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[K10]Kawasaki Disease In Children

by Dave Deane, Dav

The especial province of the mother is the prevention of disease, not its cure. When disease attacks the child, the mother has then a part to perform, which it is especially important during the epochs of infancy and childhood should be done well. I refer to those duties which constitute the maternal part of the management of disease.

Medical treatment, for its successful issue, is greatly dependent upon a careful, pains-taking, and judicious maternal superintendence. No medical treatment can avail at any time, if directions be only partially carried out, or be negligently attended to; and will most assuredly fail altogether, if counteracted by the erroneous prejudices of ignorant attendants. But to the affections of infancy and childhood, this remark applies with great force; since, at this period, disease is generally so sudden in its assaults, and rapid in its progress, that unless the measures prescribed are rigidly and promptly administered, their exhibition is soon rendered altogether fruitless.

The amount of suffering, too, may be greatly lessened by the thoughtful and discerning attentions of the mother. The wants and necessities of the young child must be anticipated; the fretfulness produced by disease, soothed by kind and affectionate persuasion; and the possibility of the sick and sensitive child being exposed to harsh and ungentle conduct, carefully provided against.

Again, not only is a firm and strict compliance with medical directions in the administration of remedies, of regimen, and general measures, necessary, but an unbiased, faithful, and full report of symptoms to the physician, when he visits his little patient, is of the first importance. An ignorant servant or nurse, unless great caution be exercised by the medical attendant, may, by an unintentional but erroneous report of symptoms, produce a very wrong impression upon his mind, as to the actual state of the disease. His judgment may, as a consequence, be biased in a wrong direction, and the result prove seriously injurious to the welldoing of the patient. The medical man cannot sit hour after hour watching symptoms; hence the great importance of their being faithfully reported. This can alone be done by the mother, or some person equally competent.

There are other weighty considerations which might be adduced here, proving how much depends upon efficient maternal management in the time of sickness; but they will be severally dwelt upon, when the diseases with which they are more particularly connected are spoken of.

Any type of chronic disorder may be especially difficult for a child to cope with. Likewise, being a parent to such a child may leave you feeling helpless and cheated. Unfortunately, the presence of Crohn's Disease will not be any easier to bear or deal with, as it has particularly unpleasant side effects.

Crohn's Disease is a form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease which occurs when the immune system overreacts to an agent of the digestive system, sends excessive white blood cells to the area, and causes inflammation as a result. The exact cause of Crohn's Disease is unknown, but doctors believe it is because the body misperceives positive bacteria naturally found in the intestines as being harmful. However, once the reaction occurs, the immune system is unable to stop the attack on the digestive tract.

Any area of the digestive system may be affected by Crohn's disease, from mouth to rectum; however, the area most affected is the lower portion of the small intestines and colon. Depending on which portion of the system is disease, different symptoms may arise. Some examples of symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, loss of appetite, and vomiting. Also, as a result of many of these symptoms, certain side effects occur, such as anemia, weight loss, stunted growth, and delayed development.

There may also be complication in areas outside of the digestive system, such as arthritis, skin rashes, mouth ulcers, or eye inflammation.

Although Crohn's is a chronic disease, meaning it is ongoing, it does have periods of inactivity. During these periods, no symptoms may occur. However, they will inevitably return at some point. There is currently no cure for Crohn's Disease.

Treatments for Crohn's Disease include medications and surgery in severe cases. Medications are usually taken to decrease swelling in the bowels, control the reaction of the immune system, treat infection that may arise, or to treat the symptoms of Crohn's. Surgery is usually only utilized when other treatment methods are ineffective. Unfortunately, many of the medications taken cause a myriad of side effects, many very severe in nature. However, often medication is necessary in spite of side effects to eliminate potentially life threatening issues, such as infection.

It is important to maintain a healthy diet and to intake plenty of fluids. Malnutrition sometimes occurs from lack of absorption of foods. Likewise, dehydration is a concern due to diarrhea and vomiting.

Your child will also more than likely experience a lot of emotional issues as a result of this disease.

Article Source : Pg. 143

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Both Dave Deane & Sarah K. Jenkins are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Dave Deane has sinced written about articles on various topics from Tropical Fish, Digital Camera and Family. To find out all you need to know about Babies and Child Care, please visit us at Submitted by:. Dave Deane's top article generates over 33100 views. to your Favourites.

Sarah K. Jenkins has sinced written about articles on various topics from Cruises, Mental Health and Fitness. Sarah is an acclaimed writer on medical matters, and has written extensively on the subjects of Attention Deficit Disorder, Bird Flu and Crohn's Disease.For more of her articles, go to http://www.imedicalvillage.com now.. Sarah K. Jenkins's top article generates over 60500 views. to your Favourites.