Upper Respiratory Tract Infections are extremely common due to air pollution and vehicular emission. Upper respiratory tract infections include common cold, influenza and sore throat.
Tonsillitis is also one of upper respiratory tract infections. Tonsillitis is caused due to infection of the tonsils. Tonsils are the areas of lymphoid tissue on either side of the throat. Symptoms of tonsillitis include a severe sore throat, coughing, headache and difficulty swallowing.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis affects children also and is known as Primary Complex or Childhood Tuberculosis infection. Children under the age of two years are more at risk of developing tuberculosis because their immune system is under developed or still developing. Tuberculosis is completely curable and early diagnosis can help in effective treatment.
Typhoid
Water borne diseases like typhoid are rampant in children due to poor sanitation. Cases of typhoid are more common in countries like India and some other South Asian countries and have been seen lesser in countries like the USA. Some of the symptoms of typhoid in children are poor appetite, body ache, discomfort in abdomen, lethargy and weakness, fever with rising and falling pattern. Some children may also experience headache, chest congestion, diarrheoa and vomiting and rose spots on the abdomen. The best way to prevent typhoid in your child is to give them vaccine for typhoid.
Bronchitis and Asthma
Bronchitis and asthma are common in children. Bronchitis and asthma are caused due to high exposure to air borne pollutants. Bronchitis and asthma need to be treated with antibiotics and bronchodilators.
Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea in children is a common condition that can lead to dehydration and malnutrition. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diarrhoeal disease is the second leading cause of death in children under five years old, and is responsible for killing around 525,000 children every year. Diarrhoea can be caused by a variety of bacterial, viral and parasitic organisms. Infection is spread through contaminated food or drinking-water, or from person-to-person as a result of poor hygiene. A significant proportion of diarrhoeal disease can be prevented through safe drinking-water and adequate sanitation and hygiene.
Common symptoms of acute diarrhoea in children are:
- Loose or watery stools
- Crampy pains in the tummy (abdomen)
- Being sick (vomiting)
- High temperature (fever)
- Aching limbs
- Headache
If your child has diarrhoea, it’s important to keep them hydrated by giving them plenty of fluids. Oral rehydration solutions are strongly recommended for infants and toddlers with diarrhoea, and for any child with frequent diarrhoea or vomiting. If you’re concerned about your child’s symptoms, you should contact your doctor or healthcare provider for advice.