Generally, there are two types of infections that occur in the human body: viral infections such as the common cold, which are fairly simple and the more severe and complicated bacterial infections such as pneumonia. Because the immune system in babies is not as well developed as in adults, it is fairly common for babies to get some type of infection about every one to two months, tapering off as the immune system matures until it reaches a level about the same as for adults by the time the child is school age.
Ear infections
Most children have at least one experience with otitis media (middle ear infection) by the time they are one year of age. Symptoms include pulling on the ear, pain in the ear, fever, drainage from the ear and poor sleep. Because of the small size of the Eustachian tube in children, any type of upper respiratory infection can block the normal function of the tube due to swelling and added nasal discharge. The bacteria remain in the fluid behind the eardrum and cause pain, swelling of the eardrum itself and reduced hearing. Ear infections are typically treated with antibiotics. Children with repeated infections may have surgery to implant a small tube in the eardrum to allow for drainage.
Urinary Tract Infections
A urinary infection or UTI is caused by the presence of bacteria or germs in the urethra, bladder or kidneys. It can be caused by tight fitting clothing, improper wiping habits for girls, holding urine for long periods, or bubble baths. Some children have a physical condition that prevents the bladder from emptying completely causing frequent infection. Common symptoms of a urinary tract infection include frequent urination sometimes with only small amounts of urine produced, fever, pain in the back, stomach, lethargy, vomiting and even blood in the urine. A UTI should be treated promptly as scarring in the urinary tract can have drastic consequences throughout the entire lifetime. The usual treatment is by antibiotics given orally or in severe cases intravenously.
Viral Infections
The most common type of viral infections seen in children is the common cold. The cold virus is actually more than one hundred different viruses which produce symptoms that are collectively known as a cold. Depending upon the type of cold virus involved, most colds manifest with symptoms of a cough, fever, sore throat, runny nose or congestion in the sinuses and upper respiratory tract. The contagious period of most colds is five to seven days. Immunization is not a successful treatment for colds since the virus mutates rapidly. The most effective treatment is frequent hand washing. Antibacterial soaps to not kill the virus, but the action of washing removes the virus from the skin.
Fungal Infections
Fungal infections appear as a rash that is red, circular and scaly. They usually are found on the feet or scalp, but may also appear on other parts of the body. Ringworm is a well known type of fungal infection. Athlete's foot and jock itch are fungal infections as well. Usually dogs or cats are blamed for spreading the infection, but children often get it from other children at school. Fungal infections are highly contagious. Fungal infections are typically treated by an anti fungal cream applied directly to the lesion. Covering the area after treatment for the first 48 hours prevents further spread of the infection to others.
Croup
Croup is a common respiratory viral infection that manifests as a barking cough and breathing difficulty. There may be hoarseness, fever and a runny nose. There is usually swelling around the vocal chords. Symptoms develop very quickly. It is the sound of the cough and the noise when inhaling that is distinctive among the children who develop the disease. There is no cure, but using treatments to relieve the symptoms such as warm humidified air for mild or moderate croup. More severe symptoms may mean administering a steroid to reduce swelling
Chicken Pox
Because more children are being vaccinated against chicken pox virus, the prevalence of the disease has been dramatically reduced in the United States. The infection is characterized by an itchy rash with blisters. Prevention of the infection is by avoiding contact or by use of the vaccine varivax. Treatments include actions designed to reduce itching and fever and plenty of fluids.
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Ongoing scalp and vaginal rash
By: Carrie | 23-07-2008
I recently had my 22 month daughter in because she's had untreatable what I think is cradle cap but also, more importantly, a diaper rash ? that has been there since Feb. This rash is at it's worst now as she has a few vaginal ulcers that are painful with urination. The dermatolist is running a viral culture on the area. I'd like to think this is something like psoriasis but could she have genital herpes....I, mom, have had this for almost 15 years now. I have dveloped small postules of itchy fluid that has gone undiagnosed on my dominant hand, the one I diaper with. I'm a mess....can anyone offer me anything?
Children Books on tractors
By: MaryJo | 23-07-2008
My grandson who is 4 years old was with me in the waiting room of a doctors office looking at a childrens book about tractors, he has been talking about this book for 2 days now I would love to buy him this book but the only thing he can tell me about it is that is had a black cover with a green tractor on it. I have shown him many pictures but he does not recoginize any, I would greatly appreciate any help I can get. Thank You
Im the maternal grandparent where are my rights
By: Terry | 22-07-2008
my daughters kids got taken away from her temporaraly I live in Michigan she lives in ohio why couldnt they give them to me temporaly.I only live about 1 hour away
10 yr old stubbed her big toe . Now it is very ...
By: Marie | 22-07-2008
10 yr old stubbed her big toe . Now it is very blue all over the nail. The toe is very swollen a week later and it hurts all over. Is it dangerous? How to treat it?
Help me find childhood friend
By: cierra | 22-07-2008
hello my name is zoraida perez, i am looking for a student who was enrolled there around 1980's there was three boys all brothers one the youngest was david,micheal and john dont know thier last names , they were blonde and blue eyes they lived on 47st between 6-7 ave they moved far away i was a child also when they left i lived at 660 47st , the sisters there used to go caroling with them in the neighborhood then stoped i would very much like to find them i think about david at all times and would like to find him. all i need is his last name, i went to neighbors homes but no one remembers them i really hope you can help
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By: dcha12 | 22-07-2008
how can I clear my arteries?
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