H e a l t h a n d L i f e s t y l e
If your child has a fit, he or she may suddenly turn blue and become rigid and staring. Sometimes the eyes will roll and the limbs start to twitch and jerk. Keep calm. Lay your child on their side to make sure they will not choke if they vomit. Remove your child’s clothing, and ensure your child is cool but not chilly. Sponge with tepid water, starting from the head and working downwards. Most fits will stop within three minutes.
When it is over, reassure your child, make him or her comfortable, and then call a GP. If the fit hasn’t stopped, dial 999 or the Station Medical Centre’s Emergency Number or get someone else to go for help. Carry your child with you if there is no one to help you. Stay with the child to prevent injury and move objects away from where the child is lying.
Febrile convulsions become increasingly less common after the age of three and are almost unknown after the age of five.
Fever Bringing a temperature down is important because a continuing high temperature can be very unpleasant and, in a small child, occasionally brings on a fit or convulsion. Give your child plenty of cool clear fluids. Undress your child to his or her nappy or pants and vest. Keep the room cool by using fans or opening a window. Give paracetamol in the correct recommended dose every four hours. Contact your GP if your baby has a temperature of 39°c (102°f) or higher.
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Meningitis Meningitis is an inflammation of the lining of the brain. It is a very serious illness but, if it’s picked up and treated early, most children make a full recovery. Septicaemia is blood poisoning, which may be caused by the same germs that cause meningitis. Septicaemia is also very serious and must be treated straight away. In recent years there has been a lot of concern about meningitis in children. There are several different types of meningitis. The Hib vaccine gives protection against Hib meningitis, but it doesn’t protect your child against other bacterial types, such as meningococcal, pneumococcal or viral meningitis.
The early symptoms of meningitis such as fever, irritability, restlessness, vomiting and refusing feeds are also common with colds and flu. A baby with meningitis or septicaemia can become seriously ill within hours. Some of the symptoms, such as a severe headache, are difficult to see in babies because they cannot tell you how they feel. The important signs to look out for are shown below. These symptoms may not all appear at the same time.
In babies look for: A high-pitched, moaning cry; Baby being difficult to wake; Refusing to feed; Pale and blotchy skin; Red or purple spots that do not fade under pressure – do the Glass Test.
In older children look for: Red or purple spots that do not fade under pressure – do the Glass Test. Stiffness in the neck – can the child kiss his or her knee, or touch forehead
to knee? Drowsiness or confusion; A severe headache; A dislike of bright light. If your child becomes ill with one or more of these signs, contact your GP urgently.
The ‘Glass Test’
If your child has a red or purple rash, look at it through a glass tumbler. The meningitis rash does not blanch, that is fade or turn white, when the bottom or side of the tumbler is pressed firmly against it, whereas almost all other childhood rashes do. If the rash doesn’t change colour, contact your GP immediately.
A Last Word
These notes are not intended to be a comprehensive encyclopaedia on medical illnesses in children. It is a brief guide on some of the more common illnesses. It is hoped that you will find it useful, however, do not hesitate to contact your GP or HV if you have concerns over the well being of your child.
Parenthood is not a skill we are born with and all parents, including medical parents, are always learning new skills. Do not worry if you feel anxious about your child’s health; this can be perfectly natural. Instead of worrying, talk to your HV, GP and other parents, and you will soon find that others share very similar concerns.
If you missed Part I of Jon’s guide it can be found in the Summer 09 issue of Envoy and is available to view on the our website at
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Winter 2009 23
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