Chronic health problems are defined as any health condition that lasts more than three months and is not easily curable. These conditions can significantly impact a child’s quality of life and may require ongoing treatment and management.
Prevalence of Chronic Health Problems in Children
In accordance with the World Health Organization (WHO), chronic health problems are the leading cause of death and disability in children and adolescents worldwide. There are approximately 1 in 5 children suffering from a chronic health condition in the United States.
Asthma
Children with asthma have difficulty breathing due to the chronic inflammation of their airways. The disease affects approximately 6 million children in the United States, making it one of the most common chronic health problems among children.
Causes and Risk Factors
Neither genetic nor environmental factors are known to cause asthma, but they may interact. Childhood asthma risk factors include a family history of the condition, exposure to environmental pollutants, and a history of respiratory infections.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
The asthma symptoms in children can vary, but they typically include wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. A healthcare provider will conduct a physical exam to diagnose asthma and ask about the child’s symptoms and medical history. The provider may also perform a pulmonary function test to measure the child’s lung function.
Treatment Options
The treatment of asthma in children typically involves medications to control symptoms, such as inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators. In some cases, children may also need to use an emergency inhaler during an asthma attack. Children with asthma need to have a written asthma action plan that outlines what to do during an asthma attack and when to seek medical help.
Read More: Learn more about instant scripts in australia?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Children with ADHD have difficulty paying attention and controlling impulsive behavior. This disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder. It affects approximately 6.1 million children in the United States, making it one of the most common chronic health conditions.
Causes and Risk Factors
In theory, ADHD can be caused by a number of factors, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and brain function factors. Risk factors for ADHD in children include a family history of the condition, low birth weight, and exposure to toxins such as lead.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
The symptoms of ADHD in children can vary, but they typically include inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. To diagnose ADHD, a healthcare provider will conduct a physical exam, ask about the child’s symptoms and medical history, and perform a psychological evaluation.
Treatment Options
The treatment of ADHD in children typically involves a combination of medication and behavioral therapy. Medicines used to treat ADHD in children include stimulants such as Ritalin and Adderall and non-stimulant drugs such as Strattera. Behavioral therapy involves working with a therapist to develop strategies for managing the symptoms of ADHD.
A child with low immunity will not always become an adult with fragile health.
Still, regarding the defense system of the little ones, it should be noted that a child more prone to developing diseases will not necessarily be an adult with a greater tendency to have health problems. “Often the child can present more infections because he went to school too early, was exposed to more microorganisms, and as an adult, after the complete formation of the defense system, he can be very healthy,” clarifies the professional.
Other ways to favor the defense system and prevent diseases in children. Investing heavily in breastfeeding to avoid infections and in a varied and balanced diet that provides all the nutrients necessary for the proper functioning of the body; encourage children to play more outdoors and have more contact with nature.”
Diseases and disorders can affect the child.
- Acetone in Children
- Adenoids – Adenoiditis, Enlarged Adenoids
- Caries of milk teeth
- Causes of childhood obesity
- Cystitis in Children
- Diaper rash
- Diarrhea in Children
- Fever in the child
- Headache in the Child
- Fourth Disease: scarlet fever
- Ringworm
- Cough in the Child
- intestinal worms
- Worms in stool
Things parents can do:
- Talk with the child. Explain what’s going on in a way she understands. Always tell the truth, taking care to use ludic language. For a child, medical actions and etiological reasoning are meaningless. Your homework will be: make sense;
- Tell the child that everything will be alright and that everything will be okay. If the adult is suffering to the point of not being able to talk, the child is left without reference and insecure;
- Take care of yourself. Ask for help, take turns with someone else, go home and rest. If you sleep and eat, you will undoubtedly be more “whole” in taking care of your child;
- Put music in the bedroom, tell stories and turn off the TV. Especially if your child is sedated. When we are not paying attention, a television only brings noise and agitation, while music can bring calm and well-being;
- Bring toys, but don’t turn the room into an amusement park. Look for objects that challenge without too much fuss.
Conclusion
Chronic health problems in children can significantly impact a child’s quality of life and require ongoing treatment and management. However, children with chronic health problems can be treated if diagnosed and treated early.
