9 Diseases in Children Under One Year Old
It’s important to know about the most common diseases in children under one year old. In fact, several of them are very frequent.
In addition, many of them require immediate medial attention. They’re dangerous for babies because their immune systems aren’t developed yet.
Some diseases present in children under one year old
Children under one year of age are prone to respiratory and digestive tract diseases. In general, viruses or bacteria cause these illnesses. The most common ones are:
1. Flu or common cold
It’s caused by the influenza virus and spreads easily. It will often disappear on its own. Some symptoms are: fever over 100ºF, cough, nasal congestion, headache, malaise, muscle pain, and sometimes vomiting.
The flu is one of the most common diseases in children under one year old. However, it does require medical attention.
2. Bronchitis
This refers to the inflammation of the bronchi, caused by a poorly healed flu in most cases. Your child may experience lots of mucus, cough and phlegm.
Keep in mind that bronchitis spreads orally, that is, having contact with an infected person.
On the other hand, there is also acute bronchitis. This type is caused by a respiratory infection of bacteria and viruses at the same time. It affects the nose, throat and sinuses.
Lastly, some children may suffer from chronic bronchitis. Some of its symptoms are excessive coughing and phlegm.
3. Pneumonia
It’s a disease that causes inflammation of the lungs. In children under 6 months, it’s produced by the pneumococcal bacteria.
This condition’s symptoms are high fever, cough with lots of mucus, chills, pain, and difficulty breathing. It requires rigorous treatment and hospitalization.
4. Tonsillitis
The main cause of this disease is the streptococcus bacteria. However, viruses can also cause tonsillitis. It causes tonsil inflammation, sore throat, headache, fever, and difficulty eating. It’s very common in babies when they start putting things in their mouths.
5. Urine infections
Your child may have a urine infection if he’s under 2 and has a fever without a clear cause. You’ll know for sure with a urine test strip. If the test is positive, your doctor will do a urine culture. Then, they’ll give you the proper treatment. In some cases, your baby may need to go to the hospital.
Children under one year old are prone to suffer respiratory and digestive tract diseases.
6. Diarrhea
This is another one of the common diseases in children under one year old. It’s usually a product of a virus or contaminated food. The patient will have very frequent liquid stools and abdominal pain.
Therefore, it’s necessary to keep the baby hydrated. Give him plenty of fluids, and continue breastfeeding or normal feeding. However, if the symptoms persist, you should go to the doctor.
7. Stomach flu
Stomach flu, or gastroenteritis, is the inflammation of the digestive and intestinal tract. Consuming contaminated food or water usually causes this issue. Some symptoms are watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, intestinal pain, fever, and fatigue.
If your child has these signs for 48 hours, you should seek medical attention. However, at home you need to be very careful. Also, make sure to give him lots of fluid. You don’t want him to become dehydrated.
You should also continue with your feeding routine if you breastfeed. If your baby already eats solid food, you can adjust his diet a little bit.
8. Middle ear infection (Otitis)
This ear infection can be caused by bacteria or viruses. It’s also common in babies that have had the flu or other respiratory infections. Some symptoms are strong or sharp pains, fever, and diarrhea in small children.
9. Bronchiolitis
This disease starts with the respiratory syncytial virus. It causes infection in the bronchioles. The infection clogs and inflames them. As a result, it’s hard for air to get through.
In fact, this is one of the high-risk contagious diseases in children that’s common among newborns. You should go to the pediatrician immediately if your baby has any of these symptoms. Some signs are fever, excessive coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing and whistling.
How to reduce the risk of diseases in children
If your baby is less then a year old, keep him away from people sick with viruses or bacteria. During his first month of life, keep visits to a minimum.
On the other hand, it’s essential to maintain good hygiene at home and at work. In addition, keep up with the recommended children’s vaccines.
The good news is that you can treat these common diseases in children. Certainly, you need to make sure you treat them promptly and properly. However, you need to do everything possible to prevent the diseases from spreading to your child.
