1. Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is a food-borne disease that affects children under five years. Dr Anjana Sajith, Specialist Paediatrician, Aster DM Healthcare, says that diarrhoea causes great morbidity all over the world, especially in developing countries. It is caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi. In the Middle East, the Rotavirus is a common cause, she says.
Symptoms: Vomiting, abdominal cramps, dehydration and loss of appetite and weight loss.
Prevention: Dr Sajith advises mothers to give exclusive breast feeding until six months of age and continue until two years of age. “Rotavirus vaccination in babies is given at less than six months of age. Improved food and water sanitation are important measures for prevention,” she adds.
Treatment: Self-limiting is best. “It usually subsides within a week, without need for antibiotics. Oral Rehydration Treatment, a replacement fluid containing glucose, salt, and minerals, depleted by diarrhoea, is administered. Rice and vegetable soups are recommended as well as lactobacillus or good bacteria. Breast feeding should be continued,” says Dr Sajith.
2. Cold and flu
A cold is is a self-limited contagious illness that recurs from time to time. Dr Tarek Al Sayed, Specialist Paediatrician and Medical Director, Kamkar Child Wellness Centre and a member of the European Respiratory Society Head of paediatric unit in Dubai Police Health Centre, says, “There are more than 200 different types of viruses that are known to cause
the common cold. The ailment is spread by
direct contact with infected secretion from contaminated surfaces or
airborne viruses.”
Symptoms: Nasal stuffiness, sore throat, sneezing, hoarseness, cough, low-grade fever, headaches, body aches and fatigue.
Prevention: Dr Al Sayed advises that infected surfaces be disinfected, as well as shared personal belongings. Children should be encouraged to cover their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing to prevent viruses from being transmitted.
Treatment: Self-limiting is best, ensure the body gets sufficient rest. Symptomatic treatments must be given.
3. Asthma
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways. Dr Al Sayed says, “The airway inflammation leads to airway hyper reactivity, which causes the airways to narrow in response to various stimuli, including allergens, exercise and cold air. Symptoms are often worsened by exertion or during the night and may have a seasonal variation, which can be due to environmental allergies.”
Symptoms: Coughing, wheezing and tightness in the chest.
Prevention: “Evidence suggests that the risk of asthma is reduced in children with a history of certain infections, rural living, exposure to other children (including older siblings), and less frequent use of antibiotics. The development of asthma is ultimately a complicated process influenced by many environmental and genetic factors, and therefore, there is no proven way to decrease a child’s risk of developing asthma,” says Dr Al Sayed.
Treatment: The goal is to control symptoms; minimise the risk of future exacerbations; maintain normal lung function; and use the least amount of medication possible. “Inhaled corticosteroids (cortisone medication) are the most effective anti-inflammatory agents available for chronic treatment,” he says.
4. Allergies
Allergies commonly arise because of urbanisation and pollution. Dr Sajith says that there may be a family history of allergies and it can be associated with grass pollen, dust, pets and foods such as nuts, milk, eggs, etc.
She explains, “In infants and children, it can be caused due to an allergy to dust mites, animal dander, and food allergies. Environment is important in the development of allergies. The type of residence, heating or cooling conditions play their parts.
Symptoms: Nasal itching, runny nose, itching of the eyes, asthma, dry skin.
Prevention:Avoidance of the particular implicated food or allergen.
Treatment: Dr Sajith says, “Appropriate treatment of allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis by topical steroids as per physician advice may be given. For asthma treatment, use inhalers, nebulizer, oral drugs and for eczema, use moisturizers, topical steroids, as per physician’s advice.”
5. Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis or pink eye is a contagious illness and spreads quickly. Dr Al Sayed says, “Pink eye is an inflammation of the clear membranes covering the whites of the eyes and the membranes on the inner part of the eyelids. These membranes react with a wide range of bacteria and viruses or irritant and toxic agents.”
Symptoms: Eye pain, swelling, itching, redness, yellowish discharge and swollen lymph nodes in the front of the ear.
Prevention: “Being highly contagious this spreads through direct contact with infected people. So avoid touching the eye area and wash your hands frequently, particularly after applying the medicine. Never share towels or pillow covers.”
Treatment: Local antibiotics decongestant and possible local steroids.
