1. Acute Respiratory Tract Infections
Infectious diseases are the most common infectious diseases in childhood and cause the most deaths. Acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) can be divided into upper and lower respiratory tract infections. Most of these are upper respiratory tract infections (URTI). The most common causative agents of URTIs are viruses and they usually resolve spontaneously. Since the larynx and the region below it are considered as lower respiratory tract, croup syndromes, acute bronchiolitis, acute bronchitis and pneumonia can be counted as acute lower respiratory tract infections.
2. Fever - Common Cold - Flu
Normal body temperature is between 36 and 37.5 degrees and may vary during the day. Fever of 38 degrees and above may be a sign of illness. However, if the child has had an active day, a short-term increase in body temperature can be seen. Colds in children should be taken much more seriously than in adults and a doctor should be consulted. Do not cover your child too much, drink plenty of fluids and apply a warm shower, thinking that it can lower your child's high fever a little.
Symptoms of Flu in Children
3. Middle ear inflammation
Middle ear infections (otitis media), especially in children, are very common diseases that almost every child has at least once or sometimes repeatedly. Restlessness, ear tugging, is frequently seen in babies. Sobbing and sneezing by blocking the nose during a cold can cause germs to enter the ear, which will start inflammation in the middle ear.
4. Sinusitis
One of the most common diseases in children is sinusitis. The most common microbes in sinusitis are Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae. In addition to nasal congestion and purulent discharge, severe pain starts in the facial bones and the pain increases when the head is tilted forwards. Other symptoms of sinusitis include tearing, swelling around the eyes, fever not exceeding 38°C, and increased pain when pressing the face. Examination reveals that the entire nasal mucosa is swollen and severely reddened.
Treatment is done with antibiotics and nasal decongestants. The duration of treatment should not be less than 10 days. Poorly treated sinusitis can cause complications. Inflammation can spread to the eye and brain membranes. However, these complications do not occur very often.
5. Bronchitis
Laryngitis is an inflammatory disease that can be seen at any age. Viruses and microbes can also inflame the larynx and vocal cords. The voice is hoarse, the fever does not rise much. There may be an intermediate transition in pharyngitis turning into bronchitis. Sometimes it can become severe and cause serious breathing difficulties in children. The viruses and microbes mentioned above are usually responsible.
Antibiotics and cortisone are used in the treatment depending on the difficulty in breathing. Sometimes breathing can be completely blocked and a hole can be made in the trachea. This procedure, called tracheotomy, is a life-saving procedure.