Contents
- The most common diseases of babies – colic
- The most common diseases of babies – diaper dermatitis
- The most common diseases of babies – jaundice
- The most common diseases of infants – cough
- The most common diseases of infants – oral candidiasis
- The most common diseases of infants – diarrhea
- The most common diseases of infants – constipation
- The most common diseases of infants – colds
- The most common diseases of babies – ear infections
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Many young parents do not know what to expect in the first year of their baby’s life. Keep in mind that there is a high risk that your little one will become ill at some point. Babies are more prone to infections than older children. Fortunately, many health problems aren’t serious. However, it is worth knowing how to help your toddler. Most of all, trust your intuition. If you are concerned about your baby, see your doctor immediately.
The most common diseases of babies – colic
When a healthy baby cries constantly and for no apparent reason, he or she may develop colic. Usually it feels discomfort then, but is unable to tell us about it. The exact cause is unknown. Some experts attribute colic to gastroesophageal reflux. Then the acidic contents of the stomach painfully return to the stomach. Usually colic occurs in 2-week-old babies.
It should subside by the time your baby is 3 months old. However, if this condition persists, consult a doctor. He may recommend more frequent feedings of smaller portions or reliever medication.
- Read more on colic in a newborn baby
The most common diseases of babies – diaper dermatitis
May cause pain, redness, peeling and tenderness. It is usually the result of an irritation, infection, or allergy. Occasionally, introducing new foods can alter the consistency and frequency of an infant’s poop. Diarrhea will aggravate your current symptoms even more.
If the rash lasts more than a few days, even with more frequent diaper changes, it may be caused by yeasts of genus Candida. Usually it is then red, slightly raised. The red dots extend beyond the main area of the rash.
To get rid of the rash, you should check the diaper frequently and change it as soon as it is wet or dirty. Then you need to gently clean the baby’s bottom with soap and water, and then dry it thoroughly. Finally, lubricate the baby’s skin with a cream or ointment containing zinc oxide, and in the case of fungal lesions – clotrimazole.
- Learn more about the causes and treatment of diaper dermatitis
The most common diseases of babies – jaundice
It is very common in newborns and infants. It occurs when there is too much bilirubin in the baby’s blood. Then the skin becomes yellowish. Toddler’s liver is not mature enough to get rid of the excess bilirubin. Usually, jaundice resolves within 2-3 weeks after the baby is born. However, if it persists for more than 3 weeks, consult your doctor.
- Read more on newborn jaundice
The most common diseases of infants – cough
If the milk flow is too fast, your little one may cough while feeding. A persistent cough may indicate lung or digestive problems.
If your baby coughs continuously during the night, he or she may have whooping cough or have trouble breathing. Take him to the doctor as soon as possible.
The most common diseases of infants – oral candidiasis
It causes white changes to the tongue or the inside of the cheeks. If you notice your baby’s typical symptoms, take him to the doctor’s office. Most likely, he will prescribe antifungal drugs.
The most common diseases of infants – diarrhea
It is when an infant has very thin, watery stools, sometimes with increased frequency or more volume than normal. Consult your doctor if diarrhea lasts longer than a day or is associated with dehydration, vomiting, fever or blood in the stools.
It is often caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Less often, it may result from hypersensitivity to food products or food intolerance. It is sometimes a side effect of antibiotic treatment.
- Find out more about your child’s diarrhea
The most common diseases of infants – constipation
It occurs when your little one has trouble passing a bowel movement and is accompanied by pain or bleeding. Your baby will groan or tighten when trying to pass stools. Purely breastfed infants very rarely have constipation. They usually appear in toddlers who are bottle-fed.
The most common diseases of infants – colds
Colds are caused by viruses. They spread when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or touches the nose.
The most common symptoms of colds in toddlers include:
- runny nose (first watery, then opaque, sometimes yellow or green),
- nasal congestion or shortness of breath
- sneezing,
- increased body temperature,
- a dry cough that may increase at night and at the end of a cold
- sore or scratchy throat
- tiredness or sleepiness
- loss of appetite.
There are over 200 viruses that cause colds. This explains why they are so common. A cold usually lasts 7-10 days, although the cough may last a little longer. Consult your doctor before giving your baby any medications.
The most common diseases of babies – ear infections
If your baby is pulling his ears, refusing to lie flat and crying more than usual, it may be because of an ear infection. Then fluid appears in the ear. It presses the eardrum and causes severe discomfort.
Viral infections are common but go away within a few days. In contrast, bacterial infections can persist for a long time and even lead to hearing loss. You should therefore go to the doctor with your child. Most often, he will prescribe the appropriate antibiotic.
- Read more on a child’s ear infection