Ill Child

Ill Child Information and Guideline

There are some general guidelines that any good mother needs to follow in case of illness. For specific cases of disorders, there are of course specific remedies. But some basic precautions and care are necessary to keep the child comfortable during illness. These are:

Ill children want company. That makes him less bored and neglected. So make him comfortable in a sofa or in kitchen where you can give him company.

An ill child always wants to go to bed. In fact, take that as a guide to his condition. To make him comfortable in bed put some extra pillows to prop him up. Keep the bed straightened and change the bed sheets regularly in case he has high fever and is sweating.

Keep the room well ventilated. This helps in keeping the room fresh and at proper room temperature.

Wash his hand and face at regular intervals. Freshness his mouth with a mouthwash if he cannot clean his teeth. Baths are not necessary.
Give easy games to occupy his time and mind.
Sitting ideal is all the more depressing. Hang with games, a few books, cassettes and other recreational products can be kept.
In case of fever or profuse seating cold sponge treatment is helpful. Before giving a sponge, cover the bed with a plastic or rubber sheet or towels. In a bowl of cold water dip a sponge or the flannel. The flannel should not be dropping. Instead the water should be squeezed before applying it. Let the water on the body dry by itself. This helps in keeping him cool. Leave a cool flannel on his forehead, neck and groin. Check the temperature every 10 minutes until it comes back to normal.

Children do not like to eat when they are ill. It is better to encourage them to drink diluted fruit juices, squash or plain water to avoid dehydration. Do not give too much at a time. This discourages him. Let him ask for more. Give small pieces of orange or other fruits that can increase his appetite and present constipation which is common during illness.

Children who do not like to take medicine can be administered medicine through dropper, syringe or special from spilling away in the event of child attempting to do so. Take note of any symptoms of allergies or side effects to any particular medicine. This should be notified to doctors whenever they prescribe any medicine.

Note the expiry date of medicine. Never give an extra spoonful in an attempt to finish a medicine or in hope of faster recovery. This can be harmful. Do not give medicine to a sleepy child as he may choke on it.

There are some illnesses which are serious and need immediate professional medical attention. But most of the illness can be handled at home. The primary treatment given at home is called ‘first aid’.

First let us take a stock of all those things that one should keep at hands reach for emergency. This is called the ‘first aid box’. The following should be a part of this box:

· A thermometer.
· An antiseptic cream, lotion and dettol.
· Sticking plaster and sterile gauges.
· Zinc oxide plaster for attaching gauze.
· Scissors and tweezers
· Medicated cotton.
· Crepe bandage for sprains.
· Gauze bandage to keep dressing on.
· Triangular bandage for sling.
· Clean handkerchief.
· Paracetamol suspension for infants.
· Tables for children.
· 5ml plastic spoon and syringe (in case the child has difficulty in taking medicine)
· Calamine lotion for rashes and bites.
· Insect sting reliever spray.
· Witch hazel for cuts.
· Aloe vera creams for burns.
· Nappy rash cream.
· Multivitamin drops.
· Vapour chest rub, vaporizers or inhalant capsules for colds.