Postpartum Physiology CH. 9

Health Problems in Infants and Children

As a doula, what is the best course of action when parents are trying to determine whether or not their child is ill?

Supplying information or providing guidance so the parents can research the condition themselves. NOT attempting to diagnose it or provide advice on treatment

Do most medical conditions require a stopping of breastfeeding?

No, the antibodies in breastmilk are helpful even if the parent is sick. Separation of parent and infant is rarely necessary

What is an allergy? What is the diagnosis and treatment?

a heightened reaction to something that is normally harmless

diagnose - scratch testing, injection testing, blood testing
treat - medications, eliminating the substance from the diet or environment, possibly reintroducing it under supervision

What is asthma? What to know about diagnosis and treatment?

chronic disease caused by inflammation and constriction of the airways when exposed to something that triggers their symptoms
diagnosis and treatment vary depending on the age of the child and may involve medication, or various types of testing

What is bronchitis and what are the symptoms?

an inflammation of the trachea (windpipe) and the large airways of the lungs, usually caused by an infection

Dry cough, low fever, fatigue

What causes burns and how are they categorized?

They can be caused by flames, sunburn, steam, hot liquid or objects, chemicals, explosions, or electricity
Superficial, Partial-thickness, and full-thickness

What is Chickenpox? What are the symptoms?

A contagious viral disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus, a form of herpes

headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, and fever, then flat red dots on the whole body

What is the common cold?

viral infection of the upper respiratory tract

What is Conjunctivitis, and its other name? What is the treatment and prevention? What happens if it affects a newborn?

Pink eye, an inflammation of the white of the eye and can be caused by an infection, injury, or allergic reaction

warm water compresses, antibiotics, steroids

It is very infectious and strict handwashing should be enforced

If a newborn is affected they should see a doctor as it can be an indicator of a more serious infection

What is constipation? How to treat?

when the feces becomes harder or dryer than usual and the stool is uncomfortable or painful to pass

Increasing fluids and fiber, laxatives or stool softener may be recommended by a doctor

What is diaper rash? Treatments?

a rash that is very common in infants that wear diapers

Diaper cream, mild steroid cream, and breastmilk can help

What is diarrhea? Treatment?

frequent, watery stools that pass quickly through the intestines as the body is trying to rid itself of a toxic substance

an adequate intake of fluids, electrolytes

What is an ear infection? Treatment?

when the tube inside the ear does not drain properly causing a build up and sometimes infection

Babies from 0-2 years old should be treated with antibiotics immediately

What is eczema? Treatment?

a skin problem, atopic dermatitis, that may have a genetic component

Creams and ointments are used to ease symptoms, as well as breastmilk

What is a fever? Treatment?

a significantly raised body temperature as part of the body’s immune system response. It is a sign that illness is present but also that the body is engaged in fighting illness

Potentially see a doctor if the temperature is raised above 100.4, and should not be given medication beforehand

What is Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER)

occurs when the contents of the baby’s stomach milk is mixed with acidic digestive juices, causing them to throw up. It is very common in newborns, no treatment needed

What is impetigo? Treatment?

a bacterial skin infection, often appearing in the corners of the lips or around the base of the nostrils after a cold. It can cause serious illness in newborns, and is highly contagious

treatment is usually in the form of topical or oral antibiotics

What is Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease (HFMD)? Treatment?

moderately contagious virus that has similar symptoms. Then painful sores may develop in the mouth, and red spots may develop on the palms and soles of the feet

Most people get better within 7-10 days, without treatment

What is influenza? Treatments?

the flu, a contagious viral infection in the upper respiratory tract

most treatments. are aimed at alleviating symptoms, not attacking the virus itself

What is lice? Treatments?

tiny insects that are found on the scalp that appear like little grey lumps and cause itching

Chemical and natural treatments are available but the most effective one is to remove all the live lice

What are Measles? Treatment?

a highly contagious viral infection that includes regular cold symptoms as well as conjunctivitis, red spots inside the mouth, and rash on the face and neck that spreads throughout the body

not usually any specific treatment as it focuses on relieving pain

What is Meningitis? Symptoms? Treatments?

an infection of the meninges (the thin membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord), it may be viral or bacterial. Bacterial may require hospital admission, viral will resolve on its own

symptoms in an infant are poor muscle tone, weak suck, bulging or tight fontanel, weak or high pitched cry, irritability, vomiting, loss of appetite, possibly seizures

Antibiotics to treat bacterial meningitis

What is mumps? Symptoms? Treatment?

viral infection that usually develops in the salivary glands near the ear

Fever, joint pain and headache, swollen face near the glands

Incubation period for at least one week

Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms

What is pertussis? Symptoms? Treatments?

Whooping cough, a bacterial infection that affects the upper respiratory system, long lasting about 6 weeks

Symptoms begin as regular cold then progress to severe coughing spasms

Antibiotics are often prescribed, young infants may be hospitalized if the illness is severe

What is ringworm? Symptoms? Treatment?

a mild fungal infection, spread by contact with contaminated skin or other surfaces such as a shower floor

small round itchy spots on the skin, scalp, and nails and eventually spreads to form scaly patches

treat with topical antifungals

What is roseola? Symptoms? Treatment?

an airborne viral illness in the herpes family that occurs mostly in young children

high fever, mild pinkish red rash that appears on the chest, abdomen, and neck

Pain relievers to make child more comfortable

What is rotavirus? Symptoms? Treatment?

a viral illness that mostly affects young children

watery diarrhea, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain

primary treatment is oral rehydration

What is rubella? Symptoms? Treatment?

caused by viral infection, especially dangerous to pregnant women

swollen lymph glands at the back of the neck or behind ears, a rash in those areas as well

treatment is focused on relieving symptoms

What is thrush? Symptoms? Treatment?

fungal infection that can cause diaper rash or yeast infections

white patches inside the mouth, or on breasts shoulders, or have shiny red areolae

topical ointment

What is a urinary tract infection? Symptoms? Treatment?

a bacterial/bladder infection of the urinary system and can affect the kidneys, uterers, bladder, or urethra

feel the need to urinate frequently and urgently, pain during urination, bad smelling urine

Drink plenty of fluids as it helps to flush the infection out, treated also with antibiotics