The 12 Most Common Childhood Illnesses

The Most Common Childhood Illnesses are many and varied. Also, a young child’s immune system hasn’t been exposed to many infections , so he’s much more prone to illness than younger and older adults, who have built up immunity to a lot of germs,” ​​says Joanne Cox, associate head of the division. of General Pediatrics at Boston Children’s Hospital. “The fact that young children touch everything and then put their hand in their mouth, contributes a lot to acquiring new diseases.” The Most Common Childhood Illnesses are usually viruses, allergies and respiratory problems.

So basically you will be fighting a losing battle. Still, the more experienced you are, the better prepared you will be to identify what is affecting your child and help them feel better as quickly as possible. Check out the 12 Most Common Childhood Illnesses:

Reflux: Reflux is also one of the Most Common Childhood Illnesses , its frequent symptoms usually appear in the first year of life, it is not related to the immaturity of the immune system , but the digestive system. It occurs when food reaches the stomach and returns to the esophagus. In the first months, the fact that the child ingests only liquids intensifies this return.

The good news is that the problem tends to lessen as solid ingredients are added to the menu. A tip to ease the discomfort is to breastfeed in an upright position and not exaggerate the amount of milk . Burping the baby upright in your lap for about 20 minutes also facilitates digestion. Severe conditions may require the use of medication.

Sickle Cell Disease: Biochemical Birth Defects: Sometimes certain substances essential for the proper functioning of the baby ‘s body are abnormal or completely absent. Without intervention, disabilities like this can be devastating (and often even fatal) because they affect so many bodily systems. The disease can trigger devastating bouts of pain and damage to vital organs and can sometimes be fatal.

Sickle cell disease is one of the Most Common Childhood Illnesses , it affects hemoglobin (a protein inside red blood cells) in such a way that the cells become distorted: instead of their normal, round shape, they look like bananas or sickles. (hence the name). These malformed cells become trapped and destroyed by the liver and spleen, resulting in anemia. In severe cases, an affected child may be pale, short of breath, and get tired easily.

Down Syndrome: This disease is caused by chromosomal birth defects. Down syndrome can be diagnosed before birth. While none of the defects are curable, early intervention allows a child to develop to his or her full potential.

A child with Down syndrome often has characteristic physical features, including slanted eyes; Small ears that fold at the top; A small mouth, which makes the tongue appear larger; A small nose with a flattened nasal bridge; A short neck; And small hands with short fingers.

More than 50 percent of children with this defect have visual or hearing impairments. Ear infections , heart defects, and intestinal malformations are also common among children  with this defect. Down Syndrome is one of the Most Common Childhood Illnesses , it is estimated that 1 in every 700 births has this syndrome, which today affects more than 270,000 Brazilians.

Viruses: More common in early childhood, because with each virus the child gains organic resistance and becomes immune to that type of virus. The means of contagion are diverse, from contaminated food to the air. Climate changes that affect immunity can also facilitate the contraction of viruses.

Difficult to define due to the amount of viruses on the planet, any virus infection that presents characteristic symptoms such as respiratory complications (colds, flu, bronchiolitis) and, in many cases, diarrhea, which are also viral symptoms , is called a virus. Viruses are also classified as the Most Common Childhood Illnesses , which adults, especially elderly people with low-functioning immunity, can acquire.

Fifth Disease: The fifth disease, also known as erythema infectiosum, is an infection that is characterized as One of the Most Common Childhood Illnesses . This disease is caused by parvovirus B19, which is spread through direct contact with fluids or mucus from an infected person’s nose or mouth. The fifth disease causes a bright red rash with a “slapped face” appearance that only appears when the infected person stops spreading the infection.

Fifth disease is usually a mild illness and some people who are infected may never know they had it. Outbreaks of fifth disease usually occur in late winter and early spring. When outbreaks reach school -age children, 10 to 60% of susceptible children may develop symptoms . Parvovirus B19 only infects humans and is different from parvovirus that infects dogs.

Contamination: Viruses, bacteria or parasites, present in contaminated water or food, can invade the body and cause vomiting, flatulence, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Although it seems commonplace, diarrhea is among the main causes of infant death in Brazil, due to malnutrition and dehydration, resulting from the most serious conditions.

Essential in all cases, the treatment includes the intake of 50 to 100 milliliters of homemade whey per day (for a liter of water, add 3.5 grams of salt and 20 g of sugar) and a menu rich in easily digestible foods. , such as vegetables and fruits. Breast milk  helps with recovery.

Pneumonia: Pneumonia is also one of the Most Common Childhood Illnesses , it can be viral or bacterial. Considered a serious disease that can lead to death if left untreated. Usually presents with fever, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, pallor, lack of appetite and prostration.

Streptococcal pharyngitis: The infection is usually spread by direct contact with the mucus or sores of someone with pharyngitis. The most common symptoms include a sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Rarely, complications may involve the heart or kidneys.

Treatment is important to reduce complications. Oral antibiotics, such as penicillin, amoxicillin, cephalexin, or azithromycin, are often used. Other medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help improve pain and fever.

Gastroenteritis: Gastroenteritis is an acute inflammation that affects the organs of the gastrointestinal system. The problem is more common in summer and in places without water treatment, sewage network, piped water and adequate destination.

Influenza: Influenza is one of the Most Common Childhood Illnesses , so that’s it, it’s important to medicate your child, even before he shows symptoms . The flu comes hard and fast: fever, body aches, chills, headache, sore throat, cough and sometimes also vomiting and diarrhea. It is a winter illness that often lasts for more than a week and can lead to dangerous complications, including pneumonia.

Fortunately, you can reduce your child’s risk by scheduling an annual flu shot, which can be given as a shot or, for children over 2, with a nasal spray. The vaccine isn’t foolproof (since strains of the virus vary from year to year), but if she has the flu despite being vaccinated, her symptoms should be much less severe, points out Dr. Hirschenfang. If you suspect your child has the flu, make an appointment with your pediatrician right away.

Roseola is a generally mild infection caused by two strains of the herpes virus. It is common and usually affects two-year- olds . It occasionally affects adults.
Symptoms include several days of high fever followed by a rash. The rash may look like multiple pink spots. Treatment includes rest, use of fluids and medications to lower the fever.

RSV: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the main causes of respiratory diseases, so RSV is one of the Most Common Childhood Illnesses . Diseases caused by RSV are transmitted through airborne droplets with the virus or also by direct contact with secretions from the mouth or nose of an infected person.

In children over two years of age, or otherwise healthy adults, RSV infection can be mistaken for a simple cold. However, in premature children or those with congenital heart disease and bronchopulmonary dysplasia, the virus can lead to hospitalization and even death.