A Senior Registrar in Pediatrics at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Dr. Usman Ibrahim, has urged parents to exercise caution when their children exhibit fever symptoms. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Ibrahim emphasized the importance of proper diagnosis before administering antimalarial drugs. He noted that many parents often mistake common cold symptoms for malaria, leading to unnecessary medication.
According to Dr. Ibrahim, common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract that usually resolves without specific treatment. Typical symptoms of common cold include cough, runny nose, excessive sneezing, and nasal congestion. In children, the condition can also cause fever. Dr. Ibrahim stressed that while malaria can also present with fever, a reliable laboratory test can help rule out the disease.
Dr. Ibrahim identified some laboratories' lack of expertise in malaria diagnosis via microscopy as a contributing factor to the over-diagnosis of malaria. He also noted that some health workers and parents lack proper knowledge about the disease. As a result, children are often exposed to unnecessary antimalarial medication, which can increase the risk of drug resistance and side effects.
The paediatrician advised parents to manage mild cases at home with fluids and paracetamol, provided the child is breathing well, eating and drinking satisfactorily, and remains alert. However, he urged parents to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms such as fast breathing, repeated vomiting, extreme weakness, or convulsions occur.
Dr. Ibrahim emphasized the importance of seeking medical attention if parents are worried about their child's health, even if symptoms do not appear severe. He encouraged parents to visit the hospital for proper evaluation and diagnosis. This, he believes, can help prevent misdiagnosis and ensure timely treatment of more serious conditions.
The expert's advice is particularly relevant in Nigeria, where malaria is a significant public health concern. According to Dr. Ibrahim, proper diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the risk of complications and promote healthy outcomes for children. By being aware of the symptoms of common cold and malaria, parents can take informed decisions about their child's health.
Ultimately, Dr. Ibrahim's message to parents is to be vigilant and proactive about their child's health. By seeking medical attention when necessary and avoiding unnecessary medication, parents can help ensure their children receive the best possible care. This, he believes, is crucial for promoting healthy growth and development in children.
Key points
- Dr. Usman Ibrahim advises parents to properly test for malaria before administering antimalarial drugs to children.
- Common cold symptoms can be mistaken for malaria, leading to unnecessary medication.
- Proper diagnosis and treatment can help reduce the risk of complications and promote healthy outcomes for children.
