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When to take your child to hospital

The decision to take your child to hospital is difficult and this post attempts to help the parent who is unsure. Those symptoms such as cough, fever, or vomiting are common but occasionally may herald the onset of a more serious condition.

Middle Ear Infection (Otitis Media)

Middle ear infections are a common childhood complication of upper respiratory tract infections, and represent a significant problem in some children during the early years. This article discusses exactly what they are and how to manage them.
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Snoring and Apnoea in Children

Snoring is common in children, particularly if they have a cold. But if snoring is constant, and causes problems with night time breathing, this sometimes will require further assessment. This article discusses when snoring is problematic and how it is managed.

Tonsillitis and Pharyngitis

Tonsillitis and pharyngitis both mean painful sore throat due to an infection. In most cases the infant or toddler will have a viral cause and rest and time is all that is needed. Bacterial throat infections are usually caused by streptococcus, and generally occur in children over 4 years.
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Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis used to be called hayfever. But there is no fever and hay is not really a factor in suburban Australia. But this condition causes considerable distress and results in sneezing, itchy, blocked nose, and often the eyes are involved. The good news is that it is treatable, and desensitisation is possible in some cases.

Ulcers, Sore throat and fever in toddlers

This is also called Herpangina. It is an infectious illness that results in ulcers or blisters on the back of the throat or palate. It occurs predominantly in small children and is associated with a high fever for a few days.

Swimmer’s Ear – Otitis Externa

Why does this occur ? The ear canal is normally 'acidic'. This acid nature acts to prevent the normal presence of bacteria from causing infection. When someone spends a considerable amount of time in the water - any water - then this…