Chronic conditions, sometimes referred to as long-term conditions or non-communicable diseases, cover a broad spectrum of symptoms, illnesses, and diseases that tend to be chronic and have lingering effects.

A child’s natural development can be disrupted by chronic diseases, which increases their likelihood of being developmentally fragile when entering their years of schooling. . In general, long-term treatment by families and medical experts is required, given that chronic illnesses are often persistent throughout a person’s life.

Below we’ll discuss the three most common of these diseases and offer parents and carers chronic diseases treatments for kids affected.

Eczema

Atopic dermatitis is the most prevalent kind of eczema. The symptoms include dry, itchy, and irritated skin.

It usually begins on the face, elbows, and knees of young children. In addition to their scalp and behind their ears, older children may develop eczema in the creases of their elbows, wrists, and knees. Unfortunately, there is no known treatment.

Some typical causes of eczema flare-ups include:

• overheating
• chemical irritations (chlorine, detergents and soaps – bubble baths are a definite no-no)
• sandpits
• stress

TIPS FOR TREATING ECZEMA

To treat your child’s eczema at home, use these outlined methods:

• Keep them cool, especially on hot days.
• Every day, or more frequently if necessary, moisturise their skin, especially after being in the sun or taking a bath.
• To stop itching and scratching, use antihistamines and cool towels.
• Foods that aggravate eczema should be observed and noted.

Asthma

Constriction of inflamed and swollen airways is one of the harsher symptoms of asthma. Increased mucus production makes it much more difficult for children to receive a lungful of air when the symptoms are present.

When things get extremely severe, acute asthma attacks, sometimes referred to as asthma episodes can happen. Such attacks are a common cause of trips to the emergency room, which is frequently caused by inadequate home management.

Your child’s airways can become irritated by a variety of factors, which can then lead to asthma symptoms. Following are a few of the vital factors:

• smoke and air pollution.
• respiratory infections and colds.
• pets and animals.
• dust and mites found in homes.
• cool air. 
• Pollen.

TIPS FOR TREATING ASTHMA

If your kid suffers from a severe asthma attack, dial 000 right away. Avoid attempting to treat the issue with inhalers or other medications.

In addition, you may assist them in controlling their asthma by

• ensuring that they always have their reliever puffer with them.
• demonstrating how to take their medicine.
• learning first aid for asthma.
• Make sure preventatives are taken daily (if prescribed by a GP).
• using spacers.
• staying cool in the case of an asthma attack

Hay Fever

Hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, is a response to airborne allergen particles being caught in the tiny hairs of the nose. Even though most of us don’t pay much attention to it, vulnerable kids can experience severe suffering.

Common symptoms include uncontrollable sneezing, itchy eyes, ears, nose, and throat, as well as headaches. It usually won’t go away on its own. Untreated hay fever can cause a variety of issues, such as lack of sleep, severe eye infections, and difficulty concentrating at school.

The right way for easing flare-up symptoms is to limit aggravating factors such as :

• Keeping your pets outside of your home.
• Avoiding smoking near children.
• Locking the doors and windows.
• Leaving the lawn uncut.

TIPS FOR TREATING HAY FEVER

• Search for hay fever triggers that are visible and eliminate the cause
• Use nasal sprays.
• Use sedative-free antihistamines.
• Throughout the day, wash your child’s hands and bathe their eyes.
• Use eye drops to soothe scratchy eyes.
• UseVaseline to coat the nose will assist to capture allergies.
• It could be beneficial in some cases to give your child a tablespoon of locally made honey every day.

Chronic disease management can be difficult, costly, and difficult for the affected children and their families. Early intervention and planned support services can help families and reduce the negative impacts from worsening. This is where chronic disease management plans can help you!

A Chronic disease management plan involves a consultation with your GP, who will work in conjunction with you, to formulate a written care plan, tailored to each individual, to specifically manage their chronic disease. Your medical, physical, psychological and social needs are all considered during the development of a chronic disease management plan drafted by your GP.

Chronic disease management plans help patients to access timely and affordable (often bulk-billed) allied health services.

Medicare covers the cost of each chronic disease management plan. There is NO out of pocket cost.

For more information on chronic disease management plans and how they can help you and your children to receive the highest quality care, head to our Chronic Disease Management page here: https://msmedical.com.au/chronic-disease-management/

If you’re looking for a consult at a Lilydale medical centre to book online for your child, visit our website https://msmedical.com.au/ to fill in our online form or to find out more about our services.