We all get sick at one time or another. Some of the illnesses are expected at different stages of our life while other health problems may be due to lack of attention and personal care. There are illnesses which are common among children. Some of these illnesses are expected to make the child become stronger and immune to similar diseases later on in life. Coughing, asthma, and influenza are common illnesses and disorders in childhood. Chest infections, such as bronchitis and pneumonia occur after a common cold or sore throat. If not handled immediately, these can develop into asthma. Asthma is common among children and hopefully the child will become immune to their allergies and outgrow the asthma syndrome. Asthma makes breathing difficult. The air passage to the lungs is narrowed and the person has a hard time breathing. Sometimes, an inhalator or other aids are needed to help clear the air passage. Asthma can be triggered by bronchitis or an allergy, such as dust, pollen, soap, clothes and food. When a child develops asthma, find out the possible causes for the asthma. Isolate their environment, clothes and food until you can identify the cause for their asthma. Once you know the allergies, you can instruct the children to avoid certain items and slowly get them immunized from the item. Children should get over their allergies at an early age or end up having those allergies as grownups.

Stomach pains are also common among children. It is normally caused by eating too fast or eating rich food. Have them rest for a while and provide them medication to ease the pain and help in the digestion process. The pain should subside within an hour. If the pain persists and the child begins vomiting or displays other unusual signs, consult a doctor. The child might be experiencing appendicitis or some other internal disorder.

Cold, fever and rashes are usually caused by bacteria or viruses. These viruses can be air borne or spread via food and water. These diseases can be easily cured by medication. Some parents do not provide medication immediately but rather let the child develop some body resistance to the disease. Consult with the doctor and carefully monitor the child so they do not experience excessive discomfort. Avoid delaying the medication for a long period as the diseases may lead to complications. Provide the child with sufficient liquid as dehydration can occur due to those illnesses. Keep them cool and try to lower their temperature.

Observe the child closely for any unusual disorders that may be related to the senses or nervous system. These should be brought to the doctor’s attention and treated immediately. Otherwise, it might impair the child’s development. Difficulties in gaining weight or height are indications of growth disorders. Provide your children with the essential vitamins and have them regularly checked by the doctor. Any health program you plan to give to the child should be with the doctor’s knowledge and consent.

Once your baby starts eating solid foods, there’s a good chance that they’ll want to try everything in sight. Although there’s nothing wrong with trying a little of everything when you’re older, there are certain foods that a baby should avoid that can bring on allergies.

If you’re a new parent, then you may be wondering what the foods are to avoid. Even after you have learned what to avoid, you will still have to occasionally intervene with others to protect your baby. One example might be at a family get together. Although for the most part, people will generally ask the parents what the baby can have, but there often is one or two who have the idea that they know what’s best for babies, or think that some food is harmless when it isn’t. If there are foods around that you do not want your child to have, do not be afraid to speak up and let people know.

There are several foods that can cause allergies in your baby. Some of the top allergy foods on the list to avoid are cow’s milk, soy, peanuts, shellfish, eggs, citrus fruit, and wheat. Many parents choose to avoid these foods up until three years old, when after that the child should be old enough to be introduced to them.

Dairy products in general are usually avoided because of the bacteria and usually are recommended to be avoided even by your doctor before the age of one.

Another food that baby should avoid is honey. Many parents are surprised by that, but the honey contains Clostridium botulinum which is the bacterium that causes botulism.
Botulism is a type of food poisoning that can cause the baby severe constipation, muscle weakness, and a lack of appetite. If the case is bad enough, it can cause muscle paralysis and even lead to death.

Ultimately, the amount of foods that should be avoided is relatively small, and shouldn’t be hard to avoid. It’s better safe than sorry, and your child will grow healthier because of it.