Child Infectious Diseases
Dr Selela – Paediatrician in Margate and Port Shepstone for Childhood Infectious Diseases
Fever, coughing, vomiting, diarrhoea, rashes and unusual tiredness are common signs of infection in children. Babies and young children can become unwell quickly. Dr Selela provides specialist care for childhood infectious diseases at Netcare Margate Medical Centre and Hibiscus Medical Suites in Port Shepstone.
Understanding Childhood Allergies
An allergy occurs when the immune system reacts to a usually harmless substance. Triggers may include foods, pollen, house-dust mites, mould, animal dander, insect stings and medicines. Symptoms may include sneezing, a blocked nose, itchy eyes, coughing, wheezing, hives, eczema flare-ups, swelling, vomiting or abdominal discomfort.
These symptoms can resemble infections, asthma, sensitive skin or food intolerance. Dr Selela reviews their timing, possible exposures, previous reactions, medicines, family history, growth and general health.
Specialist Infectious Disease Care for Children
Children are exposed to viruses and bacteria at home, school, crèche and in the community. Their response may depend on age, vaccination history and general health.
Dr Selela takes a detailed history and performs a careful examination, focusing on breathing, hydration, alertness and symptoms. When needed, she may recommend tests or imaging to identify the likely cause and recognise complications early.
Infections and Symptoms Assessed
Dr Selela assesses influenza, RSV, tonsillitis, ear infections, bronchiolitis, suspected pneumonia, gastroenteritis, dehydration, urinary tract infections, skin infections, childhood rashes, chickenpox, suspected measles and unexplained fever. She also evaluates recurrent or severe infections.
Treatment depends on the likely cause. Viral infections do not respond to antibiotics, while bacterial infections may require targeted treatment. Parents receive guidance about medicines, fluids, feeding, home care and warning signs.
When Should Your Child See a Paediatrician?
Arrange a consultation when symptoms are severe, keep returning, last longer than expected or are not improving. A review is also important if a child is feeding poorly, less active than usual or behaving differently from normal.
Seek urgent care for difficulty breathing, inability to drink, dehydration, unusual drowsiness, seizures, rapidly worsening symptoms or fever in a young baby. If hospital care is required, Dr Selela can coordinate admission and further management.
Prevention and Local Paediatric Care
Routine immunisation, handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes and keeping contagious children away from school or crèche can reduce the spread of infection.
Families searching for a paediatrician in Margate or Port Shepstone can access specialist care close to home. Dr Selela welcomes patients from Margate, Port Shepstone, Shelly Beach, Uvongo, Ramsgate, Southbroom, Hibberdene, Paddock and nearby South Coast communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I take my child to a paediatrician for a fever?
Book a consultation if the fever persists, repeatedly returns or occurs with poor feeding, breathing problems, dehydration, a rash or unusual sleepiness. A fever in a young infant should be assessed promptly. Seek emergency care if your child struggles to breathe, has a seizure, is difficult to wake or worsens rapidly.
Can Dr Selela assess recurrent infections in children?
Yes. Frequent infections may be linked to school or crèche exposure, but persistent or severe infections may need investigation. Dr Selela reviews the illness pattern and medical history, examines your child and recommends suitable tests, treatment or referral.