Parents often find themselves navigating a minefield of anxiety when their children fall ill, with common complaints like fevers or coughs frequently sparking fears of the worst. In an age where immediate answers are sought online, this natural concern can lead to a deluge of misinformation, warns GP Dr Nighat Arif.
To counter the pervasive influence of unreliable internet sources, Dr Arif has penned The Complete Guide to Family Health, a comprehensive resource designed to equip families with accurate medical advice.
"This is a perfect antidote to Dr Google or ChatGPT, and it came about because there was so much misinformation online," she explains. The book distils over 15 years of her general practice knowledge into a practical "how-to" guide, covering everything from essential emergency medicine cabinet items to knowing when to call 111 and identifying crucial red flags.
Dr Arif’s aim is to simplify complex health concerns, preventing unnecessary panic. "I’ve tried to make it as simple as possible, so if you do worry about a headache, you’re not googling something that comes up with a brain tumour," she states.
She notes that parents' most frequent query revolves around their child's normality, whether concerning behaviour, eating patterns, or physical symptoms like a rash or a persistent cough. "Is this normal or do I need to be worried and escalate this? Could this turn into pneumonia? Those are some of the huge concerns, and they vary so much," she adds.
Here, Dr Arif offers guidance on some of the most common childhood health issues that concern parents:
Head Injury
Children frequently bump their heads, making it challenging for parents to distinguish between a minor knock and something more serious. Dr Arif reassures that most head injuries are not severe, but stresses caution, particularly with very young children who cannot articulate their feelings. "Bear in mind that there may be minimal visible damage, but there could be bleeding or swelling in the brain that you can’t see," she advises. While most children recover quickly from bumps and bruises within 24 to 48 hours, vigilant monitoring is crucial. Parents should look out for concussion symptoms such as dizziness, loss of consciousness, vomiting, confusion, and severe headaches. In young, non-verbal children, behavioural changes like irritability, disinterest in toys, being off their food, or increased crying can be significant indicators. "I would say to parents, you know your child best, so keep an eye on them, and look for irritability," she says, urging parents to "go to A&E if you have any concerns. It’s much better to get it checked out."
Fever
Fevers are the body’s natural defence mechanism against infection. While a high temperature accompanied by other symptoms can signal a serious condition, Dr Arif explains that often, a fever simply indicates a healthy immune system at work. "It’s usually nothing to worry about," she says. However, specific red flags demand urgent medical attention: if a baby under three months has a temperature above 38°C or below 36°C. General fever management varies with the child's age and temperature. Dr Arif warns, "Fevers are more serious in babies. If you are worried, trust your instincts and go to your nearest hospital – this also applies to children over five years old and adults."
Eczema
Eczema, characterised by dry, scaly, and itchy skin patches, is a common childhood condition. While there's no cure, effective management is vital to prevent scarring or infection. "I see a lot of eczema, it’s so common and it’s a bane on parents’ lives," Dr Arif notes. The primary treatment involves consistent application of moisturising emollient creams. "Emollients, emollients, please put on repeatedly throughout the day with your child," she emphasises. She also suggests investigating potential dietary triggers, such as milk or gluten intolerance, as skin issues can sometimes stem from internal problems. If emollients are insufficient or concerns persist, parents should consult a doctor. "Don’t just sit on eczema, because it can be investigated further," she advises.
Coughs
Most coughs seen in general practice are viral, yet they can cause significant worry for parents. Dr Arif highlights key red flags: a persistent high temperature despite paracetamol, and insufficient fluid intake (monitor wet nappies in infants). She clarifies that viral coughs do not require antibiotics and can linger for two to three weeks. If a cough persists beyond three weeks in children or adults, medical consultation is recommended, as a chest x-ray might be needed to rule out underlying conditions like undiagnosed asthma. "It’s all about TLC," she says, encouraging parents to trust their intuition. "If they feel their child is really struggling with breathing, come in and let a doctor have a look."
As a mother of three herself, Dr Arif reassures parents that they should never fear overreacting to their children’s symptoms. "It’s easily done where you can miss the signs in your children – and I say that as a mother and a doctor," she admits. "I say to parents you’re just being vigilant – you’re doing the role you’re assigned to do, assessing what’s normal and what’s not normal. Nobody knows your child better than you do."
The Complete Guide to Family Health by Dr Nighat Arif is published in hardback by Hamlyn, priced £22, and is available now.
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