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[R118]Recurrent Infections In Children

by Pawel Reszka, Paw

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 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.

Children are at times likely to nail fungus as they predominantly don't figure out the seriousness of good hygiene and hand washing. The fingernails can be one of the skuzziest parts of children's bodies. The foundation of the nails can contain a pool of microorganisms, primarily if their nails aren't maintained short.

Children who are in day care can be exposed to fungus infections and other communicable health troubles. To contribute to avoid infection, clip the child's nails short and wipe the fronts of the nails with the help of antibacterial soap and oil of oregano. Performing this on a routine basis will contribute to avoid nail fungus infections in children.

Signs of a nail fungus infection in children include:

? Delicate, crumbly or ragged nails
? Nails that are distorted in form
? Nails which are deflated and dull
? Yellow, green or black nails
? Pain in and around the nail foundation

The two most usual types of nail fungus infections in children are dermatophytes and yeast. Dermatophytes is the most routine infection which infects children's toenails while yeast seeks to be the main culprit for children's fingernail fungus problems. It is prominent to correctly diagnose the sort of infections so that the appropriate treatment can be given.

Make sure that your child gets instant first aid treatment if he sees a cut on the finger or hand. It is very usual for children to get a nail fungus which invades through a cut or scrape on the finger.

Even though it is not always easy to force a child to eat a nutritious diet, proper diet is vital to maintain the immune system stout. Encourage your child to eat fresh fruit rather than sugary sweets. Eliminate artificially sweetened soft drinks from your child's diet and change them with fresh fruit juices, low fat milk and water. Have small boxes of raisins in candy bowls rather than sugary treats. Have some sliced carrots in a Ziploc bag in your refrigerator and prop up your child to select those at snack time. You may want to add a multivitamin to your child's daily regimen to make sure he is receiving all of the vitamins and minerals that he needs to stay healthy.

If your child has nail fungus infections that loiter or worsen, you must see your pediatrician. Your pediatrician can guide your child to a pediatric dermatologist to also asses the nail fungus infection.

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Article Source : Pg. 196

About Author

Both Pawel Reszka & Gilbert Nathan 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.

Pawel Reszka has sinced written about articles on various topics from Make Money Online, Internet Marketing and Entrepreneurship. If your child is suffering from yeast infection then here is how you can using only home remedies.. Pawel Reszka's top article generates over 673000 views. to your Favourites.

Gilbert Nathan has sinced written about articles on various topics from Nail Fungus, Nails and Nail Fungus. Gilbert Nathan is a beauty Guru. His help - With the right equipment, you can handily provide yourself a great manicure at home. And if you're on a bargain, then those equipment have to be affordable and endure for a prolonged period. Find out. Gilbert Nathan's top article generates over 3600 views. to your Favourites.