Paediatrics: common childhood illnesses, prevention and finding a children's doctor

Children are not small adults. The illnesses they get and the way they show that something is wrong differ, and they can become unwell, and recover, very quickly. This page explains what paediatrics covers, the problems that most often bring children to a clinic, how to keep children healthy, and how to find and check a provider.

What this field covers

Paediatricians are doctors who specialise in the health of babies, children and adolescents, from newborn care through to the late teens. Their work includes diagnosing and treating acute illness, monitoring growth and development, managing long-term conditions such as asthma, epilepsy and sickle cell disease, and overseeing immunisation. Many children are seen first by general practitioners, nurses or clinical officers at medical centres and child welfare clinics; paediatricians take over when a child is seriously unwell, has a complex or persistent problem, or needs hospital care.

Common problems

Fever. A raised temperature is the body's normal response to infection and is the most common reason parents seek help. The NHS describes a temperature of 38C or above as a fever in children and advises giving fluids, keeping the child comfortable and watching for other signs. Any fever in a baby under three months, or a fever lasting more than five days, should be assessed by a doctor.

Pneumonia and chest infections. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that fills the air sacs with fluid. The WHO pneumonia fact sheet (11 November 2022) reports that it accounted for 14% of all deaths of children under five in 2019 and describes it as preventable through immunisation, good nutrition and cleaner household air. Fast or difficult breathing, chest indrawing and cough with fever are the key signs. Hospital care is needed for severe cases.

Bronchiolitis. A viral infection of the small airways that affects babies, usually under a year old, causing a cough, wheeze, fast breathing and difficulty feeding. The NHS notes that most cases are mild and settle within two to three weeks at home, but some babies need hospital support with feeding or oxygen.

Diarrhoea and vomiting. Usually caused by viral or bacterial infection from contaminated food, water or hands. The WHO diarrhoeal disease fact sheet (7 March 2024) states that diarrhoea is the third leading cause of death in children aged one to 59 months and that most deaths result from dehydration, which is preventable with oral rehydration solution and zinc, and that safe water and sanitation prevent a large share of cases. General practitioners and paediatricians treat it; children who cannot keep fluids down need hospital care.

Malaria. In areas where malaria is transmitted, any fever in a child should be tested without delay. The WHO (4 December 2025) reports that children under five accounted for about 75% of malaria deaths in the African Region in 2024. Severe malaria can develop within hours and is treated in hospital.

Ear infections. Common after colds, causing ear pain, fever, irritability and pulling at the ear. The NHS notes that most clear within three days without antibiotics. General practitioners manage most; recurrent infections or fluid behind the eardrum (glue ear) may be referred to an ear, nose and throat specialist.

Asthma and wheeze. Recurrent cough, wheeze and breathlessness, often worse at night or with exercise and colds. General practitioners and paediatricians manage asthma with inhalers and a written action plan.

Measles and other vaccine-preventable infections. Measles causes high fever, cough, red eyes and a spreading rash, and can lead to pneumonia, brain inflammation and death. The WHO measles fact sheet (15 July 2026) reports an estimated 95,000 measles deaths globally in 2024, mostly among unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children under five. Chickenpox, which the NHS describes as an itchy, spotty rash that usually gets better on its own in a week or two, is milder but can be serious in newborns and in children with weakened immunity.

Malnutrition and growth problems. Both undernutrition and overweight are forms of malnutrition. The WHO (1 March 2024) estimates that 149 million children under five were stunted and 45 million wasted in 2022, and links nearly half of under-five deaths to undernutrition. Regular weighing and measuring at child health clinics detects problems early; paediatricians and nutritionists manage treatment.

Newborn problems. Jaundice, feeding difficulties, low birth weight and infection in the first weeks of life need prompt assessment by midwives, general practitioners or paediatricians, with neonatal units for babies who are premature or seriously unwell.

Developmental and behavioural concerns. Delayed speech, walking or social skills, difficulty at school, and conditions such as autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are assessed by paediatricians, often together with psychologists, speech therapists and occupational therapists.

Prevention and self-care basics

• Keep to the national immunisation schedule and keep the child's health card safe. Vaccines protect against measles, pneumonia, diarrhoea, whooping cough and many other serious illnesses.
• Breastfeed exclusively for the first six months where possible, then introduce varied family foods alongside continued breastfeeding, as the WHO recommends.
• Attend growth monitoring and child health clinics even when the child is well.
• Wash hands with soap before preparing food and after using the toilet or changing nappies, and give children safe drinking water.
• Where malaria is present, make sure children sleep under an insecticide-treated net every night.
• Keep the home smoke-free and ventilated; indoor smoke from cooking fires and tobacco raises the risk of pneumonia.
• Keep medicines, cleaning products, paraffin and small objects out of children's reach, and supervise around water and roads.
• Learn how to make up oral rehydration solution and start it at the first sign of diarrhoea.

When to see a professional

See a doctor or paediatrician if a child has a fever that lasts more than five days or any fever when under three months old; a cough lasting more than three weeks; diarrhoea for more than a week or vomiting for more than two days; ear pain that does not settle in three days; is not gaining weight or growing as expected; is not meeting developmental milestones; has repeated infections; or if you are worried and your instinct tells you something is wrong.

Warning signs that need urgent care

Children can deteriorate quickly. Seek emergency care immediately if a child:

• Is breathing very fast, grunting, has the skin between or below the ribs sucking in with each breath, or is making a harsh noise when breathing.
• Has blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue.
• Is unusually drowsy, floppy, hard to wake, or has a high-pitched or weak cry.
• Has a seizure, or a fit with a fever.
• Has a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it, a stiff neck, a bulging soft spot on the head or dislikes bright light, which the NHS lists among signs of meningitis.
• Shows signs of severe dehydration: no wet nappy for 12 hours, sunken eyes, no tears, a dry mouth or cold hands and feet.
• Is under three months old with a temperature of 38C or above.
• Has swallowed a battery, medicine or chemical, or has had a serious fall or burn.

If you think you have a medical emergency, contact your local emergency services.

How to find and check a provider

HealthNaro lists children's clinics and paediatricians. Each listing carries a verification label describing what has been checked: Public listing, Contact verified, Reviewed by HealthNaro or Credentials verified. HealthNaro does not endorse providers; the labels describe our checks, not the quality of care.

It is reasonable to ask whether the doctor is a registered paediatrician, whether the clinic offers immunisation and growth monitoring, how out-of-hours emergencies are handled and which hospital the clinic refers to. Browse providers by specialty:

• Paediatrics

Our consulting service is free: tell us what you need and we will help you find a suitable clinic.

Frequently asked questions

When does a child need a paediatrician rather than a general practitioner? General practitioners and child health clinics handle most everyday illness and routine care. A paediatrician is appropriate for newborn problems, serious or recurrent illness, long-term conditions, growth or development concerns, or when your doctor refers you.

Do antibiotics help a child with a cold or most ear infections? No. Colds are viral and, according to the NHS, most ear infections get better within three days without antibiotics. A doctor will prescribe them when there is a bacterial infection that needs treatment.

How do I bring down a fever safely? Offer plenty of fluids, dress the child lightly and keep the room comfortable. The NHS advises against tepid sponging and wrapping up. Children's paracetamol or ibuprofen can be used if the child is distressed, following the instructions for their age and weight.

Can I catch up on missed vaccines? Yes. Ask a clinic or child health service; catch-up schedules exist for most vaccines.

This page is general information, not medical advice.