered around pediatric otolaryngology (ear, nose, throat). For a free meet and greet, visit www.MyCIPC.com or call 321-280-5867. To schedule a salt therapy session at The Salt Room Longwood (located inside the practice) visit www.SaltRoomLongwood.com or call 407-862-1163.