Why should you know about the childhood illnesses?

It is true that as parents, with time, you become aware of the common illnesses like the cold infection, stomach problem, rashes that affect children. It is possible that there would be some illnesses affecting children that you may not know about. Some of these childhood illnesses like the bacterial or viral infection can be prevented by covering the mouth with hands and washing with soap and water afterwards. So, teaching your child about these habits is important.

Some Important childhood illnesses

1. RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)
Most children suffer from RSV before attaining the age of two and it is one of the major childhood illnesses. The symptom of RSV like running nose, fever, and cough are almost similar to flu. Michael Brady, MD, an infectious disease expert at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, in Columbus, Ohio, views RSV as more serious than influenza.
RSV is behind influenza and pneumonia among babies below the age of one. It is commonly associated with wheezing. But it happens only in case of 25 percent to 40 percent of children and hospitalization is normally not required (less than 2 percent of cases). RSV normally goes away after couple of weeks.
2. Fifth Disease

Looking like a slap mark on the cheeks, the fifth disease is also known as ‘slapped cheek’. The name ‘fifth disease’ derives its name from the old practice of designating the diseases in numbers by the physicians in France. So, measles was referred as the ‘first disease’ and scarlet fever was the ‘second disease’.
The virus ‘human parvovirus B19’ causes fifth disease.
The fifth disease is mild in nature and normally does not have any noticeable symptoms in children and lasts for seven to ten days. But sometimes, it can result in pain in the joints just like rheumatoid arthritis. The pain usually lasts for twenty days.

3. Hand, Foot, Mouth Disease
Hand, foot and mouth ailment that affects children is different from the foot-and-mouth disease of live stock. When infected, blisters are formed on the foot, mouth and hands of the children. Sometimes, they can also be formed on the buttocks. A group of viruses known as entero-viruses are responsible for the disease. In the United States, coxsackievirus A16 causes it. It is mostly active during summer and early parts of fall but is not very serious in nature. Children are cured from the hand, foot and mouth disease in a week or ten days without treatment.

4. Croup
Viruses known as the called human parainfluenza that are responsible for common cold causes croup. Cough that sounds like the barking of seal is its chief symptom. Normally it doesn’t require hospitalization (only up to 6 percent). Fatalities due to the disease are also rare. When the problem persists, doctors provide treatments to facilitate easy breathing till the symptoms wanes, which normally takes up to a week.

5. Scarlet Fever
Scarlet fever is a form of rashes which occurs due to group A streptococcus bacterium. Starting first from the abdomen and chest, the red colored rough rashes occurs all over the body. The face appears flushed and the area around the mouth may look pale. Scarlet fever is usually accompanied by a strep throat. The taste buds of the tongue become bright red and the other parts of it look whitish.
In earlier days, it was regarded as a dangerous ailment but now it can be cured with antibiotics.

6. Impetigo
Impetigo is an infection that manifests in the form of round bumps on the skin. These bumps have a honey-colored deposit over them and are highly itchy. Essentially, a bacterial infection, they are contagious in nature and even the adults are susceptible to get it. It can spread all over the body of the child just by touching it.
Generally it affects children between two to six years of age. The infection is cured with the use of antibiotics. The sores also clean up without leaving any scar marks.

7. Kawasaki Disease
Kawasaki disease is a rare disease that affects the children below five years of age. It can happen without any known reason. High fever, red eyes, rashes, swollen lymph gland, swollen palms and soles, chapped lips are some of the symptoms. Kawasaki disease can at times, be fatal. The treatment of it usually consists of administering high doses of medicines to boost the immune system of the body.
Kawasaki disease was first discovered in Japan, where it is still very common, by Tomisaku Kawasaki in 1960. Around 4,000 cases of it are reported in the U.S. The cause of the disease is still unknown and hence regarded as one of the difficult childhood illnesses. But doctors believe it to be genetically related.

8. Reye’s Syndrome
Though rare, Reye’s syndrome is a serious childhood illness, with a fatality rate of about 30 percent. The disease follows viral infections such as flu or chicken pox. Swelling of the brain and liver problems resulted due to Reye’s syndrome, this can lead to behavioural change, loss of conscious and coma. The occurrences of Reye’s syndrome after viral infections have made researchers believe that it could be due to the intake of aspirin during illness. Recent studies also point towards this. As many as 555 cases of Reye’s syndrome were reported in the year 1980. But the number didn’t exceed 2 in the years between the years 1994 to 1997. This suggests a possible link of it to aspirin, which was first warned by the CDC. Fortunately, in recent times, there may only be one case of Reye’s syndrome in a decade.

9. Whooping Cough (Pertussis).
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, can affect both children and adults. But it is more severe in case of infants. The baby goes through a severe bout of coughing and has to inhale deeply in quick succession, thus making a ‘whooping’ sound. That’s why; it is called as whooping cough. The CDC reports that more than 50 percent of babies below one year need hospitalization for the treatment of the pertussis. Consult your doctor about the vaccination against pertussis. Children should be vaccinated. Even the adults may need the booster doses.

Although pertussis is not very prevalent due to the availability of vaccination, surprisingly, there has marked increase in the number of cases since 1980’s. There were 10,000 cases of it in 2007 of which 10 were reported to be fatal. The rise in the cases of whooping cough is attributed to the fact that, the effect of the vaccination wanes after 5 to 10 years. Grown ups who contract whooping cough may not show the symptoms of it but they can be responsible for passing on the disease to the children.

Knowing about these childhood illnesses and their treatments is important for the parents as parents are often the first defense.

Most people suffer from cold and hence look for remedies for cold. The running nose, difficulty in breathing due to congestion makes life difficult during those of bouts of cold. The following home remedies for cold would help to make your life better during such times.

Common remedies for cold

• Cold Remedy 1
  Congestion makes your life miserable during cold. Drinking substantial amount of fluid not only keeps you hydrated but also helps you fight cold. The fluid can be in the form of water, fruit juice, ginger ale, herbal tea, chicken soup etc. But keep away from coffee, cola or other drinks with caffeine as they may cause dehydration. The volume of the recommended fluid intake should be around eight to ten eight-ounce glasses.
• Cold Remedy 2
  Inhaling steam does a world of good in fighting congestion. You can inhale it by keeping your face over boiling water, held in a bowl. You can even do it by opening your hot shower tap.
• Cold Remedy 3
  Blowing the mucus out is important part of managing your cold. But you must do it properly. Always close one nostril with your finger while blowing out through the other. Do not put too much pressure lest some of the phlegm would enter into the ear passage, which will cause ear-ache.
• Cold Remedy 4
  Using a saline nasal spray is the best way to deal with the cold. In fact, these days, it is regarded as one of the important remedies for cold. You can even prepare a salt water mixture for the purpose. The salt water not only cleans up congestion but also prevents the growth of bacteria and viruses. You can prepare it in the following manner –
  Make a mixture of ¼ teaspoonful of baking soda, ¼ teaspoonful salt and 8 ounces of tepid water. Press one of your nostrils through the fingers, bend over the sink and press the liquid through a bulb syringe. Let the liquid drain out. Do this for two to three times. Repeat the procedure in the other nostril.
• Cold Remedy 5 – Keep your body warm and rested.
  Although it may not be thought as one of the cold remedies, giving rest to your body is an aspect of fighting cold. The body’s immune mechanism fights to come to terms with the cold. Resting and keeping the body warm help it to fight it better.
• Cold Remedy 6 – Gurgle with warm water.
  Gurgling provides relief to the sore throat. It also cleans up the congestion. Prepare a mixture by adding half teaspoonful of table salt to 8 ounces of warm water and gurgle with it four times during the day. You can use an astringent liquid like tea with tannin. Gurgles are one of the popular cold remedies. A viscous mixture prepared by adding honey to warm water is one of them. Raspberry leaves, lemon are the other popular ingredients that are mixed in warm water to prepare a gurgle.
• Cold Remedy 7 – Take hot beverages.
  Drinking hot liquid is being regarded as the most effective and popular way to fight nasal congestion and cold. This also prevents dehydration and provides relief to the inflamed membranes of the throat and nose. Hot toddy is also tried by people when there is severe congestion. A cup of herbal tea with honey (one teaspoonful) and whisky (one ounce) or bourbon is also very effective. But take it in moderation (one cup) as alcohol can inflame the membranes and aggravate your cold.
• Remedy 8 – Take a stream bath
  Having sauna bath frees you from nasal congestion. You can even take a sponge bath with a hot towel.
• Cold Remedy 9 – Use a mentholated salve
  Apart from nasal congestion, there is irritation in the tip of the nose that makes you rub it time and again. Using eucalyptus, camphor and menthol helps to cleanse the nasal passage. It also numbs the skin to some extent, thereby providing relief.
• Cold Remedy 10 – Use hot packs
  Applying hot packs on the inflamed sinus is an effective way to heal it. Reusable hot packs are available in the drug store. You can prepare your own hot pack by heating a small towel for half a minute in a mircro-wave.
• Cold Remedy 11 – Use an additional pillow during sleep
  Putting an extra pillow under the head during sleep clears the nasal passage. You can put it under the mattress if you find it to be more comfortable.
• Cold Remedy 12
  Get to know about some of the natural remedies of cold like vitamin C, zinc and Echinacea. Many people try the supplements to treat their cold.

Natural Remedies for Cold

• Zinc – It was earlier believed that zinc has the capacity to alleviate cold. But recent findings do not support this.
• Echinacea – Like zinc, Echinacea was also thought to be an effective way of treating cold. But at present, this has also got no backing of the scientific studies and researches are still going on to study its efficacy on healing the respiratory infections.
• Vitamin C – Surprisingly, the age old belief about vitamin C as an effective treatment of cold has also received little support from recent studies. But findings show that vitamin C can reduce the duration of the bout of cold. People could effectively reduce the time of their suffering after taking eight grams of vitamin C in the first day of the onset of the cold.

By following these remedies for cold, you will be able to come to terms with the nagging cold.

For many, the words ‘menstruation period’ connotes something unknown and mysterious. You surely know that it is related to some bodily change that the girls have to go through once they attain puberty. But that’s all you know about it. You feel like asking your parents what exactly it is. Yet, you stop and stammer when uttering the words ‘menstruation period’.

Yes, people are normally hesitant to ask about it. This article will hopefully help you know more about this normal bodily change that every woman has to go through.

What is menstruation and menstruation period?

Menstruation usually onsets after the girls attain puberty which is usually at the age of 12 and 13. The initial phase of the ‘menstruation period’ is also known as menarche. This period is usually preceded by the enlargement of breasts. The time period or cycle of menstruation is usually about a month. It is counted from the first day of the bleeding till the commencement of the next period.

Menstruation occurs due to the discharge of the menstrual fluids from the uterus through the vaginal canal. There is heavy bleeding during the initial phase of menstruation which lasts for about two to three days. This is followed by two to four days of lighter bleeding. Blood and uterine tissues usually constitute the menstrual flow. The quantity of the fluid may vary from person to person. But normally it can be from four to twelve teaspoonfuls.

Effects of Menstruation period

Cramping in the abdomen is the common problem associated with menstruation. This commonly occurs some days prior to menstruation and can last for few days after the completion of period. This happens due to the contraction of the muscles in the uterus and the over-production of the prostaglandin hormones.

Bathing in lukewarm water or applying heat on the abdomen through hot water bottle or heating pad relieves cramping. Exercise also helps as it hastens up the blood flow and produces endorphin which is a natural pain killer.

Taking pain killers that you can procure over the counter also ease the cramps by curbing the effects of prostaglandin hormones. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) like naproxen (Aleve) and ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are some of the drugs used for the purpose.

It is always advisable to consult your physician in order to select the best drug and its dosage. And if the condition is more acute, then it is imperative that you seek the advice of a gynaecologist or a primary health care practitioner.

Some of such conditions are as follows:

• The quantity of bleeding is more.
• The time period of menstruation cycle is irregular occurring at the wrong time frequently.
• The bleeding is prolonged, continuing for more than a week.
• You are yet to have your period even if though you are already fifteen.
• You have missed your period since the last three months.
• You are apprehensive that you might have conceived.
• You fall ill and have fever after using a tampon.

Developing cramps immediately after the menstruation period that lasts for two to three days is normal. It usually goes away with the lowering of the level of prostaglandin in the body. But if the cramps do not go away after three days and continues to bother you even after taking pain killers available over the counter, then it is time to consult your doctor.

The time of menstruation period

The first period of a girl usually continues for two to seven days. This is followed by the second one which could be after thirty to forty days. This can even take longer. The quantity of bleeding may be more or less from the first one.

The menstruation periods do not follow a normal pattern in the initial phase. With time, which may be up to a couple of years, it becomes regular.
The menstruation cycle may be 24 days, 28 days or even 30 to 34 days. While it can be from 21 to 45 days in case of teenage girls, the normal menstruation cycle of grow-up women has a time period of 21 to 35 days. But, if it is shorter than 24 days or longer than 45 days or it doesn’t fall into a set time period even after two years of attaining puberty, then it is better to seek the advice of a doctor.

Missing the menstruation period for a month when you are ill or stressed is normal. (You must consult your doctor if you are having sexual intercourse and miss the period. You may be using the contraceptives to the best of your knowledge and yet can get pregnant.) But once your menstruation is normal and regular, you should consult your doctor if you miss it for a month.

What is ovulation?

Ovulation refers to the release of eggs by the ovary. The release is at its maximum during the mid period of the menstrual cycle (mid-cycle), which is two weeks after the beginning of menstrual period. At times, the ovulation may be associated with temporary pain in the abdominal area. Taking the pain killers meant for cramps usually relieve this pain.

What is PMS?

PMS or the premenstrual syndrome occurs before the beginning of the menstruation period. This is associated with the following symptoms:

• Tenderness in the breast
• Anxiety
• Retention fluid
• Irritability and restlessness
• Dietary cravings
• Difficulty in getting proper sleep

All these symptoms of PMS normally stop once the bleeding starts.

Sometimes, women are prone to show some emotions. They may start crying without any apparent reason. Having a proper understanding of the feeling is important to cope with such emotions. If they are serious and difficult to manage, then take the help of the doctor.

Tampon or pad – which is better?

Both tampons and pads can be used during the menstruation period. Tampons are available is various sizes, with different absorbent capacities. But they should always be changed in every four hours lest there might be bacterial infection, odor or leakage. It is worn inside the vagina.

Pads are worn inside the underwear and they are self-adhesive. Like tampons, they should also be changed every four hour. Different varieties of pads are available that can used depending upon the intensity of bleeding.

The suitability of tampons or pads depends on personal preferences. Girls who indulge in sports activities like swimming find the pads bulky. But many other girls find the pads convenient.
It is always better to keep pads or tampons in the pocket or bag for exigencies.

Sometimes, you may find it difficult to take out the tampon. If such cases, immediately consult your doctor. Unlike pads, tampons have more risks of developing toxic shock syndrome, which results due to bacterial infection. This happens when the tampon is not changed frequently or has a higher absorbent capacity than that is required for you.

Missing periods

Suffering from fever and anxiety can result in missing your menstruation period. Being underweight, doing excessive exercise, illness may be its cause. If the menstruation doesn’t start even after fifteen. If you are already fifteen year of age and yet to have your menstruation period, then consult your doctor.

By following some simple tips for skin, you can overcome this seasonal problem.

Ella L. Toombs, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and director of Aesthetic Dermatology of Dupont Circle, in Washington, D.C. says, “During winter months, the air, devoid of moisture content sucks up the oil and water off the skin, making it dry. Apart from the development of cracks, there is also the loss of skin cells. The indoor heating system compounds this problem.”

“If you have ever visited the warm tropical area, you would have known how smooth your skin feels. This is due to the humidity present in the air. It doesn’t allow the skin cells to lose its natural oil,” she elaborates further. Unfortunately, if you are already afflicted with skin problem, then it is bound to worsen during winter.

“The cold weather makes the already existing skin ailments like eczema, rosacea, psoriasis or dandruff more severe,” says Bruce Katz, MD, a private practice dermatologist and director of the JUVA Skin and Laser Center in New York City. Even if you are not suffering from any particular skin ailment, it is better to follow the tips for skin provided below.

Following are some of the tips for skin care regarding some particular skin ailments that aggravates during winter.

If you suffer from eczema, it is advisable to wear loose cotton clothes. Garments made up of wool or other synthetic materials should be avoided.
“Basically eczema is a condition when the skin becomes more sensitive that manifests in the form of rashes. When covered with synthetic materials, there would be friction which causes irritation and rashes,” says Katz.

Psoriasis is a condition when there is over-production of skin cells. Due to this, plaques or patches on the skin are formed. Thomas Russell, MD, clinical professor of dermatology at the Medical College of Wisconsin says, “The cold compounds the problems of psoriasis. Small cracks are developed on the skin due to less moisture in the air. So a moisturizer should be used.”

“People generally bathe in hot water during winter. The hot shower you take opens up the cracks. So, for elderly people taking bath once in a week is enough,” Russell says. “It is better to bath in warm water instead of hot water. Avoid using soap all over your body and do not rub your skin with a towel as it will abrade the skin,” Toobs aggress.

People usually suffer from strep during the winter months. Strep can accentuate the problem of psoriasis. So, people who have psoriasis should guard against contracting it.
“Strep compounds the effects of psoriasis. So, during the winter months, you should watch for any outbreak of strep in your locality and consult a dermatologist if you suspect that you might have contracted it,” says Russel.

Dandruff or seborrhea is another skin problem that gets aggravated during the cold weather. “You need to be careful while dealing dandruff during winter months. Instead of using shampoo it is better to go for medicinal treatment. Some of them are available in the form of shampoos,’ says Russel.

Tips for skin to prevent dryness

Keeping your skin moist is the best and only way to take care of your skin.
One of the tips for skin care is not rub the skin with a towel after taking your bath. Just pat your skin dry with a soft cloth and apply a good moisturizer afterwards. Moreover, she also advises to apply it on the nails as well since they tend to break up during winter.

Going on a vacation to places where the weather is warm and humid is by far, the best but costly option. But you must use a sunscreen lotion with at least a SPF of 15 to protect your skin from any damage to your skin. Everyone has different skin types and different skin problems, hopefully these tips for skin in winter will help some people during these cold days.

But you are undecided as to whether to go out for a jog or soothe your muscles and bones by taking complete rest? How about taking opioid, the well-known pain killers available at the chemist’s shop? And what about the innumerable advertisements proclaiming ‘instant cures’ that you come across in newspaper and television? Sometimes, the pain becomes so excruciating that the person suffering from it would try anything to get rid of it. At times, this can force people to try something which can even be harmful.

Always consult your doctor for chronic pain

It is imperative to know what treatment options you have to get to rid of or at least to manage your chronic pain that has bogged you down for so long. Some renowned experts in the field of pain management shed light on the common myths and facts about chronic pain.

Fact and myths about chronic pain

Myth – Treating the underlying cause is necessary to cure chronic pain
Many people associate a chronic pain with some sort of underlying cause and believe that instead of just trying to address the pain, it is important to treat the cause behind it for permanent cure. But it is easier said than done. Anne Louise Oaklander, MD, PhD, an associate professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School says that only a thorough check-up of the condition will reveal if there indeed is a relationship between the pain and any associated disease which needs attention.

Sometimes, there may not be any real or treatable conditions that can be correlated to chronic pain. Some other times, the patient may still have the pain even after undergoing treatments for the underlying cause. Like Steven P. Cohen, MD, director of pain research at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C points out, “ In case of some patients, no clear-cut disease or condition could be found that can be responsible for the pain even after conducting a whole range of tests.” So, treatment of the pain as well as the underlying cause if any is the best approach. This of course can only be done by taking the help of medical experts.

Fact: Any pain however mild it may be needs medical attention
Many people often continue to live with the pain throughout their life. Since they are able to bear the pain and can go through their daily activities unhindered, they believe that it doesn’t warrant medical consultation.

But diagnosis and its treatment of any mild pain is important for it can either be the result of an underlying disease or at times, can lead to an serious chronic pain. Chronic pain develops gradually but you end up with some serious problem if left untreated. What is more, you might get used to coping with it by using the over the counter medicines and pain killers, which can be harmful and dangerous the long run. In some cases, it can also result in sleeping disorder and depression.

Myth: Taking bed rest is the most effective cure
It was earlier believed that having bed rest is the most proper way to treat chronic pains like back pains. Experts do not advise it any more. Cohen says that bed rest is not that helpful for most chronic pains including back pain. On the contrary, it may sometimes accentuate the pain and can also make it worse. Going through the normal routine of physical activities is better way to get relief.
Having said that it is true that taking proper rest is necessary in case of an injury. Hence, going by the medical advice is the best approach.

Myth: The pain is bound to increase progressively with age
Some people are under the impression that the pain they suffer from would definitely worsen with passing age. According to Cohen, even some doctors have this pre-conceived notion and take it for granted. And when an old man approaches them with chronic pain, they do not try to make a detailed diagnosis of it.
While it is true that the pain we feel or the conditions like arthritis worsen with age, they still can be treated.

Fact: Chronic pain and depression are related
Chronic pain has also got a psychological root. It can be the manifestation of anxiety and depression. According to Cohen, there exists a definite relationship between depression and pain but it is difficult to establish in what way or to what extent it is responsible for it. Not surprisingly, some people do not buy this idea.

A relationship between emotional turmoil or the disturbed state of mind and chronic pain is also substantiated through brain imaging studies. It shows that the same parts of the brain is activated both by physical as well as psychological trauma.

That apart, it has been found that certain anti-depressant medicines can alleviate chronic pain. So, at times, doctors also prescribe an anti-depression drug for chronic pain even if you may not be suffering from any psychological disorder.

Myth: Drug addiction can result if you take opioid pain killers
Many people are apprehensive that taking opioid for a long period would make them dependent on it. This fear of becoming addicted to it forbids them to take medication even if they may be suffering from severe chronic pain. So, Cohen suggests using opioid for short-term use after taking the advice of the doctor. In such cases, the chances of addiction will be less.
Oaklander agrees with Cohen and says that some people have to be cautious while taking opioids. This is so especially for people who have a family history of addiction. But such people can surely use the drug after consulting a pain specialist.

Myth: Opioid will relieve you of chronic pain for good
Using opioids is undoubtedly a good and effective treatment for chronic pain. But the truth is it is not the sure and definite way of curing chronic pain. The drug is also fraught with side effects. People often make the mistake of taking the prescription of the doctor or the use of opioid as a ticket of ‘freedom from chronic pain’.

As Cohen points out, “The drug is not effective for all types of pain and also known to have the risks of side effects.” Its prolonged use makes the body dependent upon it and as the body gets acclimatised to it, higher doses are required to get relief. So, constant monitoring of the pain and treatment is necessary to avoid it.
Some evidence also suggests that opioids can make other treatment options ineffective. At times, when you use it to get relief from a pain, it can increase the pain or make it chronic. For instance, if a person suffers from mild headache will develop severe head-ache after taking high dose of opioids.

Hence, the effectiveness of opioids in curing chronic pain depends upon its cause, intensity and nature. But they are still not the only or complete treatment option. Like other treatments of chronic pain i.e. acupuncture or anti-inflammatory drugs, it is one of the way of treatment.

Fact: An all-encompassing, complete treatment of chronic pain is rare
Sometimes people are under the false notion that a sure and effective cure for their chronic pain can be indeed be found. Advertisements in the newspapers or an info-commercial aired in the television propagating such tall claims could be behind this. But such advertisements only bank on the ‘hope or desperation’ of the people. There is no such single and straight way to cure the chronic pain. Coping with chronic pain instead requires adopting a whole lot of treatments like drugs, physiotherapy, counseling etc. It will take time and you can only control chronic pain after going through the different techniques.

Fact: Chronic pain is too stubborn
It may sound discouraging but you may not be cured even after going through a whole gamut of treatments by good doctors. Cohen says that it is unrealistic to expect a cure from a chronic pain that has been bothering you for two decades with a short span of time. Coping with chronic pain is a long drawn process and needs grit and perseverance in ample measure to be cured of it for good.
But do not be despondent about it. Although you may not be able to get rid of the pain completely, still with proper treatment you will surely be able to manage it. The pain will lessen considerable which will allow to you to go through the range of physical activities like bending, stretching, running or squatting. So, managing the chronic pain will usher in a qualitative change in your lifestyle.