47 HEALTH CHECKS AND COMMON DISEASES Routine checks Routine medical checks are fundamental to observe the growth of a child and evaluate its adequacy. They allow for the detection of abnormalities or delays, and collect basic information about the child s: Hand-foot-and-mouth disease. This mild but contagious viral infection is common in young children and causes sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet, fever, and loss of appetite. It usually lasts for 7-10 days and needs no particular treatment. weight and height, Influenza (flu). This illness is caused by a virus and can easily spread. Its symptoms are: sore throat, fever, coughing and sneezing, body aches, chills, and fatigue. hearing and vision, sleeping and eating habits, general behaviour, teeth condition, heart and lungs condition, speech and language development. This information is usually recorded in a personal child health record (PCHR). Gastroenteritis is commonly called stomach bug. Common diseases Many of the common illnesses children experience are not particularly serious, but sometimes need to be addressed with the help of a doctor. Here are the most common childhood diseases. Cold. One of the most common diseases, it is caused by viruses and can infect others quite easily. It usually lasts for a few days and is characterised by a runny nose, coughing, wheezing, sneezing, and a low-grade fever. RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). This illness affects the respiratory system like the common cold, but its symptoms are more intense. If not treated properly or in children with a compromised immune system, it can lead to pneumonia. airway: via respiratoria chills: brividi gritty: granuloso itch: prurito over-the-counter drug: medicinale da banco painkiller: antidolorifico rash: sfogo, eruzione cutanea sore: piaga to wheeze: ansimare 102 BABIES AND CHILDREN Ear infections. This common illness can be caused by viruses or bacteria and it is usually treated with antibiotics and painkillers. Its symptoms include pain, fever, and difficulty sleeping. Untreated and/ or repeated infections can cause hearing loss. Bronchitis. This illness usually caused by a virus occurs when the airways leading to the lungs get inflamed and fill with mucus. It causes cough, shortness of breath, fever, a runny nose, and fatigue. It can easily be treated with some rest, over-thecounter drugs, and plenty of fluids. Gastroenteritis. This infection from a virus can spread easily and causes vomiting, diarrhoea, and nausea. Fluids are necessary to fight dehydration but the symptoms usually end within a few days. Skin rashes. Many different types of rashes can affect a child from dermatitis to viral, bacterial, or fungal infections. Treatment varies from anti-itch creams to pain relievers or antibiotics depending on the condition. Conjunctivitis. This common bacterial or viral eye infection causes a gritty feeling and itchiness of the eyes. It is often highly contagious and a few precautions need to be adopted to avoid spreading it.