Healthy Surrey:

Healthy Surrey

Minor illnesses in babies and children

0 to 19 advice line

  • The Surrey wide 0 to 19 advice line is open to parents and carers of babies, young children and teenagers for support on all aspects of baby and child health, development and parenting. Please get in touch if you need support.
  • Telephone: 01883 340922, lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, excluding bank holidays.

Last updated: 19 June 2024

Contents


Breathing and chestiness

If you're worried about your child's breathing and afraid your child is becoming very ill, it is vital to act quickly. They may need urgent treatment.

It's important to seek help if your child is breathing differently. It may be a sign of infection of the airways, commonly known as chest infection such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia. While a wheeze is a common symptom of asthma, wheezes can also be caused by colds and viruses; this is known as viral wheeze and is usually nothing to worry about as long as your child does not seem unwell, it should stop after a few days once the virus has gone. More information from NHS on common breathing problems in babies and children:

Your child may need urgent treatment if:

  • Your child has severe breathing difficulties or is exhausted from trying to breathe.
  • You can see the muscles under their ribs sucking in with each breath.
  • Your child can't speak in full sentences.
  • Your child is grunting (making a sound when breathing out) with the effort of trying to breathe. Their nostrils may flare in and out and they may be pursing their lips.
  • Your child is breathing faster than usual, or rapidly breathing and panting.
  • You're unable to wake your child or, if woken up, they are very drowsy and don't stay awake.
  • Your child's breathing stops for 20 seconds or more on one occasion, or there are regular shorter pauses in their breathing while they are awake.
  • Your child's skin turns very pale or blue, or the inside of their lips and tongue are blue.
  • Your child has had or is having a fit and has never had one before.
  • If your child has asthma and their reliever inhaler isn't helping or they need it again within four hours, this could be the sign of an asthma attack and you should seek urgent advice.

If it is an emergency, call 999.

The British Lung Foundation provides more information and support around breathing problems.


Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is an eye condition caused by infection or allergies. It usually gets better in a couple of weeks without treatment.

Conjunctivitis is also known as red or pink eye. It usually affects both eyes and makes them:

  • red
  • burn or feel gritty
  • produce pus that sticks to lashes
  • itch
  • watery

When it is caused by an infection, conjunctivitis can be highly contagious. Therefore, it is recommended to maintain careful hand hygiene practice, more information can be found on the dedicated NHS website; Conjunctivitis.

See a GP if:

  • your baby has red eyes and you are concerned – get an urgent appointment if your baby is less than 28 days old
  • you wear contact lenses and have conjunctivitis symptoms as well as spots on your eyelids – you might be allergic to the lenses
  • your symptoms have not cleared up after 2 weeks

Urgent advice now if you have:

  • a baby less than 28 days old with red eyes
  • pain in your eyes
  • sensitivity to light
  • changes in your vision, like wavy lines or flashing
  • very red eyes (one eye or both eyes)

These can be signs of a more serious eye problem.

Go to NHS 111 online or call 111 will tell you what to do. They can arrange a phone call from a nurse or doctor if you need one.

If it is an emergency, call 999.


Constipation

Constipation, or having difficulty pooing, is common in childhood, particularly when children are being potty trained at around 2 or 3 years old. Constipation, is often caused by diet, so can be common if introducing your baby to formula milk or when you start solid foods.

If you have concerns, you can talk to your Health Visitor or GP.


Cough, cold, sore throat and ear ache

It is normal for children to have multiple colds a year, and this should gradually decrease as their immunity develops. Sore throats are often caused by viral illnesses such as colds or flu. Colds can also lead children to cough because of mucus trickling down the back of the throat.

Ear infections are common in babies and small children. They often follow a cold and can cause a high temperature but can usually be treated with over-the-counter medicines.

More information is available from the NHS website on treating coughs, colds and ear aches at home and when you need to seek medical advice.


Diarrhoea and vomiting

Diarrhoea and vomiting are common in babies and children. They're often caused by a stomach bug and should stop in a few days. You can usually treat your child at home and the most important thing is for them to have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration. In addition to water, rehydration solutions are available over the counter, ask a pharmacist for more advice. If the baby is under 12 months old, please call 111 for advice and support.

To prevent the spread of illness, you should wash your hands with soap and water, and it is recommended to stay away from school, work, or other public places until at least 2 days have passed without any symptoms of sickness or diarrhoea. If you also have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to do your normal activities, try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people until you feel better.


Emotional wellbeing and mental health

Every child and young person feels low, angry or anxious at times. But when these feelings don't pass quickly or affecting them significantly, it's good to get help.


High temperature

A high temperature is common in young children. It is the body's natural response to fighting infections like coughs and colds and usually returns to normal within 3 or 4 days. Many things can cause a high temperature in children, from common childhood illnesses to vaccinations, and less commonly, sunstroke.

If your child has a high temperature, they might feel hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, feel sweaty, look, or feel unwell.

A high fever (38C or above), regardless of the cause, can also lead to fits especially in babies and children from 6 months to 3 years old. This can be frightening when it occurs, but it is usually harmless, and most children make a complete recovery. These are called febrile seizures.

Use a digital thermometer, which you can buy from pharmacies and supermarkets, to take your child's temperature and keep them hydrated to compensate the loss of fluid from sweating or vomiting. The NHS website provides information on high temperatures and meningitis.

Always call 111 or contact a GP if:

  • Your child has other signs of illness such as a rash as well as a high temperature
  • Your baby's temperature is 38C or higher if they're under 3 months old
  • Your baby's temperature is 39C or higher if they're 3 to 6 months old

Newborn concerns

Newborn babies often experience minor health problems which may feel difficult to cope with, but they are extremely common and there is plenty of support available to you. Below outlines the most common concerns for newborns and what actions you should take, including when to seek help:

To get further advice, you can contact the Surrey wide 0-19 advice line on 01883 340922, lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, excluding bank holidays.


Rashes

Many things can cause a rash in babies and children, and they're often nothing to worry about. As a parent, you will know if your child seems seriously unwell and you should trust your judgement.

Immediate action required - Call 999 or go to A&E now if:

Your child is unwell with a rash and has any of these symptoms:

  • a stiff neck
  • bothered by light
  • seems confused
  • a high temperature (38C or above)
  • difficulty breathing (you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs), breathlessness, or they're breathing very fast
  • a rash that looks like small bruises or bleeding under the skin and does not fade when you press a glass against it
  • their skin, lips or tongue look pale, blue, grey or blotchy

On dark skin, it may be easier to see the rash or colour changes on the soles of the feet, palms, lips, tongue and inside the eyelids.

Need urgent advice? Ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 111 if you're worried about your child's rash and you're not sure what to do.


Urine infection

If you think your child has a urine infection, due to pain when peeing or changes in their pee (such as colour, smell, or increased frequency for a smaller quantity), or pain in the lower back on one side or both, make an appointment to see your GP. They can check for infection and advise you on the best treatment. Whilst waiting, encourage your child to drink more water.


Hot weather

Summer is such a wonderful time to spend outdoors with family and friends, but it's important to be aware of some health risks that come with the season. Here is some helpful advice provided by the NHS to make sure your child stays safe and healthy in the summer heat:

Be cautious of indicators of heat-related illness in your baby. If your infant shows symptoms such as a fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, dry mouth, sunken eyes, or reduced urine output, then dehydration may be present. Additionally, if your baby experiences a rash, redness, swelling, or blisters on the skin, it may indicate sunburn. If your baby demonstrates signs of a headache, dizziness, confusion, or fainting, this could be possible heat stroke. It is advisable to promptly seek medical assistance if any of these symptoms are observed.


First Aid

Knowing what to do if your baby or child is injured or has an accident will help you be prepared so you can give them the right support calmly, while you seek medical help.

The Red Cross has easy to follow instructions to help your baby or child in an emergency for the following: