There are a number of health concerns
children face in the world today. The most common chronic childhood disease
today is tooth decay. Children may face health issues that include ADHD,
Arthritis, Asthma or Allergies, Autism, Blindness or Deafness. There are
several chronic childhood diseases children may experience. Diabetes can affect
children. Ear infections are a common childhood malady. Some children are born
with birth defects, and some develop heart conditions. Newborn screening is an
issue that parents need to be aware of, as well as childhood obesity. There are
also a number of different skin conditions that children may experience.
ADHD
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder (ADHD) is a condition of the brain. ADHD affects a child's behavior
and is one of the most common, chronic behavioral conditions found in children.
Nearly all children have periodic behavioral issues, but children who have ADHD
experience consistent and severe issues that interfere with their life. There
are treatment options available to help children with ADHD.
Arthritis
One estimate suggests that nearly
294,000 children who are younger than eighteen have Pediatric Arthritis and Rheumatologic
conditions such as Polyarticular Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA). Other
forms of Pediatric Arthritis include Pauciarticular Juvenile Rheumatoid
Arthritis, Systemic Onset Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, There are several
additional forms of Arthritis that can affect both girls and boys.
Asthma
Asthma and Allergies are among the most
common of chronic childhood diseases children experience. Five million American
children are affected by Asthma alone, causing them to miss out on sports,
school and additional activities. Recognition and understanding of asthma and
allergy, 'Triggers,' in children who are affected by Asthma and Allergies is
important. Knowing what triggers an asthma attack or allergic reaction in a
child can prevent an attack. It is also important for family members to
understand the medications a child is taking and help to manage their symptoms.
Autism
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is a
group of brain disorders that are related. ASD affect children's social and
communication skills, as well as their behavior. About one in 66 children are
diagnosed with some form of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Education regarding Autism
is essential to the care of a child with ASD.
Birth Defects and Genetics
Although most children are born without
any medical problems or birth defects, some are born with body chemistry, body
structure, or brain development differences. These differences may lead to
difficulties with the child's development, health, school performance, or
social interactions. The field of Pediatric Genetics is involved in the
identification of both the causes and the natural history of genetic disorders
in children. Pediatric Geneticists help families to identify and manage their
child's health care needs in children with genetic disorders.
Blindness and Deafness
The fourth most common disability among
children in America involves a Vision disorder. Vision disorders are the
leading cause of impaired conditions in childhood. According to recent studies,
only twenty-one percent of all preschool children are being screened for vision
problems; a mere fourteen percent receive any form of comprehensive vision
examination.
Hearing disability is another health
concern among children. The most common congenital condition in America is hearing
loss. Thirty-three infants are born each day with some level of hearing loss in
the United States.
Childhood Obesity
Children and adolescents who are
overweight or obese risk a number of different health problems including
Asthma, Sleep Apnea, Joint Pain, and Skin Infections. Additional health risks
to children who are overweight or obese include Diabetes Type 2 and Hypertension.
Childhood Obesity can present immediate health problems, as well as lead to
chronic health issues. Children who are overweight or obese may experience
depression, low self esteem, and lower self confidence than other children.
Common Childhood Illnesses
There are several illnesses commonly
experienced during childhood, with symptoms that range from mild to serious.
Children may contact a virus or infection, experience vomiting, or develop a
fever. Children get nose bleeds at times, or car sickness. They may also catch
a common cold. Children also develop things such as Croup, Sinusitis,
Bronchiolitis, Tonsillitis, or may experience Febrile Seizures.
Diabetes
Children may be affected by Diabetes
Type 1 or Type 2, which can occur at any time - even during their first year of
life. Infants and toddlers with Diabetes often have a diagnosis that is delayed
because their symptoms are not specific. The diagnosis may not come until the
child is very sick because of the vague symptoms. Diabetes prevents the child's
body from turning glucose into the energy it needs; their body does not process
food through the production of enough insulin.
Ear Infections
Millions of children visit doctors each
year as a result of ear infections, which are common in young children. Acute
Otitis Media (AOM) involves inflammation and intense symptoms and signs of
infection; it is the most common bacterial illness doctors prescribe
antibacterial medications for in America. Otitis Media Effusion (OME) is still
more common, with ninety-percent of all children experiencing OME prior to
school age; usually between six months and four years of age. Children who have
had colds or viral infections experience OME, which usually clears up on its
own.
Heart Conditions
Children may face various heart health
issues. High blood pressure, rapid heart beat, heart murmurs, and other heart
issues are something parents need to be aware of. Conditions such as Duchenne or Becker Muscular Dystrophy are others that a physician
can assist a parent in understanding more fully. There are Pediatric
Cardiovascular Centers available to assist parents with children who have heart
conditions.
Hospital Care
There are bacteria and viruses found in
the human environment nearly everywhere, and the human body is able to protect
us most of the time against these things. At times we do need hospital care
when a form of bacteria or a virus has attacked our immune system, causing
illness. Some of the things that may require hospital care include flu, Rotavirus,
Hepatitis B and C, Kawasaki Disease, and Lyme Disease. Others include RSV,
Whooping Cough, Meningococcal Disease, and Tuberculosis.
Newborn Screening
Shortly after a child is born in
America, they are screened for a number of different genetic disorders.
Conditions such as Mental Retardation, or even the death of the child, may be
prevented by performing Newborn Screening. The screening involves using heel
stick blood spot samples which are submitted to a laboratory for testing. The
child's parents are notified if there is either a problem, or if the test needs
to be done again. Currently, the different States in America run Newborn
Screening programs. There is an effort underway to establish a national
consensus on the types and number of disorders screened for, as well as the
guidelines and procedures used in Newborn Screening programs.
Skin Conditions
Children and adolescents may experience
many different skin conditions. Skin conditions such as diaper rash and
infections, dry skin, and hives are common. Children may contact lice, or
develop eczema, or get sunburned. Insect bites and pimples are something that
many young people experience. Skin cancer is something that affects a number of
children.
We must care for our children, in order
to ensure our future. Be well and be
safe !
-bird
