Kids brighten up our life and home with their soulful laughter, childish talks and unlimited energy. It is difficult to see them sick in bed. But, children up to the age of five have low immunity and hence are prone to many illnesses. School going children are most affected by infectious diseases. The most common health problems among children are-
1. Jaundice- Jaundice is a very common disease in the new born. Parents, doctors, nurses and anyone attending to the new born baby has to be very alert to catch any symptom of jaundice in the baby. Sufficient natural light in the baby’s room is essential to keep away jaundice. If anyhow the baby does contract this disease, light therapy is given. But if the symptoms go unnoticed it can have life long debilitating effects on the child. The most obvious symptom of new-born jaundice is the pale yellow color of the eyes, which should be white in normal condition.
In older children and adults jaundice is caused due to unhygienic food and food habits. So children must develop early, the habits of washing thier hand thoroughly before meals and not to eat food kept open and in unhygenic places.
2. Common Cold & cough- Kids are most susceptible to cough and cold, this being infectious. If the mother or caretaker of the baby has cold, the baby will almost surely catch it. Therefore it is very important for the people around the baby to protect themselves from catching cold, to prevent the baby from getting it. Older children mostly get it from their friends. Apart from being highly infectious, changing weather is another big cause of catching cold. Protect the child from cold and sudden changes in temperature.
Cough and cold may or may not be accompanied by fever.
Cough, running nose, blocked nose, even without fever are very irksome and tiring for the child. In case of infants it is best to consult the doctor for medication. In some cases antibiotics may be required. Otherwise some simple home remedies can also be useful. For blocked nose, steam inhalation is the best treatment. But make sure the child is constantly under adult supervision when she/he is taking steam. Let the child remain in the room where the steam was, for some time till the room and body temperature cool down to normal. Sudden exposure to a cooler temperature will aggravate the problem. Plenty of liquids help keep the mucous pass away easily. Hot soups too help clear blocked nose. Try to keep the child’s head slightly raised while sleeping, to lesson the blockage when lying down.
Do not give cough syrups without doctor’s prescrition. Although many cough & cold syrups are available on the counter, these should be administered only as prescribed by the doctor. Cough syrups mostly induce sleep and hence may become addictive. Some cough syrup also contain a warning of affecting the liver if taken in excess. So it is best to consult the doctor before administering any medicine.
3. Fever- Fever is an indication that the body is fighting the germs/anti-bodies. Again plenty of water and liquids help wash away the toxins from the body. Consulting the doctor is a must in case of fever.
4. Pneumonia- Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs. A long drawn common cold can develop into pneumonia. Cold, cough, heavy breathing, high fever are symptoms of possible pneumonia. Therefore it is important to consult the doctor in case of common cold too.
5. Ear infection/Ear ache due to cold- Ear, nose and throat (ENT) are mutually connected. In case of severe cold, the infection may spread to the ears too. When the nose is already blocked, the mucous may enter the ear canal, putting pressure on the ear drum. The ear aches if not treated early may put pressure on the ear drum causing it to rupture. In case of infants who cannot speak, look out for symptoms like their little hands touching the ears and crying suddenly at intervals. Seek medical help immediately. Whenever children catch cold, try to keep the nasal passage clear by giving them steam, soups and other liquids, prescribed nose drops etc., to prevent the infection to spread to the ears.
6. Throat infection- Another infection caused by the cold virus. The child finds it difficult to swallow food and has fever. Medical treatment is essential.
7. Conjunctivitis- Conjunctivitis is an infection of the eyes, where the eyes become red, swollen and there is a sticky discharge from the eyes. This is again very infectious, so it is best to keep distance from infected people. Regular washing of eyes is a must to keep the infection away. In case it happens, clean the eyes frequently with lukewarm water and cotton and apply eye drops as prescribed by the doctor.
8. Typhoid- High fever, weakness, loss of appetite, vomiting, is common symptoms of typhoid. Typhoid is a water borne disease, so be careful to take only boiled or RO water, more particularly during summer. Instruct the child not to drink any water other than filtered water, be it in school or restaurant or friend’s birthday party.
9. Nose bleeding- Nose bleeding is another common ailment among children, which may continue till adulthood. Children who have weak nasal blood vessels are affected by this. The nose bleeds more frequently during hot weather. So the child should avoid going out in the sun. Such children should also avoid blowing their nose to clear a blocked nose in case of cold. Sometimes cough and cold too puts pressure on the nasal blood vessels and causes nose bleed. Apply ice-pack or wet cloth on the nose to stop the bleeding. Doctors also prescribe pinching or holding the upper part of the nose between the fingers for some time, to check bleeding. Let the child sit and rest comfortably. Do not lie down or blow the nose.
10. Vaginal infections- Cleanliness of the vaginal region of the girl child is very important right from infancy. Otherwise they may easily contract vaginal infections, causing pain or burning sensation while urinating.
11. Chicken pox- Although vaccines against chicken pox are now available, still sometimes mild chicken pox occurs. Chicken pox is again highly infectious. Fever and skin rashes are the main symptoms of chicken pox.
12. Eye problems- Watch out for abnormal eye movements of infants and children. Certain imbalances of the eye movements can be easily corrected. In case of school going children take any complain of difficulty in reading from the blackboard or headache, seriously. Go for regular eye check ups of the child.
13. Constipation- Children are too busy with their play to take water frequently. Parents should take care of the liquid intake of the child. They should also be given lots of fruits and food like spinach and cucumber. Not passing stool for a day is not harmful, but if it continues for more than three days, consult the doctor. Otherwise the child will have painful stools which will make him/her fearful of going to the toilet, thus aggravating the problem.
14. Skin allergy- Children have sensitive skin. Skin rashes, itching due to insect bite, prickly heat or coming in contact with certain plants are common. Some allergies may require anti biotic.
15. Vomiting- Children vomit mostly when they are not well. Sometimes they may vomit due to cold and sometimes they may even vomit when they are anxious about something like going to school.
16. Diarrhea- Children keep touching lots of things lying around and then putting those dirty hands in the mouth. This or some spicy food may cause diarrhea. Keeping the child hydrated by giving plenty of water, juices, ORS (as prescribed) is most important. Give very light food to the child till she/he gets well.
Apart from these ailments parents of little children have always to be prepared for minor injuries, as the children keep hurting themselves as they play and run around. You cannot stop kids from running and playing around, but keep the home and surroundings as safe for the child as possible. Anti bacterial skin ointment, Dettol and Bandage should always be kept handy for minor injuries.
