Bronchiolitis
Symptoms of respiratory infections, such as bronchiolitis, in children include a high temperature of 37.8C or above, a dry and persistent cough, difficulty feeding, rapid or noisy breathing, or wheezing.
Most cases of respiratory illness are not serious and usually clear up within 2 to 3 weeks. However, you should contact your GP or call NHS 111 if:
- your child is struggling to breathe
- your child has taken less than half their usual amount during the last 2 or 3 feeds, or has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more
- your child has a persistent high temperature of 37.8C or above
Some children under 2, particularly those born prematurely or with a heart condition, can experience more serious consequences from these common respiratory infections.
Oral thrush
Oral thrush is a common fungal infection in the mouth. It can be easily and quickly treated if it doesn’t clear up on its own.
Sticky eyes
It’s very common for newborn babies to have discharge from one or both eyes, which is often not caused by an infection. If the whites of your baby’s eyes are clear and there is discharge, it’s likely due to blocked tear ducts. About one in five babies are born with tear ducts that haven’t fully developed. Your midwife or health visitor can advise you on this.
If the eye becomes red or inflamed, or if there is yellow or green, sticky, crusty discharge that keeps coming back, seek advice from your pharmacist or general practitioner.
Eczema
Eczema is a condition that makes the skin itchy, red, dry, and cracked. It is more common in children and often develops before their first birthday.
There are many things that can trigger eczema, such as soaps, detergents, wearing wool next to the skin, overheating at night, and contact with water or dusty materials. Infection, certain foods, pets, and exposure to grass and tree pollens can also cause eczema.
Glue ear
Glue ear, also known as Otitis Media with effusion, is a build up of fluid inside the ear that affects the eardrum. This prevents sound from passing through the ear properly, causing hearing loss in one or both ears. It is a common condition, affecting one in five children around the age of two.
Chickenpox
Chickenpox is a common illness that mainly affects children and causes an itchy, spotty rash.
Most children will catch chickenpox at some point, and it can also occur in adults who didn’t have it as a child. It is usually mild and clears up in about a week, but it can be more serious for some people, such as pregnant women, new born babies, and those with a weakened immune system.
Scarlet fever
Scarlet fever causes a distinctive pink-red rash that may begin in one area and then spread to other parts of the body, such as the ears, neck, and chest.
Page last reviewed: February 06, 2025
Next review due: February 06, 2026
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