Child Health Problems

Delayed Dentition

Eruption of teeth in the baby starts from the age of 6 months and usually, lower front teeth are the first teeth to erupt; baby will have total twenty teeth in the mouth, ten in each jaw. Delay up to 12 months can occur in the eruption of teeth and it is taken as normal but, if no teeth come out even after the completion of one year then that is called delayed dentition.

Worm

Worms are the common problem in children because it affects the health of child by eating up all the nutrients and it requires immediate attention. Threadworms commonly known as pinworms - white thread like worms - which can be seen around the anus of a child. Contaminated food, water and sand are major sources for the worms in the children.

Symptoms

  • Itching around anus
  • Malnourishment
  • Weight loss
  • Weakness
  • Abdominal pain and irritation

Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis is an infection involving inflammation of the tonsils. Tonsils are two in number, present on either side of the throat. It forms an important part of the immune system and help to fight against germs that cause infection in nose, throat etc. Tonsillitis is very common among young children but can occur in any age.

Symptoms

  • Redness and swelling of throat
  • Gray - white coating may also be seen on tonsils
  • Swelling around sides of neck.
  • Pain in the throat
  • Lump sensation in the throat
  • Fever
  • Ear ache
  • Pain causes problem in swallowing, talking
  • Irritability
  • Disturbed sleep because of pain

Growth and Behavioural problems

Growth problems are a broad term that indicates various conditions related to insufficient growth of the child.

Following are the indications to assess growth problems and need immediate treatment

  • If child is abnormally short at the time of birth.
  • Short height of a child in comparison to other children of the same age and gender, even shorter than younger brother or sister.
  • Child seems underdeveloped as compared to his or her peers.
  • Even if child’s body grows too much that also is considered as a growth problem.

Behavioural problems

In children, behaviour depends on different factors like age, personality, physical and emotional development and usually it is defined as ‘Normal’ if it is socially, culturally and developmentally acceptable. Every child misbehaves now and then but when their acts go beyond mischief then that can be classified as abnormal behaviour or a behavioural problem. Such children show aggressive or disruptive behavior.

Following are the indications to assess behavioural problems and need immediate treatment

  • Hitting themselves or other people
  • Banging head
  • Damaging property
  • Biting nails or hair pulling
  • Lying or stealing
  • Threatening others
  • Making frequent arguments
  • Early indulgence in smoking, drinking, drugs or sexual activity
  • Early smoking, drinking or drug use
  • Early sexual activity
  • Poor school performance