The health of children is a hot topic these days. With the rise in childhood obesity and the increase in chronic health conditions, it’s no wonder that parents are concerned about their kids’ health. Moreover, the recent pandemic has gotten more parents even more worried since they don’t want their children to get sick.
There are many reasons why your child might be getting sick often, and one of these reasons might not be because of the virus. Sometimes, kids tend to get sick more often because of their lifestyle or diet. As a parent, you might not be aware of this. Thankfully there are various reasons known to medical professionals regarding this problem. Here are the most common reasons children in the United States get sick often.
Dental Health
Interestingly enough, dental health is the most overlooked reason for a sickly child. Unfortunately, poor dental health can be a sufficient reason why your child gets sick more often.
About 40% of children in the United States have cavities. Although these numbers are decreasing lately, there’s a good chance that your child might have one. They might also have something worse, like a dental disease.
Dental disease is an infection in the gums and tissues that support the teeth. If not treated, it can lead to tooth loss. Not only that, but it can also cause other problems like pain, eating difficulties, and bad breath.
If your child has dental disease, they’re more likely to get sick often. This is because the bacteria from the infection can enter their bloodstream and cause various problems.
To avoid this, make sure to take your child to the dentist regularly. However, if your child is experiencing dental anxiety, it might be better to visit a pediatric dentist instead. This type of dental professional is specially trained to deal with children’s dental anxiety and ensure that your child is comfortable during their visit.
Asthma
Asthma is a respiratory condition that causes difficulty breathing. It’s one of the most common chronic health conditions in children, affecting about 6 million kids in the United States.
Asthma attacks can cause a child to have difficulty breathing, which can lead to them getting sick often. An asthma attack can leave a child feeling exhausted and short of breath.
If your child has asthma, make sure to keep their medication on hand at all times. Also, make sure that you’re aware of the signs and symptoms of an asthma attack so that you can get help right away.
Obesity
Childhood obesity is becoming an epidemic in the United States. Unfortunately, a decent number of children have obesity, and it’s becoming problematic.
Obesity is not only dangerous for a child’s physical health, but it can also be dangerous for their mental health. Obese children are more likely to have low self-esteem and be bullied.
Obesity can also lead to other chronic health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
If your child is obese, make sure to talk to them about their weight. Explain why it’s crucial to be a healthy weight and offer them support in reaching their goals. You can also enroll them in a weight loss program or see a pediatric dietitian.
Compromised immune system
If your child’s immune system is compromised, then they’re more likely to get sick often. This is because their immune system isn’t strong enough to fight off infection.
There are many reasons why a child’s immune system might be compromised. It could be because of a genetic condition, an illness, or even the medications that they’re taking.
If your child has a compromised immune system, make sure to keep them away from sick people. Also, make sure that they’re up-to-date on their vaccinations. You can also ask their doctor about any supplements or other treatments that might help boost their immune system.
Inadequate Sleep
Another reason why your child might be getting sick often is because they’re not getting enough sleep. According to research, children who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to get sick.
This is because sleep deprivation can weaken a child’s immune system. It can also make them more susceptible to getting sick from viruses.
If your child isn’t getting enough sleep, try to make sure that they’re going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. You can also limit their screen time before bed. And if they’re having trouble falling asleep, you might want to consider a melatonin supplement.
Poor Diet
A poor diet can also lead to a child getting sick often. This is because a diet that’s high in sugar and processed foods can weaken the immune system.
A diet that’s lacking in fruits, vegetables, and other nutrients can also make it difficult for a child to fight off infection.
If your child has a poor diet, try to make sure that they’re eating healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. You can also limit their intake of sugary drinks and snacks. And make sure that they’re getting enough vitamins and minerals through food or supplements.
These are some of the most common reasons why children get sick often. If your child is sick frequently, you should talk to their doctor to see if they might have one of these conditions. Pediatric dentists are also a great resource for information on children’s health.