Ravina Sewani

<ul><li>The allergic reactions in a child are triggered against an insect’s sting and not against an insect’s bite.</li><li>An immune response is triggered against the venom from the sting which the body perceives as a threat.</li><li>An allergic reaction against insect’s sting is also known to cause severe reaction – anaphylaxis.</li><li>The allergic reaction includes pain, redness, and swelling which might extend beyond the sting site.</li><li>As treatment, paediatricians usually prescribe antihistamine medicines for mild allergic reactions. Whereas for severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis, your child’s paediatrician will prescribe an adrenaline auto-injector (AAI).</li></ul> Severe allergic reactions are usually caused by these stinging insects:<ul><li>Honey bees found in honeycombs.</li><li>Wasps living under leaves, shrubs, logs and woodpiles.</li><li>Fire ants living in large mounds on the ground.</li><li>Biting insects like mosquitoes, bed bugs, fleas, etc. cause localised allergic reactions.</li><li>A local reaction to an insect bite due to the chemicals from insect’s saliva is not the same as an allergic reaction to the venom from the sting.</li><li>When an insect has stung your child, remove the stinger as soon as possible to prevent more venom entering the body.</li><li>Quickly wash the sting site on the skin with soap and water immediately to disinfect the area. Apply ice on the sting site to reduce the swelling, if any.</li><li>If your child has a history of allergic reactions against insects, avoid going to places where insects are present with your child.</li><li>Once diagnosed, your child’s paediatrician will usually prescribe antihistamine medicines and an adrenaline auto-injector in case of severe reactions.</li><li>Your child’s paediatrician may recommend venom immunotherapy based on your child’s medical history of developing allergic reactions against insect sting.</li></ul> Symptoms:<ul><li>Itching</li><li>Rashes</li><li>Vomiting</li><li>Diarrhoea</li><li>Swelling of the lips or tongue or face</li><li>Throat constriction</li><li>Difficulty in breathing</li><li>Allergies may sometimes also cause a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis which constricts the airway passage and requires immediate medical attention.</li></ul> Diagnosis:<ul><li>Always get your child diagnosed by a healthcare expert and never on your own. Never self-assume that your child has peanut allergy. Commercial home test kits for self-diagnosis are not recommended as they may not be of the required standards.</li><li>Your child’s paediatrician may recommend that your child undertake tests like skin prick test, blood test or food/drug challenge. It is important that these tests are performed under medical supervision as these tests might trigger an allergic reaction. Along with these tests, your child’s paediatrician will also examine your child's medical/family history, existing conditions like asthma and eczema.</li></ul>

Insect sting allergy can get very serious sometimes. It is better to stay cautious to keep your child safe.

Insect sting allergy

Palak Vyas

Preterm birth usually affects a child's respiratory system and brain development. The effects of preterm birth on a baby’s development depend on how early the baby was born before its full term. Preterm birth can have short term and long term effects on a child’s development. Short term effects of preterm birth:<ul><li>Preterm babies are born with serious breathing problems. Sometimes they have to be put on ventilators to breathe.</li><li>These babies are at higher risks of developing asthma in the later stage of life.</li><li>As mentioned earlier, they are likely to develop brain impairments, because the brain is the last major organ to develop even after birth. So when the baby is prematurely born, its brain has to keep growing in an abnormal environment that is outside the womb. So even though the brain develops post-birth, for premature babies, the development is slow as they have spent less time inside the womb.</li><li>In short, the kind of growth that happens easily inside the womb is difficult for preemies outside the womb.</li></ul> Long term effects of preterm birth:<ul><li>Life-long effects include cerebral palsy, mental retardation, visual and hearing impairments, and poor health.</li><li>Babies, who are born a few weeks early, say at 34-36 weeks, may have behavioural, social and emotional problems.</li><li>They are likely to develop learning difficulties.</li><li>Increased risk of ADHD</li><li>Increased risk of SIDS</li><li>Chronic diseases such as heart disease, hypertension and diabetes.</li><li>The other important thing to keep in mind is the birth weight. The less your baby weighed when (s)he was born, the more likely (s)he is to have health problems that could affect his/her growth. Mostly the preemies born with very less weight than normal a child are kept in the hospital under observation. First year can be a bit problematic but gradually they cope up.</li></ul> The other general effects found in preemies are:<ul><li>They may look different than full term babies.</li><li>Their bones and muscles are fragile. In the last few weeks of pregnancy, lots of minerals like calcium and phosphorus needed for baby’s growth are transferred from mother to baby. And because premature babies are born before full term, they cannot get enough of these minerals. They need extra care while handling.</li><li>Language development may be delayed. These babies might have more trouble speaking and understanding the language.</li><li>Their teeth may develop abnormally or may have late teething than full-term babies.</li><li>There are chances of vision impairment, squint eyes, farsightedness or nearsightedness.</li></ul>

Premature babies are prone to more health risks than full-term babies.

Effects of preterm birth on growth and development of babies

Stomach aches are of two types: Pathological and Functional. Pathological stomach aches have medical reasons behind it whereas functional stomach aches are mostly due to stress. Pathological Stomach ache: In pathological stomach ache, the child will also have other symptoms like severe fever, huge swollen belly, vomiting, problems in urine and stool. Here child is actually sick. Here the doctor can ask to get some blood work or urine stool reports done.Ultra scan of abdomen&nbsp;may be required. Such severe cases are generally not very common.<ul><li>From the history of your child, the doctor will be able to identify whether the child is suffering from functional pain or not. This kind of pain has a long history like it occurs over 15 days, 2 months, or so. Normally these types of pain are not considered severe. There is no particular reason behind it. There will be no pathological sign or symptom apart from pain.</li></ul> <ul><li>Sometimes constipation also leads to stomach ache: Constipation is again one of the major reasons behind child’s stomach pain. Generally after half an hour of the first food in the morning the child can get nature’s call. Now, when the child gets up, the mum is ready with a cup of milk and hurries up to get him/her ready for school. In that situation the child feels the stress causing him pain. There is no time to attend nature’s call and (s)he has to leave for school. When the child reaches school either the toilets are dirty or the teacher doesn’t allow the child to go. So to avoid these, the child suppresses his/her natural urge to go to the toilet and hence develops constipation. When (s)he gets back home there is no natural urge and constipation increases. Here, the doctor needs to check for constipation as a reason of stomach ache.</li></ul> <ul><li>Stomach ache and stomach worms: Stomach worms could also be one of the reasons of stomach ache. Children above one year up to the age of 12 years need to be given stomach worm medication after every six months even if there is no pain.</li></ul> Functional Stomach aches: The child can experience functional stomach pain due to stress. When the child experiences stress, certain chemicals are released in the stomach which can lead to stomach pain. So remember, when a child is complaining about stomach ache, (s)he is not lying or making things up. Situations under which child can experience stress and can complain of stomach ache:<ul><li>When a child has just woken up and (s)he sees his mom with a glass of milk.</li><li>When the child is trying to finish school work and the school bus arrives.</li><li>When the teacher scolds him/her in the school.</li><li>When other kids bully him/her in the school.</li><li>Sometimes there is sibling rivalry when you compare two children in the same house which can also lead to some stress resulting.</li><li>Ultimately all the stress in the body gets out in the form of stomach pain. So the child feels like avoiding school and any such situation which are uncomfortable for him/her. When the child is rescued from such situation or distracted, this pain is also relieved.</li><li>One thing that is important here is that how a parent treats the child during situations of stress. If the parent starts giving special treatments or pampers the child by allowing them to stay home after stomach ache complaints or if they say it is okay not to work, the child would know for sure that anytime (s)he doesn’t want to work or don’t want to do a thing (s)he can use this excuse of stomach pain.</li><li>Parents can instead, talk to the child, understand the problem and find out the reason behind stress. You can help your child calm down and explain to them that you are there for them if anything goes wrong.</li><li>Give some time to your child to accept changes and you will be good to go.</li></ul> Causes:<ul><li>Stress</li><li>Food intolerance</li><li>Food alergy</li><li>Injury</li><li>Constipation</li><li>Diarrhoea</li><li>Appendictis</li><li>Gas</li><li>Colic</li></ul> Symptoms of Stomach ache:<ul><li>Acts fussy or grumpy</li><li>Doesn’t sleep or eat</li><li>Cries more than usual</li><li>Diarrhea</li><li>Vomiting</li><li>Trouble being still (squirming or tensing up muscles)</li><li>Makes faces that show pain (squeezing eyes shut, grimacing)</li></ul> Diagnosis: Your child's doctor will first examine your child, take his/her medical history, and maybe do some tests. Treatment:<ul><li>The child’s lifestyle has to be improved.</li><li>Parents should check that the child is stress free.</li><li>Give the child suitable and balanced diet.</li><li>Avoid giving outside food or junk food from hotels and restaurants.</li><li>Parents should keep house atmosphere pleasant.</li><li>Gentle behaviour from parents can improve this condition.</li><li>If the stomach ache is followed by vomiting or diarrhea, it is better to consult a paediatrician.</li><li>The doctor may suggest some medicine or might give special instructions on eating to help with the bellyache.</li><li>If stress is the reason of stomach problems, the doctor may recommend a specialist, such as a psychologist.</li><li>If your child's stomach ache turns out to be due to appendicitis, an operation called an appendectomy needs to be performed.</li></ul> Prevention:<ul><li>Avoid overeating.</li><li>Give fiber-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables to your child, so that the bowel movements are regular.</li><li>Give lots of fluids, especially water to your child.</li><li>Wash hands before eating.</li><li>Avoid eating right before bedtime.</li><li>Lots of sleep.</li></ul>

Here are Stomach ache Types, Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention.

All about stomach aches

Massaging your baby’s scalp with suitable oil and the right technique will give your child all the benefits. Ensure that you apply oil on clean scalp and massage gently. Some of the benefits are:<ul><li>﻿It moisturises your baby’s hair and soothes dry scalp.</li><li>Helps in treating scalp problems like dandruff, scaly skin, a bacterial or fungal infection.</li><li>It hydrates your baby’s hair.</li><li>It prevents hair fall.</li><li>It strengthens hair roots.</li><li>If your baby has curly hair, applying oil softens hair strands.</li></ul>

Hair massage with oil is beneficial in several ways.

Benefits of applying oil in child’s hair

<ul><li>Dust mites are very small bugs which live in humid environments and feed on scales shed by human skin. Dust mites need around 80% humidity and so as soon as the humidity falls, they die.</li><li>A protein present in the wastes of dust mites is usually found in the beds, carpets, furniture and when your child inhales such air, an allergic reaction is triggered.</li><li>Dust mites are the most common culprits behind your child's asthma. So it is very important to clean the furniture in the house properly at regular intervals.</li><li>The growth of dust mites can be prevented by dust-proofing your house using vacuum cleaner and washing pillows and mattresses in hot water time to time.</li><li>The growth of dust mites and hence the allergic reactions can be reduced by installing dehumidifiers to reduce the percentage of humidity indoors. You can also use HEPA filters in the air purifiers of your house.</li><li>Avoid carpeting in your house if your child is allergic to dust mites.</li></ul> Symptoms:<ul><li>Itching</li><li>Rashes</li><li>Vomiting</li><li>Diarrhoea</li><li>Swelling of the lips or tongue or face</li><li>Throat constriction</li><li>Difficulty in breathing</li><li>Allergies may sometimes also cause a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis which constricts the airway passage and requires immediate medical attention.</li></ul> Diagnosis:<ul><li>Always get your child diagnosed by a healthcare expert and never on your own. Never self-assume that your child has peanut allergy. Commercial home test kits for self-diagnosis are not recommended as they may not be of the required standards.</li><li>Your child’s paediatrician may recommend that your child undertake tests like skin prick test, blood test or food/drug challenge. It is important that these tests are performed under medical supervision as these tests might trigger an allergic reaction. Along with these tests, your child’s paediatrician will also examine your child's medical/family history, existing conditions like asthma and eczema.</li></ul>

Allergy to dust mites is usually caused by the carpets used in the house. The best way to make your baby safe is to keep your surroundings clean.

Dust mites allergy

If your child does not like milk or takes time to have a glass of milk every morning, do not get impatient. Threatening the child is not a solution.Calcium is important for bones and milk intake is important for a child’s health, so you can try these techniques or give alternate sources of Milk: <ul><li>Keep offering milk at each meal.</li><li>Make a smoothie with Banana or make almond milkshake.</li><li>You can pair milk with cornflakes or healthy cereals.</li><li>Give a handful of almonds and oranges as a substitute.</li><li>Sprinkle some sesame seeds in salads or add them when you knead a roti dough.</li><li>Give plenty of curd or yogurt/cheese/ghee - these are good substitutes of milk.</li><li>Don’t start with a full glass and insist on finishing it; try small quantities and gradually increase the intake.</li><li>You can even pair it with you child’s favourite biscuits or cookies.</li><li>Give them options of colourful glasses to choose from so as to make the milk consumption appealing.</li></ul> REMEMBER the goal is to fulfil the calcium need in a child's body. So if your child dislikes animal milk, you can try almond or coconut milk or given him/her alternative sources of calcium.

If your child does not like milk or takes time to have a glass of milk every morning, do not get impatient.

What to do if child does not drink milk?

Children are prone to taking in passive smoke if someone in the family has a habit of smoking. Smoke from the cigarette can cause mild to severe allergies in children and pose the risk of asthma in their later lives. Symptoms:<ul><li>difficulty breathing</li><li>wheezing</li><li>hoarseness</li><li>headache</li><li>watery eyes</li><li>runny nose</li><li>congestion</li><li>sneezing</li><li>itchiness</li><li>nausea</li></ul> DiagnosisYour child's doctor will apply small drops of different allergens to parts of your child's forearm skin and wait to see which allergens of tobacco produce a reaction. Prevention:Here are a few tips to minimise your child's exposure to tobacco products that may cause an allergic reaction:<ul><li>Don't smoke when you are around/with your child(ren).</li><li>Avoid taking your child to areas where they will be exposed to secondhand smoke.</li><li>If someone smokes and then wants to play/take care of a child, ask them to wash their hands and clean their mouth before they handle your baby.</li><li>Do not smoke during pregnancy. Apart from your child developing cigarette smoke allergy, the chances of stillbirths are high in smoking mothers than in non-smoking ones.</li><li>Segregation between smokers and non-smokers in an indoor environment will reduce the risk of secondhand smoke exposure but does not completely eliminated it.</li></ul> Treatment:If your child gets diagnosed with cigarette smoke allergy, it is better to get medicine prescribed for them. It is not advisable to give them over-the-counter remedies for tobacco allergies.

Children are exposed to secondhand smoke unknowingly and this can cause problems in later stages of their lives.

Cigarette smoke allergy

<ul><li>Pet allergy is body’s immune response against animal’s dander (dead skin in animal fur), animal’s saliva, or animal’s urine. The body perceives all of these as a threat and triggers an allergic reaction in your child.</li><li>A pet with a lot of fur or feathers on its body holds a greater chance of triggering an allergic reaction in your child.</li><li>If your child has been diagnosed of pet allergy by your child’s paediatrician, it is better to not own a pet. If your child loves animals, you can take him/her visit your friend’s or relative’s pets once in a while.</li><li>If your child is allergic to other things as well, then your child may show immediate symptoms after coming in contact with some animals.</li><li>Pet allergies are known to self-resolve after avoiding animals for some time. But if this is not the case, it is better to not own pets at all.</li><li>Pet allergens are airborne so use an air filter in your house to keep your child from contacting these allergens. Keep the carpets at the minimum in your house.</li><li>Keep your pet’s belongings and cage clean and free of fur.</li><li>Keeping pets outdoor might help a bit but does not solve the problem entirely.</li><li>Treatments include prescription of antihistamines and nasal sprays by your child’s paediatrician.</li></ul> Symptoms:<ul><li>Itching</li><li>Rashes</li><li>Vomiting</li><li>Diarrhoea</li><li>Swelling of the lips or tongue or face</li><li>Throat constriction</li><li>Difficulty in breathing</li><li>Allergies may sometimes also cause a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis which constricts the airway passage and requires immediate medical attention.</li></ul> Diagnosis:<ul><li>Always get your child diagnosed by a healthcare expert and never on your own. Never self-assume that your child has peanut allergy. Commercial home test kits for self-diagnosis are not recommended as they may not be of the required standards.</li><li>Your child’s paediatrician may recommend that your child undertake tests like skin prick test, blood test or food/drug challenge. It is important that these tests are performed under medical supervision as these tests might trigger an allergic reaction. Along with these tests, your child’s paediatrician will also examine your child's medical/family history, existing conditions like asthma and eczema.</li></ul>

Children love pets. But sometimes, the pet dander may cause allergies in children.

Pet allergy

This is how you can help your child if (s)he is afraid of injections: The fear of injections is seen in both children and adults. Infants don't have fear of injections. But a child who is 4 or 5 years old, is scared of injection because he/she understands that injections cause pain. Tell the truth: Be honest with your child. Do not lie to your child ever that injection is not going to hurt because it actually does and when they experience it they will lose trust on you. Try explaining to them the importance and benefits of injections and vaccinations. Explain it to them that it's for a safety purpose. Tell them it's going to hurt but just for a few seconds.&nbsp;Don’t give them too much time to ponder: A child might get anxious and terrified if you tell them a lot beforehand. Do not share more details about the visit. You can tell your child just before you are about to leave for the visitor if your child needs some preparation time, tell accordingly.&nbsp;Using distraction and anaesthetic cream: Numbing/anaesthetic cream can be used to ease their pain. While the doctor gives the injection, hold your child’s hand, make some funny faces, tell jokes, sing a song, etc. In short, distract them from pain.&nbsp;Leave them alone with the hospital staff if required: Sometimes when children are around their parents, they throw tantrums. The moment you leave the room, they behave properly. So leave your child with the hospital’s staff, if need be.&nbsp;Ensure immediate relief: Rub the injection site gently after injection. Use cold compressor apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth. A small reward won’t harm: You can reward your child with a sticker, candy, his/her favourite ice-cream, bravery card or anything creative or innovative thing you can think of. Do not bribe them by saying, “You can have a treat if you get this vaccination”. Instead, you can say, “We can get a treat when your vaccination is done.” In rare cases, some children can get a syncope attack. In a syncope attack, there is a temporary loss of consciousness usually because of reduced blood flow to the brain. So the doctor always makes such a child sit or lay down on the bed before giving the injection. Make sure the child is fed properly before seeing the doctor.

health concerns

Following article(s) will help solve your concern.