Common Childhood Diseases

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Common Childhood Diseases

Common Childhood Diseases

1. Otitis Media

Otitis Media is one of the most common causes of ear ache in young children. It is an infection of the middle ear caused by bacteria.

What You Should Expect?

At the onset of OM, your child will exhibit the following symptoms

  1. Fever
  2. Irritability
  3. Considerable discomfort and pain
  4. Tugging and rubbing the ear
  5. Nasal congestion or a runny nose
  6. Temporary hearing impairment

But this is no cause for alarm. If detected earl and treated, the infection can be cured in 10-14 days.

2. Childhood Eczema

Another common childhood disease, Atopic Dermatitis (AD) or childhood eczema is characterised by severe itching, scratching, crying and irritability. Children aged below 6 are more likely to suffer from AD.

This is an infectious disease but it is NOT contagious. This means you cannot pass it on to someone or ‘catch it’ from someone who is infected.

Signs & Symptoms
  • Dry and rough skin patches
  • Red and irritated skin, sometimes with oozing and crusting
  • Peeling or flaking of the skin
Where does it show up?

AD looks different on different children. Patches appear on the elbows, behind the knees, extremities, all four limbs, trunk, scalp, face and even across the entire body

AD typically flares up from time to time and the things that cause it to flare up are called triggers. And there are many.

Trigger No 1: Dry Skin

When allergens from the environment enter the skin and irritate the underlying layers of the skin, the skin becomes dry and itchy.

Trigger No 2: Irritants
  1. Wool and other fabrics
  2. Laundry detergents
  3. Perfumes, colognes and deodorants
  4. Paint and chlorine-based cleaning products
Trigger No 3: Allergies
  1. Certain foods
  2. Furry toys
  3. Furry pets
Trigger No 4: Food Items

It is hard to say what edibles cause AD and the list may include milk, eggs, nuts, fish, legumes and pulses, wheat and soya and some vegetables

Trigger No. 5: Climate

Children who have AD have sensitive skin. Hence, sudden changes in temperature are bound to cause the condition to flare up.

Trigger No. 6: Infections

Children suffering from Ad tend to have low immunity. As a result, they are vulnerable to all types of infections. As a result, the infections tend to:

  1. Worsen the skin condition
  2. Makes the skin warmer and more itchy than usual
  3. Causes boils to form, with or without oozing
Trigger No. 7: Emotions

Many children who have AD are low on morale, nervous and shy. Stressful situations such as examinations, competitions and excess homework could act as emotional triggers.

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