|
|
 |
|
|
|
| |
E
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes seizures. This happens because of interference in the signals from and to the brain. Most people find out that they have epilepsy as a child. Some symptoms of a seizure can be:
- Temporary confusion
- Complete loss of consciousness
- A staring spell
- Uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs
Epilepsy can be caused by an accident or trauma, but in most cases, there is no real reason for the disease. If you believe that your child has had a seizure, get medical attention immediately.
Ear infections
One of the most common childhood illnesses is the infection of the ear. The adult ear is slightly tilted downward to promote healthy ear drainage. Children do not have this tilt and therefore, they contract more ear infections. Symptoms of an ear infection may include:
- Pain in one or both ears
- Fever
- Common cold symptoms
- Sore throat
Treatment of ear infections in children varies. Antibiotics are a common prescription but are very often not necessary. There are great olive oil and garlic oil ear drops on the market that may work for your child. For children who get frequent, painful ear infections, there is a surgery in which tubes are put into the child’s ear canal to help them drain more efficiently. If you suspect that your child does have an ear infection, it is important to seek medical attention. Ear infections in children may lead to excessive scar tissue on the ear drum which may lead to hearing loss later on in life.
For support, contact:
www.homehealth-uk.com
Eczema
Infantile eczema tends to run in families. There will probably be a close relation susceptible either to eczema or to some other allergic complaint such as hay fever or asthma. Like all allergic conditions it will be made temporarily worse by anything that may upset your child. Most children outgrow eczema by the age of three. Symptoms of eczema are:
- Bright red scaly itching patches on the cheeks
- Scurf on the scalp
- Rash behind the ears
- Constant itching by the child
While there is no cure for eczema, there are many anti-itch lotions on the market and there are many topical prescriptions that you can get from your family doctor. Also, you should try avoiding soap and shampoo that contain fragrances. Try to stay away from clothes that contain synthetic fibers.
For support, contact:
The National Eczema Society, Hill House, Highgate Hill, London N19 5NA
Tel 020 7281 3553
Helpline 0870 241 3604
Website: www.eczema.org
Allergy UK, No 3 White Oak Square, London Road, Swanley, Kent BR8 7AG
Tel: 01322 619898
Helpline: 01322 619864 Open Mon-Fri, 9am - 5pm
Website: www.allergyfoundation.com
The Dr Edward Bach Centre, Mount Vernon Bakers Lane, Sotwell Wallingford, Oxfordshire O10 0PZ
Tel: 01491 834678
Go to www.bachcentre.com for advice.
Eye infections
Conjunctivitis or “pink eye” is an extremely contagious disease of the eye. It is transmitted by contact with another child who has the disease, usually at school or in a day care situation. Your child has pink eye when she exhibits these symptoms:
- Teary or weepy eyes
- Red eyes
- Discharge from one or both eyes
- Yellowish crusts in the eyelashes
If you suspect that your child has pink eye, treatment is available. Your pediatrician will prescribe eye ointment or drops that will clear up the infection. Make sure that your child does not share towels or washcloths with other people. Pink eye is very contagious.
Eating Disorders:
In our time, eating disorders garner a great deal of attention. Young women who have suffered from this problem may find it difficult to get pregnant. If excessive exercise, poor diet and weight loss have been a problem in the past, the endocrine system is impacted, thereby impacting a woman’s fertility and perhaps if pregnancy does occur, the fetus. In addition, women with eating disorders miscarry at a higher rate than the norm. In addition, if the pregnancy is carried to term, it might impact the Mum’s already shaky health. A pregnant woman’s body may be affected by low calcium. Her bones may be fragile and she may suffer fractures. If during pregnancy the Mum can’t control her eating disorder, the baby may be born smaller in stature and more prone to learning disabilities. Therefore, it might be advisable to not get pregnant until you have the disorder under control.
Ectopic Pregnancy:
When a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, an Ectopic Pregnancy (tubal pregnancy) is the result. More than 95% of the time, the egg settles in the Mum’s fallopian tubes. The egg can also implant in the ovary, abdomen or the cervix. Because there is no room in these areas for a fetus to grow, if the pregnancy is not terminated, the fetus will grow too large for the space and the organ that contains it will burst. Not only does this end the cycle for the fetus, but it poses a grave risk the Mum as well.
In the beginning an Ectopic pregnancy mirrors the symptoms of a normal pregnancy. A woman may experience the whole range of symptoms including morning sickness, bloat, breast tenderness, etc. Severe pain in the pelvis area, abdomen and, sometimes, the shoulder or neck, is usually the first sign that the pregnancy is not normal. Also vaginal spotting or bleeding, dizziness or fainting, low blood pressure and/or lower back pain are also indicators that all is not well.
Once an Ectopic pregnancy is diagnosed through a pelvic exam or ultrasound, it is always necessary to terminate the pregnancy. The procedures to accomplish this are far less dangerous than in the past. If it’s early enough an injection of methotrexate dissolves the fertilized egg and the Mum’s body reabsorbs it. If the pregnancy is further along, some general anesthesia may and a large incision across the pelvic area may be necessary. However, most time the pregnancy can be removed using laparoscopy.
30% of women who have had Ectopic pregnancies will unfortunately find the experience repeated. The problem occurs mostly in women between the ages of 33 and 45.
Eczema Herpitcum:
Almost 20% of children and infants suffer from Eczema before the age of 5. The skin rash is an allergic condition. While it is irritating and can be disfiguring it is not life threatening. However, Eczema herpeticum is a super infection and is a dermatologic emergency. When a Herpes Simplex virus comes into contact with eczema in a child, the result is Eczema Herpitcum. The symptoms include fever, tiredness and a vicious, crusted rash. It can be treated with oral antiviral agents such as acyclovir and the physician may start the treatment even before swab results are ready.
|
|
|
|
|
