When Should You Worry If Your Child Keeps Falling Sick?

Kids get sick. A fever, cough or stomach bug from time to time is usually a normal part of childhood.

What if your child keeps falling sick, takes longer than usual to recover or develops symptoms that just do not seem to go away?

That is when it is worth speaking to a paediatrician.

A fever that keeps coming

Most childhood fevers are caused by common infections and settle with treatment.

Repeated or unexplained fever, especially when it comes with other symptoms should not be ignored.

Is your child unusually tired?

Children are naturally active.

If your child suddenly becomes :

• very tired
• weak
• unusually pale or less interested in playing

It is important to find out why.

These symptoms can have causes. In some cases they can also be seen in conditions such as childhood leukaemia.

Bruising without a reason

A few bruises from playing are completely normal.

Changes such as:

• Frequent or unexplained bruises
• tiny spots on the skin
• nosebleeds or unusual bleeding should be checked by a doctor.

Pain that does not go away

Growing pains can happen in children.

However persistent bone or joint pain swelling or pain that keeps coming without an obvious injury should not be overlooked.

A lump or swelling

Swelling in the lymph nodes is common in children during infections.

If a lump does not settle, keeps growing or appears without an obvious reason, get it examined. Changes in weight or appetite

Children can have changing eating habits.

Unexplained weight loss, ongoing loss of appetite or a noticeable change in eating along with other symptoms should be evaluated.

Headaches with repeated vomiting

A headache or episode of vomiting is usually not a cause for concern.

Persistent or worsening headaches especially when accompanied by repeated vomiting, vision changes, balance problems or changes in behaviour need medical attention.

Could These Symptoms Mean Cancer?

Not necessarily.

In fact most of these symptoms are caused by childhood illnesses or other conditions.

Childhood cancer is rare. However when symptoms are persistent, unusual or occur together getting your child checked can help identify the cause sooner.

The key is not to panic.

It is to pay attention to changes in your child’s health and behaviour.

Know What Is Normal For Your Child

You know your child better than anyone.

If your child is repeatedly falling sick, unusually tired, losing weight, developing bruises experiencing persistent pain or simply does not seem like themselves talk to a doctor.

A check up does not mean expecting the worst.

It means making sure your child gets the care at the right time.

When in doubt, get it checked.

At MGM Cancer Institute our Paediatric Oncology team provides cancer care for children with a multidisciplinary approach that brings together paediatric oncologists, surgeons, radiation specialists, nurses and other supportive care teams.

From diagnosis and treatment to care the focus is, on providing children with age appropriate comprehensive cancer care while supporting their families through every step of the journey.

If your child has unusual symptoms speak to a paediatrician for an appropriate evaluation.

DOCTOR DETAILS:
Dr. Rishab Bharadwaj
Consultant
Paediatric Haematology, Oncology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation