Posts in category: Pediatric

From newly born babies to toddlers and teenagers, your child may develop several symptoms that might seem common to you but takes the form of allergies with time. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, allergies affect around 20 million adults and 6.1 million children in the United States. The figure is bigger on a global basis. Over the past 30 years, allergy prevalence has been trending higher. Amid this, you need to take account of your child’s behavior with the things and surroundings as he/she grows. 

What is an allergy?

Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance — such as pollen, bee venom, or pet dander — or a food that doesn’t cause a reaction in most people.

Some common symptoms of the allergies include-

· Sneezing

. Wheezing

· Runny and/or Itchy Nose

· Itchy, Burning, Watery, and/or Swollen Eyes

· Nasal Congestion

· Dry Cough (sometimes including mucus)

· Ear Congestion

· Sinus Drainage

· Sinus Pressure

· Sore Throat

Symptoms may vary depending upon the types of allergies-

A food allergy can lead to-

· Tingling in the mouth

· Swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or throat

· Hives

· Anaphylaxis

An insect sting allergy can lead to-

· A large area of swelling at the sting site

· Itching or hives all over the body

· Cough, chest tightness, wheezing, or shortness of breath

· Anaphylaxis

A drug allergy can lead to-

· Hives

· Itchy skin

· Rash

· Facial swelling

· Wheezing

· Anaphylaxis

Atopic dermatitis (Eczema) can lead to- 

• Itch
• Redden
• Flake or peel

Allergies are also linked with other types of respiratory conditions, like asthma and sinus infections. Therefore, being able to improve allergy symptoms can also help avoid other conditions too. 

With allergies, your child will not typically have a fever, fatigue, body aches, chills, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea though they may sometimes experience headaches brought on by sinus pressure. Therefore, it becomes vital to consult a good pediatrician who can look after your child and prescribe relevant suggestions and medication. 

Right after the birth of a child, the body of the child is injected with a number of vaccines. Ever wondered why? Vaccines are given to children as a preventive treatment for certain medical diseases. They help your body build up protection against deadly diseases whenever you are exposed to it.  

What are the different types of vaccines a child is given?

All babies should be given the first shot of the hepatitis B vaccine within the first 12 hours after birth followed by other vaccines that are given during the course of 6 months to 2 years.

Some variations are normal, and recommendations change as new vaccines are developed. As a pediatrician, Tisya Clinic guides you to the right vaccinations and schedule for your child.The following vaccinations are recommended by the WHO.

Recommended vaccinations:

• Chickenpox
• Diphtheria, Tetanus & Pertussis
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Hiv Vaccine
• Human Papillomavirus
• Influenza virus
• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccine
• Meningococcal vaccine
• Pneumonia vaccine
• Polio
• Rotavirus

Important points to keep in mind-

1. Parents should try to have their children vaccinated according to the schedule provided by their pediatrician. A slight delay in vaccination can risk the children of serious diseases.

• If children miss a vaccine dose, parents should talk to their pediatrician about catching up with the schedule. 

• Vaccination should not be delayed even if the child has a slight fever resulting from a mild infection, such as an ordinary cold & flu.

Post-vaccination

Sometimes children get mild reactions from vaccines, such as fever, rashes, pain at the injection site, etc. These are common and fades away in a few hours or days.

• Read the Vaccine Information Sheet your pediatrician gave you to learn about side effects your baby may experience.
• Swaddle your baby in a cozy garment to soothe. 
• Offer breastfeeding. It is normal for some babies to eat less during the 24 hours after getting vaccines.
• Pay extra attention to your baby for a few days. If you see something that concerns you, call your pediatrician.