As a parent, you've probably handled enough ear infections, colds, and stomach bugs to feel like an expert. But here are nine other illnesses you should know about.
RSV
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an infection of the airways. It usually isn’t serious, but if your child is under 2, or has a heart or lung disease or a weak immune system, it can inflame the lungs and cause pneumonia.
"It's the most common viral respiratory infection that causes hospitalization in young babies," says Kathryn M. Edwards, MD, director of the Vanderbilt Vaccine Research Program.
Symptoms:
- Cold-like symptoms
- Irritability and breathing problems in infants
There is no treatment for RSV, but talk with your doctor about ways to ease your child’s symptoms.
Fifth Disease
Another viral illness, fifth disease is common in kids ages 5 to 15.
"In most children, it's benign," says James Cherry, MD, a specialist in children's infectious diseases.
A child with sickle cell anemia or a weak immune system can become very ill from fifth disease. It can also be serious in pregnant women.
Symptoms:
- Low fever
- Cold symptoms (like runny nose)
- Swollen joints
A few days later…
- a bright red rash appears, usually on the face, then spreads down the body.
By the time the rash appears, the illness is no longer contagious, Cherry says.
It can take 1 to 3 weeks for the rash to go away. In some children, the rash may itch, and the joints may ache. Your doctor can recommend ways to ease these symptoms.
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
This contagious viral illness usually isn’t serious.
Children under age 5 are most likely to catch it, through coughs, sneezes, and fluid from blisters.
Symptoms:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Poor appetite
A few days later…
- Painful sores may develop in the mouth.
- Skin rash
It usually clears up in 7 to 10 days without treatment.
Croup
Croup inflames the lining of the windpipe and voice box. It is most often caused by viruses, and lasts for a week or less.
Symptoms:
- Runny nose
- Fever
- Other cold-like symptoms
A few days later…
- Hoarseness
- Barking cough that gets worse at night
Run a hot shower, and sit with your child in the steamed-up bathroom for 10 minutes. "Breathing in moist air is always good," Edwards says.
If your child is having trouble breathing, having noisy breathing, or not eating or drinking well, call the doctor. Steroids are sometimes given to decrease airway swelling.
Scarlet Fever
This bacterial infection was once a deadly disease, but now it’s easily treatable.
Symptoms:
- Sore throat
- Itchy, scarlet-colored rash around the neck and face that may spread to the rest of the body.
If your child has a sore throat and rash, call the doctor. It is important to treat it with a round of antibiotics to prevent rare but serious complications.
Impetigo
This skin infection is most common in younger children. It starts when staph or strep bacteria gets in a cut, scratch, or bite.
It can affect any area of the body but happens most often around the mouth, nose, and hands. Babies sometimes get the irritation in their diaper area.
Symptoms:
- Tiny blisters that burst. Fluid from the sores creates a crust that looks like a coat of honey.
Touching or scratching the sores, which can be itchy, spreads impetigo to other parts of the body and to other people.
An antibiotic ointment, and sometimes an oral antibiotic, can treat it.
Kawasaki Disease
This childhood illness inflames the blood vessels. It is very rare, and the cause is unknown. Boys under age 5 of Asian or Pacific Island descent are most likely to get it. Most get well within weeks. But if it affects the arteries to the heart, it can cause serious problems.
Symptoms:
- Fever that lasts 5 or more days
- Red eyes, red lips, and redness on the hands and feet
- Rash
- Swollen lymph nodes
There is no way to prevent this disease, but it is not contagious. Early treatment is key.
Reye’s Syndrome
This very rare illness can come on suddenly. Children under age 15 who are getting over a viral illness like chickenpox or the flu are most likely to get it. It can be serious and cause damage to the liver and brain.
Symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Lack of energy
- Irritability or aggression
Later…
- Irrational behavior
- Confusion
- Seizures
The best way to treat Reye's syndrome is to prevent it. It is strongly linked to aspirin, so never give your child or teen aspirin, especially for a viral illness.
If you suspect your child has it, get medical help right away.
Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
Anyone can catch this bacterial infection of the lungs and breathing tubes, but infants are the most likely to get seriously ill from it.
Symptoms:
- Cold-like symptoms
A few days later…
- The cough gets worse, and a “whooping” sound may be heard as child gasps for air.
Antibiotics can sometimes help by easing the symptoms, if treated early. Babies are often hospitalized so staff can monitor their breathing.
It is very easy to catch. Your baby should start getting vaccines at 2 months old. Parents and older children need to get vaccinated to protect the baby. A woman should also get a pertussis shot every time she is pregnant.
Source: http://www.webmd.com/
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