Should I worry about recurrent abdominal pain?

Most children who suffer from recurrent pains in the abdominal region show no other sign or symptoms of illness and they continue to grow and develop at a normal rate. The good news is that in the majority of children with recurrent abdominal pain there is usually no serious underlying cause behind the pain, and there are many reasons why the child has pain. However, possible warning signs that there could be a more sinister underlying problem can include

* Diarrhoea or blood in the stools

* Black or white coloured stools

* Unexplained weight loss

* Fever

* A decrease in appetite

* Fatigue

* A loss of pallor

* Urinary symptoms

What tests will the Doctor perform?

A wide variety of tests may be performed on the child and these will vary on where the pain is located and if the child is showing any other signs or symptoms, x rays are a possibility and blood tests may also be advised to determine the cause of pain.

Generally speaking, if the child is well overall and the pain isn’t causing any problems other than mild discomfort and there are no warning signs to suggest an underlying cause, then the Doctor will perform only the minimum tests needed. Usually the cause of the pain can be something as simple as constipation which the Doctor can determine through palpitating the abdomen and can be treated easily.

What can be done to ease constipation?

This is the number one cause for recurrent abdominal pain in most children and something which is very often overlooked by the parent, constipation can cause severe pain and it can cause other symptoms to show such as a fever.

The intestines becoming overloaded cause problems in constipation as pressure is felt on them due to the retention of stools, this of course shows in your child as abdominal pain and discomfort. Once the Doctor has diagnosed constipation has being the cause of the abdominal pain then appropriate treatment can be prescribed.

What will happen if the cause of the pain cannot be found?

If after examination the Doctor cannot find a cause for the pain as sometimes happens, then it is classed as idiopathic or functional pain. This can happen for a number of reasons and several different factors can be the cause, factors the Doctor will take into consideration will be social stressors such as family problems or problems in school.

Depending on the age of the child, causes such as bullying in school or problems such as tension or divorce in the family are very often found to be the underlying cause of the pain.

If problems in school are thought to be the problem then these can be determined by such factors as when the pain happens, for instance does the child suffer more during the weekdays than at weekends. If social stresses are determined as the cause, then treatment will focus on helping the child deal with stress, guidance councillors, teachers and parents could then all play a part in the treatment.

The most common cause of eczema is atopic dermatitis which is sometimes given the name infantile eczema, although children and indeed adults can be affected by this condition. Atopic means oversensitivity to allergens of the environment and can be pollen, dust mite, mold, animal dander or certain foods.

It is thought that genes may play a role in eczema, as children who are prone to it are known to have parents who suffer from hay fever, asthma and other allergies. It is also thought that those children who have eczema will go on to develop hay fever or asthma themselves at some point in their life.

What are the signs and symptoms of eczema?

Signs and symptoms of eczema will vary from child to child and also on the age of the child, common signs that show your child has eczema are itchy, dry, red skin which can occur on the cheeks, forehead and scalp.

This rash can spread to the arms, legs, hands and trunk and red, crusted or open lesions can form on any area that is affected by eczema and may ooze fluid. In a child over the age of 5, the rash will usually be less oozy than when the eczema first began and will tend to show up at some times more than others, and then recede for a while.

As the skin is extremely itchy, children will find it very hard to resist scratching the infected areas, however scratching only makes the condition worse and should be avoided where possible. In most cases the eczema clears up on its own accord for many months and then may reappear again, overall the condition clears up around the age of 5 or 6 but sometimes may persist in spurts throughout adolescence and sometimes even into early adulthood.

Can eczema be prevented?

Although there is no prevention of eczema, as scientists believe that it is inherited, it is thought that there are specific triggers which can aggravate the condition, possible triggers are

* Pollen

* Mold

* Dust

* Animal dander

* Very dry winter air with very little moisture

* Very dry skin

* Certain soaps and deodorants

* Fabrics such as wool or very coarse materials

* Certain skin care products

* Smoke from tobacco

* Certain foods

* Stress

* Very hot weather

* Sweating

How is the condition diagnosed?

There is no test specifically used to diagnose eczema, with the child’s medical history and family background being one of the most useful methods of diagnosis. Your Doctor will need your help to identify any factors which could trigger the attacks, for example if you have started to use a different soap or washing powder on your child’s clothes.

Once these has been established the Doctor will examine your child’s rash and surrounding area in order to rule out any other conditions which can cause a similar rash. Once your Doctor has made a diagnosis then they may suggest your child sees a dermatologist, this of course will depend on the severity of the condition.

A steroid cream is usually the correct treatment for eczema along with antihistamines to control the itching and in the case of a secondary infection antibiotics may also be given.

Although asthma can occur at any age it is usually seen by the time the child is around 5 years old, and in early childhood it is thought that boys more than girls are affected by the condition.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a condition which affects the child’s breathing, causing them to have shortening of breath with a high-pitched wheeze. In the most severe of cases, hospital treatment may be necessary but overall it can usually be controlled with the use of inhalers.

Breathing problems occur in asthma due to constriction of the bronchioles, which are small tubes leading from the trachea and asthma is thought to be triggered and worsened by certain conditions.

What commonly triggers asthma?

* Allergens such as cows milk, wheat, soybean products and peanuts

* House dust mite, mold and animal hair

* Viral infections can trigger asthma with RSV and influenza being the most common

* Tobacco smoke

* Other possible irritants are paint fumes, smog, aerosols and some perfumes

What are the main symptoms of asthma?

The most common signs and symptoms of asthma are

* Wheezing – this is a high-pitched whistling sound that is commonly associated with asthmatics although not all people who have asthma will have a wheeze.

* A chronic cough – this is usually much worse at night, after exercise and with exposure to cold air.

* Shortness of breath – this sign is normally made worse during exercise

* Tightness in the chest – this is an uncomfortable feeling of not getting enough breath

What is the treatment for asthma?

It is essential that all triggers relating to your child’s asthma should be removed from the environment and allergens such as the house dust mite should be kept to a minimum and avoid the use of any sprays or deodorants around your child.

Your Doctor will suggest which form of treatment is best for your child’s asthma; asthma medication either can be inhaled or is available in pill form, with inhalers being the more popular form for children.

Long-term control for asthma is usually in the form of inhalers containing a substance called Salbutamol and depending on the severity of the asthma, another substance called Prednisolone may also be prescribed for taking during a more serious attack of asthma.

Prednisolone however is a steroid and as such, it will only be used for short periods of time at the onset of a particularly bad attack of asthma. Steroid medication can cause hoarseness, a cough and oral thrush. Children who are given steroids will be advised to rinse their mouth and brush their teeth after using steroids through inhalers.

How do I know if my child has head lice?

Head lice are barely visible to the naked eye but they are greyish in colour and move very quickly on six legs, the most common areas to be affected are behind the ears and around the back of the head. One single female can lay up to as many as 150 eggs, the eggs are silvery white in colour and are oval in shape, they are often noticeable and resemble fine silver grains of sand stuck on the strands of hair.

While the eggs are smaller than the adults, they are often easier to identify because they are numerous and they don’t move around. After a period of 7 to 9 days, the eggs will hatch and then they can lay eggs of their own and the cycle continues if not dealt with appropriately.

Are there any symptoms with head lice?

Head lice are usually identified by itching and irritation on the scalp, the itching is usually very persistent and will generally be much worse at night. Although the lice are usually very small, head lice can normally be identified through the eggs, the eggs can often be miss-diagnosed as dandruff but a simple test will determine if the flecks can easily be removed. Eggs are very difficult to remove between the fingernails and cannot easily be washed or pulled out.

How is head lice treated?

There are a variety of shampoos, cream rinses and aerosols available from the chemist for the treatment of head lice, these are usually called pediculicidal treatments and when properly administered they will kill the head lice. Most treatments of this kind will require a second application after a specified period of time.

After treatment with the shampoos, it is essential that the hair be combed thoroughly with a fine toothcomb in order to ensure removal of all the lice and their eggs. This part of the treatment requires a great deal of patience and the hair has to be gone over a small lock at a time but is an essential part of the treatment and great care should be taken performing it.

Head lice can live for up to 48 hours when away from the host and the eggs can live for up to 2 weeks so all items that have been in contact with the child will have to be disinfected to prevent re-infestation. Bedding, towels and hats can be washed on a hot cycle and then dried on the hottest cycle of a drier for at least 20 minutes while items such as combs and brushes can be boiled in hot water.

When the tonsils become infected, they become enlarged and red and can be coated with a yellowish, greyish or white substance. Typical symptoms are a sore throat, trouble in swallowing and the lymph glands in the neck becoming large, swollen and very painful.

What is the treatment for tonsillitis?

Treatment for tonsillitis will depend on whether the tonsillitis is brought on by a virus or a bacteria known as A Streptococci, in most cases the Doctor can tell simply be looking at the tonsils, however to confirm strep bacteria a culture will be taken.

If the illness is caused by a virus then nature will take its own course and the infection will clear up in its own time, if it is caused by A strep bacteria then the Doctor will usually prescribe a course of antibiotics.

If antibiotics are given, they are usually given for a period of around 5 to 7 days and it is important that your child take the full course even when they are feeling much better. Some children suffer from frequent bouts of tonsillitis and if this is the case, your Doctor may suggest that your child’s tonsils are removed. Frequent bouts are said to occur if your child has more than 7 bouts of tonsillitis within a 12-month period.

Looking after your child if they have tonsillitis

Most children suffering from tonsillitis will find it very difficult to eat because their throat will be very sore and the glands in the neck may be swollen, it is extremely important however that they do get enough nourishment and rest.

If they find it hard to eat then try giving them foods which are of a soft consistency such as soups and broths, milkshakes, smoothies with soft fruit and ice cream. Tonsillitis is contagious so you should take care when washing plates and any utensils your child has used and also wash drinking glasses separately.

Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids and give them a children’s based pain relieving medication such as Calpol to help with pain and also to regulate the temperature.

What can I do to prevent tonsillitis?

As tonsillitis is very contagious, it can be hard to prevent particularly if your child is school age, because they pick up infections quite easily when mixing with others, fortunately, tonsillitis is easily treatable and there aren’t any side effects or dangers associated with the illness other than making your child feel off it for a few days.

Teaching your child good habits such as hand washing and not drinking from cups which others have used, without first having them washed are good habits to get into and can help reduce the risk of spreading the illness.

What are the causes of bacterial meningitis?

The three main causes of bacterial meningitis in children under the age of 4 months are Streptococcus pneumonia which is the most common, Hemophilus influenzae and neisseria meningitides or meningococcus.

What signs or symptoms should I be aware of?

Children who have meningitis are usually very ill, but the specific signs and symptoms of meningitis can differ considerably from child to child depending on the child’s age, in babies younger than 3 months the symptoms can be very hard to diagnose. However symptoms the baby might show are:

* Intense drowsiness

* Irritability

* Fever

* Bright red rash

Older children are generally easier to diagnose and the symptoms above may be present along with:

* Stiffness of the neck

* Vomiting

* Intense headache

It is important to note that not all of the signs and symptoms listed above may be present at the same time; the rash is usually one of the last signs to appear on a child and is a very distinct sign of meningitis. It shows as bright red spots which when a glass is rolled over them does not disappear, children are usually very ill with meningitis and if you notice any of the signs or symptoms in your child regardless of whether your child has a rash or not then you should contact your Doctor immediately.

How do Doctors diagnose meningitis?

The only way to be absolutely sure that your child has meningitis is to take what is called a lumbar puncture or a spinal tap test, the procedure involves freezing an area of the lower back then inserting a hollow needle between the spinal bones in order to get a sample of spinal fluid. The fluid is then sent for analysis which will determine if the child has meningitis, if the fluid determines they do then it will be tested to see which bacteria is the cause.

What are the complications of meningitis?

Bacterial meningitis is an extremely dangerous infection and one which can cause several problems, damage to the brain can occur with deafness, seizures, paralysis and loss of limbs due to the infection spreading through the blood, sadly in some cases even death.

What treatment is there for meningitis?

Bacterial meningitis is usually treated with intravenous antibiotics, if they are started immediately then fortunately, they can decrease the risk of complications due to the illness, this is why it is extremely important that if you suspect your child may have meningitis you seek immediate help.

When the child has reached roughly their 10th or 12th year, the adenoids are fully-grown and from then on, the adenoid tissue will start to shrink of their own accord. It is during this stage that the adenoids usually start to cause problems.

What problems can adenoids cause?

Breathing through the mouth, an increase in snoring and nasal congestion are the most common problems associated with problems of the adenoids and is usually due to the adenoids becoming enlarged. In the most severe of cases, the adenoid can totally block the nasal passage and this can then cause severe sleep problems.

In the very worse case scenario, this can cause sleep apnea and cause failure to grow, thankfully in the majority of cases the main symptoms and signs of problems with the adenoids are nothing more than a chronically stuffy nose all the time which causes the child to breathe through their mouth.

How are adenoid problems diagnosed?

Symptoms are the best clue in diagnosis problems with the adenoids apart from this the best and easiest way to make a diagnosis are an x-ray, this will be done by taking the x-ray in the region of the neck as the adenoids are completely hidden from view. Two very important details can be gained from this, one whether or not the adenoids are enlarged and two, the degree of which they are blocking the nasal passages.

What is the treatment for enlarger adenoids?

The only course of treatment for enlarged adenoids is by surgically removing them, the Doctor will take into account several factors before suggesting this course such as the effect they are having on your child, such as the amount of disruption they are causing in your child life. If the disruption to your child’s health and life are minimal then our Doctor may suggest that you wait to see if they shrink on their own accord.

Is there any link between enlarged adenoids and ear infections?

The links if any between enlarged adenoids and recurrent ear infections is one that Doctors have argued over for a long time; Doctors know that chronic nasal blockage can contribute to ear infections.

However there are no studies to suggest that removing the adenoids in all children who suffer from recurrent ear infections is the right thing to do and will prevent ear infections. Speaking in practical terms most Doctors do agree that removal of the adenoids in children who are prone to constant ear infections may help to reduce the number of ear infections.

Gastroenteritis is an illness which is more commonly called stomach flu and which shows symptoms as diarrhoea and/or vomiting, there can also be a fever associated with the illness and it can cause stomach pains which vary in intensity. It is an infectious illness and it will usually last in duration from anywhere between 2 to 4 days.

What is the cause of gastroenteritis?

Younger children who contract gastroenteritis are usually affected with a virus known as rotavirus, although there are numerous viruses which can cause the same symptoms of gastroenteritis. Less commonly, children can get gastroenteritis from food poisoning and this usually occurs if the child has eaten anything which has spoiled.

What problems can occur as a result of gastroenteritis?

The number one concern when anyone is suffering from this illness is that they can quickly become dehydrated as a result of expelling more fluid than they are taking in. Therefore, it is extremely important that even though the child may not keep fluid inside that they do receive enough fluid.

Is there any treatment for gastroenteritis?

Depending on the severity of the illness, most cases will clear up by themselves providing the child is kept off solid food and enough fluids are given to stop the child from becoming dehydrated. Liquids that the Doctor will normally suggest are what are known as oral rehydration fluids which contain the right amounts of salt and sugar which the body needs.

As a general rule, milk can continue to be taken as long as this doesn’t make the diarrhoea worse, and some Doctors now say that if the illness is only moderate and the child is hungry then let them eat.

What are the symptoms or signs of dehydration?

Signs that your child is or is becoming dehydrated and which should be acted on immediately are:

* A decrease in the need to urinate

* There are no tears when the child is crying

* A very dry or sticky mouth

* Weight loss

* Extreme thirst

If any of the signs or symptoms listed below applies to your child then you should consult your Doctor immediately.

* Signs of dehydration listed above are present

* If the child is younger than six months of age

* There is any blood present in your child’s stools

* The vomiting is frequent or its prevents them from keeping fluids down

* The diarrhoea lasts for more than a week

* There is a very high fever present or your child has severe abdominal pains

What is nocturnal enuresis?

Your child might be diagnosed with nocturnal enuresis if they wet the bed two or three times a week on a regular basis. A child who was previously dry at night for more than 6 months and then begins bed-wetting is said to have secondary nocturnal enuresis, while a child who has never been dry at night is said to have primary enuresis.

Diurnal enuresis occurs if the child has involuntary daytime problems with urination at an age when they should be able to control it, however this is a separate illness and is treated differently.

It is important for parents to note that children who suffer from nocturnal enuresis aren’t lazy and it isn’t something which they can just stop, and as such they shouldn’t be punished for this, in fact by punishing your child you will probably only make the condition worse.

What is the cause of nocturnal enuresis?

While the exact cause of the disease isn’t quite known it is thought that there are a number of different factors that play a part in the problem, genetic inheritance is thought to play a part in that parents who suffered from the illness can passit onto their children. Stress is also thought to play a role and it has also been linked to constipation.

What is the treatment for nocturnal enuresis?

The illness is treated with strategies rather than there being a single cure, in fact in most cases given time the problem corrects itself sooner or later. Treatment strategies such as rewarding your child for a dry night have been very successful and behaviour modification strategies are also known to work, a strategy such as this relies on the child being able to anticipate the need to urinate before actually doing so.

In cases where constipation is thought to be the cause of the problem the bed wetting usually disappears when correct treatment has been given to remedy constipation. Other practical methods of course help, by reducing the amount of fluid your child has before going to bed and ensuring that they urinate before going to bed are all good ideas.

Whichever form of treatment prescribed by the Doctor or health care worker your child will be monitored at regular intervals and only in the very extreme cases will medication therapy be offered.

What are the symptoms of conjunctivitis?

The symptoms which are most usually present in conjunctivitis are red or pinkish colour to the white of the eye, itchiness or irritation which is often described as a gritty feeling, very watery eyes and a thick sticky yellowish discharge from the corner of the eye.

Is conjunctivitis contagious?

As bacteria and viruses are the main cause of conjunctivitis in children the disease is very infectious, the germs and viruses can pass from person to person through contact such as the discharge from the eye.

As children with the disease will very often rub their eyes, it is extremely important that they wash their hands frequently to avoid spreading the disease. It is also important that face cloths and towels aren’t shared and that adults who take care of the child’s eye wash their hands frequently.

What is the treatment for conjunctivitis?

Bacterial conjunctivitis will be treated with the use of antibiotics, which are given by eye drops or ointment, depending on the type of bacteria oral antibiotic may also be needed. Soaking the eyes with clean cotton wool balls soaked in warm water may also help to soothe the eyes and reduce the itchiness. This form of conjunctivitis is very contagious and your child will need to stay home from school.

Viral conjunctivitis doesn’t usually respond to antibiotics and will clear up usually of its accord within a few days, warm compresses to the eyes can also help and viral conjunctivitis is also very contagious so your child will have to stay home from school.

Allergic conjunctivitis isn’t contagious and is normally treated with antihistamines with inflammation and soreness being greatly helped by bathing the eyes with warm water.

You should consult your Doctor if your child has any of the following symptoms

* Eyes that are unusually red, itchy or watering

* If the eyes are very puffy or swollen

* There is a thick yellowish discharge coming from them

* Your child has problems with vision

* The are under the eyelids are swollen or puffy.