Every parent has had that moment of doubt. Your child has a fever or a cough that will not go away, and you are not sure whether to wait it out or see a doctor. Knowing the difference saves you worry, and it makes sure nothing serious is missed. In this blog, we look at the illnesses we see most often in children in the UAE, the warning signs to act on, and how a paediatrician in Dubai can help.
Why Children Need a Children’s Doctor
Children are not small adults. Their bodies work differently, they fall ill differently, and they often cannot explain what is wrong. A paediatrician trains only in children’s health, from newborn babies up to teenagers. That means medicine doses are worked out by weight, growth and development are tracked over time, and hidden symptoms are picked up early.
Common Childhood Illnesses in the UAE
Coughs and colds:
A child at nursery or school can catch six to eight colds a year. This is normal. Most clear up within a week.
Asthma and allergies:
Dust, pets, pollen and mould from air conditioning can all trigger wheezing and night-time coughing. Early treatment means better sleep and fewer sick days.
Skin problems:
Eczema, heat rash and fungal infections are common, especially in the humid months.
Low Vitamin D:
This surprises many parents in a sunny country, but most daily life here is indoors. Low Vitamin D can cause tiredness, weak bones and frequent infections. A simple blood test gives the answer.
Ear, nose and throat problems:
Repeated tonsillitis and ear infections can affect hearing and speech if left untreated.
Eyesight problems:
Children rarely say they cannot see well. Watch for eye rubbing, sitting close to the TV or a turned eye.
Warning Signs That Need a Doctor Straight Away
1. Fever in a baby under three months Any temperature in a very young baby should be checked the same day.
2. Trouble breathing Fast breathing, grunting, flaring nostrils, or skin pulling in under the ribs.
3. A rash that does not fade Press a clear glass on the rash. If it stays visible, seek help immediately.
4. Signs of dehydration No wet nappy for eight to twelve hours, no tears when crying, dry mouth or sunken eyes.
5. Very hard to wake A child who is floppy, drowsy or not responding to you.
6. A fit or convulsion Especially if it is the first time it has happened.
7. Non-stop vomiting or severe stomach pain When nothing stays down, or the pain keeps getting worse.
If something simply feels wrong, please come in. Parents notice when their child is not themselves long before a thermometer shows it.
Check-Ups When Your Child Is Well
Some of the most useful visits happen when nothing is wrong. A routine check-up covers growth, development, vision and hearing, eating and sleeping habits, and a general examination. This is how we spot a growth curve starting to flatten, low iron behind constant tiredness, or a small hearing problem slowing down speech. Babies need several visits in the first year, and once a year is enough after that.
Simple Tips for Parents in the UAE
Mind the temperature change: Moving between the heat outside and cold air conditioning all day irritates young airways. Keep the AC moderate and clean the filters often.
Keep water going: Children lose fluid quickly here, even indoors. Send a bottle to school and offer drinks regularly.
Get a little sun: Fifteen to twenty minutes outside in the early morning or late afternoon supports Vitamin D and healthy eyesight.
Write things down: Note the temperature, the time and any medicine given. It helps the doctor a great deal.
Never guess a dose: Children’s medicine is measured by weight. Please do not split adult tablets.
Paediatric Care at Royal Phoenix Clinic
Royal Phoenix Clinic in Al Qusais, Dubai offers complete care for newborns, children and teenagers. Our paediatric team looks after everyday illnesses, growth and development checks, allergies and asthma, and nutrition, with our own laboratory, radiology, ENT and eye departments in the same building. If your child is too unwell to travel, our home care service can come to you.
We are open every day from 9am to 10pm, so appointments fit around school and work. Book a consultation with our paediatrician today.
