Childhood Diseases - Alternative Treatment And Causes

Diseases can be devastating for anyone, but it seems particularly unfair when they attack children. Unfortunately, many diseases seem to take a special interest in the young, infecting them more frequently and vigorously than they do adults.
Common childhood diseases

Chickenpox: Chickenpox is a highly contagious illness that is common in children. It causes an itching skin rash with blisters. The disease is caused by the varicella-zoster virus and usually runs its course without problems.

Treatment:

Calamine is a preparation belonging to a class of medicines called the anti-pruritics, which are used to relieve itching.

Whooping cough: nnknown medically as pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection. Although it initially resembles an ordinary cold, whooping cough may eventually turn more serious, particularly in infants. In the more advanced stages, it's marked by a severe, hacking cough followed by a high-pitched intake of breath that sounds like "whoop."

Treatment:

Fresh air is important. Because of the risk of vomiting, the child should be given small meals more often, instead of a few large ones.

Three-day-fever:

Three-day-fever is also known as Roseola infantum, exanthematous fever, and three-day-rash. Although most small children catch it, it is one of the lesser-known children's diseases that cause a rash, it is only seen in children from the age of six months to three years and is highly contagious.

Treatment:

Calpol suspensions, suspension sachets and fast melts all contain the active ingredient paracetamol, which is a simple painkilling medicine used to relieve mild to moderate pain and fever.

Hand, foot and mouth disease: It usually affects children under 10 years of age, but older children and adults are sometimes affected. Affected adults and older children tend to develop a milder form of the illness compared to younger children. Like many virus infections, the illness often starts with a feeling of being unwell for a day or so.

Treatment:

As with most diseases causing a fever, it is important to make sure the child gets plenty to drink. If the ulcers in their mouth are severe it may help to mash up the child's food.

Scarlet fever: The disease most commonly affects children, but can occur in any age group. The characteristic symptoms are a rash and a 'strawberry tongue'. The disease is treated with antibiotics and it is usually resolved without complications.

Treatment : Antibiotics vare usually given for this disease. It is important to keep the child at home and avoid contact with other children.

Alternative Treatmentnn • Salt. Limit salt intake if your child is taking corticosteroids. Salt increases fluid retention.

• Fiber. During and right after a flare, your child's doctor may recommend a low-fiber diet. Avoid "chunky" high-fiber foods, such as popcorn.

• Dairy. Some children who are lactose intolerant may have increased diarrhea and abdominal cramps when they consume dairy products. In such cases, limit dairy products or use lactose-free dairy products.

• Dietary supplements. Children with Crohn's disease sometimes develop vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Talk to your child's doctor about whether nutritional supplements are appropriate for your child.

• Protein. Proteins are very important for growth. Some experts recommend that children with Crohn's increase their protein intake by 150 percent of the Recommended Daily Allowance for their age.

• Fat. A low-fat diet is not generally recommended for children with Crohn's.