What are Common Childhood Ailments?
| Coughs | Often present when a child has a cold due to mucus trickling down the back of the throat. Sometimes they are caused by colds and flu, other times by allergies and sinus congestion. Although it can be upsetting to hear, coughing actually helps to clear phlegm away from the chest or mucus from the back of the throat. If your child has a persistent bad cough, consult your health care provider. |
| Sore Throats | Often caused by viral illnesses such as colds or flu. Your child’s throat may be dry and sore for a day or two before a cold starts. |
| Colds | Caused by viruses, which result in familiar symptoms like congestion, sneezing, tearing of the eyes, sore throat, and in some cases, coughing. They usually last one to two weeks. A runny nose often begins with a clear drainage and changes colour as the cold matures. |
| Ear Infections | Common in babies and young children. They are often followed by a cold and sometimes cause a temperature rise. A child may pull or rub at an ear, but babies can’t always tell where pain is coming from and may just cry and seem uncomfortable. Most ear infections are caused by viruses. |
| Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease (HFMD) | Infectious disease caused by the coxsackie virus. It is a painful condition causing blisters in the mouth, sore throat and fever. It is present in Singapore all year round with seasonal outbreaks occurring in childcare centres and kindergartens. The EV71 strain of the virus can give rise to serious complications. These complications, usually involving the heart and nervous system (e.g. encephalitis), have been known to be fatal. |
A child with HFMD may suffer from some of the following common signs and symptoms:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Ulcers in the throat, mouth and tongue
- Headache
- Poor appetite
- Lethargy
- Rash with vesicles (small blisters 3-7mm) on the palm of the hands, soles of feet and diaper area. The rash may also be present on the buttocks, arms and legs.
However, symptoms may vary between individuals, and at different stages of the disease. E.g. Some individuals may only have a rash, while some may show no symptoms at all.
Natural Remedies
For Coughs:
| Ivy Leaf | Contains saponins acting as an expectorant, thinning mucus and easing coughs. Its anti-inflammatory effects reduce respiratory irritation, and potential bronchodilation improves airflow for congested coughs. |
| Plantain | Naturally contains mucilage and has moist cooling properties. It has an inherent ability to support mucous membrane health by soothing occasional irritation. |
| Elderberry | Contains organic pigments, tannin, amino acids, carotenoids, flavonoids, sugar, rutin, viburnic acid, vitamin A and a large amount of vitamin C. These flavonoids include anthocyanins, a powerful antioxidant which may protect cells against damage. |
| Honey | A wonderful natural antibiotic that may promote healing by stimulating cells that are important in regulating immune response, to help in disease and wound healing. Honey is not recommended to children under the age of 1 — there is a microorganism present in honey that can make infants ill due to their immature digestive system. |
| Slippery Elm | Eases coughs by soothing the throat with its mucilage, reducing irritation, and promoting saliva production for moisture. Its mild expectorant properties help clear respiratory mucus. |
| Peppermint | Has menthol, which acts as a natural decongestant and can help break down mucus. Sip peppermint tea or inhale vapours with a few drops of peppermint oil in hot water for cough relief. |
| Eucalyptus | Very helpful in keeping a healthy respiratory system and helps cleanse the body of toxins and harmful microbes that can make you feel sick. It can be useful for conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, congestion and sinusitis. |
For Colds & Sore Throats:
| Vitamin C | Studies have shown that Vitamin C may help to shorten the duration and severity of the common cold. |
| Zinc Lozenges | When used at the first sign of a cold, may to help stop the virus and shorten the duration of illness. |
| Echinacea | Is thought to support the immune system through the activation of white blood cells, and is believed to improve symptoms of colds and flu. |
| Probiotics | Research has shown that daily supplementation of probiotics may decrease incidences of upper respiratory tract infection in children. |
| Mullein | Helps soothe the mucus membranes of respiratory tract and clear congestion. |
For Ear Infections:
| Vitamin C | May stimulate the immune system and help prevent ear infections. |
| K12 Probiotics | May defend against harmful bacteria which cause bacterial sore throat and ear infections. |
| Xylitol | A natural sugar found in fruit, may help to control mouth bacteria that causes ear infections. |
| Zinc | May help stimulate immune function and is commonly recommend for people with recurrent ear infections. |
For Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease (HFMD)
| Echinacea | May stimulate the overall activity of the cells responsible for fighting all kinds of infections. |
| Elderberry | Has been known to help fight against viral infections along with supporting immune health. |
| Oregano | Has potential anti-viral activity. A spray containing aromatic essential oils from five plants, including oregano, was found to help relieve symptoms in those with upper respiratory infections. |
| Vitamin C | May help support a healthy immune function and aid to resist infections. |
If your child has HFMD, minimize its spread to others in the following ways:
- Let your child rest child at home, away from his school, kindergarten or childcare centres.
- Avoid public places including restaurants, playgrounds and shopping centres.
- Look out for signs and symptoms in other family members, both children and adults, in case of infections.
- Keep your child’s toys, books, eating utensils, towels and clothes separate from others.
- Inform your child’s school, kindergarten, childcare centre or enrichment classes as soon as possible so that they may monitor other children closely and take additional precautions to minimize the spread of HFMD.
VitaKids Recommends
For Children:
- A Good Strength Immune Booster
- Black Elderberry
- Slippery Elm
- Plantain Leaf
- Echinacea
- Manuka Honey/Honey (1 year onwards)
- A good potency Vitamin C
- Zinc
- Probiotic M18/K12
- Oil of Oregano P73
- A good hand sanitizer
- Peppermint or Eucalyptus Essential Oil (to inhale)
For Babies:
- Baby Probiotic
- Black Elderberry (1 year onwards)
- Echinacea (6 months onwards)
- A good hand sanitizer
- Eucalyptus Essential Oil (to inhale)
To help build the children's immune health:
- Offer high quality supplements, including Multivitamins, Vitamin C, Probiotics, Vitamin D and Fish Oil (preferably Arctic Cod Liver Oil).
- Help to build a child’s immunity naturally through herbs such as Echinacea, Elderberry & Olive Leaf Extract.
- Include plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and superfoods in their meals.
- Include at least 3 hours of physical activity per day.
- Ensure at least 8 hours of sleep every night to allow for rest and recovery.
- Banish second hand smoke and guard against germ spread.