The most common diseases of young children – intestine, smallpox, tonsillitis

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As your child’s immune system develops, colds, coughs and sore throats will become less and less of a problem, albeit unfortunately still recurring. While you can reduce your risk of their occurrence, it is helpful to learn about possible causes, symptoms, and treatments.

The most common diseases of young children – croup (subglottic laryngitis)

It is common in young children, usually under the age of 5. Usually it’s not serious. It is caused by the same viruses as the common cold. It causes swelling of the trachea, bronchi and vocal cords. Therefore, there are difficulties in breathing.

In addition, the baby has a characteristic barking cough. Breathes loud and shrill, especially when you inhale.

When should you see a doctor?

See a doctor immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms:

1. difficulties with breathing,
2. loud breathing when resting,
3. high temperature,
4. swallowing problems
5. pale or blue skin (most often during an attack of coughing).

How can croup be cured in young children?

The mainstay of treatment are inhaled glucocorticosteroids, which relieve inflammation and swelling and stop the attack of breathlessness. In this case, the antibiotics do not work because the croup is caused by a virus. An antibiotic will only treat a bacterial infection.

In some situations, your baby may stay in the hospital for several days for observation. He will go home once the breathing difficulties are over. While in hospital, your little one may initially receive adrenaline through nebulization.

1. Also read: Krup – characteristics, symptoms and treatment

The most common diseases of young children – asthma

Does your baby ever get wheezing and feel pain or tightness in the chest? Is it hard for him to breathe? Or maybe she has a cough that doesn’t go away? With asthma, your little one’s airways are sensitive. They become inflamed.

Most children develop symptoms of asthma around age 5. The typical symptoms include:

1. cough, especially at night
2. wheezing, especially when you breathe out
3. difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
4. frequent colds.

Your toddler may have only one or a few of the symptoms. Sometimes you may think it’s just the common cold or even bronchitis. If the symptoms reappear, your child is most likely suffering from asthma. In addition, symptoms may worsen when the child is in close proximity to the triggers, such as smoke, a strong smell, pollen, pet dander or dust mites.

Treatment of asthma in young children

The goal of treating asthma is to minimize symptoms. It allows your toddler to carry out normal physical activity with minimal side effects. The doctor may prescribe:

1. inhalers with dispenser,
2. dry powder inhalers,
3. liquids that can be used in nebulizers,
4. tabletki,
5. bronchodilator injections.

Inhaled forms are preferred as they deliver medication directly into the respiratory tract with minimal side effects.

Find out more about asthma:

1. Bronchial asthma
2. Fakty o astmie
3. Mom’s stress can make her child’s asthma worse

The most common diseases of young children – acute gastroenteritis, commonly incorrectly called gastric flu

It is very common, especially in children. Most often it is caused by a virus such as rotavirus, but sometimes it is caused by bacteria or parasites. The most common symptoms include nausea, vomiting and watery diarrhea. Other possible symptoms include headache, fever, chills, and stomach pain.

In most cases, your child should drink plenty of fluids and rest at home. Ask your doctor if your little one needs an oral rehydration solution. Such a fluid has an appropriate balance of water, sugar and salt.

1. Get more information on gut in children

The most common diseases of young children – chicken pox

Chickenpox causes a rash. It can also worsen your baby’s well-being. Treatment is aimed at relieving symptoms until the disease resolves. Serious complications are rare, but more common in toddlers with a weak immune system.

It is an infection caused by the varicella zoster virus. Most often, children suffer from it before the age of 10. The immune system produces proteins called antibodies during an infection. They fight the virus and then provide lifelong protection against it. That is why we usually get smallpox only once in a lifetime.

What are the most common symptoms of chickenpox?

1. High temperature (fever) and headaches. They usually start around the day before the rash appears.
2. Stains (rash). They develop into small blisters and itch. They can appear anywhere on the body. Some babies have lots of spots and others have few or no spots. The rash begins to resemble red patches which then develop into blisters and later crusts.
3. Loss of appetite or problems with feeding.

What is the treatment of smallpox in young children?

Treatment is mainly aimed at relieving symptoms and minimizing discomfort when the immune system is fighting the virus. The following methods of treatment are indicated:

1. Fever: Paracetamol to lower heat and plenty of fluids.
2. A soothing and moisturizing foam for chickenpox.
3. Sedating antihistamines (in tablets or liquid) may help you fall asleep.

The most common diseases of young children – tonsillitis

It is usually caused by a virus, less often by a virus. A sore throat is the most common symptom of tonsillitis. May be accompanied by cough, fever, headache, nausea, fatigue, pain upon swallowing, and neck swelling. The tonsils can swell and turn red. Sometimes pus appears on them in the form of white spots.

Symptoms usually worsen within 2-3 days and then slowly subside, usually within a week. Mild tonsillitis often doesn’t require treatment. It is important for your child to drink plenty of water. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help ease a sore throat. For recurring attacks, your doctor will consider having your tonsils removed.

1. Learn more about tonsillitis and pharyngitis