Most Common Health Issues for Infants

Whether you're a first-time parent or not, taking care of your precious, helpless infant is your most important job. Babies are usually resilient, but it's essential for you to know the warning signs of common health issues for infants. Knowing what symptoms to look for and what to do when your baby shows signs of an illness can help you love and care for your baby.

Infants do pick up illnesses from time to time, and with proper care, it's usually nothing to worry about. We at Internal Medicine & Pediatric Clinic are sharing the warning signs and what to do in the case of some common childhood illnesses below.

Ear infections

Ear infections and pain are common in children. Your little one might pull or rub at their ears, and they might be fussier or more tearful than usual. They might also have trouble sleeping or lose their appetite. 

Bring any child under the age of 6 months to our clinic when they show signs of an ear infection. If you have an older baby, they should see one of our skilled doctors if they have a fever and symptoms of an ear infection. 

Colds and sore throats

Babies can pick up colds and upper respiratory infections and suffer from sneezing, congestion, coughs, and sore throats. Bring your baby to our office if they have:

• A fever of 100.4F or more
• Trouble breathing
• A thick green discharge for several days

If your baby is younger than 3 months, you should bring them to our office at the first sign of a cold. 

Colic

Many babies experience colic, a type of gastroesophageal reflux. It's uncomfortable and typically causes excessive crying and makes it difficult for you to soothe them or get your baby to sleep. 

If your baby continually cries, make an appointment with our team. One of our pediatricians can examine your baby and might recommend a different feeding schedule, a different formula, or even medication to soothe their symptoms. 

Digestive problems

Babies' bowel movements are typically irregular for their first year of life, but they can experience constipation and diarrhea. Most of the time, these issues are temporary and subside quickly. If your baby suffers from chronic constipation or diarrhea, especially if they have a fever, you should bring them to our office to find the cause and get the treatment they need.

Skin rashes and infections

It’s not unusual for children to get skin rashes and infections like ringworm. When you see a rash on your little one, apply a small amount of an antihistamine. If that doesn't clear the infection, try an antifungal cream. If the skin problem still doesn’t go away, schedule an appointment with a member of our medical team. 

Allergies

Allergies are very common in children. If your child shows signs of an allergy like skin rashes, hives, itchy eyes, or swelling, give us a call to schedule allergy testing. Knowing what causes your little one's allergies will help you to prevent future allergic reactions and manage their health. 

Here at Internal Medicine & Pediatric Clinic in New Albany, Mississippi, our team of expert doctors is on hand to help you protect your child's health and well-being. Our pediatric services include sick visits, well-child exams, immunizations, and more. Give us a call today or request an appointment using our online tool.