New reference book for parents on child illness

[Posted: Fri 01/05/2009]

A major new handy reference book for parents "When Your Child is Sick", has just been published.

According to leading paediatrician Prof Alf Nicholson, the co-author of the book, it is aimed at empowering parents to help their sick children by providing reliable information on common childhood illnesses.

"There is a rise in the use of antibiotics, unnecessary trips to A&E, and scans that serve to reassure over-anxious parents, but are a drain on the already over-burdened health system and actually quite a traumatic experience for children," Prof Nicholson says.

Prof Nicholson believes we are overtreating our sick children. He stresses that most ailments are minor and can often be treated at home. The book gives detailed advice to parents on which conditions and symptoms are minor and which ones need referral to a GP or hospital specialist.

"When Your Child is Sick" catalogues the top 20 ailments your child will face as he or she grows. The book will help parents to identify what is wrong, how to treat the illness at home, and how to know when you need to consult a doctor.

The book also contains sections on the normal stages of development in a child, what should be in your home medicine chest, growth charts, vaccination, asthma inhalers and a photo gallery of common rashes.

The book is co-authored with Grainne O'Malley, a professional writer with a background in public relations.

It is published by Newleaf, price €14.99.

View Prof Nicholson talking about common childhood illnesses in irishhealth.com's exclusive video Q&A at...http://www.irishhealth.com/child_health/