Most Common Health Problems In Kids

A strong immune system helps to defend the body from various disease causing microorganism, which tries to invade the body. A strong immune system means the presence of a significant amount of white blood cells or WBC’s, which are essential in fighting back the invaders, which is germs. But, this wall of protection at times fails to protect one from getting sick. The most common example is children. A child may or may not have a strong immune system and he or she is prone to get sick at a faster rate than any adult. The foremost reason for such diseases is contaminated water and food.

Major Causes Of Common Health Problems In Kids

The major cause of a common health issue in India is pollution. Pollution of air, water and soil has affected the health of many citizens along with children. Airborne diseases are mainly caused because of polluted air. Although the parents would make sure that the children are nourished in a hygienic atmosphere, right from their birth, the little ones are often affected by one health problem or the other.

Today, more and more kids are affected by several health problems, from the mild to the chronic ones. Whether it is an inborn ailment or the disease that has affected the child in the growing stage, any kind of health problem needs to be treated as soon as possible, because they might hamper the development of the child, if left untreated. A few diseases are treatable with medication and proper care, but a few are not curable as of now, whereas scientists have been putting their best foot forward to find a cure.

5 Most Common Health Problems In Kids

It is essential to learn about some of the most common health problems in kids these days so that these diseases can be spotted in advance and cured in time. A few of the most common diseases in children are listed below: –

1. Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):

ADHD is a neurobehavioral and developmental disorder seen in kids. The affected children generally start showing the symptoms of this disorder before they are seven years old. The affected child may find it difficult to concentrate on one thing for a longer time, whether at school or at home. Children with untreated ADHD struggle socially and academically. At present, there is no cure for this disorder and the cure for this is on the minds of researchers and scientists these days and medicine is definitely on its way.

An ADHD child must be handled with proper care and love one can offer as they find it difficult to socialize with people outside and even with their own. There are a lot of websites claiming complete treatment for the disease are bogus and cannot be trusted.

2. Proteinuria:

As the name suggests, Proteinuria is a health problem that is caused due to the presence of an excess amount of serum protein in the urine of the children. This condition is primarily caused by the malfunctioning of kidneys, which leads to swelling, infection, or damage in kidneys. If this is left untreated, then it may cause further serious problems such a kidney failure. It is not a specific disease and therefore, the cause of such disease is analyzed first and then treated with medications. A mild proteinuria is not required to be treated. The children need to follow the medication plan prescribed by the doctor to get better with time.

Also Read: Mental Health Should Be Monitored Since Childhood

3. Stool Soiling in Children:

A common problem faced by children, stool soiling occurs primarily due to constipation. It can also be an inborn ailment in the child. The child suffering from this ailment involuntarily stains his/her underwear. The stool may also be stuck in the rectum. Some of the common symptoms of stool soiling in children include:

• Constipation
• Extreme straining during a bowel movement
• Less than three bowel movements a week
• Abdominal pain and bloating
• Hard, dry and painful bowel movements
• Crankiness and tiredness

Stool soiling among young children is curable. Children who follow the treatment plan will be able to control their bowel movements. It may take several months or longer for bowel function to become normal and many children may benefit from long-term medication.

4. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI):

Urinary Tract Infection is a bacterial infection affecting the urinary tract consisting of the kidneys, bladder and urethra. Frequent urination, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, burning sensation during urination are some of the common symptoms of urinary tract infection. A female is more prone to urinary tract infections than a male child. Antibiotics are mainly used to treat the infection.

These medications kill bacteria and remove them once and for all. Kids usually take them for anywhere from 3 to 10 days. Your doctor might do another urine test after your child finishes the medicine to see if the infection has cleared up. It is advised to keep the private parts clean and wear washed undergarments to reduce the risk of getting a UTI.

5. Weight Gain:

Lack of weight gain is a common problem faced by the kids. They tend to grow leaner without being chubby. Parents are often worried if their children do not gain considerable weight. They might think that children are suffering from some kind of ailment. Even the children who get proper nutrients and the required number of calories a day fail to gain considerable weight. A kid’s weight is the indicator about his physical health. Poor weight gain is a clue to celiac disease in children.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation and damage to the small intestine when a person consumes gluten-containing food. Parents are advised to keep their children away from foods that contain gluten.

Also Read: Parasitic Infections Are Very Common In Semi Urban Areas Among Children