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, as transmission is easier, as in the case of chicken pox, measles and flu, for example.
However, most common childhood diseases can be prevented through vaccination, with some vaccines being administered a few days after birth and others being reinforced throughout life to ensure protection. Check your baby’s vaccination schedule.
Some of the main common diseases in babies and their respective prevention and treatment measures are:
1. Chickenpox
Chickenpox or chickenpox is a virus-transmitted disease that is highly contagious, especially among children. In babies, chickenpox is easy to identify, as red dots appear on the skin that turn into liquid-filled blisters, as well as fever, itching and loss of appetite. These symptoms are very uncomfortable for the child, which makes them tearful, uncomfortable and restless.
How to deal with: To treat Chickenpox, your pediatrician may recommend applying ointments to the skin, such as calamine lotion, which relieve itching and help wounds heal faster, as there is no treatment to eliminate the virus from the body. Furthermore, as chickenpox 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 during which the disease is contagious. See more details about chickenpox treatment.
Chickenpox is a disease that can be prevented through the varicella vaccine, the first dose of which is at 12 months, or through the tetravalent vaccine, which also protects against measles, mumps and rubella.
2. Mumps
Mumps, also known as mumps, is another very common viral disease in children. This infectious disease is transmitted through coughing, sneezing or speaking from infected people and causes an increase in the volume of the salivary glands in the neck region, pain, fever and general malaise.
How to deal with: To treat mumps, pediatricians generally recommend the use of medication to alleviate the symptoms presented by the baby and reduce inflammation of the salivary gland. In addition, soft, soft foods and the application of warm compresses to the swelling are recommended, helping to alleviate discomfort. Understand how mumps is treated.
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 developing phase. Some of the most frequently identified signs and symptoms in babies with the flu or cold are a stuffy nose, cough, watery eyes, sneezing or even a fever.
How to deal with: 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 until the baby’s immune system is capable of fighting the disease.
In addition, there are some precautions that are recommended during recovery, which include controlling fever, taking inhalations to facilitate breathing and eliminate phlegm and maintaining hydration through breastfeeding.
4. Intestinal virus
Intestinal viruses also arise due to the child’s weakened system, and cause colic, vomiting and diarrhea, which makes the baby irritable and tearful.
How to deal with: If you notice these symptoms in your baby, especially if he vomits frequently and has severe diarrhea, you should take him to the hospital or emergency room immediately to avoid dehydration. Therefore, it is recommended that the baby be breastfed frequently or, if he is already able to eat solid food, have a lighter diet, low in fat and easily digestible, such as rice or puree, for example, in addition to maintaining hydration with water.
5. Dermatitis na pele
Dermatitis on 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 deal with: To treat dermatitis, it is recommended to change the baby’s diaper regularly and apply diaper rash cream or ointment at each diaper change. Furthermore, the use of talcum powder is also contraindicated, as it dries out the skin and encourages diaper rash.
If the dermatitis does not improve after a few days or if blisters or cracks filled with pus appear, it is recommended to consult a pediatrician as soon as possible so that appropriate treatment can be started.
6. Ear infection
Otitis can often appear after flu or colds, and is an infection in the baby’s ear. Generally, when a child has otitis, they have ear pain, a runny nose or a fever, which is why they cry intensely, becoming restless, irritable and having a lack of appetite. Find out the causes and how to treat otitis in babies.
How to deal with: To treat otitis, it is recommended to take the baby to a pediatrician so that he can identify the problem. Generally, treatment involves administering drops into the baby’s ear that contain antibiotics or corticosteroids. Furthermore, in certain cases the doctor may also prescribe medication to relieve pain, such as Paracetamol, for example, or antibiotics to take.
7. Pneumonia
Pneumonia often appears after a cold or flu, and is a lung infection caused by bacteria or viruses. Generally, when the baby has pneumonia, he has a persistent cough with phlegm, wheezing, difficulty breathing and a fever above 38ºC, which makes him tearful, restless and irritable.
How to deal with: In the presence of symptoms suggestive of pneumonia, it is important to immediately take the baby to the nearest hospital or emergency room so that treatment can be started as soon as possible. Pneumonia is a serious infection that needs to be treated with antibiotics if it is caused by bacteria.
8. Thrush
Thrush, also known as oral candidiasis, is a common mouth infection in babies, which results from babies’ decreased immunity that favors the growth of fungi. Small white dots that can form plaques similar to leftover 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 deal with: To treat thrush, pediatricians generally recommend the local application of antifungals in liquid, cream or gel form, such as Nystatin or Miconazole. See how to identify and cure thrush in babies.
9. Pimples
Baby pimples are called neonatal acne and appear due to hormonal changes that occur and usually disappear around 3 months of age.
How to deal with: Normally, Neonatal Acne disappears spontaneously, without the need for specific treatments. However, if you notice that the pimples do not dry out or that they appear inflamed, you should consult your pediatrician so that he or she can recommend treatment.
