ADDITIONAL INFORMATION;

 

Introduction

This is a list of common illnesses for children.

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways. It is one of the most common long-term diseases in children, affecting about one in 10 children under age 18. Asthma affects people of all ages but is more common among older adults and those with other health conditions such as asthma or allergies that trigger an attack.

Asthma can be triggered by allergens, such as pollen, mold or pet dander; exercise; food; illness (like colds); infection; infection from being near someone who has had flu or another respiratory infection recently; smoking (cigarettes or cigars); family history of asthma; having a sibling with allergies to peanuts/tree nuts/soybeans/shellfish.

Chickenpox

Chickenpox is a viral infection that causes blisters to form on the skin. It’s most commonly seen in children under the age of 10 and is spread by coughing or sneezing.

The chickenpox virus enters through tiny cuts on your child’s skin, like those made by scratching an itch. The virus then spreads to other parts of their body, causing more itching and pain before producing sores that are filled with fluid (pus). These sores last up to seven days before they heal completely; but if left untreated they may lead to scarring around affected areas.

Croup

Croup is a viral respiratory tract infection. It most often affects infants and young children, but it can also occur in older children. Symptoms include a barking cough, hoarseness, and a high-pitched nasal sound. Croup usually lasts for about 3 to 5 days with symptoms occurring at night or early in the morning.

Croup treatments include medication like ibuprofen or corticosteroids (such as prednisone).

Ear Infections

Ear infections are common in children, especially those with a lot of fluid in the ears. An ear infection is when a child develops an infection in the middle ear, which is the space behind their eardrum. The infection can cause pain and swelling in this area and may lead to hearing loss if left untreated or treated improperly.

If you notice any of these symptoms:

• Feeling like something is stuck or full inside your ear canal (your eardrum)

• Feeling like there’s something irritating or blocking your hearing

Call your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms for more than 2 days:

Fifth Disease

Fifth disease is a mild, contagious disease that causes a red rash on the cheeks, forehead and hands. It can also cause fever and headache. The incubation period is about 10 to 14 days after you have been exposed to it.

If your child has fifth disease:

• Keep them home from school until they are no longer contagious (usually within 48 hours)

• Re-hydrate with clear liquids such as juice or water

Influenza (Flu)

The flu is a viral infection that causes fever, cough, sore throat and muscle aches. It’s spread through contact with infected people or objects such as contaminated surfaces. The best way to prevent this illness is by vaccination. There are antiviral medications that can be used to treat the flu if your child has it.

Lice

Lice are small, wingless insects that live on the scalp or body of a human host. They can be found on the head, neck, body and pubic areas. Lice are spread by close personal contact or sharing clothing, bedding or combs.

Malaria

Malaria is a disease caused by parasites, most commonly found in the Anopheles mosquito. It’s transmitted through direct contact with infected mosquitoes. The symptoms can vary depending on how severe your child’s infection is, but they include fever, chills (shivering), flu-like symptoms or joint pain.

The most effective way to prevent malaria is the use of insect repellent lotions or sprays on exposed areas that are usually covered by clothing—such as wrists and ankles—and sleeping under mosquito nets in tents or cabins while traveling outside during peak tropical weather seasons when malaria-carrying species of mosquitoes are most active.

Measles

Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus that spreads through the air. It can be spread from person to person, but most often people catch it by breathing in tiny droplets of mucus from an infected person’s mouth or nose. The disease starts with fever and headache, followed by red eyes and coughs that last three to seven days.

When the rash appears, it is usually on the face (hence its name), but sometimes it spreads to other parts of the body including arms and legs; about half of all cases involve at least one additional symptom besides rash appearance.*

Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It is characterized by severe coughing fits and difficulty breathing. The symptoms of pertussis may last 2-8 weeks, but they can be more severe in infants who are born prematurely or have other health problems.

Pertussis can spread easily from person to person because it is spread through droplets of saliva that contain the bacteria, which travel through the air and contaminate surfaces near where someone has coughed before they leave their room (source).

Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the inner lining of the eyelid and the membrane that covers the white part of your eye, known as the conjunctiva. Symptoms include redness, itching and swelling. The most common causes include viruses and bacteria.

RSV

RSV is a respiratory virus that can be spread through the air. It’s most commonly spread during the winter months, and symptoms include runny nose, congestion, cough and wheezing. RSV is most common in children under 2 years old.

Rotavirus Infection

Rotavirus is a virus that causes diarrhea. It can be spread through contaminated food or water, and it’s most common during the winter months. Symptoms include fever and vomiting, which usually go away within 2 days of infection. If your child has three or more symptoms of rotavirus, call your doctor for advice on how to treat them.

In general, there are no specific treatments for rotavirus; however, oral rehydration solutions (ORS) may help relieve symptoms by replacing fluids lost through diarrhea with an appropriate amount of fluid. Oral rehydrated solution comes in powder form that you mix with water before giving it to your child each time he/she becomes sick with this condition.

This is a list of common illnesses for children.

• Common Illnesses for Children

• Common Illnesses for Adolescents

• Common Illnesses for Adults

• Common Illnesses in the Elderly and Pets

Conclusion

We hope this list has given you a better idea of what to look for in your child. Remember, every case is unique, but there are some common syndromes that you can expect to see more often than others. If your child is showing signs of an illness or infection, make sure he/she gets themselves checked out right away by his or her doctor.