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Diphtheria:
Before the introduction of a vaccine that prevents Diphtheria, the disease was a deadly presence in the life of children and families. The disease was widespread. Many millions died over many thousands of years because of this deadly infection.
Because Diphtheria bacteria live in the mouth, nose, throat or skin of infected persons, it is easily transferable. The first signs of the disease are a sore throat and a mild fever. A doctor can diagnose the disease by doing a culture and by seeing the membrane that forms over the throat and tonsils. Also, the infection can cause the lymph glands on both sides of the neck to swell.
Because many parents have been reluctant to vaccinate their children, Diphtheria, which was very rare in modern times, is now becoming more of a potential problem. At one time, it was the greatest killer of children. Only 41 cases of Diphtheria were reported in the U.S. between 1980 and 1995. Because the disease is so deadly, it is imperative that if a child shows signs of the disease, a physician should be consulted immediately. The child can be treated with a Diphtheria antitoxin and if caught early enough, be cured.
Diabetes
Some women spill some sugar in their urine from time to time during pregnancy. Your baby needs glucose so the hormones of pregnancy suppress insulin release. This allows her blood sugar to be at higher levels during her pregnancy. You will have a gestational diabetes test at around 24 weeks of pregnancy. This is done in the doctor’s office by drinking a glass of sweet juice and then having a blood test an hour later. The results should be available within a few hours. The reason that this test is performed is to make sure that your baby does not grow too large too quickly. Babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes were found to be excessively large. What you can do to avoid having gestational diabetes is:
- Eat frequent meals
- Make sure not to over eat at meal time
- Do not skip meals
- Try to avoid eating too much sugar
Your gestational diabetes should all but disappear after the birth of your baby. You will be tested to make sure that your levels are normal at your six week visit.
Diarrhoea
A baby with diarrhoea has extremely loose stools. This is normally due to diet, not infection. Too much sugar can cause diarrhoea, just as extra sugar corrects constipation. Your baby can get diarrhoea if she:
- Has excessive cereal intake
- Drinks too much fruit juice
- Drinks any liquid with added sugar
- Is eating too much fat
Most breastfed babies do not suffer from diarrhoea. If your baby is formula fed, she may not be digesting the particular fats in her formula. Take the baby and a soiled nappy to the doctor. Don’t switch formulas before you consult your pediatrician.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (blood clots)
Deep vein thrombosis occurs when you are on bed rest, for whatever reason. It can even happen when you are inactive for a short period of time. What happens is that a blood clot will form in the calf and thigh veins that are deep in the legs. These clots can break free and move along the bloodstream to the more vital organs of the body like the lungs. This can have consequences such as pulmonary embolism. The symptoms of deep vein thrombosis are:
- swelling of the affected leg
- warming of the leg
- redness in the calf or tenderness
- constant pain that increases with squeezing or movement
Your doctor can detect whether or not you have deep vein thrombosis by using an ultrasound machine. If the ultrasound is unclear, there is also a test called a venogram that can be utilized.
Blood thinners are given to people who have clots for at least three months as a preventative tool. This may help existing clots stay the same size. There are also long term medications that your doctor may recommend for more serious clots. Your doctor may also suggest wearing tight fitting stockings to reduce any swelling that you may have.
Dehydration
Dehydration is when your body is seriously short of water and cannot maintain electrolytes. This may occur when your child contracts a viral infection that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. Your child may be dehydrated if she exhibits these symptoms:
- very dark urine
- eyes have a sunken appearance
- fever
- wrinkled skin that moulds when you pinch it
- lethargy
If you believe that your baby is dehydrated, seek medical attention immediately.
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