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It is normal for everyone, particularly babies, to feel under the weather sometimes. The body usually responds this way due a weakened immune system. A compromised immune system will find it hard to fight off pathogens, once it enters the body. So, if the baby is experiencing some of these symptoms below, be alarmed. It might mean something is seriously wrong and should not be taken for granted.
- High fever
High fever is a symptom that means the body is fighting off an infection in the body. If your baby is experiencing fever, with a rectal temperature of about 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, it might just be a common cold or a viral infection. But, be watchful of other symptoms like yellowish or green mucus, flushed skin, bluish tint to the lips or nail beds, wheezing and difficulty in breathing. These symptoms all lead up to pneumonia. Some fevers may also be a symptom of urinary tract infections, ear infections and other more serious bacterial infections, like meningitis. For some other reason, fever may also be associated with vaccination as the body reacts to it or being dressed too warmly.
- Bad headache
Headaches are quite normal, even for kids. Signs like poor appetite, low energy or pulling off an ear can be telltale signs that your baby has a headache. It can also be due to dehydration, cold or flu and teething issues. A really bad headache can also be a reason for something more serious like meningitis, when there is inflammation of the brain membranes. You need to go see a doctor immediately if the headaches lasts for more than a day and if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, high fever, seizures, sensitivity to light, stiff neck and other peculiarities.
- Widespread rash
If your child is experiencing a widespread rash on some parts of the body, such as on the hands, feet and buttocks or over large areas of the body, it can be due to a viral rash. Other more serious-looking can also mean your baby has food and mouth disease, scarlet fever, drug allergies, hot tub rash, purpura rash, and blister rash. It is important that the rash should be assessed and evaluated by a specialist to know about treatment options as soon as possible.
- Frequent vomiting
Vomiting and spitting are two different things. Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth. Yes, it’s normal, especially when the child is still adjusting to the introduction of milk in the body. But, when vomiting gets too frequent, it may be a cause for concern and a need to oral health care. Other than reflux, it may also be due to cow’s milk allergy or intolerance. An allergy to cow’s milk means that the body’s immune system reacts to the proteins of the milk. Milk intolerance happens when the body cannot digest the lactose in milk. Other reasons for vomiting may be a stomach bug or an infection, which may need to be addressed as soon as possible.
- Difficulty of breathing
Difficulty of breathing may be due to nasal congestion because of a stuffy nose or chest congestion due to regurgitated milk. Wheezing coupled with laboured breathing, on the other hand, may mean something is seriously wrong. Also symptoms such as raspy laboured breathing with a hoarse voice or a croupy cough that sounds like a barking seal may mean your baby has a viral respiratory infection or bronchitis. Be watchful for symptoms of pneumonia as well, such as rapid and laboured breathing with occasional cyanosis and persistent cough. Always watch for abnormal signs that your baby may manifest. Consider even the simplest and the smallest of things because it might just save your child’s life. Never take for granted their cries that annoy you, they might tell you something is wrong with them. Or the rash that appeared out of nowhere, or the breathing that didn’t sound right. All of these matters.