Did you know that children belong to the spectrum of population that has increased mortality worldwide? Statistics show that the incidence of death among infants and neonates is consistently higher than those of young adults and middle-aged individuals. Therefore, the World Health Organization (WHO) strongly recommends immediate pediatric treatment in Salem and all other places at the earliest sign of disease.
Viral Infection
Non-specific viral infection is the most common communicable disease that affects the pediatric age group. Since this disease can be transmitted via inhalation of infectious particles, children’s weakened immune system predisposes them to developing viral infection. Viral infection is characterized by several symptoms such as coughs, colds, and fevers lasting for three to five days. Even though this condition resolves despite lack of intervention, immediate medical management provides significant relief of symptoms.
Measles
This is a common cause of infection in developing countries. This disease is characterized by high-grade fevers with characteristic rashes that start from the face and progress down to the arms, trunk, abdomen, and legs. Since measles can be prevented through vaccination, experts emphasize the importance of immunization by a pediatrician as early as nine months of age. Vaccination decreases the incidence of measles-related complications such as permanent vision loss, pneumonia, and brain infection.
Chicken Pox
This, which is also known as varicella infection, may also cause long-term effects among unvaccinated children. This disease is characterized by high-grade fevers and prominent fluid-filled rashes that start in the trunk and spread peripherally into the arms and legs. Among unimmunized children, the normal course of chicken pox may last for 10 to 14 days. Thus, it is crucial to visit your pediatrician who can give supportive treatment to provide symptomatic relief of pain, fevers, and vesicle formation. Topical ointment may also be given to treat scars that may form due to the infection.
Conjunctivitis
This, which is more commonly known as “pink eye,” is a condition that is characterized by eye redness and discharge due to viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Since children are not trained to wash their hands and use disinfectants regularly, there is an increased transmission of viruses. Thus, early intervention must be done to prevent irreversible eye damage. Upon assessment by your pediatrician, topical eye drops and cold compress may be provided to hasten recovery.
Acute Gastroenteritis
This is one of the most common health conditions that result in hospitalization in the pediatric age group. This condition is characterized by crampy abdominal pain, loose stools, and vomiting due to ingestion of a disease-causing organism. Repeated bouts of gastroenteritis may lead to dehydration due to repeated loss of fluids and electrolytes. At the earliest sign of dehydration, your pediatrician will start fluid replacement to prevent irreversible organ complications. If oral supplementation is inadequate, admission to a hospital must ensue to start intravenous fluid replacement.
Children have a higher risk of developing infections due to poor immune function and underdeveloped organ systems. Therefore, it is crucial to visit a pediatrician at the earliest onset of the disease in order to prevent life-threatening complications.