There is something wrong with little Oliver. He cries easily, he whines and leaves his favorite toy unattended in the cupboard. Has the child upset his stomach? Is he getting the sniffles, or is he seriously ill? Every mother at some point sees small warning signs in her child’s eyes that immediately cause her great concern.
What are some childhood illnesses?
And usually the guesswork starts: how do you actually recognize chickenpox? Does whooping cough cause fever? How long does the incubation period last? (Period between the entry of pathogens into the body and the first appearance of the disease characteristics). Our overview below is intended to bring some order to the confusion. But it should not tempt you to try to relieve the doctor of the diagnosis. After all, the manifestations are not always as typical as they are here. Even for the doctor, it often takes years of experience to call a disease by the right name right at the first examination. Even the most precise knowledge of the disease should not prevent a mother from consulting the thermometer (you have one in the house, don’t you?) at the first sign of illness and from calling the doctor if there is a fever. You will save yourself from self-reproach, unnecessary worry and anxiety. No one can completely protect their children from illness. But you can prevent it, i.e. keep their defenses awake and increase them. Cleanliness, fresh air, sunshine and vitamin-rich, sensible diet are the most important, along with avoiding physical and mental overexertion. Of course, it is also not wise to take children to sick visits, especially in the case of infectious diseases. Now, if your child has had a childhood illness, even a mild one, in spite of all caution, never let him or her get up too early. Even the mildest illness weakens the body and makes it far more susceptible to sequelae than it normally would be.
Tonsillitis
Symptoms:
- Redness of the throat and palatine tonsils.
- Swelling of the tonsils and possibly also the lymph glands at the angle of the jaw or neck.
- Pain and tickling in the throat, especially when swallowing.
- Fever, chills, headache, faintness.
Prevention:
- Hardening in nature and play outside in all weather conditions.
- Segregation of sick people
- Avoid hypothermia (keep feet warm)
- In case of frequent occurrence: Mandeloperation
Otitis media
Symptoms:
- Fever, restlessness, ear pain (it may also hurt when you touch the ear, stinging in the ear).
- Hearing loss
- Fluid or pus secretion
Prevention:
- Avoid colds and isolate from people suffering from them in any case.
Mumps (Goat Peter)
Incubation period: 6 to 22 days. Symptoms:
- Swelling of one or both halves of the face.
- The earlobe lifts off
- Slight fever, moderate disturbance of the general condition.
- Difficulty chewing and opening the mouth.
- Pressure pain in front of the ear
Prevention:
- Separate healthy children from sick ones
- Possibilities of infection exist for some time after the disease has subsided
Whooping cough
Incubation period: 8 to 15 days. Symptoms:
- Initially harmless-seeming cough, then convulsive coughing fits (especially at night) with red-blue coloration of the face and loud intake of air after the coughing blow.
- Little or no fever
- Loss of appetite after about 14 days
- Replacement of the usual cough by spasmodic coughing fits with mucus expectoration.
- Partial vomiting and often significant shortness of breath
Prevention:
- Have a vaccination against pertussis
Measles
Incubation period: 13 to 15 days. Symptoms:
- Round, later jagged, fairly dark red spots, first on the face and behind the ears, then eventually all over the body
- Preliminary stage: alternating fever, inflammatory manifestation (rhinitis, bronchitis, conjunctivitis).
- After 3 to 4 days, raised large-spotted rash spreading over the whole body.
Prevention:
- Isolation of healthy from sick children
- Immunization by vaccination with the right measles convalescent serum.
Scarlet fever
Incubation period: 3 to 6 days. Symptoms:
- Steep rise in temperature, chills, vomiting.
- Dense red spots on the neck, chest and thigh bend.
- The face remains free around the mouth
- High pulse and often convulsions in young children
- Sore throat and difficulty swallowing
- Small-spotted rash, initially tarry, later flaming red.
Prevention:
- Preventive vaccination with scarlet fever vaccine.
- Segregation of healthy children from the sick and relatives.
Diphtheria
Incubation period: 2 to 6 days. Symptoms:
- Nausea, faintness, often abdominal pain.
- Swelling and redness of the pharyngeal mucosa and tonsils, gray-white coating.
- Poor general condition, high pulse with relatively low temperature.
- Initially only minor throat complaints, often sweetish foul breath.
Prevention:
- Best of all by a diphtheria vaccination.
Chickenpox
Incubation period 14 to 21 days. Symptoms:
- Pinhead- to lentil-sized, intensely itchy red spots on the body, possibly also on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, which quickly turn into vesicles
- Low or no fever
- Rash spreading rapidly over the body, the vesicles of which dry up forming a dent
Prevention:
- Isolation of the sick can unfortunately rarely be done early enough
Symptoms, complaints and signs
In the classic childhood diseases chickenpox, measles, rubella and scarlet fever, in addition to fever and a general feeling of illness, skin rashes of various degrees are in the foreground. Measles is often accompanied by conjunctivitis, sensitivity to light, headache and cough, and the blotchy rash spreads over the whole body. Redness and whitish spots on the mucous membranes of the mouth and cheeks are also typical. Rubella begins with flu-like symptoms, and the lymph nodes in the neck and behind the ears are swollen. The blotchy rash is less pronounced than in measles disease, and body temperature rises only slightly. Characteristic of chickenpox are red pustules appearing mainly on the trunk, which first turn into very itchy blisters and then crust over and fall off. Scarlet fever is characterized by sudden onset of high fever, very severe sore throat, swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, and a velvety skin rash. Before the typical “raspberry tongue” appears, white coatings can be seen on the tongue. In the case of mumps, non-specific symptoms such as dullness, headache and pain in the limbs occur at first, and the body temperature may be elevated. After two to three days, the swelling of the parotid glands typical of the disease appears, and chewing and swallowing become increasingly painful. Whooping cough is characterized by spasmodic coughing fits accompanied by severe shortness of breath.
Complications
Childhood illnesses can vary widely and lead to different complications and symptoms. As a rule, childhood illnesses should be treated and investigated in all cases to prevent complications later in life. In most cases, the complaints can be relatively well limited. Very often, patients suffer from inflammation of the tonsils or ears. Without treatment, this can lead to breathing difficulties or hearing loss. However, the treatment itself does not lead to any particular complications and can be performed relatively easily. Vaccinations are available against other childhood diseases, which protect children from these diseases. This basically prevents complications. If childhood diseases are not treated properly or early, they can also lead to death or irreversible consequential damage in the worst case. Patients often suffer from fever and symptoms of flu or cold. They may also experience a general feeling of illness and a reduced ability to cope with stress. It is not uncommon for children to also suffer from stomach complaints, although these usually heal relatively well and do not lead to any particular complications. Life expectancy is not usually reduced with treatment.
When should you see a doctor?
Because childhood illnesses are highly contagious diseases, a doctor should generally be consulted as soon as possible at the first signs.Each childhood illness has individual symptoms that must be followed up. What they all have in common is a loss of drive, a usually tearful demeanor and a general feeling of malaise. If there are changes in the appearance of the skin, the formation of poplars or pustules, and discoloration of the skin, a doctor is needed. Fever, sweating, fatigue and an increased need for sleep are indications that a doctor should be consulted for clarification. If there are behavioral abnormalities, a refusal to eat, or a decreased need to play, further investigation is needed to clarify the cause. A strong cough, colored sputum, redness of the mucous membranes and swollen lymph should be clarified by a doctor. If the child suffers from pain, chills or swollen tonsils, a doctor should be consulted. In most cases, the symptoms increase in extent and intensity within a short time. Skin lesions spread over the body and the child increasingly shows a weakened appearance. As soon as disinterest appears, an inner restlessness and swelling on the body appear, as well as a reduction in hearing ability is noticeable, a doctor must be consulted.
Follow-up care
Childhood illnesses come in a wide variety, and often they are uncomplicated. Aftercare is similar and in most cases refers to strengthening the immune system of young patients. This can be successfully realized with a whole set of measures. First, outside the contagious phase of their illness, fever-free children are also allowed to go outside in the fresh air again. Appropriate clothing, especially in cool weather, is essential. A healthy diet rich in vitamins and adequate drinking are also important. Fruits and vegetables, water and herbal teas are optimal in this regard. Sufficient sleep is also important so that the organism can recover from the stress caused by the respective childhood illness. After recovery, children should wait a little longer to do sports until they are really fit again. However, there is usually nothing wrong with walks and other lightly dosed activities. Drafts should be avoided, as should heavy sweating. If children take a bath, for example, windows should be closed during and after the bath. Fresh air, on the other hand, is especially important in the bedrooms, which should always be ventilated. When the children are fully recovered, the organism can be slowly rebuilt in its condition through exercise.
Outlook and prognosis
The prognosis for childhood illnesses is usually favorable, thanks to today’s medical facilities. If a doctor is consulted at an early stage, there is usually relief from the symptoms within a short time. Recovery occurs within a few weeks. For some childhood diseases, protective vaccinations are used, which are given to the child at an early stage. These prevent an outbreak of the respective disease. Without the vaccinations or early treatment, some of the childhood diseases can have a fatal course to this day. Therefore, it is especially important to seek the help and support of a physician. In most cases, childhood diseases heal completely. Nevertheless, the occurrence of complications or sequelae is possible. Mostly, these depend on the stage of the disease at the beginning of treatment. The more advanced a disease is, the less favorable the further course will be. In addition, there is always an increased risk of infection with the known childhood diseases. If these diseases break out in adults, the course of the disease is usually less favorable than in children. The healing process is prolonged and the risk of complications is significantly increased. People with a weakened immune system and pregnant women are particularly at risk. For the purpose of avoiding an emergency situation, these risk groups should use the health care system’s options at the first signs of irregularity.
What you can do yourself
Whenever a child’s illness is suspected, the path should first lead to the doctor in order to initiate appropriate treatment and to recognize developing complications in time. In home care, first and foremost, separating the sick child is extremely important to prevent transmission to others. Bed rest, plenty of sleep and adequate hydration promote healing.Herbal teas containing anti-inflammatory herbs such as chamomile, sage or elderflower are particularly suitable thirst quenchers; for children over one year of age, they may be sweetened with a little honey. The well-tried chicken soup is also recommended. High fevers can be lowered by applying cold calf compresses with vinegar water or rubbing with a wet washcloth – but this type of cooling is not advisable if the child is cold. Itchy rashes can be treated with special ointments or creams, and in the case of chickenpox, wearing light cotton gloves prevents scratching the blisters. Painful glandular swellings are characteristic of mumps. In many cases, quark compresses or heat compresses have a pain-relieving effect. Measles is often accompanied by conjunctivitis and severe sensitivity to light, so the patient’s room should be darkened. Straining the eyes by watching television or reading should also be avoided. In whooping cough, moist room air makes breathing easier, and homemade onion juice with honey also provides relief.
