Childhood Diseases - Alternative Treatment And Causes

Diseases can be devastating for anyone, but it seems particularly unfair when they attack children. Unfortunately, many diseases seem to take a special interest in the young, infecting them more frequently and vigorously than they do adults.nCommon childhood diseases nnChickenpox: Chickenpox is a highly contagious illness that is common in children. It causes an itching skin rash with blisters. The disease is caused by the varicella-zoster virus and usually runs its course without problems.nnTreatment: nnCalamine is a preparation belonging to a class of medicines called the anti-pruritics, which are used to relieve itching.nnWhooping cough: nnknown medically as pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection. Although it initially resembles an ordinary cold, whooping cough may eventually turn more serious, particularly in infants. In the more advanced stages, it's marked by a severe, hacking cough followed by a high-pitched intake of breath that sounds like "whoop."nnTreatment: nnFresh air is important. Because of the risk of vomiting, the child should be given small meals more often, instead of a few large ones.nnThree-day-fever: nnThree-day-fever is also known as Roseola infantum, exanthematous fever, and three-day-rash. Although most small children catch it, it is one of the lesser-known children's diseases that cause a rash, it is only seen in children from the age of six months to three years and is highly contagious.nnTreatment: nnCalpol suspensions, suspension sachets and fast melts all contain the active ingredient paracetamol, which is a simple painkilling medicine used to relieve mild to moderate pain and fever.nnHand, foot and mouth disease: It usually affects children under 10 years of age, but older children and adults are sometimes affected. Affected adults and older children tend to develop a milder form of the illness compared to younger children. Like many virus infections, the illness often starts with a feeling of being unwell for a day or so.nnTreatment: nnAs with most diseases causing a fever, it is important to make sure the child gets plenty to drink. If the ulcers in their mouth are severe it may help to mash up the child's food.nnScarlet fever: The disease most commonly affects children, but can occur in any age group. The characteristic symptoms are a rash and a 'strawberry tongue'. The disease is treated with antibiotics and it is usually resolved without complications. nnTreatment : Antibiotics vare usually given for this disease. It is important to keep the child at home and avoid contact with other children.nnAlternative Treatmentnn• Salt. Limit salt intake if your child is taking corticosteroids. Salt increases fluid retention.nn• Fiber. During and right after a flare, your child's doctor may recommend a low-fiber diet. Avoid "chunky" high-fiber foods, such as popcorn.nn• Dairy. Some children who are lactose intolerant may have increased diarrhea and abdominal cramps when they consume dairy products. In such cases, limit dairy products or use lactose-free dairy products.nn• Dietary supplements. Children with Crohn's disease sometimes develop vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Talk to your child's doctor about whether nutritional supplements are appropriate for your child.nn• Protein. Proteins are very important for growth. Some experts recommend that children with Crohn's increase their protein intake by 150 percent of the Recommended Daily Allowance for their age.nn• Fat. A low-fat diet is not generally recommended for children with Crohn's.