By Dr Kamal ‘Akl,
Consultant Paediatrician & Paediatric Nephrologist
Expert Contributor / Family Flavours Magazine
It is essential to educate parents and caregivers of children living with chronic illnesses, particularly those affecting the kidneys, heart, brain, or lungs. Increased awareness and understanding can help ensure proper care, improve health outcomes and support the child’s overall wellbeing and quality of life.
A Joint Effort
It is always recommended that doctors, parents and caregivers work together to achieve the best possible outcomes. Parents are advised to understand the details of their child’s disease, its potential complications and the medications prescribed for its treatment.
Here are some tips when visiting your doctor:
- Bring all medications, or keep a clear record of them, including their names and dosages.
- Sometimes, a pharmacist may give an alternative drug if the prescribed one is not available. Always inform your doctor about these changes as the alternative drug may differ from the initial prescription.
- Always ask your doctor about drug-drug and drug-food interactions. For instance, iron should be taken one hour before meals or two hours after meals. Also, iron should not be consumed with calcium or tea because they lead to decreased absorption.
- Always mention to your doctor if your child is taking herbal products, even if you do not consider them medicines. Herbs contain active compounds that may act like medicines, interfere with prescribed treatments, or affect laboratory test results. In other words, herbs are not always harmless.
Confidence in Treatment
Believing that treatment will help your child is an important part of care. Confidence in the treatment plan can encourage regular follow-up visits and help families stay consistent with medications. In many cases, follow-up appointments are just as important as the first visit.
If your child misses a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist about the best course of action. Some medications can be taken later, while others may need to be skipped. Taking an extra dose without medical advice may cause harm.
In Emergencies
In times of war, lockdown, or natural disasters, try to keep an adequate supply of essential medications. If supplies become limited, speak with your healthcare provider before making any changes. Some medications, especially those used for blood pressure, can cause serious problems if stopped suddenly.
If you move to another city, change your medical insurance, or transfer from paediatric to adult care, request a detailed medical report. This report should include the diagnosis, treatment history and current medications.
Emotional Support & Understanding
Children living with chronic illnesses need empathy, emotional support and understanding. A chronic condition can affect the entire family and may create stress for parents, siblings and caregivers.
Managing stress can help families provide better care and make daily challenges easier to handle. Lifestyle changes are often easier when the whole family takes part. For example, if a child is following a low-salt diet because of high blood pressure or swelling, the entire family may benefit from making similar dietary changes.
Managing a chronic medical condition requires teamwork. Parents and healthcare providers each play an important role in supporting the child’s wellbeing. Understanding the condition, its possible complications and the medications used for treatment helps families make informed decisions.
Most importantly, have confidence in your healthcare team and remain actively involved in your child’s care. Your role as a parent or guardian is just as important as the medical care your child receives. When families and healthcare providers work together, children are more likely to achieve the best possible outcomes.
You can contact Dr Kamal ‘Akl at: [email protected]
