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Due to the fact that the immune system is still developing, the child has a greater chance of developing diseases, especially those caused by viruses, since transmission is easier, as in the case of chicken pox, measles and flu, for example.
However, most of the common childhood illnesses can be prevented through vaccination, in which some vaccines must be applied after a few days of birth and others must be reinforced throughout life to ensure protection. Check the baby's vaccination schedule.
Some of the main common illnesses in the baby and their prevention and treatment measures are:
1. Chickenpox
Chickenpox or chickenpox is a virus-borne disease that is highly contagious, especially among children. In the baby, chicken pox is easy to identify, because there are the appearance of red balls on the skin that turn into bubbles with liquid, in addition to fever, itching and loss of appetite. These symptoms are very uncomfortable for the child, which makes them cry, uncomfortable and restless.
How to treat: To treat chickenpox, the pediatrician may recommend the application of ointments on the skin such as calamine lotion, which relieve itching and help wounds to heal more quickly, since there is no treatment to eliminate the virus from the body. In addition, as chicken pox is highly contagious, it is recommended that the baby does not have contact with other children for 5 to 7 days, which is the period of contagion of the disease. See more details about the treatment of chicken pox.
Chickenpox is a disease that can be prevented by using the chickenpox vaccine, whose first dose is at 12 months, or by means of the tetravalent vaccine, which also protects against measles, mumps and rubella.
2. Mumps
Mumps, also known as mumps, is another viral disease very common in children. This infectious disease is transmitted through coughing, sneezing or speaking to infected people and causes an increase in the volume of salivary glands in the neck, pain, fever and malaise in general.
How to treat: To treat mumps, the pediatrician generally recommends the use of medicines to relieve the symptoms presented by the baby and decrease inflammation of the salivary gland. In addition, soft, pasty food and application of warm compresses on the swelling are recommended, helping to relieve discomfort. Understand how the mumps treatment is done.
3. Flu or cold
Colds and flu are common, especially during the baby's first year of life, due to the fact that the immune system is still in the development phase. Some of the signs and symptoms most frequently identified in the baby with the flu or cold are a stuffy nose, cough, watery eyes, sneezing or even fever.
How to treat: To treat colds and flu, the pediatrician may recommend the use of an antipyretic if there is a fever, but in most cases it is recommended to wait for the baby's immune system to be able to fight the disease.
In addition, there are some precautions that are recommended during recovery, which include controlling fever, taking inhalations to make breathing easier and eliminating phlegm and maintaining hydration through breastfeeding.
4. Intestinal virus
Intestinal viruses also appear due to the child's weakened system, and cause cramps, vomiting and diarrhea, which makes the baby irritable and tearful.
How to treat it: If you see these symptoms in your baby, especially if he vomits frequently and has severe diarrhea, you should immediately take him to the hospital or emergency room to avoid dehydration. Thus, it is indicated that the baby is breastfed frequently or, if he can already eat solid foods, have a lighter diet, low in fat and easy to digest, such as rice or puree, for example, in addition to maintaining hydration with water.
5. Dermatitis on the skin
Dermatitis on the baby's skin, especially in the diaper area, is common and causes symptoms such as irritation, redness, blisters or cracks in the skin.
How to treat: To treat dermatitis, it is recommended to change the baby's diaper regularly and apply cream or ointment against diaper rash with each diaper change. In addition, the use of talc is also contraindicated, as it dries out the skin and favors the appearance of diaper rash.
If the dermatitis does not improve after a few days or if pus blisters or cracks appear, it is recommended to consult a pediatrician as soon as possible so that the appropriate treatment can be started.
6. Ear infection
Otitis can often develop after colds or flu, and it is a baby's ear infection. Generally, when he has otitis, the child has pain in the ear, a runny nose or fever and for that reason he cries intensely, becoming restless, irritable and with a lack of appetite. Know the causes and how to treat otitis in the baby.
How to treat: To treat otitis, it is recommended to take the baby to a pediatrician so that he can identify the problem. Treatment usually involves administering drops to the baby's ear that contain antibiotics or corticosteroids. In addition, in certain cases the doctor may also prescribe pain-relieving drugs such as paracetamol for example, or antibiotics to be taken.
7. Pneumonia
Pneumonia often comes after a cold or flu, and consists of an infection in the lung caused by bacteria or viruses. Generally, when he has pneumonia the baby has a persistent cough and with phlegm, wheezing when breathing, difficulty breathing and fever above 38ºC, which makes him tearful, restless and irritated.
How to treat: In the presence of symptoms suggestive of pneumonia, it is important to take the baby to the nearest hospital or emergency room immediately so that treatment can begin as soon as possible. Pneumonia is a serious infection, which needs to be treated with antibiotics if it is caused by bacteria.
8. Thrush
The thrush, also known as oral candidiasis, is an infection in the mouth common in babies, which results from the reduced immunity of babies that favors the growth of fungi. Small white dots that can form plaques similar to the rest of milk, can appear on the tongue, gums, inner part of the cheeks, roof of the mouth or lips, causing discomfort, irritability and crying in the baby.
How to treat: To treat the thrush, the pediatrician generally recommends the local application of antifungals in liquid, cream or gel, as is the case with Nystatin or Miconazole. See how to identify and cure the baby frog.
9. Pimples
The baby's pimples are called neonatal acne and appear due to the hormonal changes that happen and usually disappear around 3 months of age.
How to treat: Neonatal Acne usually disappears spontaneously, with no need for specific treatments. However, if you notice that the pimples do not dry out or that they look inflamed you should consult your pediatrician, so that he can indicate a treatment.