When a child develops a fever, many parents may assume that it is simply a seasonal illness that will improve within a day or two. Others may immediately become worried when the temperature rises. However, knowing how different infections present and recognising warning signs can help parents respond appropriately and seek medical attention when needed.
According to Dr Jagruti Sanghvi, Paediatric Neonatologist at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai, several infections can cause fever in children during and after the monsoon. These include mosquito borne diseases such as dengue, water borne illnesses such as hepatitis A and respiratory infections such as influenza.
These infections can initially look similar because fever is a common symptom. However, their progression and possible complications can be very different. Parents should therefore pay attention to symptoms that appear along with fever and watch for signs that suggest the child may need medical care.
DENGUE CAN BECOME SERIOUS AS FEVER COMES DOWN
Dengue often begins with a sudden high fever. Children may also experience headache, muscle pain, cough and a skin rash. Pain behind the eyes and severe joint or bone pain can also occur. Some children may develop mild bleeding, including small red spots on the skin, easy bruising, nosebleeds, bleeding gums or blood in the urine.
One important point parents should know is that the most critical phase of dengue can begin when the fever starts to decrease. Around three to seven days after symptoms begin, a child may appear to be recovering, but warning signs of severe dengue can develop during this period.
Persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, bleeding from the gums or nose, blood in the urine or stool, pale and cold skin, rapid breathing, fatigue or restlessness should not be ignored. Severe dengue can lead to serious complications such as severe bleeding, shock and organ failure. Early diagnosis and close monitoring are important.
HEPATITIS A MAY START LIKE A STOMACH ILLNESS
Hepatitis A can initially appear less alarming because its early symptoms may resemble a common stomach infection. Children can develop fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea and abdominal discomfort.
After a few days, more specific symptoms may appear. These include dark coloured urine and jaundice, which causes the skin and eyes to turn yellow. Most children recover completely, but the infection can rarely cause serious liver complications.
There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A. Supportive care, adequate rest, hydration and proper nutrition are generally important during recovery. Parents who suspect that their child may have hepatitis A should consult a doctor for testing.
FLU CAN AFFECT THE LUNGS
Influenza usually begins suddenly and can cause fever, chills, headache, body aches, sore throat, cough and extreme tiredness. Children with flu may feel much more unwell than they would with a common cold and may prefer to remain in bed.
Younger children can also experience vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. While most children recover, influenza can sometimes lead to complications such as pneumonia, breathing difficulties, dehydration and febrile seizures, particularly in younger children.
Parents should seek medical attention if a child has persistent fever, difficulty breathing, unusual drowsiness or symptoms that continue to worsen instead of improving.
– Ends
Source link
[ad_3]
