Kawasaki Syndrome
Posted by Kurt Wilde
Kawasaki Syndrome is a rare though serious rash that occurs in children under the age of five. There is not much known about how a child can contract the syndrome and how it spreads, but it does not appear to be infectuous. Symptoms include a high fever above 39° C that rises and falls and cannot be cured by antibiotics. The fever lasts over five days and is accompanied by swollen lymph nodes, red eyes, and irritability. The rash usually covers the whole body. The most serious complication is coronary artery aneurysms or the ballooning of the heart vessels. Around 1-2% of patients die from the disease and the complications. Children with Kawasaki syndrome are usuall treated in a hospital where they can be closely monitored. Aspirin is usually prescribed. There are no preventive measures known as of now.
Scoliosis
Posted by Kurt Wilde
Spines usually have a natural curve that round the shoulders, but some people have spines that curve sideways. This condition is called scoliosis, a condition that occurs during childhood before pubrty, on girls more often than boys. On an X-ray, the spine usually as an S or C shape rather than a straight line. Children who are developing scoliosis usually have uneven shoulders, uneven waists, elevated hips, and prominent shoulder blades. The cause of childhood scoliosis is generally unknown and can be found in healthy children.
There are three treatment options for scoliosis. An orthopedic brace can be used to keep it from getting worse. Children who wear braces can still participate in social and physical activities. Surgery is done on very severe cases or when a brace does not fix the curve. Electrical muscle stimulation or exercise programs have not been proven to be effective scoliosis treatments.
The Common Cold
Posted by Kurt Wilde
The common cold is also known as upper respiratory tract viral infections, a condition that gives children runny, stuffy noses for a few days to a week. The common cold is usually caused by one of four different types of viruses: the parainflueza virus, the rhinovirus, the coronavirus, and the respiratory syncytial virus, the most common cause of pneumonia and bronchitis of infants up to one year old children. When untreated, a cold virus can lead to complications like sinusitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia. A child with a cold usually sneezes, has a stuffy nose, and sometimes a mild fever. He or she might also vomit, have diarrhea, or body aches. The cold should pass on after a week but if it doesn’t, take your child to a pediatrician as there might already be some complications.
Strep Throat
Posted by Kurt Wilde
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Strep throat is an inflammation of the throat caused by the stretococcus bacteria. These are usually contagious and can be contracted when a person sneezes or coughs, or through food and water. In more serious cases, strep throat can lead to rheumatic fever, scarlet fever, or a kidney problem called glomerulonephritis. Children from 5 to 15 years old are usually susceptible to strep throat. A child with strep throat will usually complain of headaches and will vomit before the throat pain sets in. Fever might also be present and the child will manifest swollen glands at the side of the neck. Strep throat is usually treated by antibiotics but a swab test will be taken to determine if the child really has strep throat (a bacterial infection) or a virus.
Head Lice
Posted by Kurt Wilde
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Head lice are also known as pediculus humanus capitis and are parasites that live on the heads of people. Anyone who comes within close contact with someone infested with head lice is at risk of getting it. Pre-school and elementary age children get infested most easily, girls more often than boys. Cleanliness at home or personal hygiene has nothing to do with getting infested with head lice.
The first step in treating a head lice infestation is to give him or her over the counter or prescription medicine such as pediculicide according to the instruction leaflet. Two days before treatment, wash the beddings and any clothing used by the infected child. Head lice that have fallen off a person’s head cannot survive for long. To avoid a reinfestation, clean the house by vacuuming the furniture and floor and washing all beddings.
Childhood Diarrhea
Posted by Kurt Wilde
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Diarrhea is the loose or watery bowel movement that might contain mucus, blood, or pus. Children who suffer from diarrhea might also have other symptoms like vomiting, nausea, stomach aches, and fever. Diarrhea can happen suddenly for brief periods (acute) or a persistent medical condition like intestinal worms (chronic). Diarrhea is serious because it can impair the body’s ability to absorb and process water, salt, and nutrition, which could lead to shock, dehydration, and death in extreme cases. The best treatment is to give your child oral rehydration solution appropriate for their age. Never use a sports drink as they are insufficient at replacing the lost fluids.
Why should my child be immunized?
Posted by Alex
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Children need immunizations (shots) to protect them from dangerous childhood diseases. These diseases have serious complications and can even kill children.