All About Medications for Preschoolers

Preschoolers are exposed to the risk of infections and bugs as they come in contact with other children. Close contact with other infected children is likely to trigger illness. While illness in children is not always a cause for alarm, it can become serious very quickly. Watch out for signs of illness in your preschooler, and follow some guidelines on medications for children.

As a parent, you know your child best. Signs of illness can be subtle and difficult to spot at times. Keep a watchful eye on any signs or symptoms your child has been showing lately. Do not hesitate to seek medical attention if you notice signs of illness in your preschooler. Timely action can make a big difference leading to early detection and recovery.

Indications of Illness in Preschoolers

Here are some indications of illness in preschoolers:

• Difficulty in breathing
• Unusually pale pallor
• Very cold hands and feet
• Lethargy, or decrease in activity
• Drowsiness

The problem could be serious if your child vomits green fluid, has convulsions or is unable to breathe.You need to seek immediate medical attention in such cases.

What to Do

As a parent, your first instinct is to protect your child from illness, and help him feel better if he is feeling ill. Sometimes figuring out how to do this is hard. It is essential that you stay calm. Accept the fact that you have a problem on hand. Try to put your child at ease; whisper soothing and comforting words to him.

Ask the Doctor

Next up, talk to your doctor and ask about the medical care that you need to administer. If required, take your child to the clinic or hospital. If in doubt, seek a second opinion. Remember that a doctor has an important role in deciding the line of treatment. He is the best person to advice you on medications for your child.

Medical Safety

Giving kids medicine safely can be a problem. Administering the right dose is important- too much may cause complications, and too little will have no effect. The important thing is to double check before administering any dose. Using medications safely also involves knowing when to use them. Ensure that you check with a doctor before you give medications to children. Ask about all the probable side effects of the medicine/drug, if any. Inform your doctor about any allergies your child may have. This will help in administering the correct medication considering his sensitivity to specific drugs. Sometimes non-medical treatments aid quick recovery. Applying strips of cloth on a child’s head when he has fever can bring it down very quickly. Getting adequate rest and warmth also helps. Consumption of fluids such as juices and soups will prevent dehydration, and the loss of body fluids caused due to vomiting or diarrhea. In case of nasal or chest congestion, you may use a humidifier or vaporizer. You must  clean the humidifier or vaporizer daily to prevent the accumulation of bacteria in the mould. Keep everything clean and dry.

Immunisation

Immunisation is an important preventive measure. It keeps diseases like mumps, measles, rubella, diphtheria, whooping cough and tetanus at bay. Ensure that you get your child immunized at a health care centre or by a general practitioner. A healthy and wholesome diet will keep illness and infection in preschoolers at bay. Should your child fall ill, do not panic. As your child starts his pre-school and mingles with other children, he is likely to catch common infections. With lots of care and timely medical attention, things should improve rapidly.