Paediatric Infections

TYPES OF CONDITIONS

Pediatricians are well-trained in treating and managing a wide range of pediatric infectious conditions. These include:

• Infections affecting respiratory system:
• Respiratory infections including pediatric asthma, pneumonia, and bronchitis.
• Gastrointestinal infections including gastroenteritis
• Joint and bone infections
• Hepatitis
• Systemic infections such as sepsis
• Atopic dermatitis
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection
• Tuberculosis
• Skin infections including cellulitis, impetigo
• Meningitis
• Contact dermatitis
• Psoriasis
• Infections occurring during travel
• Infections on immune modulating therapy
• Primary immune deficiency
• Lyme Disease
• Recurrent infections
• Illnesses for which we couldn't identify the cause
• MRSA infection

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosing pediatric infections is quite challenging as children cannot answer physicians ' questions. Babies definitely cannot tell if they go through any pain in their throat or abdomen. So it is challenging for both parents and physicians. Pediatricians are well-trained to identify symptoms caused by infections through physical examination, observing the child's behavior, and interviewing patients. State-of-the-art laboratory tests can be performed to confirm the infections and their nature.

CAUSES

Poor hygiene: Keeping the home environment clean and dust-free to avoid many pediatric infectious diseases. Practices such as washing hands should be habitual for kids.

Undeveloped Immune System: The immune system in children is in the developing stage. As it is not developed fully, children are prone to infections easily.

Environmental factors: Children can get infections when they are exposed to pathogens in schools, public places, and also even in daycare settings. Traveling to high risk areas also increases the likelihood of exposure.

Other medical conditions: If your child has chronic diseases or other immunodeficiency disorders, they are more susceptible to infections.

PREPARING FOR TREATMENT

To start with diagnosis and treatment, consultation must take place at first. Pediatricians will inquire with parents about symptoms caused by infections, recent travel if any, and medical history. Parents should pay prompt attention to any symptoms and consult doctors as kids don't know to express what they go through physically and mentally. The information provided by parents will aid the pediatricians to diagnose and treat in an effective and speedy way.

TREATMENT DETAILS

Pediatricians prescribe medications depending on the foreign agents causing health issues. Antibiotics will be provided for bacterial infections while antiviral, antifungal and antiparasitic medications are used for virus, fungus, and parasitic infections respectively. These medications destroy the foreign agents and protect the body.

Apart from these, symptom management medications are also prescribed. It includes fever management medications. Supportive care such as hydration, nutrition, and rest is essential for recovery. Pediatricians provide preventive care also for susceptible patients and others depending on weather, infection possibilities due to various other reasons.