Dentinox

Worried about your baby's health?

Allergies:
Cause: The body's immune system has an adverse reaction to the presence of an allergen (foreign protein or other substance) which enters the body by being eaten or inhaled or sometimes by an insect bite or skin contact. Can Cause: hayfever, asthma, eczema, digestive upsets.
Symptoms: Breathing difficulties, Runny eyes and/or nose, Rashes, Insect bites can swell, Temperature, Sickness. In rarer cases more acute reactions require immediate medical attention.
Action: Make an appointment to see your doctor. Consult doctor urgently.

Asthma:
Cause: Inflammation of the bronchial breathing tubes, causing narrowing of the tubes and difficulty in breathing. The main irritants that can cause symptoms are:
Infection
Allergy
Change of air temperature
Emotion
Exercise
Symptoms: In toddlers, usually runny nose, wheezing and coughing bouts with symptoms often worse at night.
Action: See doctor as soon as possible. In severe cases hospital admittance is required.

Bronchiolitis:
Cause: Usually caused by the Respiratory Syncytial Virus. This can be caught after contact with someone who has a head cold.
Symptoms: Coughing, rapid breathing, wheezing. In severe cases, cyanosis (a blue tinge to the skin caused by oxygen shortage)
Action: Seek medical attention immediately. Hospital treatment may be necessary.

Chicken Pox:
Cause: Common infectious illness, caused by the same virus that causes shingles. Incubation period: 12-21 days.
Symptoms: Slight temperature, generally unwell. Itchy red spots appear first on body, later on face. These become blisters, then crusts.
Action: There is no way to prevent chicken pox. Try and prevent child from scratching. Lukewarm baths containing baking soda ease symptoms. Try to keep your child cool. Make sure they drink plenty of liquids.

Common Cold:
Cause: A viral infection affecting the upper respiratory tract. On average, children tend to have seven colds a year";
Symptoms: Blocked or runny nose, streaming eyes, a sore throat and a slight fever, babies may find it difficult to feed if the nose is congested.
Action: Colds usually last between 5 and 7 days, though babies can stay snuffly for up to a week longer. For simple colds, there is little point in seeing a doctor. Seek doctors advise if a fever is over 39⁰C (102⁰F) for more than 24 hours, your child vomits or has difficulty in breathing. Doctor may prescribe decongestant nose drops for a couple of days (longer could exacerbate the problem). Antibiotics are not usually given, unless the cough or cold leads to a chest infection.

Cough:
Cause: A cough is a symptom, not an illness. Coughing is protective and nature's way of clearing the chest or preventing infection or irritation from reaching the chest.
Symptoms: There are different types of cough: a loose or phlegmy cough is usually caused by infection; a dry cough may be due to some sort of irritation, smoke or catarrh associated with a cold. A dry cough may also be associated with asthma.
Action: Seek medical advice if:
The cough lasts more than a few days
The cough is associated with a raised temperature
Your baby is off food
Your baby appears unwell

Colic:
Cause: The cause of colic is not known although, pain from a spasm of the intestines may be caused by:
Excess gas from swallowing air without burping
Feeding too fast
Lactose intolerance
Indigestion
Symptoms: Shrill, piercing crying which can continue for several hours, especially in the early evening. Baby seems tense, stomach may be slightly distended. Knees are drawn up to the stomach. Rumbling tummy, red face. Trouble going to sleep followed by disturbed sleep, frequent waking and crying.
Action: All babies with colic should be checked over by a doctor at least once. It usually disappears by the time baby is 3 - 4 months old, but colic drops can be very helpful. Ask your health visitor's advice.

Constipation:
Cause: Bottle fed babies may develop constipation as a result of having a particular formula of milk. Any baby who has been unwell may become constipated as a result of reduced fluid intake and increased sweating.
Symptoms: Discomfort; small, hard, round stools.
Action: Babies may be helped by increased fluid intake, extra cool boiled water/diluted fresh fruit juice, never give babies or young children laxatives. If persistent problem seek medical advice. Babies over 4 months: try more vegetables, or sieved/stewed prunes.

Convulsions:
Cause: Febrile convulsions can be caused by a sudden rise in temperature which causes an electrical discharge in the brain, or epilepsy.
Symptoms: Muscles twitch and begin to spasm. Body can go limp and baby may lose consciousness. Typically lasts a few minutes.
Action: Do not leave child unattended. Make sure there is nothing in the mouth, as this could block airways. Put child on his side in the recovery position. When spasms have stopped, call a doctor or ambulance.

Cradle Cap:
Cause: An accumulation of the dead skin cells which babies naturally shed from their scalps. Instead of falling off, they build up into a layer.
Symptoms: Dry, scaly white or yellow skin on the scalp.
Action: Wash baby's hair every day with a mild baby shampoo as soon as you spot the symptoms. If symptoms persist or get worse, soak the area overnight in warm olive oil, sunflower oil or baby oil. Wash with baby shampoo or cradle cap treatment in the morning. Repeat until condition clears.

Croup:
Cause: Infection of the larynx (voice box). PLEASE NOTE: Narrowing of the airways can also be caused by 'Hib infection' (very rare today, as there is a vaccination against it) or choking.
Symptoms: Larynx is tight & inflamed. A 'barking' cough. In severe cases a grunting sound can be heard when baby inhales. A cold & fever can accompany these symptoms.
Action: Contact a doctor immediately. Make sure child remains upright. Ensure child drinks plenty of liquid. Steamy air can relieve symptoms. Run a hot tap, continuously boil the kettle (well out of the child's reach), place wet towels over hot radiators or use a room humidifier.

Dermatitis:
Cause: Seborrhoeic dermatitis is severe cradle cap. (An accumulation of the dead skin cells which babies naturally shed from their scalps but rather than falling off they build up into a layer).
Symptoms: Skin on scalp becomes thick, yellow and scaly. A brownish-red scaly rash can also appear on the cheeks, eyebrows, behind the ears and the nappy area.
Action: Generally clears up by the age of 6-12 months. Seek medical advice about treating the condition. Your doctor may prescribe mild hydrocortisone (steroid) cream which can be applied sparingly to the affected areas.

Ear Infection:
Cause: A cold may cause tubes to become blocked which in turn prevents the normal fluid drainage from the ear which can lead to infection. Damage to skin in ear through insertion/poking of foreign objects.
Symptoms: Crying and screaming for long periods of time. Sometimes there can be discharge from the ear.
Action: Contact a doctor immediately. The doctor may prescribe antibiotics if there is inflammation of the ear drum, and medicine to relieve pain.

Eczema:
Cause: Usually an inherited sensitivity or allergy. Triggers include house dust mite, detergents and, in some cases, certain dairy products. Spread by scratching (not infectious).
Symptoms: Dry, itchy rash on face, behind ears and knees, in neck and elbow creases. Inflammation and redness, tiny pimples or blisters.
Action: Keep child's fingernails short. Check with your doctor before making any changes to your child's diet. Your doctor may prescribe hydrocortisone (steroid) cream and recommend a type of dry skin care. Always consult your doctor before buying dry skin or eczema treatments.

Gastroenteritis:
Cause: Usually caused by a virus (rotavirus), but can be caused by bacteria (e.g. salmonella and campylobacter) from contaminated food.
Symptoms: Severe vomiting, when most or all of the feed is brought back up. Diarrhoea, characterised by frequent and watery stools, which may contain mucus and blood, may smell very unpleasant and may be a greenish colour (green stools are also caused by under-feeding). Dehydration - baby may become unresponsive, has sunken eyes and fontanelle (the soft spot on the head), as well as a dry mouth, loose and wrinkled skin and infrequent urination.
Action: If diarrhoea is mild, follow these rules issued by the World Health Organisation: continue to feed baby as normal; give increased breast milk and clear liquids; consult your doctor if the problem persists. If baby becomes dehydrated, give oral rehydration immediately - frequent drinks that have specific quantities of sugar and salt. Buy ORT (Oral Rehydration Treatment) mixture from the chemist, or you can make your own with one level teaspoon of salt, eight level teaspoons of sugar (glucose for a child under two years old) with one litre (1 and 3/4 pints) of boiled water. Your child should have frequent drinks of this mixture. Consult a doctor. If your child will not drink the mixture, take him to a doctor or a hospital immediately.

German Measles:
Cause: Virus. Incubation: 14-21 days.
Symptoms: Swollen glands behind ears, a distinctive pink rash beginning on face and spreading over the body.
Action: Consult a doctor, although plenty of liquid and rest is normally sufficient. Rubella can be dangerous during pregnancy and a doctor should be consulted.

Glands, swollen:
See German Measles and Mumps.

Hayfever:
See Allergies.

Jaundice:
Cause: Temporary build-up of bilirubin, yellow pigment which is a by-product of processing red blood cells, caused by inefficiency of a newborn's liver.
Symptoms: Yellow discolouration of baby's skin. Other Symptoms: dark urine, pale stools, yellowing of the whites of eyes.
Action: Jaundice within 24 hours of birth is abnormal. Tell your midwife immediately. You must see a paediatrician. At other times consult a doctor. Phototherapy (using special lights) is sometimes used.

Measles:
Cause: Infectious virus. Incubation: 14-28 days.
Symptoms: Begins with a runny nose, red, watery eyes and coughing and feverishness. After 3-4 days, white spots appear on inside of cheeks. A red rash behind the ears spreads over face and body. Can be serious. Can lead to complications such as eye and middle ear infection, croup, pneumonia and, in rare cases, brain damage.
Action: Call your doctor. Prevention: MMR vaccination.

Meningitis:
Cause: Viral or bacterial infection of the meninges (the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord).
Symptoms: Extreme drowsiness, loss of appetite, vomiting, fever, stiff neck, hypersensitivity to light, shrill crying or moaning, difficulty breathing, diarrhoea, staring, dislike of being handled, stiff or floppy body, pale or blotchy skin, tense or bulging 'soft spot' on head, cold hands and feet. Meningococcal meningitis is a severe bacterial form. Classic indications of this strain are purple-red spots on the body which do not fade when pressed.
Action: Bacterial meningitis is very dangerous. Medical help must be sought immediately. Penicillin from your GP before hospital treatment could save the infant's life. Hib and Meningococcal Group C meningitis are prevented by vaccination.

Milk Rash:
Cause: So termed as common in babies up to a few months old. Not caused by milk but by chaffing when feeding.
Symptoms: Red rash on face.
Action: Soon disappears after first few months of birth.

Mumps:
Cause: Virus. Incubation: 14-28 days.
Symptoms: Child has a temperature and seems generally unwell. Most noticeable symptom is the swelling in the neck of the salivary glands. This usually starts on just one side. The mouth is dry and child has difficulty swallowing.
Action: Give the child plenty of liquid and semi-liquid foods. Call a doctor. Complications can include middle ear infection and viral meningitis. Prevention: MMR vaccination.

Nappy Rash:
Cause: Skin permanently enclosed in steamy environment. Lack of air.
Symptoms: Soreness. In extreme cases, skin can become red, start bleeding or develop whitish patches.
Action: Use a very gentle cleanser - baby oil or lotion applied with cotton wool instead of soap and water. Do not rub the sore skin. Zinc and castor oil cream can heal the skin and keep moisture off it. Place soft gauze over the affected area. Try and leave the nappy off whenever possible to allow skin to breathe.

Polio:
Cause: Virus - poliomyelitis. Affects the central nervous system.
Symptoms: Can cause paralysis of limbs and occasionally of the breathing muscles, meningitis, and, in severe cases, death.
Action: Prevention: Oral Polio Vaccine. IMPORTANT: Parents should take extra care over nappy changing hygiene for the 30 days after each immunisation. A small number of non-immune adults have contracted a mild form of polio.

Posseting:
Cause: Feeding.
Symptoms: Bringing up small amounts of milk during or after feeds, or when laid down in cot or being burped.
Action: This is not a cause for concern. It should stop before the age of six months, or once the child is having a more solid diet and can sit up for long periods of time. If your baby is vomiting continuously, refuses feeds, has diarrhoea or a large amount of feed is regurgitated in sudden spurts, contact a doctor immediately. There might be an infection. Sometimes projectile vomiting can signal a serious stomach problem which will need urgent hospital treatment.

Prickly Heat:
Cause: Over-Heating.
Symptoms: Tiny red spots with blisters.
Action: Bathe in lukewarm water. Dry gently and thoroughly.

Roseolla Infantum:
Cause: Virus infection. Generally affects babies 6 months-2 years old.
Symptoms: Irritability and a sudden high temperature. Lasts about five days. As temperature returns to normal, a rose-coloured rash develops.
Action: Call a doctor. Give plenty of liquid. Try and keep child cool.

Rubella:
See German Measles.

Scarlet Fever:
Cause: Bacterial infection from a strain of bacteria called streptococcus. Incubation period 2-5 days.
Symptoms: Extremely sore throat, temperature, headache, vomiting. Tongue's appearance is described as 'strawberry'. Scarlet rash spreads from face to body.
Action: Call doctor promptly. Antibiotic treatment can curtail the length of illness.

Teething Pain:
Cause: Discomfort arising from development of baby teeth.
Symptoms: Irritability, flushed cheeks, dribbling, general sign of illness.
Action: Give your baby something hard to chew, such as a teething ring that has been chilled in the fridge, or a crust or carrot. Avoid giving food items if your baby is not yet on solids. Application of teething gel to the gums. If symptoms seem very painful, you can give your baby the correct dose of paracetamol (this is the only painkiller you should give your baby). Give your child lots of cool drinks. Apply baby cream to sores caused by dribbling on the cheeks and chin. If your child develops a heavy cold, cough, high fever, diarrhoea, vomiting or appears to be in a lot of pain, consult your doctor.

Oral Thrush:
Cause: Candidal (yeast) infection.
Symptoms: Discomfort when sucking. White spots on tongue and inside mouth.
Action: See your doctor. Anti-fungal drops may be prescribed, which will quickly relieve the symptoms. Sterilise teats and dummies. Your nipples will need treatment too if you are breast-feeding.

Tonsillitis:
Cause: Inflammation of the tonsils caused by bacteria.
Symptoms: Severe sore throat. Tonsils may appear red and swollen. Can be accompanied by fever and feeding troubles.
Action: Consult your doctor. Antibiotic treatment may be necessary.

Urticaria: (Nettle Rash)
Cause: Can be an allergic reaction to food, medicine or a plant (e.g. a nettle), clothing or animal fur.
Symptoms: Raised white weals on the skin, with redness surrounding.
Action: Cold compress and then calamine lotion applied to affected area. If symptoms persist, spread to a large area, or are affecting eye or mouth area, contact a doctor urgently.

Whooping Cough:
Cause: Bacterial disease. Incubation 7-10 days.
Symptoms: Head cold, high temperature and cough. The cough develops a distinctive pattern. There are regular coughing fits which finish with a whoop when air is taken into the lungs. In the case of babies, they may stop breathing instead of 'whooping'. Vomiting regularly follows a coughing fit, so the list of symptoms is often extended to exhaustion and malnutrition.
Action: Prevention with triple vaccine. Contact a doctor immediately. Early treatment with antibiotics can help reduce symptoms and infectiousness. Can lead to complications such as ear infection, convulsions, pneumonia, hernias and, in extreme cases, brain damage. Give the child food and drink soon after each coughing fit. The child needs constant care and attention.

Baby of the month - click here for details of how to enter