Dubai is home to people from all around the world. Dubai’s weather conditions, such as high temperatures, desert weather, and seasonal variation, can lead children to contract some of the most typical illnesses.
For the most part, childhood illnesses are not serious and can be treated at home. But as a parent, you may question yourself about whether you should visit your doctor or not. Knowing what symptoms to keep an eye out for and when to visit your doctor can help ensure your child is happy and healthy.
Keep reading to find out some of the most common childhood illnesses in Dubai, how to spot the symptoms, and when you should contact your paediatrician or family doctor.
How You Can Treat Common Childhood Illnesses in Dubai
1. Common Cold and Upper Respiratory Infections
- Runny or blocked nose
- Cough
- Mild fever
- Sneezing
- Throat pain and sore throat
- Symptoms last longer than 10 days
- Your child develops a high fever
- Your child experiences breathing difficulties
- Your child is excessively sleepy
2. Sore Throat and Sinus Infection
Dubai children experiencing sore throats is common. Dry indoor air can contribute to it, too. As well as viruses and bacterial infections such as strep throat. See your doctor if your sore throat lasts longer than normal or if your child has swollen glands and painful swallowing.
Sinus infection or sinusitis can occur after a cold or allergy attack. Symptoms may include;
- Facial pain
- Blocked nose
- Thick nasal discharge
- Headache
- Continuous cough
Chronic sinus problems in children can be caused by allergies or physical deformities in the nose. Your child’s doctor can tell you if antibiotics or another type of medication is necessary.
3. Fever
Parents frequently call their doctor due to a fever. However, with the Dubai temperature, your child may also experience high temperatures from the weather. Determine if your child is sick or if it’s just from outside.
You should call your doctor if your child;
- Is less than 3 months old and has a fever
- Has a fever over 38.5 degrees Celsius for more than 2 days
- Is dehydrated or has symptoms of dehydration
- Has a rash, stiff neck, or is experiencing difficulty breathing
- Is experiencing seizures
Drink plenty of fluids and rest when you have a fever; however, if it persists for a long period, see a doctor.
4. Allergies and Asthma
- Sneezing
- Itchy eyes
- Coughing
- Having multiple colds
5. Gastrointestinal Problems
It’s very common for your child to experience stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Whether it’s from food poisoning, viruses, or trying new foods that your child isn’t used to. Kids can even experience dehydration due to Dubai’s dry heat.
You should see a doctor if;
- Symptoms haven’t gone away in 24-48 hours
- There is blood in the stool/vomit
- Your child is dehydrated/severely dehydrated
- The child is unable to keep fluids down
Similar to fever, provide your child with lots of fluids. Pediatricians will sometimes recommend an oral hydration solution. They can also provide further testing for your child.
6. Skin Rash and Infection
Heat rash, eczema, and fungal infections can be very common for children in Dubai. Because of our humidity and constant exposure to sweat. Most skin rashes aren’t serious and will go away. If your rash is accompanied by a fever, swelling, or rapidly spreading rash, please consult your physician.
When Should You Call a Pediatrician?
As a parent, you’ll know when something isn’t right with your child. Sometimes your child may be “acting out of character”. If your child is extremely irritable, sleeping more than usual, or their symptoms are progressing rather than improving. It’s always better to be safe and head to your pediatrician. When children become sick, they can go downhill very quickly.
You should call your pediatrician if your child;
- Has a consistent, high fever that isn’t responding to fever reducer medication
- Shows signs of dehydration. This can include chapped lips, fewer wet diapers, and dizziness when standing
- Has trouble breathing, a persistent cough, or wheezing
- Has severe pain when swallowing or a painful sore throat.
- Vomiting or diarrhea more than once in 24-48 hours.
- Has a rash accompanied by a fever or a rash that is spreading quickly.
- Experiencing ear pain, pressure in the sinuses (possible sinus infection), or consistent symptoms that you suspect to be a sinus infection.
- Gets frequent symptoms of colds or gets other infections that affect their daily activity.
- Loses their appetite, feels unusually tired, or is consistently cranky.
Lastly, if your child isn’t showing signs of improvement in 5-7 days. Most illnesses that are viral will take about a week to get better. If your child begins to feel worse after that given time period, you should either see your pediatrician or general practitioner.
Final Thoughts
Dubai has weather and elements that may affect your children’s health. Sicknesses during childhood are very manageable when you seek care quickly.
You will quickly learn when to take your child to the doctor. If they are continuously getting sinus infections, sore throats, and multiple colds, they could be under the weather. Children are able to live healthy and active lives in Dubai with proper medical care and healthy habits.
FAQ’s
What are some illnesses that children tend to get?
Some illnesses that children may frequently get are colds, sore throat, sinus infections, allergies, asthma, stomach infections, and skin rashes.
When should I call my child’s doctor regarding a fever?
You should always call your child’s pediatrician if they are under 3 months old and have a fever. You should also call the doctor if your child’s fever has lasted more than two days.
Can doctors come to my house for my child?
Yes! Many clinics in Dubai offer pediatric house calls. They are convenient if your child is too sick to leave your house or if you’d prefer your child to stay home while being treated.
How can I prevent common infections in my child?
Always keep clean. Wash your hands frequently, sanitize kids’ toys, avoid being around sick people, keep the air clean inside your house, and stay hydrated.
My child frequently gets colds/allergies. What should I do?
You should see your child’s doctor or your regular family physician. They will figure out if there is any underlying medical condition.