Children come into contact with many germs through sharing, playing and interacting with others and their environment. There are many common diseases that children can become infected with and some of them are vaccine preventable. In the September 2006 issue of “Pediatrics,” it was reported that upper respiratory infections, allergic rhinitis and earaches are the top three most diagnosed illnesses at pediatric doctor visits.
Upper Respiratory Infections
In the September 2006 issue of “Pediatrics,” upper respiratory infections was the most diagnosed illness during pediatric doctor visits. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that respiratory syncytical virus is the most common respiratory infection. RSV is a contagious disease that almost all children will develop by the age of 2. RSV is the most common cause of bronchitis and pneumonia in infants under the age of 1. The CDC reports that the most common time for RSV in the United States is between November and April. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms include stuffy or runny nose, cough, sore throat, fever and headache. Children with severe cases of RSV will have a high fever, wheezing and difficulty breathing, and they may have a bluish color around their lips from not receiving enough oxygen. Infants who are at most risk for severe infection will not eat normally and their chest muscles will draw in between their ribs when trying to breathe. In most cases doctors will prescribe acetaminophen or ibuprofen, depending on the child’s age. In severe cases, children and infants are hospitalized for IV fluids and oxygen.
Ear Infections
According to the September 2006 issue of “Pediatrics,” ear infections was the second most common diagnosed illness during pediatric doctor visits. The Mayo Clinic reports that three out of four children have at least one ear infection by the time they are 3 years old. Symptoms include fever of 100 degrees F or higher, clear fluid draining from one or both ears, headaches, not responding to sounds and complaining of pain or pulling at their ears. Middle ear infections occur because of the Eustachian tube, which connects the pharynx to the middle ear is shorter in children. This allows bacteria to develop easily within the middle ear. Another cause of middle ear infections is a child’s adenoids being larger and being located next to the Eustachian tube, causing the tube to not fully open. The pediatrician may prescribe a course of antibiotics for five to seven days if symptoms persist or if the infection is more severe, however, many ear infections go away within two to three days.
Allergic Rhinitis
In the September 2006 issue of “Pediatrics,” researchers found that allergic rhinitis was the third most common diagnosed illness. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, there are two types: seasonal and perennial. Seasonal allergic rhinitis, also called hay fever, is caused by outdoor allergens such as pollen. Perennial allergic rhinitis is caused by indoor allergens such as pet dander, mold and dust. Perennial allergic rhinitis occurs year-round where as seasonal allergic rhinitis occurs mostly during spring and fall when outdoor allergens are higher. Signs and symptoms include runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, watery and itchy eyes, headaches, facial pain and fatigue. Antihistamines, nasal corticosteroid sprays and allergy shots may be recommended by the pediatrician to treat allergic rhinitis.
References
- Pediatrics; Research Network Ambulatory Medical Care Survey Practices: A Study From the Continuity Comparing Patients Seen in Pediatric Resident Continuity Clinics and National; Janet R. Serwint, et. al; September 2006.
- Mayo Clinic: Ear Infection, middle ear
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: RSV
- Mayo Clinic: RSV
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Allergic Rhinnitis
