Common Childhood Illnesses: What Dubai Parents Need to Know
As a parent in Dubai, protecting your child from common illnesses like ear infections and strep throat is a top priority. Children, especially those attending nursery or school, are regularly exposed to germs that can lead to these uncomfortable and sometimes serious conditions. Understanding the symptoms, treatment options, and prevention strategies can help you keep your child healthy year-round.
At myPediaClinic Dubai, our experienced pediatricians provide comprehensive care for childhood infections, from accurate diagnosis to effective treatment and prevention guidance. This guide will help you recognize, treat, and prevent two of the most common childhood illnesses.
Understanding Ear Infections in Children
Ear infections (otitis media) are one of the most frequent reasons parents in Dubai seek pediatric care. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 5 out of 6 children will experience at least one ear infection by their third birthday.
What Causes Ear Infections?
An ear infection occurs when bacteria or viruses invade the middle ear, the air-filled space behind the eardrum. This typically happens when:
- A cold, flu, or respiratory infection causes the Eustachian tubes (which connect the middle ear to the throat) to become swollen or blocked
- Fluid accumulates in the middle ear, creating an environment where bacteria or viruses can thrive
- The immune system is compromised or still developing (children under 5 are most susceptible)
Dubai’s climate, with air-conditioned indoor environments and seasonal allergens, can contribute to upper respiratory issues that increase ear infection risk.
Recognizing Ear Infection Symptoms
Watch for these telltale signs that your child may have an ear infection:
- Ear pain or discomfort: Your child may tug, pull, or rub their ear frequently. Babies may become unusually fussy, especially when lying down
- Fever: Mild to moderate fever (38°C to 40°C or 100.4°F to 104°F) commonly accompanies ear infections
- Sleep disturbances: Lying down increases pressure on the middle ear, causing pain that disrupts sleep
- Irritability and crying: Increased fussiness, particularly in infants who cannot verbalize pain
- Hearing difficulties: Temporary hearing loss or muffled hearing due to fluid buildup
- Fluid drainage: Yellow, white, or bloody discharge from the ear (this may indicate a ruptured eardrum, which usually heals on its own)
- Loss of appetite: Pain when chewing or swallowing can affect eating habits
- Balance problems: The middle ear helps with balance, so infections may cause clumsiness
When to See a Pediatrician in Dubai
Contact your pediatrician immediately if your child:
- Is under 6 months old and shows any signs of ear infection
- Has severe ear pain or symptoms lasting more than 24 hours
- Develops a fever above 39°C (102.2°F)
- Has fluid, pus, or blood draining from the ear
- Shows signs of hearing loss or balance problems
- Experiences recurrent ear infections (3+ in 6 months or 4+ in 12 months)
Treatment Options for Ear Infections
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends a watchful waiting approach for mild cases in children over 6 months. Your Dubai pediatrician may suggest:
1. Pain Management
- Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Panadol) or ibuprofen (Nurofen) for pain and fever relief
- Always consult your pediatrician before giving any medication to children under 2
- Never give aspirin to children due to the risk of Reye’s syndrome
- Warm compresses applied to the affected ear can provide comfort
2. Antibiotics (When Necessary)
- Prescribed for bacterial infections, particularly in children under 2 or those with severe symptoms
- Common antibiotics include amoxicillin or amoxicillin-clavulanate
- Complete the full course (typically 5-10 days) even if symptoms improve
- Follow-up appointments ensure the infection has cleared
3. Watchful Waiting
- For mild cases in children over 6 months, the AAP recommends monitoring for 48-72 hours
- Many ear infections resolve without antibiotics, especially viral infections
- Your pediatrician will provide symptom management strategies during this period
4. Ear Tubes (For Chronic Cases)
Children with recurrent ear infections may benefit from tympanostomy tubes (ear tubes) inserted by an ENT specialist. These tiny tubes help drain fluid and equalize pressure in the middle ear.
Understanding Strep Throat in Children
Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus bacteria. While less common than viral sore throats, strep throat requires antibiotic treatment to prevent complications. According to the CDC, strep throat is most prevalent in children ages 5-15.
How Strep Throat Spreads
Strep throat is highly contagious and spreads through:
- Respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes
- Direct contact with saliva or nasal secretions
- Sharing food, drinks, or utensils
- Touching contaminated surfaces then touching the mouth or nose
Schools and nurseries in Dubai are common environments for strep transmission, particularly during cooler months (October to March).
Recognizing Strep Throat Symptoms
Strep throat symptoms typically appear suddenly and include:
- Severe sore throat: Pain that makes swallowing difficult, often described as “razor-like”
- Red, swollen tonsils: May have white patches, streaks of pus, or tiny red spots on the back of the mouth
- High fever: Usually 38.3°C (101°F) or higher
- Swollen lymph nodes: Tender, enlarged glands in the neck
- Headache and body aches: General discomfort and malaise
- Nausea or vomiting: Particularly common in younger children
- Stomach pain: Abdominal discomfort may accompany throat symptoms
- Rash: Some children develop scarlet fever, characterized by a fine, sandpaper-like rash
What Strep Throat Is NOT
Strep throat typically does NOT cause:
- Cough (this suggests a viral infection instead)
- Runny nose or congestion
- Hoarseness
- Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
Diagnosis: The Rapid Strep Test
Your Dubai pediatrician will perform a rapid antigen test (rapid strep test) by swabbing your child’s throat. Results are available in 10-15 minutes. If negative but strep is still suspected, a throat culture may be sent to a laboratory for confirmation (results in 24-48 hours).
Treatment for Strep Throat
1. Antibiotics
- Essential for treatment: Antibiotics are necessary to kill the bacteria, prevent complications, and reduce contagiousness
- Common options: Penicillin or amoxicillin for 10 days; azithromycin for penicillin-allergic children
- Rapid improvement: Symptoms typically improve within 48 hours of starting antibiotics
- Complete the course: Finish all medication even when symptoms resolve to prevent recurrence and complications
- Contagious period: Your child is no longer contagious 24 hours after starting antibiotics
2. Symptom Relief
- Pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for throat pain and fever
- Throat lozenges or sprays for children over 4 years old
- Soft, cool foods like yogurt, smoothies, ice cream, or applesauce
- Warm liquids like soup or tea with honey (for children over 1 year)
- Avoid acidic or spicy foods that irritate the throat
3. Rest and Hydration
- Plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and soothe the throat
- Adequate rest to support the immune system
- Keep your child home from school for at least 24 hours after starting antibiotics
Preventing Strep Throat Complications
Untreated strep throat can lead to serious complications, though these are rare with proper antibiotic treatment:
- Rheumatic fever: Can cause permanent heart damage
- Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis: Kidney inflammation
- Scarlet fever: Rash accompanying strep infection
- Abscess: Pus collection near the tonsils
This is why completing the full antibiotic course and attending follow-up appointments is crucial.
Prevention Strategies for Dubai Families
1. Practice Excellent Hand Hygiene
According to the CDC, handwashing is the single most effective way to prevent infection:
- Teach children to wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Wash before eating, after using the bathroom, after coughing/sneezing, and after playing
- Use hand sanitizer (60%+ alcohol) when soap and water aren’t available
- Make handwashing fun with songs or timers for young children
2. Avoid Sharing Personal Items
- Don’t share cups, water bottles, utensils, or food
- Keep toothbrushes separate and replace them after illness
- Use individual towels and washcloths
- Label personal items at school or daycare
3. Stay Current on Vaccinations
While there’s no vaccine for strep throat, several vaccines protect against infections that increase ear infection risk:
- Pneumococcal vaccine (PCV13): Protects against bacteria causing many ear infections
- Influenza vaccine: Annual flu shot reduces respiratory infections that can lead to ear infections
- Hib vaccine: Protects against Haemophilus influenzae type b, another ear infection cause
Consult your Dubai pediatrician about your child’s vaccination schedule.
4. Create a Smoke-Free Environment
Research shows children exposed to secondhand smoke have significantly higher rates of ear infections and respiratory illnesses:
- Maintain smoke-free homes and cars
- Avoid smoking near children
- Be aware that thirdhand smoke (residue on surfaces) also poses risks
5. Promote Proper Nutrition
A strong immune system starts with good nutrition:
- Vitamin C: Citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli
- Vitamin D: Fortified milk, fatty fish, egg yolks; consider supplements in Dubai’s indoor lifestyle
- Zinc: Lean meats, beans, nuts, whole grains
- Probiotics: Yogurt, kefir support gut health and immunity
- Antioxidants: Colorful fruits and vegetables
6. Ensure Adequate Hydration
Proper hydration is especially important in Dubai’s hot climate:
- Encourage regular water intake throughout the day
- Moist mucous membranes better defend against pathogens
- Hydration helps thin mucus, promoting drainage and reducing infection risk
7. Teach Respiratory Etiquette
- Cover mouth and nose with tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing
- Dispose of tissues immediately
- Wash hands after coughing, sneezing, or blowing nose
- Model these behaviors for young children
8. Manage Allergies Effectively
Children with allergies or chronic sinus issues are more susceptible to ear infections:
- Work with your pediatrician to identify and manage allergens
- Common Dubai allergens include dust mites, mold (from air conditioning), and seasonal pollen
- Use air purifiers and maintain clean air conditioning systems
- Consider allergy testing if your child has frequent infections
9. Breastfeed When Possible
The AAP recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months:
- Breast milk contains antibodies that boost infant immunity
- Breastfed babies have lower rates of ear infections
- If bottle-feeding, hold baby upright to prevent milk from pooling in the Eustachian tubes
10. Limit Pacifier Use
Studies show pacifier use, especially after 6 months, increases ear infection risk. Consider limiting use to naptime and bedtime only.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Visit the emergency department or call for immediate medical attention if your child experiences:
- Severe headache with stiff neck
- Extreme difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Drooling or inability to swallow saliva
- Dehydration signs (no urination for 8+ hours, dry mouth, no tears, lethargy)
- High fever (above 40°C/104°F) unresponsive to medication
- Severe ear pain with facial swelling or paralysis
- Confusion, extreme lethargy, or unresponsiveness
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if my child’s sore throat is strep or just a cold?
Answer: Strep throat typically causes sudden severe throat pain without cold symptoms like cough, runny nose, or hoarseness. Strep also commonly causes high fever, white patches on tonsils, and swollen neck glands. Viral sore throats usually develop gradually alongside other cold symptoms. The only way to confirm strep throat is through a rapid strep test or throat culture performed by your pediatrician. According to the CDC, only about 20-30% of children with sore throats have strep, so testing is essential before starting antibiotics.
Can ear infections resolve without antibiotics?
Answer: Yes, many ear infections, particularly those caused by viruses, resolve on their own within 2-3 days. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a “watchful waiting” approach for mild cases in children over 6 months with no severe symptoms. During this 48-72 hour observation period, focus on pain management with appropriate fever reducers. However, antibiotics are necessary for severe infections, children under 6 months, bilateral infections, or if symptoms worsen. Always consult your Dubai pediatrician to determine the best approach for your child’s specific situation.
Why does my child get frequent ear infections?
Answer: Several factors increase ear infection susceptibility in children: anatomically shorter, more horizontal Eustachian tubes that don’t drain as effectively as adults’; developing immune systems; daycare or school exposure to germs; allergies causing congestion; secondhand smoke exposure; and bottle-feeding while lying down. Children in Dubai may experience additional factors like air conditioning creating dry nasal passages or seasonal allergies. If your child has 3+ infections in 6 months or 4+ in a year, discuss with your pediatrician whether preventive measures like ear tubes might be beneficial.
How long should my child stay home from school with strep throat?
Answer: Children with strep throat are highly contagious and should stay home until they’ve been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours and are fever-free without medication. Most children feel significantly better within 48 hours of starting treatment. The CDC recommends keeping sick children home to prevent spreading infection to classmates. Even if your child feels better quickly, complete the full antibiotic course (typically 10 days) to prevent complications and ensure the infection is fully treated. Contact your school nurse about their specific return-to-school policies.
Are ear infections contagious?
Answer: Ear infections themselves are not contagious, but the viruses and bacteria that cause them can spread from person to person. Upper respiratory infections (colds, flu) often precede ear infections and are highly contagious through respiratory droplets and contact with contaminated surfaces. To reduce spread in Dubai nurseries and schools, practice good hand hygiene, avoid sharing personal items, cover coughs and sneezes, and keep sick children home. While you can’t “catch” an ear infection directly, you can catch the underlying illness that may lead to one, especially in young children with developing immune systems.
Expert Pediatric Care at myPediaClinic Dubai
At myPediaClinic Dubai, we understand the stress that childhood illnesses bring to families. Our experienced team of board-certified pediatricians provides comprehensive, compassionate care for ear infections, strep throat, and all common childhood conditions.
Why Choose myPediaClinic?
- Same-day appointments: We prioritize sick visits to provide prompt diagnosis and treatment
- Advanced diagnostics: On-site rapid strep testing and comprehensive examinations
- Evidence-based care: Treatment protocols aligned with AAP and CDC guidelines
- Preventive focus: Vaccination programs and wellness education
- Family-centered approach: We partner with parents to ensure your child’s health and wellbeing
- Convenient Dubai location: Easily accessible with flexible scheduling
- Multilingual staff: Communication in your preferred language
Don’t let common childhood illnesses disrupt your family’s life. Contact myPediaClinic Dubai today to schedule an appointment or learn more about protecting your child’s health. Our dedicated team is here to provide the expert care your child deserves, helping them grow healthy and strong.
