Paediatrics & Child Health

Childhood fever is commonly caused by infection. Age, alertness, breathing and fluid intake matter more than the temperature reading alone.

Respiratory infections affect the nose, throat or airways and may cause cough or fever. Breathing difficulty, poor feeding or unusual drowsiness needs prompt review.

Asthma and wheezing disorders narrow the airways, causing wheeze, cough or breathlessness. Repeated wheeze in a young child does not always mean asthma.

Pneumonia is a lung infection that can cause fever, cough, fast breathing and reduced feeding or activity. Young children may show breathing effort without describing chest discomfort.

Gastroenteritis causes vomiting or diarrhoea and can lead to dehydration. Reduced urine, lethargy or inability to drink is particularly concerning in infants and children.

Childhood allergies can affect skin, airways or the digestive system. Identifying the trigger avoids unnecessary restrictions; breathing difficulty or collapse after exposure is an emergency.

Nutritional deficiencies involve inadequate nutrients such as iron or vitamin D. They may affect energy, bone health or growth and can reflect diet or an underlying illness.

Growth and developmental concerns include poor weight gain or delays in movement, speech or social skills. Serial measurements and age-specific milestones are more useful than a single comparison.

Newborn concerns include jaundice, feeding difficulty and poor weight gain. Fever, reduced responsiveness or breathing difficulty in a young baby requires prompt assessment.

Childhood seizures may alter movement or awareness and can arise from fever, epilepsy or other causes. Not every seizure means a child has epilepsy.

Congenital disorders are present from birth, while developmental disorders affect acquisition of skills. Their specific effects guide assessment and ongoing support.

Paediatric endocrine disorders affect hormones controlling growth, puberty, glucose or thyroid function. Unusual growth patterns, early or delayed puberty and persistent thirst may prompt evaluation.