It is normal for babies to go through some common ailments, many of which can be managed without undue panic. Most of these ailments are a normal part of the baby’s growing years. Parent’s guide to some common baby ailments.
New-borns have an extremely sensitive skin that often breaks into a rash at the slightest opportunity. Nappy rashes: Nappy rashes are one of the most common ailments, are characterised by an inflammation in the diaper area. Causes of nappy rashes Water, urine and/or faeces retained inside the diaper. Earlier it was thought that these rashes… [ Continue Reading ]
Fever in a newborn could be caused by: Exposure to extreme temperatures. Excessive clothing. Dehydration, especially if the child has not been fed for long. Infection. High fever upto 102 degrees Fahrenheit in a newborn could be dangerous and needs immediate management. Even before you see your paediatrician. Take off your baby’s clothes and sponge… [ Continue Reading ]
The sounds that emanate from the dentist’s clinic in our neighbourhood are the regular ones – of the drill, spit vacuum and water being sprayed on teeth. But those sounds are often drowned by children’s giggles. This must be our desi version of Patch Adams, I thought. Even my little niece enjoys her visits to… [ Continue Reading ]
In newborns, a sudden twitching of the eyes or lips, flickering of the fingers, repeated yawning, rapid eye blinking or sudden stiffening of the body are referred to as fits. These symptoms could be caused by either decreased levels of glucose or calcium in the blood, brain damage during a difficult delivery (especially if the… [ Continue Reading ]
Constipation refers to passage of small, hard, dry stools and should not be confused with infrequency of bowel movements. Causes of constipation in new born babies and infants: Breast-fed babies are rarely constipated. However, bowel habits could be quite infrequent with a baby passing stool only once in a few days. Do not get worried so… [ Continue Reading ]
When your child says she has a stomach ache, she could be suffering from a variety of disorders like gastroenteritis, measles, colic and urinary tract infections. Sometimes, it need not be a stomach disorder per se. It could be any other infection that has begun affecting other parts of her body. She might even complain… [ Continue Reading ]
Jaundice, or yellowish discolouring of the skin, eye and/or urine is common after about 30 hours of life. It usually starts from the face and progresses downwards, reaching a peak about the third or the fourth day and usually disappears in seven to 14 days. Continue feeding your child normally during this period and consult… [ Continue Reading ]
Diarrhoea can be defined by one symptom — loose stool being passed at a frequency of more than three times a day. One of the most common ailments, it afflicts children about 10 to 15 times in the first five years of life. But, sometimes you could be mistaken by diarrhoea-like symptoms. If your child… [ Continue Reading ]
The most common ailment requiring emergency abdominal operation in childhood, appendicitis is caused by the inflammation of the appendix. The appendix is a small blind-ended tube attached to the large intestine. Its inflammation happens gradually, like the formation of a boil. The inflamed appendix could burst, spreading the infection all over the abdomen. If this… [ Continue Reading ]
One of the most common mouth infections, thrush appears as white or creamy yellow patches on the inner cheeks, tongue or the roof of the mouth. It makes the baby’s mouth sore and feeding becomes painful. If you notice thrush in your child’s mouth, contact a doctor immediately. Causes It is caused by a yeast… [ Continue Reading ]
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