Countless bacteria and virus exist in our surrounding environment. These microorganisms can be a cause of illness in both- adults as well as children. While these causative organisms affect everyone irrespective of their age, it is children who are at a greater risk.
This is because the immune system of children is still in the process of development. It is for this reason that you should be well versed with some common infections that can attack your child.
Diarrhea is one of the most common infections in children. This infection could be bacterial as well as viral. Diarrhea is typically caused due to contact with contaminated items. Common symptoms of this infection include vomiting, fever, dehydration and irritability. If diagnosed at an initial stage, diarrhea is not very harmful. You can treat the problem by giving your child an electrolyte solution every few hours. However, if you notice symptoms like dry lips, flushed skin, sunken eyes and cramps, make sure that you call a doctor.
Another common infection in children is cold. Cold is primarily caused due to a viral infection that attacks the upper respiratory tract of the individual. If your child is suffering from cold, he is likely to experience runny nose, sneezing, cough and sore throat. Many people prefer to use OTC medications to treat cold. However, any kind of self medication should be avoided. You should consult a doctor especially if you notice symptoms like green mucus, ear pain, persistent cough that lasts more than a week and excessive crankiness.
Children in the age group of 0 to 12 years are also susceptible to ear infections. Ear infections in children is particularly caused due to bacterial infection in the ear fluid. This infection builds up when a person is suffering from cold or other respiratory infections. Some of the common symptoms of ear infections in children include trouble sleeping, increased crying during feedings and high fever. Typically, antibiotics are used to treat ear infections in children.
Croup is another common viral infection in children. This viral infection starts as a cold in most cases and then eventually takes the form of swelling of the voice box. Common symptoms of this viral infection include cold symptoms that eventually take the form of noisy breathing. A steam treatment can prove to be beneficial in treating the problem. You can give your child steam baths that last for 15-20 minutes to ease out the breathing. A cold water humidifier also works well to treat the problem. However, if none of this helps as a treatment, steroids may be put to use.
Since most of these infections in children are self limiting, there is nothing for you to worry. But, be careful and make sure that you call a doctor in case the symptoms worsen.
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