Introduction:
The child, even when the innate and adaptive immune systems begin to mature, is prone to many pathogenic viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Still, he or she has a fair chance of survival. Earlier, there were a few factors, such as good nutrition, hygiene, and environmental factors, that would help prevent certain diseases, yet there was a high mortality rate. Now the mortality rate has fallen due to the prevention and control of infection either by vaccination or modern medical advancements. The immune system slowly develops during infancy. Required early protection against many infectious diseases formerly experienced by the mother is passed on to the child by the passive IgG antibody transferred from the mother transplacentally and also through milk.
When this immunity transferred by the mother fades away, children become more susceptible to infections, though by then, they get armed with developing innate and adaptive immune systems. The risk of getting infected by certain diseases is prevented with the help of vaccinations that make the immunity stronger. Still, some parasitic, viral, fungal, etc. types of diseases break the barrier to developed immunity. While promoting recovery, such antigen stimulation progresses into immunological memory. Hence, when the protection provided by the immune response is stimulated, growing populations, such as young adults, suffer fewer infections. Such accumulation of immunological memory is an evolving characteristic of the adaptive immune response. This immunological memory may fade when the person enters an older age.
What Are the Common Childhood Illnesses?
Certain common childhood illnesses occur during childhood. They break the barrier of innate or adaptive immune systems, and a few of such illnesses are mentioned in the following:
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Diarrhea and vomiting.
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Common cold.
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Influenza.
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Ear infections.
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Bronchitis.
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Conjunctivitis.
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Gastroenteritis.
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Strep throat.
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Respiratory syncytial virus.
What Is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is characterized as a mild, contagious viral infection typically seen in young children. Symptoms include sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet. Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is most generally caused by a coxsackievirus. The most seen symptoms of the disease are fever, sore throat, feeling sick, blister-like lesions, rash on the palms and feet, and rarely on the buttocks. The incubation period is three to six days. The child slowly initiate a sore throat and can fall sick. The child may eventually lose the appetite, and painful blisters may develop. Sores that grow in the back of the mouth and throat may indicate a related viral illness called herpangina.
Some features of herpangina comprise a sudden elevated fever and, in a few examples, seizure. Rarely sores are developed on the hands, feet, or other parts of the body. Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is usually considered a minor illness. It normally shows fever and mild symptoms for a few days. The healthcare provider should be called if the patient's symptoms do not improve after eight to 10 days.
What Are Diarrhea and Vomiting?
The digestive issues can be unpleasing for both the patient and the provider of care. Diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea are most generally caused by contaminated food or drink with the Rotavirus infection, E. coli, parasites, or Salmonella. Nevertheless, food allergies and intolerance can also be the causative agents for digestive upset. To avoid these, it is necessary to ensure that the children are well hydrated, as diarrhea and vomiting can result in dehydration which can lead to more health problems. Feeding the children bland foods like porridge can be easy on the digestive system. Additional help for recovery is by adding over-the-counter probiotics. For prevention, ensure that the children practice good hygiene, like washing their hands before meals and not putting objects in their mouths. Make sure the children are receiving clean and safe food and drink. If necessary, visit the physician for a food intolerance test.
What Is Common Cold?
The common cold is a viral infection in the upper respiratory tract which involves the nose and throat. It is usually harmless, although it may feel tiring and sick during the infection. Numerous types of viruses can cause a common cold. Symptoms of the common cold are a runny nose, sore throat, congestion, and slight body aches. Prevention can be done by washing hands, maintaining hygiene, covering mouth while sneezing or coughing, and maintaining a distance from people having cough and cold. The physician should be contacted if needed.
What Is Influenza?
Seasonal influenza is marked by a sudden onset of fever, cough that is usually dry, headache, muscle and joint pain, severe malaise, sore throat, and a runny nose. The cough can get severe and can last up to two or more weeks. Most of the patients recover from fever and other symptoms within a week with basic medical attention. But influenza may take a serious turn if not taken care of or worsens if not treated. Children who are less than 58 months are more prone to it.
What Are Ear Infections and Bronchitis?
Children are more at risk of ear infections than adults. Ear infections can be induced by bacterial or viral infections. Symptoms may comprise ear pain, fever, irritability, difficulty sleeping, and tugging at an ear. The physician should be contacted as soon as the symptoms of ear infections are seen. Medicines such as albuterol or steroids used for patients with asthma are not advised for most infants and young children with bronchiolitis. Children born prematurely or have underlying health problems may require other treatment methods.
What Is Conjunctivitis?
Conjunctivitis is commonly known as “pink eye.” The mark of pink eye contain discharge, redness, itchiness, and swelling in one or both eyes. There are multiple causes, but the contagious type of conjunctivitis is induced by a bacteria or virus that affects the eye. A pediatrician may treat the pink eye with antibiotic ointment or eye drops.
What Is Respiratory Syncytial Virus?
It is a common childhood illness that involves the respiratory system. In most children, it causes mild cold-like symptoms, including fever, coughing, runny nose, and sneezing. Yet, in young infants and older adults, it can be more severe. It can induce inflammation in the airways and result in pneumonia. The physician should be contacted for a treatment plan.
Conclusion:
Children can be susceptible to some illnesses even after clearing their vaccination status. The reason is that their immune systems are still evolving, and their bodies are learning to fight off illnesses. Also, children are often exposed to other children with sicknesses, like in daycare centers or schools. For parents, it can be difficult to look after suffering children, but it is ensured that such illnesses are common and are part and parcel of children’s growing-up years. These diseases can be prevented by ensuring a properly nourished diet, providing adequate at-home care, and preventative measures; one can look forward to healthy and happy developmental years for your child.
