Most babies are born perfectly healthy, but during the course of a few months, some medical conditions may arise, which can be easily treated by healthcare providers. Staying informed of the various medical conditions and recognising their symptoms in babies would aid in providing prompt treatment.
Infections
Fever
Several reasons may exist for a fever to develop in babies, such as an infection passed on from the mother, a raised temperature in the delivery room, and so on. For babies under three months, a temperature of above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit is considered to be a fever.
Symptoms
- lack of interest in feeding
- lethargy
- cold
- warm skin to touch
Colds
Colds are very common in babies and are caused by viruses affecting the upper respiratory tract. They are generally mild lasting for a few days and are sometimes more severe, lasting for several weeks. The more severe cases may further develop a sore throat or an ear infection.
Symptoms
- blocked nose
- red, watery eyes
- runny nose
- sneezing
- cough
- decreased appetite
- fever
Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses. The best treatment therefore for milder colds is to use a humidifier or vaporizer in the baby’s room to ease breathing.
Meningitis
This is an infection that can be either viral or bacterial and is characterised by the inflammation of the membranes that line the brain and spinal cord. Viral meningitis is often serious and has no side effects. Bacterial meningitis, however, is caused by group B streptococcus and occurs in three forms of which meningococcus group B is most common, but group C is very severe and requires immediate hospital treatment.
Symptoms
- drowsiness and lethargy
- high pitched crying
- bulging fontanelle (soft spot) on top of the baby’s head
- refusal to feed
- vomiting
- fever and a blank, staring expression
- pale skin and cold limbs
- a convulsion with stiffened body and shaking
- difficulty in breathing
- reddish purple spots that don’t go away when pressed with glass and that develop into bruises in the skin
Skin Disorders
Infantile Eczema
Also called "atopic dermatitis," this is a form of eczema wherein babies can’t stop itching. Its severity varies from child to child and is characterised by periods of absolutely no symptoms and then followed by outbreaks.
Children with infantile eczema have dry skin and if severe, the skin becomes sore and inflamed. It commonly appears on the face and scalp and sometimes behind the ears. Excessive itching can leave the baby open to infections.
These children are also are prone to developing other allergies and conditions like hay fever and asthma.
Symptoms
- severe itching causing crusty patches of inflamed skin
- patches of red, dry skin
- irritable child due to itching, especially during the night
One or more of these conditions can occasionally occur in babies; therefore, being aware of the symptoms for each of these conditions is necessary. If you spot any symptoms similar to the ones listed above, make sure to get medical care immediately.
References:
http://www.noah-health.org/en/pregnancy/newborn/conditions/
Snigdha Taduri - I’m a medical biochemist by qualification. As a graduate student, research was my primary focus and it led me and my team mates ...
