8 Common Childhood Illnesses and Their Treatment: A Complete Guide for Dubai Parents

Every parent in Dubai knows the worry that comes when their child falls ill. Whether it’s a runny nose, a persistent cough, or a sudden fever, childhood illnesses are an inevitable part of growing up. The good news is that most common childhood illnesses are quite manageable when parents know what they’re dealing with and how to respond appropriately. At myPediaClinic in Dubai Healthcare City, we help families navigate these challenging moments with expert care and guidance.

Understanding common childhood illnesses helps parents distinguish between conditions that resolve with home care and those requiring medical attention. It helps you provide effective comfort measures, know when to keep your child home from school, communicate effectively with healthcare providers, and reduce anxiety when illness strikes. This comprehensive guide explores eight of the most common illnesses affecting children in Dubai, explaining their causes, symptoms, treatments, and prevention strategies.

While this information helps you understand and manage common childhood illnesses, it doesn’t replace professional medical advice. When in doubt about your child’s health, consulting with a qualified pediatrician is always the safest approach.

The Common Cold: The Most Frequent Childhood Illness

The common cold is aptly named—it’s the illness children experience most frequently. Most children catch between six and ten colds per year, with younger children in daycare or school settings often experiencing even more. While colds are uncomfortable, they’re rarely serious and typically resolve within 7-10 days.

What Causes the Common Cold?

Despite its name, cold weather doesn’t cause colds—viruses do. Over 200 different viruses can cause cold symptoms, with rhinoviruses being the most common culprits. These viruses spread through respiratory droplets when infected people cough or sneeze, direct contact with infected individuals, and touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face. Children are particularly susceptible because their immune systems are still developing and haven’t yet built immunity to the many cold-causing viruses in circulation.

Recognizing Cold Symptoms in Children

Cold symptoms typically develop gradually and may include runny or stuffy nose (often clear initially, becoming thicker and yellow or green), sneezing, sore throat, mild cough, low-grade fever (especially in younger children), decreased appetite, general fussiness or fatigue, and watery eyes. Symptoms usually peak around day three or four before gradually improving.

Treating the Common Cold at Home

Since viruses cause colds, antibiotics don’t help—treatment focuses on comfort and symptom relief. Ensure adequate rest as it helps the body fight infection. Encourage plenty of fluids—water, clear broths, and warm liquids help prevent dehydration and soothe irritated throats. Use saline nasal drops or sprays to relieve congestion, especially before feeding or sleeping. Run a cool-mist humidifier in your child’s room to add moisture to the air. For children over one year, honey before bed may help reduce nighttime coughing. For fever or discomfort, age-appropriate doses of acetaminophen or ibuprofen can provide relief.

Avoid giving cold medications to young children—the American Academy of Pediatrics advises against over-the-counter cold medications for children under six due to lack of proven effectiveness and potential side effects.

When to Seek Medical Care

Contact your pediatrician if symptoms last longer than 10 days without improvement, if fever is high (over 39°C/102°F) or persists more than three days, if your child has difficulty breathing or is breathing rapidly, if symptoms improve and then suddenly worsen (suggesting secondary infection), if your child is under three months old with any fever, or if your child appears unusually lethargic or refuses fluids.

Ear Infections: A Painful Complication of Colds

Ear infections are among the most common reasons parents bring children to pediatricians. By age three, approximately 75% of children will have experienced at least one ear infection. These infections often follow colds when bacteria or viruses travel from the throat to the middle ear.

Understanding Ear Infections

The middle ear is an air-filled space behind the eardrum connected to the throat by the Eustachian tube. When this tube becomes blocked—often due to cold-related swelling—fluid accumulates in the middle ear, creating an environment where bacteria or viruses can flourish. Children are more susceptible because their Eustachian tubes are shorter, more horizontal, and more easily blocked than adults’.

Ear infections can be acute otitis media (infection of the middle ear with fluid accumulation and inflammation), otitis media with effusion (fluid in the middle ear without active infection), or chronic otitis media (repeated infections or persistent fluid that can affect hearing).

Recognizing Ear Infection Symptoms

Older children may describe ear pain directly, but younger children often can’t articulate what’s wrong. Watch for ear tugging or pulling, unusual fussiness or crying (especially when lying down), difficulty sleeping, fever, difficulty hearing or responding to quiet sounds, loss of balance or clumsiness, drainage of fluid from the ear, and loss of appetite (swallowing is painful with ear infections).

Treatment Approaches for Ear Infections

Treatment depends on the child’s age, infection severity, and other factors. For mild infections in older children, doctors may recommend watchful waiting—monitoring for 48-72 hours while managing pain, as many ear infections resolve without antibiotics. When antibiotics are prescribed, completing the full course is essential even if symptoms improve quickly. Pain management with acetaminophen or ibuprofen helps children feel more comfortable. Warm compresses applied to the ear may provide additional pain relief.

Preventing Ear Infections

While not all ear infections are preventable, strategies that may help include keeping up with vaccinations (particularly pneumococcal and flu vaccines), avoiding secondhand smoke exposure, breastfeeding infants (breastmilk provides immune protection), avoiding bottle-feeding while lying flat, and treating underlying allergies that cause congestion.

Sore Throat: More Than Just Discomfort

Sore throats are extremely common in children, particularly during cold and flu season. Most sore throats are caused by viral infections and resolve on their own, but bacterial sore throats—particularly strep throat—require antibiotic treatment to prevent complications.

Viral vs. Bacterial Sore Throats

Distinguishing between viral and bacterial sore throats matters because treatment differs significantly. Viral sore throats typically accompany cold symptoms like runny nose, cough, and congestion. They often cause lower-grade fevers and resolve gradually over several days. Bacterial sore throats, particularly strep throat, often appear suddenly without cold symptoms. They may cause higher fevers, severely red and swollen tonsils (sometimes with white patches), swollen lymph nodes in the neck, headache, and stomachache. However, symptoms alone can’t definitively distinguish viral from bacterial infections—testing is required.

When to Test for Strep Throat

Strep testing is recommended when sore throat occurs without typical cold symptoms, when symptoms appear suddenly and severely, when your child has been exposed to someone with confirmed strep throat, and when the throat appears significantly red or swollen with possible white patches. A simple throat swab can detect strep bacteria, guiding appropriate treatment decisions.

Treating Sore Throats

Viral sore throats are managed with supportive care including rest and fluids, honey (for children over one) to soothe throat irritation, warm or cold beverages and soft foods, pain relief with acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and salt water gargles for older children who can gargle safely. Bacterial sore throats require antibiotics—typically a full 10-day course of penicillin or amoxicillin. Completing the entire course is crucial to fully eliminate the bacteria and prevent rheumatic fever, a serious complication of untreated strep.

Bronchitis: When Coughs Become Concerning

Bronchitis is inflammation of the bronchial tubes—the airways that carry air to and from the lungs. In children, acute bronchitis usually follows a cold or other upper respiratory infection and causes a persistent cough that can last for weeks.

Understanding Bronchitis in Children

Viruses cause most cases of bronchitis in children. As the bronchial tubes become inflamed, they produce excess mucus that triggers coughing—the body’s attempt to clear the airways. While the cough can be distressing and persistent, bronchitis in otherwise healthy children is usually not serious.

Symptoms of Bronchitis

Bronchitis symptoms typically include persistent cough (initially dry, often becoming productive with mucus), chest congestion, fatigue and general malaise, low-grade fever, and sometimes wheezing or rattling sounds with breathing. The cough may worsen at night and can persist for two to three weeks, even after other symptoms resolve.

Treating Bronchitis at Home

Since viruses cause most childhood bronchitis, antibiotics typically aren’t needed. Home care focuses on rest to help the body heal, plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and thin mucus, using a humidifier to add moisture to the air, honey (for children over one) to soothe coughing, and avoiding smoke and other respiratory irritants. Cough suppressants are generally not recommended for children, as coughing serves the important function of clearing mucus from airways.

When Bronchitis Needs Medical Attention

Seek medical care if your child has difficulty breathing or breathes rapidly, if cough produces blood-tinged mucus, if fever is high or lasts more than a few days, if symptoms don’t improve after three weeks, if your child has underlying conditions like asthma, or if your child becomes increasingly lethargic or refuses to drink.

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): The Highly Contagious Eye Infection

Conjunctivitis, commonly called pink eye, is inflammation of the conjunctiva—the thin, clear membrane covering the white part of the eye and lining the inner eyelids. Pink eye is extremely common in children and spreads rapidly through schools and childcare settings.

Types of Conjunctivitis

There are three main types. Viral conjunctivitis is the most common form, caused by the same viruses responsible for colds. It’s highly contagious and typically affects both eyes. Bacterial conjunctivitis results from bacterial infection and produces thick, yellow-green discharge. It may affect one or both eyes. Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander. It isn’t contagious and usually affects both eyes with intense itching.

Recognizing Pink Eye Symptoms

Common symptoms across all types include red or pink coloration in the white of the eye, eye irritation or discomfort, increased tearing, and swollen eyelids. Viral conjunctivitis often accompanies cold symptoms and produces watery discharge. Bacterial conjunctivitis causes thick, colored discharge that may cause eyelids to stick together, especially after sleep. Allergic conjunctivitis features intense itching and typically occurs during allergy season or after allergen exposure.

Treatment Based on Type

Viral conjunctivitis resolves on its own within 1-2 weeks without specific treatment. Cool compresses and artificial tears help relieve discomfort. Bacterial conjunctivitis often requires antibiotic eye drops or ointment, which typically bring improvement within 24-48 hours. Allergic conjunctivitis is managed by avoiding triggers, using cool compresses, and sometimes antihistamine eye drops or oral antihistamines.

Preventing Pink Eye Spread

To prevent spreading conjunctivitis, teach children not to touch or rub their eyes, ensure frequent handwashing with soap, have infected children use their own towels and washcloths, wash bedding and towels in hot water, keep children home from school until contagious period passes, and dispose of eye makeup used during infection.

Sinusitis: When Colds Develop Complications

Sinusitis is inflammation or infection of the sinuses—the air-filled spaces in the facial bones. Children’s sinuses are still developing, and their anatomy makes them more susceptible to sinus problems when respiratory infections occur.

How Sinusitis Develops in Children

Most cases of sinusitis in children begin with a cold. The viral infection causes swelling that blocks the normal drainage of the sinuses. When sinuses can’t drain properly, mucus accumulates and can become infected with bacteria. Children may develop sinusitis more easily due to immature immune systems still learning to fight infections, smaller sinus passages that block more easily, frequent colds from school and daycare exposure, and allergies that cause additional swelling.

Distinguishing Sinusitis from a Cold

Since sinusitis often follows colds, knowing when a cold has become sinusitis helps parents seek appropriate care. Suspect sinusitis if cold symptoms last longer than 10 days without improvement, if symptoms seem to improve then suddenly worsen, if there is persistent thick, colored nasal discharge, if your child experiences facial pain or pressure (older children may describe this), if there is persistent daytime cough or throat clearing, if there are headaches (in older children), and if there is fever appearing later in the illness (after initial cold symptoms).

Treating Sinusitis

Many cases of sinusitis resolve without antibiotics, but bacterial sinusitis requires antibiotic treatment. Home care that may help includes saline nasal rinses or sprays to help clear congestion, warm compresses applied to the face to relieve discomfort, adequate fluids to thin mucus, humidified air to prevent drying, rest to support healing, and pain relievers for headache or facial discomfort.

If your pediatrician prescribes antibiotics, completing the full course is important even if symptoms improve quickly. Stopping antibiotics early may allow the infection to return.

Influenza (The Flu): More Serious Than a Cold

Influenza is a respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that circulate seasonally. While sometimes confused with colds, the flu is generally more severe and can lead to serious complications, particularly in young children.

Understanding Influenza

Influenza viruses change constantly, which is why new vaccines are needed each year and why people can get the flu repeatedly. Two main types—influenza A and influenza B—cause most seasonal flu illness. The flu spreads through respiratory droplets and is highly contagious, especially in the first few days of illness.

Flu Symptoms in Children

Flu symptoms typically appear suddenly and are more severe than cold symptoms. Watch for high fever (often 39-40°C/102-104°F), severe body aches and muscle pain, headache, intense fatigue and weakness, chills and sweats, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and loss of appetite. Some children experience vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults. Flu symptoms usually improve within a week, though fatigue and cough may linger longer.

Treating Influenza

Most healthy children recover from the flu with supportive care including rest, fluids, and fever management. Antiviral medications may be prescribed for children at high risk of complications or those with severe illness, ideally within 48 hours of symptom onset. Keep sick children home from school to prevent spreading the illness. Monitor for signs of complications requiring immediate medical attention.

When Flu Becomes an Emergency

Seek emergency care immediately if your child has difficulty breathing or rapid breathing, bluish skin color (lips or face), severe or persistent vomiting, dehydration (no urination for 8+ hours, no tears when crying, very dry mouth), confusion or not interacting normally, severe irritability (child doesn’t want to be held), symptoms that improve then return with worse fever and cough, or fever with rash.

The Importance of Flu Vaccination

Annual flu vaccination is the best protection against influenza. The vaccine is recommended for all children six months and older. Children under nine receiving the vaccine for the first time need two doses. While not 100% effective, vaccination significantly reduces the risk of flu and its complications. Even if vaccinated children get the flu, they typically experience milder illness.

Stomach Flu (Gastroenteritis): The Misnamed Illness

Despite its name, stomach flu isn’t influenza—it’s viral gastroenteritis, an infection of the intestinal tract that causes vomiting and diarrhea. While extremely unpleasant, most cases resolve within a few days without specific treatment.

What Causes Stomach Flu?

Several viruses cause gastroenteritis. Rotavirus historically was the most common cause in young children, though vaccination has significantly reduced its impact. Norovirus is highly contagious and causes outbreaks in schools, daycares, and cruise ships. Adenovirus affects children of all ages. These viruses spread through contaminated food or water, contact with infected individuals, and touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the mouth.

Recognizing Gastroenteritis Symptoms

Symptoms typically begin suddenly and may include vomiting (often the first symptom), watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps and pain, nausea, low-grade fever, headache and body aches, and loss of appetite. Vomiting often subsides within 1-2 days, while diarrhea may persist for several more days.

Managing Gastroenteritis at Home

The primary goal is preventing dehydration, which is the main risk of gastroenteritis. Start rehydration early—don’t wait until your child is clearly dehydrated. Use oral rehydration solutions (like Pedialyte) rather than plain water, as they replace both fluids and electrolytes. Offer small, frequent sips rather than large amounts that may trigger vomiting. Continue breastfeeding or formula feeding for infants. Once vomiting subsides, gradually reintroduce bland foods. Avoid sugary beverages, which can worsen diarrhea.

Signs of Dehydration Requiring Medical Attention

Contact your pediatrician or seek urgent care if your child has no wet diapers for 6+ hours (infants) or 8+ hours (older children), has no tears when crying, has a very dry mouth and lips, appears unusually drowsy or lethargic, has sunken eyes or fontanelle (soft spot in infants), has bloody or black stools, has severe abdominal pain, or has persistent high fever with gastroenteritis.

Prevention: The Best Medicine

While childhood illnesses can’t be entirely prevented, certain strategies reduce their frequency and severity.

Vaccination

Staying current with recommended vaccinations protects against many serious illnesses. The childhood vaccination schedule includes protection against diseases like whooping cough, measles, and chickenpox, while annual flu vaccines protect against seasonal influenza. Rotavirus vaccination has dramatically reduced severe gastroenteritis in young children.

Hand Hygiene

Proper handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent illness spread. Teach children to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating, after using the bathroom, after blowing their nose or coughing, and after touching surfaces in public places.

Healthy Habits

General health practices that support immune function include adequate sleep appropriate for your child’s age, a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, regular physical activity, stress management, and avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke.

Sick Child Etiquette

Keep sick children home from school or daycare to prevent spreading illness to others. Teach children to cough and sneeze into their elbows rather than their hands. Regularly clean frequently touched surfaces, especially during illness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Childhood Illnesses

When should I keep my child home from school?

Keep children home if they have a fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher, active vomiting or diarrhea, symptoms that prevent comfortable participation in school, contagious conditions like pink eye (until treated), or if they are too tired or unwell to benefit from being at school. Generally, children should be fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication before returning.

How can I tell if my child needs antibiotics?

Antibiotics only work against bacterial infections—they’re useless against viruses that cause most childhood illnesses. Your pediatrician will determine if antibiotics are appropriate based on examination and sometimes testing. Never request antibiotics or use leftover antibiotics without medical guidance.

Is a fever dangerous?

Fever itself usually isn’t dangerous—it’s the body’s natural response to infection. The height of fever doesn’t necessarily indicate illness severity. What matters more is how your child looks and acts. However, any fever in infants under three months requires immediate medical evaluation. For older children, seek care for very high fevers (over 40°C/104°F), prolonged fever, or if your child appears seriously ill.

How do I reduce fever safely?

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen effectively reduce fever when given at appropriate doses based on your child’s weight. Never give aspirin to children due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome. Light clothing and a comfortable room temperature help—bundling feverish children in heavy blankets can increase temperature. Cool baths were once recommended but are no longer advised as they can cause shivering that raises body temperature.

When is a cough concerning?

Most coughs, while annoying, aren’t dangerous and resolve as the underlying illness heals. Concerning signs include difficulty breathing or rapid breathing, wheezing or barking sounds, coughing up blood, cough lasting more than three weeks, and cough that interferes significantly with sleep or eating. If you’re unsure whether your child’s cough warrants medical attention, call your pediatrician for guidance.

How can I soothe my sick child’s symptoms naturally?

Supportive care that helps children feel better includes rest in a comfortable environment, plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, honey (for children over one) to soothe sore throats and coughs, warm baths for body aches, saline nasal drops for congestion, humidified air to ease breathing, and gentle massage for muscle aches. These comfort measures help while the body heals.

When to Contact Your Pediatrician

While most childhood illnesses resolve at home, certain situations warrant professional evaluation. Contact your pediatrician for any illness in infants under three months, symptoms that seem unusual or severe, signs of dehydration, breathing difficulties or rapid breathing, persistent high fever, symptoms that worsen after initial improvement, illness lasting longer than expected, any concern about your child’s condition, and when you’re unsure whether medical care is needed.

Trusting your parental instincts is important. You know your child best, and if something seems wrong, seeking evaluation provides peace of mind and ensures your child receives appropriate care.

Supporting Your Child’s Health in Dubai

At myPediaClinic in Dubai Healthcare City, we understand the worry that comes with childhood illness. Our experienced pediatric team provides comprehensive care for children experiencing common illnesses, helping families navigate these challenges with confidence. We emphasize not just treatment but education—helping parents understand what their children are experiencing and how to provide optimal care at home.

Regular well-child visits establish a relationship with your pediatrician that proves invaluable when illness strikes. Knowing your child’s health baseline helps your pediatrician assess changes and provide personalized guidance. We encourage families to maintain these relationships even when children are healthy.

Book an appointment with myPediaClinic for sick visits, preventive care, and ongoing support for your child’s health. Located in Dubai Healthcare City and recognized as the Best Pediatric Clinic in Dubai, we’re here to support your family through every stage of childhood—in sickness and in health.