Common food allergies

The following foods are developing food allergy in babies:

• Milk
• Eggs
• Peanuts

Peanuts and tree nuts are develops of deadly food allergy reactions which is know as anaphylaxis. Babies are more likely to outgrow allergies to milk than allergies to shrimp or peanuts.

Causes

The main cause of food allergies are presence of proteins in the blood along with vaccines. The yellow fever vaccine and flu vaccines are based on egg. Sometimes, it can be caused by other health conditions such as cancers of the GI tract and ulcers. Histamines are released, when IgE antibodies react with the food, which can associate stomach aches, diarrhea, itching in the mouth, hives, problems in breathing, vomiting, asthma and hives.

Signs and symptoms

• Stomach ache
• Shortness of breath
• Throat tightness
• Loss of consciousness
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain

Diagnosis:

Food allergy can be diagnosed by trained allergist. The allergist will ask questions about signs and symptoms of food allergy from patient. Allergy skin tests will be recommended by the doctor to diagnose the disease. In some cases, RAST test and blood test also will be preferred by the health care providers. Sometimes, ELISA tests for IgE may use to determine the disease.

Treatment

It can be treated by avoiding the foods that create reaction. Parents should offer the diet to their child according to health care providers. Do not include milk, egg or peanuts in children’s diet. People should avoid restaurant- prepared foods. Packaged food according to FDA will be required for patients. Parents should protect their babies from allergic foods and they must give epinephrine to children.

The following medicines are very helpful to relieve food allergy symptoms:

• Bronchodilators to reduce the signs and symptoms of asthma
• Antihistamines are very effective to reduce the GI symptoms, sneezing, and hives.

Food allergies can be prevented by avoiding allergic foods. People should follow following suggestion to prevent high risk of food allergies in children:

• Avoid dairy products and feeding milk until baby is one year old.
• Do not offer solid foods to child at least six months old.
• Avoid tree nuts and peanuts during breastfeeding.
• Avoid cow’s milk, fish and eggs while nursing.
• Use a hypoallergenic formula such as Alimentum or Nutramigen.
• Parents can offer eggs to their child after the age of 2 years old of child.

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Symptoms of flu:

• Headache
• Runny nose
• Cough
• Nasal congestion
• Fever
• Excessive fatigue
• Muscle aches in legs
• Sore throat
• Vomiting, nausea and diarrhea

Complications of flu

There are various complications of the disease such as asthma, sickle cell disease, cancer, HIV, diabetes, dehydration, pneumonia, sinus problems, congestive heart failure and ear infections.

When to seek the health care provider

• Someone has a dry cough for long period and is getting worse.
• One has suffered from fever more than 100 degree Celsius between the age of three to six month.
• Child experience difficulty in breathing and developed diseases such as pneumonia.

Treatment:

Acetaminophen or ibuprofens like advil or motrin are recommended by the doctor to reduce the high fever. Aspirin is not preferred by the doctor.

Prevention

Flu vaccination is getting by child, very effective to prevent the Flu. There are two kinds of flu vaccination such as nasal-spray flu vaccine and flu shot vaccine.

Flu shot vaccine: This is very effective to kill the virus. The flu shot vaccine is given to child by a small needle. This is given to people who have chronic medical conditions and healthy people.

Nasal-spray flu vaccine: This is not useful for pregnant. It is beneficial for reduce the flu viruses. It is also known as Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine.

After caring the child, wash the hands with mild soap and water to avoid spreading the disease to other persons. Parents should keep their baby away from person who has any diseases. Parents must avoid public transportation with infant.

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Causes of Epilepsy

• Brain tumors
• Multiple sclerosis
• Low blood sugar
• Stroke
• Exposure to poisons
• Lack of oxygen to brain
• Trauma with brain injury
• Hereditary
• Disorders of brain development
• Infections such as encephalitis

Signs and symptoms

• Difficulty in breathing
• Confusion
• Uncontrollable movements of legs and arms
• Problems in sleeping
• Loss of consciousness

Diagnosis

Magnetoencephalography and positron emission tomography are recommended to determine the symptoms of Epilepsy. Some questions about baby’s behavior, when the disease start, etc. ask by the health care providers to diagnosis of epilepsy.

When to consult the health care providers

Patient can consult the health care providers in the following cases:-

• Presence of signs and symptoms of the disease.
• The seizure lasts more than five minutes.
• Feeling of weakness, headache or numbness
• Changes in the medication

Treatment

The types of treatment of Epilepsy depend on causes of the disease. Patients should take medications as recommended by the health care providers. Patients should discuss about how to take the drugs, when to take it and what are the side effects for these drugs. Many children are unable to swallow medication in a capsule or tablet form.

Therefore they can take medications in liquid form and chewable sprinkle. There are various medications such as carbamazepine, phenibarbital, clonazepam, felbamate, zonisamide, levetiracetam, ethosuximide, tiagabine and valproic acid is very helpful to reduce the signs and symptoms of Epilepsy.

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Chronic inflammation may cause by occur a hypersensitivity reaction in the skin and skin become scaly and itchy. The skin become leathery-textured and thickens due to scratching and irritation.

Signs and symptoms of Eczema

• Blisters with crusting and oozing
• Rashes
• Itching
• Inflammation or skin redness
• Skin lesions on the elbows, knees or cheeks
• Bleeding or ear discharges
• Dry or leathery skin areas around the hands, neck, eyelids and behind the knee

Diagnosis

A skin lesion biopsy will be performed by the health care providers to diagnose the disease. The disease can also determine by family history and appearance of signs and symptoms of Eczema.

When to seek medical advice

If someone has signs and symptoms of eczema, consult the health care providers as soon as possible. If treatment is not effective, if signs of eczema such as redness, pain or fever occur or if eczema does not respond to moisturizers, call for an appointment with the doctor.

Treatment

The types of treatment depend on the appearance of the skin lesions such as dry scaly lesions, weeping lesions, thickened lesions and chronic lesions. In case of dry skin lesions, patient should use less soap and keep water contact as brief as possible. It is necessary that apply lubricating cream on the affected area to trap the moisture in the skin. Sweating may caused by stress and changes in temperature.

Mild soaps, soothing moisturizers or wet dressings are useful to treat the weeping lesions. Sometimes, topical corticosteroids or mild anti-itch lotions may soothe less dry scaly lesions or healing areas.

Creams or ointments that include corticosteroids, tar compounds and other ingredients that soften the skin are effective to treat the chronic thickened areas. In some cases, systemic corticosteroids may be prescribed by the doctor to reduce the inflammation.

Medications known as topical immunomodulators is the latest treatment for eczema. Ascomycin and tacrolimus are the main medications which are steroid-free. These medications are very effective to reduce the disease.

Complications

Complications of Eczema are permanent scar formation and secondary bacterial infections of the skin.

Prevention

• The control of anxiety, stress, depression and nervousness are beneficial in most cases of Eczema. There are some dietary restrictions such as fish, soy, eggs and peanuts, help to reduce the disease.

• Patient should clean your skin rapidly and dry your skin with a soft and clean towel after bathing.

• People, who have eczema, don’t need to take shower daily. Antibacterial soaps and Deodorant may dry to your skin. Use mild soaps to remove natural oils.

• Patients should apply moisturizer on the skin with a specific cream. Pay special attention to the arms, back and legs of your body. Use only lubricating cream such as Eucerin made for dry skin.

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CAUSES OF DIPHTHERIA IN BABIES

Diphtheria is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It is caused in babies through close physical contact of an infected person. Diphtheria can be spread by respiratory droplets when someone coughs, laughs and sneezes. In babies, diphtheria is also caused through the food supply which the baby is taking.

SYMPTOMS OF DIPHTHERIA

After being exposure to the diphtheria bacteria, babies get a throat infection, mild fever within two to four days. If proper treatment is not done for diphtheria then the bacteria produce toxin which spreads throughout the body. It can cause problems like paralysis and heart failure. Sometimes babies can get breathing problems too due to a thick membrane which forms in their throat.

Diphtheria’s fatality rate is about 10 percent and this disease lasts for about two to three weeks after getting infection. If this infection is serious, it can cause swelling of the neck which is known as “bullneck”. As a result, it leads to death also. Some other symptoms are:-

• Husky voice
• Increased heart rate
• Nasal drainage
• Enlarged lymph glands of the neck

DIAGNOSIS OF DIPHTHERIA

The diagnosis can be confirmed if the baby is having mild fever and seeing the affected mucous membrane in the mouth.

TREATMENT OF DIPHTHERIA

The treatment for diphtheria depends on the baby’s physician which is based on the following:-

• Extent of the condition of the baby
• Opinion or preference
• The baby’s tolerance for specific medications, procedures and therapies
• The baby’s age, medical history and overall health
• Expectations for the course of the condition

Antibiotics are useful for treating respiratory diphtheria otherwise it can release poison in the blood. If diphtheria is diagnosed by the doctor, an antitoxin can be given along with the antibiotics. If the baby suffers from severe breathing problems, a tracheostomy is done which is a breathing tube and inserted in the windpipe through surgery so that the baby can breathe through that tube.

PREVENTION OF DIPHTHERIA

The diphtheria vaccine which is introduced is very beneficial from preventing diphtheria. Earlier, when this vaccine is not introduced, about 17000 babies died in the US in a single year. But now over the last few years no cases of diphtheria are being reported in the US .

IMMUNIZATION AGAINST DIPHTHERIA

The combination of three vaccines- Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis should be given to the babies in their childhood so that it can protect them from any infection and various other diseases. DTaP vaccine is a kind of the vaccine which can cause less reaction. These vaccines should be given to the babies at the age of 2 months, 4 months, 6 months and 15 to 18 months.

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CAUSES

The main cause of Convulsions is fever. There are many causes which are associated with Convulsions in babies such as:-

• Febrile convulsions
• Problems in breathing
• Whooping cough
• Encephalitis
• Stroke
• Overdoses of drugs
• Alcohol withdrawal

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Facial spasms
• Loss of consciousness
• Body twitching
• Head spasms

Diagnosis of convulsions

If someone has convulsion due to other health problems, laboratory parameters or physical examination will be suggested by the health care providers to determine the disease. Sometimes, doctor will ask questions about symptoms of disease.

TREATMENT

The types of treatment depend on the signs, symptoms and causes of convulsions in children. Tui Na techniques is very effective to reduce the symptoms of the disease. It is naturally Chinese massage treatment. Sometimes, biomedicine is used to treat the disease.

In some cases, traditional methods such as wearing of amulets and the use of incisions are helpful to reduce the convulsions in babies.

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Signs and symptoms

• Itchy or sore throat
• Congestion
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Cough
• Mild headache or body aches
• Fever
• Excessive fatigue
• Watery eyes
• Sneezing

During a common cold, discharge from nose may become green or yellow in color and thick.

Causes

The main cause of a common cold is infection of rhinovirus. It can also develop from infection of more than 200 viruses. A common cold can be transmitted from one person to another. Cold virus enters ones body easily through nose, hand or mouth. It can spread direct skin contact and through coughing and sneezing. It can easily transmit to other persons by sharing items such as towels, telephones, utensils or toys.

When to seek medical advice

Parents should seek medical help as soon as possible, if newborn baby:

• Coughs up blood-tinged sputum
• Refuses to accept fluids
• Severe coughs to changes in skin color or cause vomiting
• Difficulty in breathing
• Bluish area around the mouth and lips

Toughing it out

Baby’s immune system will need time to reduce the common cold. Antibiotics would not help to treat the cold in case of cold associated by infection of viruses. In case of child more than three years old, consult the health care provider at the first symptoms of disease. It can rapidly associate into pneumonia, croup or other serious health diseases for new born baby.

People can treat an older baby’s cold by following suggestions at home:

Drink large quantity of fluids

People should offer large amount of liquids such as juice or water to older babies. It can help loosen the congestion. In case of breast feeding, it is very effective, offers breast milk to newborn baby. It may help to protect from cold causing bacteria.

Suction baby’s nose

• Baby’s nasal passages can be cleared with a rubber-bulb syringe.

• Remove the syringe from baby’s nostril.

• Insert the tip of the bulb about half inch to one-fourth inch into baby’s nostril.

• Clean the bulb syringe with clean water and mild soap.

Try an OTC pain reliever

Use OTC pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen for babies who are older than three months. Parents should note of any precautions or warnings. They should follow the directions which are printed on the drugs label.

Thin the mucus

To loosen thick nasal mucus, saltwater nasal spray and saline nose drops will be recommended by the baby’s health care provider.

Avoid other cold medications and cough suppressants

Parents should not use other cold medications for babies to reduce a common cold. They also avoid cough suppressants to reduce the signs and symptoms of the disease.

Prevention:

• Parents should avoid public transportation with newborn child.

• They should keep baby away from sick person.

• Wash hand with water and soap before caring or feeding for newborn baby.

• Regularly, clean baby’s pacifiers and toys.

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It is usually appears within the first few weeks of life and disappears suddenly before the age of four months old. Parents can worry about the disease of child. They can become discouraged, depressed and frustrated.

Sometimes, babies may experience discomfort for intestinal gas. Some babies are not tolerant of foods in the mother’s diets. Some babies cry due to hunger. Sometimes, frustration, excitement or fear can lead to colic.

Almost babies may cry more and more, in case of people around them are anxious, worried and depressed. About 20% of babies affected from colic. It can be developed about six weeks of age and gone at the age of twelve weeks old.

Causes

The cause of colic is unknown. It is found in 20 to 30 percent of all babies.

Signs and symptoms of Colic

Colic begins at many times every day. The belly distended and the legs may be drawn up. The symptoms may last for few minutes. In the evening, the fussiness after feeding is the most common expression of colic for most infants. It mainly winds down when stool or gas is passed and when the baby is exhausted. Infants with colic do not have diarrhea, poor growth, vomiting or persistent abdominal distention.

Diagnosis

Physical examination will be performed by the health care providers to diagnose the disease. Physical exam will be used to be sure that the baby does not have a hair tourniquet, intussusception, a hair in the eye and another medical diseases. It is mainly determined by the parent’s description of the crying about baby.

Treatment

Patients may eliminate the possible triggers such as foods, medicine and feeding for the colic.

Triggers

Medicine: specific medicines are also lead to crying.

Formula: Switching formulas is very necessary for some babies, but it is not effective for almost babies.

Foods: People should avoid chocolate and caffeine. Avoid nuts and diary products, because they are also caused allergic reactions in children. Babies must avoid foods

which irritate them.

Feeding: Babies should take bottle feeding for more minutes. Mothers must avoid feeding too rapidly or overfeeding the infant.

Tips for comforting the baby

• Holding a baby in as right position. This aids decreases heartburn and movement of gas. Always use warm water bottle or warm towel on the abdomen.

• During a feeding, changes in the concentration of breast milk may help.

• In some cases, stronger medicines will be prescribed by the health care providers for colic.

Prevention

Good burping, early identification of allergies reaction in the infants or good feeding techniques is very helpful to prevent the disease.

When to seek medical advice

If parents see signs and symptoms of colic in their babies, consult the doctor as soon as possible. When colic is associated with vomiting, other abnormal activity, fever, bloody stools and diarrhea, call the health care provider immediately. In case of changes in crying pattern suddenly, parents must call the doctor.

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Causes of abdominal pain in babies:

• Stomach flu
• Constipation
• Gas from milk intolerance or overfeeding
• Urinary tract infections
• Injuries to the abdomen
• Inguinal hernia
• Malrotation
• Pyloric stenosis
• Appendicitis
• Menstrual cramps
• Food poisoning

Signs and symptoms:

It can appear from few minutes to days. Vomiting, nausea or diarrhea can be occurred in case of the disease associated by stomach flu. When it is caused by worry and stress, children may experience severe pain in the stomach. If it is caused by kidney infection or a bladder, patient may feel pain during urination. Other symptoms include flatulence, loose stools and bloating.

Diagnosis:

It is very difficult to diagnose the abdominal pain in babies due to they may unable explain the pain. Therefore, history of the baby’s symptoms will be asked by the doctor. Health care provider will also ask about history of vomiting, constipation, growth failure, fever, rashes, rectal bleeding or diarrhea. Rectal and stool examination will be recommended by the doctor to determine the disease. In some cases, a blood test will be preferred by the doctor.

Sometimes, doctor may examine baby’s spleen or liver for tenderness and size. If the disease is caused by carbohydrate malabsorption, a breath test will be performed. Colonoscopy, X-rays of the abdomen, barium enema, ultrasound of the abdomen and urine tests are also recommended by the doctor.

Treatment:

Types of treatment depend on the causes of disease. In almost cases of abdominal pain in babies, a diet of clear fluids will be prescribed by the doctor to treat the disease. Do not use medications like enemas, laxatives to reduce the pain unless health care provider has preferred these medications. Psychotherapy, relaxation and exercises may helpful to reduce the abdominal pain.

If baby is constipated, parents should motivate to their child to sit on the toilet, to pass a bowel movement. Surgery will be used by the doctor to remove the appendix in case of disease caused by appendicitis.

Peppermint is also very effective for relieving the abdominal pain. Medications such as Panadol, Babies’s Silapap, aspirin, Tylenol or Liquiprin can be used to reduce the symptoms of the disease. Various dehydration liquids such as Pedialyte or juices are recommended by the doctor. Parents should not offer caffeine to their child.

When to seek medical advice?

Consult the health care providers as soon as possible, if:

• Severe pain in stomach
• Severe or moderate dehydration
• Blood in stool
• Injuries to the area around the stomach
• Pain during urination
• Blood in the urine
• Mucus or blood in diarrhea
• Signs of dehydration such as decreased urination, dry mouth or lethargy

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There are large numbers of diseases that are affected babies such as asthma, cough, eczema, flu, epilepsy, mumps, polio, small pox, rheumatic fever, measles, abdominal pain, diphtheria etc. consult the health care provides if parents think that baby is suffered from any disease.

Cough

Cough is the most common disease in babies that is caused due to irritation of nerve receptors in the braonchial tubes, trachea and throat. It can be associated by infection of viruses. This disease is not transmitted from one to another. Cough can be disturbed the sleep of family members and upsetting over the night.

Asthma

Asthma is a lung disorder that is developed when the air transmits to lungs. It develops breathing conditions and has become narrow. The large numbers of babies are affected with asthma. There is no cure of asthma, but it can be controlled. WHO has estimated that 50 million people are suffered from asthma in every year.

Asthma is caused in babies by various factors such as dust, viruses, changes in temperature, air pollution, foods and sinus infections. The different type of treatment is based on medication and environmental control.

Flu

Flu in babies is developed due to the infection of the influenza virus. Flu affects the nose, throat and lungs. It can be transmitted from one to another. This disorder passes by coughing and sneezing. The common symptoms of flu may include sore throat, fever, headache, cough, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. The doctors recommend ibuprofens such as Motrin or Advil or acetaminophen to reduce the flu. The health care providers do not prescribe aspirin to babies.

Polio

Polio is also known as poliomyelitis or infantile paralysis. It is most common disease in babies. It is associated due to the infection of poliovirus. It affects the intestinal wall in the baby’s body. Polio can be transmitted by contaminated water and food. The different treatments of polio are based on the signs and symptoms and causes of the disorders. Antibiotics, a nutritious diet and moderate exercise are recommended to reduce the polio.

Small pox

Small pox is caused by infection from variola named virus. This disease happens in the form of pus-filled blisters on the legs, arms, face and other parts of the body. There are two types of small pox such as variola minor and variola major. Variola minor is less common in children. However variola major is the most common in children.

The possible symptoms of small pox may include cough, vomiting, hypotonia, backache, pus-filled blisters in red color, convulsions, prostration and fatigue. There is no cure to reduce small pox.

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