The common cold
Viruses that cause the common cold are rhinovirus which multiplies more according to them according to the temperature found at the nose. Other types of viruses are like adenovirus, metapneumovirus, enteroviruses, coronavirus, parainfluenza virus and respiratory syncytial virus.
Some of the complications of the common cold are acute ear infection which frequently affects children. An ear infection may cause a child to have yellow or green nasal discharge and a fever recurrence after a common cold. Most common triggers of a cold are asthma attack which causes one to have chest tightness and wheezing. Another complication is the sinusitis which affects the nasal passage and the sinuses. It develops when there is the persistence of the common cold and blockage of the sinuses. People with a common cold may sometimes get strep throat which is common with children who are between the ages of 5 to 15 years. One can get it through touching an infected person or surface.
One can manage a cold through resting at home from school or work to prevent infecting others. Adjusting the room’s temperature and humidity can help ease coughing and congestion. Sooth the throat by gaggling a quarter to a half teaspoon salt dissolved in a four-ounce glass of warm water which helps relieve a scratchy and a sore throat. Use of saline nasal drops can help relieve nasal congestion; one can buy the drops over the counter.
Diaper rash in infants
Causes of diaper rash include irritation of urine and stool. This infection may be due to prolonged exposure to stool or urine which can irritate if the baby has sensitive skin. Using of clothing or diapers that are tight causes skin rash. A baby’s skin may react to a new product like detergents, baby wipes, disposable diapers, fabric softener or bleach for laundering cloth diapers. A simple skin infection can spread when the area around the thighs, genitals, and buttocks of a baby is warm and moist, making a breeding ground for yeast and bacteria. Complications of diaper rash in infants include bleeding, irritability and diaper rash. Also, the baby can have maceration, skin ulceration and an abrasive skin under the diaper. There may be a prevalence of a secondary bacterial infection caused by both aerobic and anaerobic organisms.
Management of diaper rash in infants
For effective management and treatment for diapers, the rash is to ensure the baby is kept dry and clean always. The skin of the baby should be cleaned well and ointment and paste to ensure the baby stays protected and healthy. The airflow should also be increased, which aids in healing diaper rash and also preventing an occurrence in the baby’s skin. The child should also be washed with clean water daily and the water should be warm with a mixture of soap that is fragrance-free.
Diarrhoea in young children
Diarrhoea in children is caused by a virus infection like rotavirus, parasites like a guardian and bacteria like salmonella. Diarrhoea is also caused by food poisoning in kids if the food consumed by children is not well checked, but it lasts for not more than 24 hours. Other causes of diarrhoea include food allergies, celiac disease, ulcerative colitis and irritable bowel disease.
Complications
Dehydration is the greatest complication in children and also people who have a weakened immune system. Dehydration in children is mild, moderate or severe, depending on the intensity of the cause. Diarrhoea puts stress in the heart and also lungs and in some cases, it leads to shock, which is serious complications that can even cause death. Severe diarrhoea can lead to the development of collapse if it is rapid to the infected child. Additionally, there can be bicarbonate loss in the child leading to metabolic acidosis. In some cases, there is an occurrence of hypokalemia when the diarrhoea is chronic and if it prolongs, it can cause hypomagnesaemia which leads to tetany.
Management of Diarrhea
The main therapy for diarrhoea is to ensure that infants drink a lot of fluids to avoid an occurrence of dehydration. Also, Oral Rehydration Solution can be used where solutions are made using salted yoghurt drinks, vegetables and yoghurt soup and salted rice water are important components that are used to manage dehydration. The child should continue eating despite having diarrhoea since it helps in speeding recovery of the intestinal function. When children are restricted from taking food during diarrhoea period are slow to recover. The child can take antibiotics but should be used on specification from a health professional.
Causes of Earaches
Earache is a problem that is common in children and a minor infection causes it and it does not necessarily need treatment to be cured. The most common causes of earache include Ear infection, where the parts behind the eardrum get infections. When an ear gets damaged as a result of an injury that affects the inside part of the ear, it causes earache infection. When an object or earwax sticks inside the ear, it causes earache infections in some cases.
Complications of Earache
Earache causes hearing loss to a baby and it may be either permanent or temporary depending on the extent of the complication. Hearing loss is low and rarely occurs to babies and when there are serious complications, it can cause loss of hearing to both ears. Also, earache causes mastoiditis, which affects the bones that are behind the ear. There is a mild infection in the beginning and it ends up turning to be a serious complication on the child. Other complications include meningitis, brain abscess, ruptured eardrum, among others.
Management of earache
The infection can be managed through the use of warm and moist compress continuously on the ear helps in relieving pain. Olive oil can also be used and it reduces ear pain even though the method lacks scientific evidence. The oil should be put into the ear in few drops and it should not be used by children who have ruptured eardrums or ear tubes. Other methods of managing earache include chewing a piece of gum and sleeping upright.
Stomachaches in young children
The main cause of stomach ache in young children is constipation. Viruses or bacteria’s which are from the stomach flu causes gastrointestinal symptoms, which include nausea and diarrhoea. Food poisoning is another major cause of stomachache and results from eating excessive food, food allergies, among others.
Complications of stomachache in young children
Stomachache causes serious complications if not treated early, which may be permanent in the body of a child. The common complication is appendicitis which may even need surgery. The appendix becomes full, and when it blocks, it causes infections even though it is rare in young children. Other complications include severe diarrhoea, skin rash, blood in vomit and the child may become pale and sweaty
Management of Stomachache in Children
For effective management of stomachache problems in young children, it is important to ensure a child does not overeat but eats only enough. The child should also be given foods that are rich in fibre such as vegetables and fruits to ensure there is a regular bowel movement. The child should dring a lot of fluids and especially water and also get enough bed rest.Eating time should be before bedtime to ensure the child is comfortable in sleep.