Category Archives: BABY’S & CHILDREN’S HEALTH

Page 1 of 13
1
2
3
4
5
10
...
Last »



Dental Care Tips for Kids

Posted on January 20, 2012 by admin| Comments Off

Getting kids to brush their teeth is the toughest task for a parent. By the time kids learn to brush on their own, they lose their patience for it and begin procrastinating. It is not only important to make them brush, but also to supervise the activity to ensure their teeth are clean.

Tooth decay and painful cavities are commonly seen amongst kids. Most of the preschoolers get their milk teeth filled with dental cement to close cavities and prevent further decay. The lack of awareness about oral hygiene is the primary reason for deteriorating oral health and the rising cost of dental bills. Laying down strict rules about dental care for your kids will go a long way in ensuring stronger teeth and gums in the future. Proper brushing, regular flossing and timely visits to the dentist are all that it takes to maintain your oral health. Let’s take a look at a few dental care tips for kids to initiate oral cleanliness.

Dental Care Tips and Tricks for Kids

Right Toothbrush
For as long as possible, stick to using baby toothbrush. It is extremely soft on the gums and focuses on small areas, thus cleaning them properly. A baby toothbrush protects tender gums, massages them and its easygoing bristles seem encouraging. Additionally, the cartoon characters and the fancy accessories that come along with the toothbrush will keep your child engaged in the activity for a while.

Brushing
Explaining the importance of brushing teeth is one way of coaxing your child into good oral habits. Narrating fictional stories about tooth decay, role play and giving an incentive for proper brushing are a few more tips, which would promise to get your child into a regular and a proper brushing regime. It is crucial that your child learns to brush slowly and in circular motions. Brushing vigorously can lead to receding gums and weak teeth over a period of time.

Tasty Toothpaste
The first thing kids do when they learn to brush their teeth is taste the toothpaste. Some toothpastes may seem a little spicy, while a few may seem extremely powdery. Don’t let the taste of the toothpaste be a deterrent for brushing teeth. There is a range of toothpastes for kids available at most of the supermarkets. Go toothpaste shopping with your child and let him/her pick his/her favorite flavors. Ice cream, chocolate and bubble gum are some of the favorite flavors amongst kids. A tasty toothpaste is an excellent motivating tool to make your child follow important oral care habits.

Fuss Over Flossing
The habit of regular flossing is the most difficult one to get into. Children not only take time to learn the technique, but also often complain about floss hurting the gums. Child-friendly floss meant for tender gums and small teeth is easy to use and does not hurt the gums. Till your child turns 9, you will have to supervise flossing. Mindless flossing races with your child to see who finishes flossing first, is a great motivational tip. Timely visits to the dentist will help you understand whether your child is regularly flossing or shamming the task.

Prevention is always better than cure. Taking precautionary measures such as brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing every day, rinsing your mouth after every meal, using a mouthwash and avoiding excess of sugar are few more preventive dental care tips for children. These tips will definitely help your child understand the importance of maintaining oral hygiene. Learning the necessity of maintaining healthy teeth at a young age, can reap huge benefits in the future.

Comments Off

Posted in BABY'S & CHILDREN'S HEALTH

Tagged

Digestive Problems in Infants

Posted on November 21, 2011 by admin| Comments Off

Want to know all the digestive problems in infants? This article will tell you all the common digestive problems in children, and how you can deal with them.

Before we proceed to the digestive problems in infants, let us take a look at the overall picture. We first need to know that digestive problems are an outcome of small intestine problems, large intestine problems and some other external issues relating to the digestive system in general. In this article, we shall look at the common digestive problems in infants which seem to be a major concern for parents. It is absolutely necessary for parents to have a slight knowledge of these problems as at times, increase in severity and intensity of these problems can lead to unwanted results and kid’s health problems.

List of Digestive Problems in Infants

Diarrhea

It is very sad and very surprising, but approximately 450 babies in the United States die due to diarrhea each year. Diarrhea is thus, one of the major digestive problems in infants today. This can be caused due to a number of reasons. The most likely causes are change in diet, antibiotic uses and by certain infections. If the baby is still breast fed, a change in the mothers diet can also lead to diarrhea. Rehydration is said to be the best treatment for diarrhea in babies and can be done at home.

Constipation
Another common digestive problem in infants is Constipation. This digestive problem may develop again, due to change in diet, medication or even behavior. However, constipation can be diagnosed and treated at home easily. Constipation is a situation when the infant has hard bowel movements. High fiber foods and fruits work as good treatment for constipation. However, if your infant is hardly a few years old or is also suffering from rectal bleeding, consult a doctor immediately.

Vomiting

Vomiting is yet another digestive problem in infants that is highly misunderstood. Most mothers mistake spitting up for vomiting, which is normal in most infants after a meal and in company of a burp. Vomiting in infants is a result of blockage of the stomach or intestinal blockage. In slightly older infants, the cause for vomiting is usually or mostly always an infection that is caused mostly by a virus. However, vomiting is not a serious issue if it happens once due to overeating or reasons alike. But if the intensity is high and happens frequently, it should be shown to a doctor.

Baby Colic

Baby Colic (intense crying of the infant for a said number of hours everyday) is still considered as one of the earliest known digestive problems in infants and said to be a result of abdominal pain. Though most doctors disagree to the fact and their reasons are quite believable too, this is still considered a digestive problem by many. Infants also are said to experience relief after massaging of the abdomen. This topic is still under debate and the doctor’s consultation is a must. The word ‘colic’ too, is derived from the Greek word for intestine.

Pain
Pain, I agree is a very general term. But there are many reasons that may cause these pains. The digestive system (including the intestines) of infants in some cases is underdeveloped. This causes many other problems apart from irregular bowel movements. Digesting certain ingredients becomes a problem like that of lactose intolerance. This may result in pain. Bladder infection and appendicitis are two other reasons that might lead to this pain but these are uncommon.

Now that you know all the digestive problems in infants, you can take proper care of your infant’s digestive health. Please note that this information is not a replacement of a visit to the doctor or his/her consultation. Infants are difficult to check for symptoms and hence, a majority of other digestive problems in children can be checked only by the doctor. Proper advice and suggestions can be given only after proper diagnosis. Infant digestive problems are common but can lead to serious issues if neglected. For this very reason, it is expected that you at least have a slight idea about them.

Comments Off

Posted in BABY'S & CHILDREN'S HEALTH, DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

Tagged

Asthma Symptoms in Babies

Posted on October 20, 2011 by admin| Comments Off

Proper identification of asthma symptoms in babies is a big challenge for the parents as the little ones cannot express their feeling and discomfort. This article will help you to recognize the baby asthma symptoms and provide timely treatment to them.

We all know about asthma attack in adults but very few of us are aware of baby asthma. Yes, small babies can develop asthma too at this early age. The exact cause of asthma is not clearly known. However, it is believed that exposure to allergens like dust, smoke, pollen or pet dander are the key causes of asthma in babies and small children. In some babies, it can be triggered by genetic condition or some physical impairment. Basically, asthma is a respiratory disorder that causes breathing difficulty. It occurs when the air passage gets irritated and inflammation occurs. As a result, the passage becomes narrow and normal breathing gets affected. This causes lack of oxygen in the body. If it continues for a long time, then the body is deprived of oxygen and can lead to damage of vital organs of the body.

Asthma Symptoms in Babies

The symptoms of asthma in babies are more or less similar to that of adults. However, as the airway is smaller in babies the intensity of the symptoms are much more severe. Some of the key identifiable asthma symptoms in babies are given below:

Breathing Difficulty: As the nasal passage gets constricted, the child struggles hard to maintain the normal breath. It is usually more visible when the baby is crying or doing activities like crawling. The duration of gasping could vary from few seconds to few minutes. In a serious asthma attack, it may lead to shallow rapid breathing.

Wheezing: This is a typical whistling sound that can be heard every time the baby breathes in and breathes out. This clearly suggests that the air passage has narrowed down and only a small amount of air can pass through it.

Cough: A chronic cough which could be dry or wet. They may cough occasionally throughout the day but it may worsen during the night. It may also get triggered when the baby is laughing or crawling. This cough may be accompanied by other allergy symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes and nasal discharge.

Tightness in Chest: As there is less amount of air available in the lungs, the baby tries to put extra efforts for breathing in more air. This often results in chest tightness.

Allergic Rashes: When tiny, red skin rashes appear on various parts of their body like cheeks, forehead and scalp, along with other asthma symptoms then it clearly suggests that he or she was exposed to some kind of allergens which is causing the asthma attack.

Spasms: Infantile spasm is quite commonly associated with baby asthma. It can be described as contraction of one or more muscle groups of the body for a short period of time. If it is a severe spasm that lasts for several minutes, then the baby should be rushed to hospital.

There are some serious asthma symptoms in babies that require emergency medical intervention. They are as follows:

  • Rapid breathing
  • Widening up of the nostrils
  • Retraction or drawing in of the stomach towards the ribs
  • Paleness in face
  • Bluish discoloration of lips and nails

Treatment for Asthma in Babies

The moment you suspect that your little child has developed asthma, you should consult your pediatrician for further treatment. They diagnose baby asthma by studying the symptoms, medical history and family history of the child. The main aim of the treatment is to help the baby to deal with the asthma attack. Doctors prescribe suitable medicines, which when administered to the baby at the onset of the asthma symptoms, can stop the attack. These medicines act quickly and provide relief from the spasms inside the air passage. It enables the baby to breathe easily. There is a device called metered-dose inhaler (or MDI) which is being used for administering the medicines directly into the airway. It consists of a small aerosol can which has to be inserted into long tube with a small mask called spacer. The mask is placed on the baby’s face and the medicine is sprayed into the spacer which the baby inhales while breathing through the mask.

If your baby tends to get asthma attack frequently, you must take steps to prevent any such attacks in future. Identify the allergen or the condition that causes asthma attack. Some babies get it when they are infected by common cold. Others may get it on exposure to dust or tobacco smoke. Once it is identified, try and make efforts that your baby is not exposed to that particular allergen.

Comments Off

Posted in BABY'S & CHILDREN'S HEALTH, RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

Tagged ,

Pneumonia in Infants

Posted on October 13, 2011 by admin| Comments Off

So, is your baby running with very high fever since last night, well it may be a symptom of pneumonia. Pneumonia in infants could prove to be fatal as infants have a weak immune system, so always remain cautious and never neglect the symptoms.

Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs that is caused by few viruses, bacteria and parasites affecting the lungs. Pneumonia in infants is one of the most common illnesses that results in the death of many infants worldwide. So parents need to be extra cautious when it comes to their child’s health. Proper vaccination should be given to the infant from time to time and proper care should also be taken in order to avoid this dreadful illness.

Causes
Pneumonia causes in children are never ending, but the main causes of pneumonia in infants and toddlers are viruses, bacteria, fungus and parasites that affect the lungs. However, anything affecting the bronchial tubes may also result in pneumonia. Pneumonia in infants can spread from the mother while nursing the child or by adults who are already suffering from any illness, as the bacteria and virus spreads while coughing, sneezing or even using a common towel. Thus, it is extremely important to maintain proper hygiene and wash your hands when you touch the infant or are anyway close to it.

Symptoms
Pneumonia symptoms may vary, they are very similar to flu symptoms. It depends on many factors like age, living conditions and medical history if any etc. Pneumonia in infants symptoms are easy to recognize, the most common pneumonia symptoms in children includes very high fever of 102 degree F and above, sneezing, cough, severe chills, weakness, vomiting, difficulty in breathing, pain in the chest, sweating, etc. So you need to keep a close watch on your infant if you see any of the mentioned pneumonia symptoms in babies.

Diagnosis
There are many types of pneumonia, they include viral pneumonia, bacterial pneumonia, fungal pneumonia, dust pneumonia and also walking pneumonia. After noticing any of the symptoms of pneumonia in infants, you need to inform the pediatrician immediately. The pediatrician will perform a complete physical examination of the infant. After that, you might need to get a X-ray of the infant’s chest done, as well as a blood test and a sputum test in much severe cases.

Treatment
Pneumonia in infants treatment includes firstly, taking proper care of the infant. If the infant is suffering from a bacterial pneumonia, then antibiotics would cure it. However, antibiotics might not help if the infant is down with viral pneumonia as it normally vanishes with time. If difficulty in breathing occurs, then a Bronchodilator might be given to the infant and in even severe cases hospitalization may be required. While undergoing pneumonia treatment, the baby will require to drink lots of milk and fluids in order to get cured faster. And the mother should follow a healthy diet which includes vitamins A, C and E in order for the baby to remain healthy, recover faster and develop a stronger immune system.

Prevention
Prevention is always better than cure. It is best to avoid pneumonia from affecting your baby. You can avoid it by always maintaining hygiene, wash your hands when you come from outside or if you touch something that may be carrying germs. Do not smoke as it could affect the infant. Give your infant a pneumonia vaccine when it is 2 months old and keep follow ups with the pediatrician. Have foods that are rich in antioxidants as it would help when feeding your baby.

Do you still have the same question in mind “Is pneumonia contagious?” Yes! Pneumonia in infants as well as adults is definitely contagious, it may pass through sweat and other body liquids. Thus, it is very important to develop a strong immune system to fight any type of illness. So remember to stay clean, maintain hygiene, eat healthy foods and stay happy.

Comments Off

Posted in BABY'S & CHILDREN'S HEALTH, LUNGS

Tagged ,

What is the Spoiled Child Syndrome

Posted on October 6, 2011 by admin| Comments Off

All of us are familiar with the signs of a spoiled child, but what is it about the syndrome? The signs of the syndrome are similar to the characteristics of a spoiled child.

Spoiled Child Syndrome: Explained

Many parents make the mistake of raising their kids in a wrong way; that is through satisfying all their unrealistic material needs and demands, not scolding them, and treating them like a delicate being. They feel this is the way to convey their love for their kid. The child soon turns a brat, the one who cannot tolerate a no to his demands and successfully gets what he wants, by hook or crook. This attitude is imbibed in his mind and he expects even the world to treat the way he is treated at home. Trouble surfaces when cannot deal with the harsh realities of life. Handling a spoiled child can be really difficult and demands patience on part of parents.

The term “spoiled child syndrome” was coined by Bruce McIntosh in the year 1989. The syndrome is also known by other names like spoilt brat syndrome and pampered child syndrome. The syndrome is seen in children and failure to control it can result in the child showing it in adulthood. The following are the characteristics of the syndrome.

  • The person displays immature and childish behavior, he is only focused on his self and lacks consideration for others.
  • The person will also throw tantrums on small issues and also resorts to manipulative and controlling behavior.
  • In extreme cases, the person can also get into physical aggressiveness and a violent behavior to fulfill his demands.

Causes for the Syndrome

In most cases it is the attitude of parents that makes the child spoiled for life. Excessive pampering, gifting and fulfilling all his material demands makes a child used to such pampering and so cannot tolerate a no answer to his demands. Parents who themselves miss on the correct attitude do not provide a good role model for their kids and this makes the child develop a spoiled attitude.

Also, differential diagnosis suggests that the chief symptoms of the syndrome are seen in children who suffer from mental health ailments, speech or hearing disorder, and the attention deficit disorder. The symptoms of the syndrome are also sometimes exhibited in children who have been through stress and have been witness to painful events. Kids of parents who have mental illness may show the signs of the syndrome due to exposure to the temperamental behavior of their parents.

Some studies have pointed it out that ‘only child’ of parents, the one who is excessively coddled by all at the home and also has no rivalry in the form of siblings tends to develop the syndrome. But there are plenty of other factors that influence the syndrome and any child can show it. The syndrome may last in the later life of the child too. It affects the behavior of the person and often people with the syndrome find it difficult to cope with the harshness of life. They cannot deal with tough situations and thus face problems in decision making, professionalism, balancing personal relations and also cannot handle anger issues. As an adult the child may also show narcissistic attitude. To deal with the syndrome you should learn to be considerate and should understand that if you are special it doesn’t mean others are not special and unique. Counseling and setting parental limits can help counter the spoiled child syndrome.

Comments Off

Posted in BABY'S & CHILDREN'S HEALTH, PARENTING & WELLNESS

Tagged ,