Top Children’s Health Concerns in Perth: Key Signs to Watch & When to See a GP

Children Health Concerns

Imagine your child waking up with a high fever or rash. As a parent, you immediately worry; is it serious? Recent WA data underscore these fears. Over half (52.7%) of Western Australian children have experienced significant emotional or behavioural difficulties, and nearly one in four (28.6%) are overweight or obese.

These stats show that child health concerns in Perth are alarmingly common.

This guide breaks down warning signs, common illnesses and preventive care to empower you. You’ll learn when to see a GP in Perth, and when is urgent care needed.

Read on for a comprehensive walkthrough.

Need help now? Our AGPAL-accredited Main Street Medical Centre can help with full, comprehensive child health care in Perth.

Children’s Health Concerns in Perth: Common Childhood Illnesses Explained

Children in Perth get plenty of minor illnesses. Below we cover key categories. For each, we describe what it is, warning signs, and when to see a GP.

1. Children’s Mental Health Issues

Mental health problems are real even in young kids. National data (2013–14) showed about 1 in 7 children aged 4–11 had a diagnosed mental disorder. Boys were more affected (17%) than girls (11%), especially with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Anxiety disorders and behavioural problems also occur.

Signs to watch for:

  • learning or behaviour slipping in school
  • persistent worry
  • withdrawal
  • extreme tantrums
  • aggression
  • poor concentration
  • social problems beyond typical stages

If concerns persist (e.g. ADHD, autism, anxiety), get your GP assessment or counselling. Early referrals to paediatric doctors or child psychologists in Perth can help.

Main Street Medical Centre GPs provide children’s mental health care, including counselling and therapy, and can refer to Perth Child Development Clinics when needed.

2. Fever in Children

A fever is the body’s response to infection. At home, keep your child comfortable with fluids and rest. Use acetaminophen/ibuprofen as needed (per dosing instructions).

Home care: Dress lightly, encourage water or electrolyte fluids, use lukewarm sponges for high fevers (but don’t overcool).

Red flags for fever:

  • Infant under 3 months with fever >38°C – Emergency: go to ED.
  • Fever >3 days in any age or fever ≥39°C – See GP ASAP.

Other concerning signs with fever are rash, difficulty breathing, severe headache/stiff neck, repeated vomiting, lethargy. These warrant doctor review.

3. Allergies in Kids

Allergies occur when a child’s immune system overreacts to harmless triggers (foods, insect stings, pollen, pet dander, etc.).

  • Mild allergy symptoms: hives/rash, mild swelling (lips, eyelids), stomach pain or vomiting. If these occur, book a GP to discuss allergy testing and management.
  • Severe allergic reaction (Anaphylaxis): difficulty breathing, wheezing, throat or tongue swelling, dizziness or fainting. This is an emergency. Give adrenaline (EpiPen) if available and call 000 immediately.

4. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the eye lining (the “conjunctiva”), often from infection or allergy. It causes red, itchy, watery eyes with discharge.

  • Viral conjunctivitis: red eyes with watering, mostly follows a cold; very contagious.
  • Bacterial conjunctivitis: yellow/green sticky discharge, eyes crusted shut in morning; can be contagious.
  • Allergic conjunctivitis: itchy, red eyes (often with runny nose); not contagious.

See a doctor if there is severe pain, visual changes, worsening after 2 days, or if the eye is very swollen/red, as you might need stronger treatment.

5. Coughs & Breathing Problems

Coughs in children are common (usually viral colds), but watch for danger signs.

  • Colds/viral cough: mild, clear or productive cough, runny nose, minor fever. Home care (rest, fluids, saline drops) is usually enough.
  • Wheezing/bronchiolitis: in babies/toddlers (esp. under 2), a cough with wheeze after a cold could be bronchiolitis. Monitor breathing; consult your GP if wheeze is loud or persistent.

When to see GP same day: if your child is wheezing for the first time, or a cough is worsened by fever and lasts >2 days. Also see a GP if cough is persistent (>3 weeks) or if they have an asthma history needing review.

6. Gastroenteritis: Vomiting, Diarrhoea & Dehydration

Stomach bugs cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Key is preventing dehydration.

Home care: Give small frequent sips (water or oral rehydration solutions like Hydralyte). Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks. Offer bland foods (if tolerated).

Watch for dehydration:

  • sunken eyes
  • dry mouth
  • no tears
  • very few wet nappies/urine
  • lethargy

If you see these, if vomiting/diarrhoea is severe (cannot keep fluids down), blood in stool, or dehydration signs appear, see a GP urgently. Babies <6 months with any dehydration signs should be checked by a doctor immediately.

Also, if vomit lasts >24 hours or child isn’t responding, book a same-day GP. Children usually recover in a few days, but don’t hesitate to contact us if you’re concerned.

7. Rashes, Spots & Skin Infections

Rashes have many causes. In mild viral rashes (roseola, hand-foot-mouth, etc.), your child may just need comfort and rest. However:

  • Emergency rash: rash + difficulty breathing/swelling (anaphylaxis) – Call 000. Also, rash + fever should prompt urgent doctor review (could be meningococcal or measles). Any non-blanching rash (tiny purple spots that don’t fade under pressure) is a medical emergency.
  • Chickenpox: itchy blisters with fever – Keep child home until all spots crust over (usually 5–7 days). Treat with calamine and fever control.
  • Measles: high fever, cough, runny nose then rash – See GP immediately to confirm. Measles is highly contagious.
  • Impetigo (school sores): honey-coloured crusts on skin. Very contagious. See GP – we’ll prescribe antibiotic cream or tablets. Keep child home for 24 hours after starting antibiotics and cover sores.
  • Hives/allergic rashes: raised itchy swellings – if spreading or with systemic symptoms, treat allergy cause.
  • Common viral rashes:g. hand-foot-mouth (see below), slapped-cheek (fifth disease), etc. These often resolve on their own.

If rash isn’t improving in a day or two, is spreading, or is accompanied by any systemic symptom (fever, lethargy). We’ll diagnose the type (viral vs bacterial vs allergy) and advise isolation times (chickenpox and measles need exclusion until safe).

8. Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

A very common mild childhood infection, usually in spring/summer. It causes small red blisters on palms, soles and sometimes backsides, plus painful little ulcers in the mouth.

Home care: No specific cure; ease pain with paracetamol/ibuprofen. Encourage fluids – ice blocks or popsicles (electrolyte ice blocks like Hydralyte) can numb mouth pain. It’s highly contagious. Keep them home from daycare/school until blisters have dried.

Signs of severe illness: child is very drowsy, refusing all fluids (risk of dehydration), has stiff neck or rash (possible meningitis).

If you suspect HFMD (so we can confirm) or if you’re not sure why the rash is happening. Go to hospital or call 000 for. Otherwise, it usually resolves in 7–10 days with home care.

9. Earaches, Teething & Tooth Pain

Ear pain in kids is common. Often, it’s a middle ear infection (otitis media), which can follow colds.

  • Otitis media: ear pain, possibly fever or reduced hearing. Most clear up in 7 days without antibiotics. Manage with warm compress and pain relievers. See GP if pain is severe, lasts >3 days, or if you see fluid/pus from ear.
  • Teething pain: irritability, drooling, chewing on objects. Teething can make babies cranky, but doesn’t cause high fever or severe ear pain. Use teething rings or gentle gums massage.
  • Dental pain: If toothache is the issue (pain on biting, visible cavities, swelling), see a dentist. Don’t delay dental care for baby or child. Poor dental health can cause pain or infection that might mimic ear pain.

10. Minor Injuries & Seizures

Kids fall and knock heads often, but most bumps are harmless. Basic first-aid:

  • Head bumps/minor wounds: Clean cuts with water, apply antiseptic and bandage. For bumps, ice pack on the injury (for <20 minutes) and watch the child for 24h for vomiting, drowsiness or confusion. If such symptoms appear (even hours later), seek ED.
  • Bruises/sprains: Rest limb and use cold packs. If swelling or inability to move normally, see GP or ED for X-ray.
  • Choking: If choking occurs, do back blows and abdominal thrusts (Choking first-aid). Call 000 if the child cannot breathe.

Seizures (fits): These can be frightening. Give first aid: place the child on the floor on their side, cushion their head, time the seizure, and do not restrain or put anything in their mouth. Stay calm and protect them from injury.

Call 000 immediately if:

  • it’s their first seizure
  • a seizure lasts more than 5 minutes
  • one follows another
  • the child doesn’t return to normal consciousness after a seizure
  • a seizure in water
  • the child is injured during the fit

After any first-time or prolonged seizure, see a doctor right away. Children with a known seizure disorder should have an action plan (our GPs can help create one).

11. Chronic Conditions: Asthma, Diabetes, Autism

Long-term (chronic) conditions affect many children. In 2022, 2 in 5 Australian kids (45%) had at least one chronic condition. The most common in children were:

  • hay fever (13%)
  • asthma (8.2%)
  • allergies (10%)
  • anxiety disorders (8.6%)
  • developmental issues (7.0%)
  • Asthma: If diagnosed, use a GP-prescribed Asthma Action Plan every day. Keep preventer inhalers (if needed) and identify triggers (dust, smoke, exercise).
  • Diabetes (Type 1): If your child is thirsty, peeing a lot, losing weight, or very tired, see your GP to test blood sugar. We coordinate care with paediatric endocrinologists.
  • Autism & development: If you notice social/communication delays or behaviours suggestive of autism, bring it up at a GP visit. Our Perth GPs can refer to developmental paediatricians for assessment (sometimes via Child Development Services).

For any chronic illness, regular GP check-ups are vital.

Our clinic can help manage chronic conditions and arrange referrals. We offer chronic disease management plans to help coordinate care for children with conditions like asthma or diabetes.

Emergency Signs of Children Health Problem: Get an Urgent GP Appointment in Perth

Watch for red-flag symptoms that need immediate medical help. If you see any of these in your child, call 000 or come to Main Street Medical Centre right away. Our GPs can give you the right and immediate care or referral to a paediatric specialist in Perth if needed.

  • Difficulty breathing or choking – Call 000 immediately.
  • Unresponsiveness or severe lethargy – Call 000.
  • Severe head injury with vomiting or loss of consciousness – Head to ED urgently.
  • Non-blanching rash (purple spots or bruise-like rash that doesn’t fade when pressed) – A sign of meningococcal disease; call 000 and ED.
  • Seizure lasting >5 minutes, or repeated seizures – Protect the child and call 000.
  • High fever in a baby <3 months (fever >38°C) – Go to ED immediately.
  • Anaphylaxis symptoms: difficulty breathing, throat/tongue swelling, persistent dizziness – Use an EpiPen if available and call 000.
  • Severe dehydration (no wet nappies/urination >6 hours, sunken eyes, very sleepy) – Seek urgent care or call 000.
  • Uncontrolled bleeding or suspected fracture – Stop bleeding or immobilise limb, then go to ED.
  • Sudden paralysis or weakness (e.g., in one side of body) – Urgent evaluation in ED.

These life-threatening signs demand immediate ambulance or hospital care. For all other concerns (even if alarming), you can get timely help through a same-day GP visit in Perth.

Prevention: Vaccinations & Health Checks for Kids

Prevention is key! Keep your child healthy with routine care:

  • Immunisations:

Perth GPs follow the National Immunisation Schedule. Vaccines prevent serious diseases like measles, whooping cough and influenza. Australia’s target is 95% coverage for herd immunity, but current rates are 90–93% for 1–5 year olds. Make sure your baby checks (6w, 4mo, etc.) include the recommended shots.

At Main Street Medical Centre, we offer all recommended childhood vaccinations (and older boosters) to keep your child protected. Contact us and we’ll remind you of upcoming vaccine schedules and school entry checks.

  • Baby & Child Health Checks:

GPs or Maternal-Child Nurses perform regular check-ups (e.g. 8-week baby check, 6–12 month check, preschool check). These track growth and development, and catch problems early. Ask your GP about a Child Health Assessment at ages 1, 2, 4, etc.

  • General tips:
  • Teach handwashing before meals and after toilet use
  • Encourage a healthy diet and active play
  • Ensure enough sleep
  • Use sun protection
  • Supervise near water and pets
  • Begin flossing and dental check-ups by age one

Is your child sick or overdue for a checkup?

Book Your Child’s Health Check at Main Street Medical Centre Today

Our friendly Perth GPs are here to help. Main Street Medical Centre is an AGPAL-accredited family practice, meaning we meet the highest standards of care. We provide experienced children’s GP and paediatric GP services right here in Perth.

Here, you get: experienced doctors in a child-friendly clinic, on-site pathology and vaccinations, plus referrals for specialists when needed.

So, don’t wait to get help.

Book Your Child’s Health Check Now

FAQs – Perth Parents Ask About Children Health Concerns

Q1. What are common childhood health problems?

Common childhood illnesses in Perth include colds and coughs, ear infections, sore throats, gastro (vomiting/diarrhoea), rashes (chickenpox, hand-foot-mouth), eczema, hay fever and childhood asthma. Most are self-limiting or easily treated by a GP.

Q2. When should I take my child to a GP for fever in Perth?

See a GP if a fever ≥38°C lasts more than 48–72 hours, if your child looks very unwell, is dehydrated, has a worrying rash, severe cough or lethargy. For babies under 3 months any fever needs emergency care, go to ED immediately.

Q3. Should I worry about a rash on my child?

Seek emergency care for a rash with fever or any non-blanching (purple) spots. See a GP if the rash persists, spreads, is very itchy/sore, or is accompanied by other symptoms.

Q4. How quickly can I get a paediatric referral in Perth?

A GP can refer immediately, but public waitlists may take months; private paediatric appointments are quicker for urgent cases. Discuss urgency with your paediatric GP in Perth to prioritise the referral.

Q5. Do GPs in Perth offer autism assessment referrals?

Yes. Perth GPs, like us, assess developmental concerns and can refer to paediatricians or specialised child psychologists for autism evaluations.

Q6. What does a baby health check at a GP include?

A baby check covers growth (weight/length/head), development milestones, feeding/sleep review, basic hearing/vision checks, heart/lung and hip exams, and immunisation advice. Your GP will flag any concerns and arrange follow-up or referrals.

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