Infant Diseases

A Complete Guide to Infant Diseases

Many new parents live in fear and worry over the threat of infant diseases. Some are common with little side effects, but others carry a more ominous threat. Symptoms can be everything from subtle to obvious and doctors can’t help every situation.

Babies can be born with a disease (also called a congenital condition) or it can develop within the first few weeks or months of life. Common congenital diseases are cystic fibrosis, umbilical hernia and hyperostosis.

Cystic fibrosis affects an infant’s lungs, liver, pancreas and intestines. The main problem is when mucus that is normally watery becomes thick and sticky, causing build up, blockage and congestion. Besides respiratory difficulties, the mucus also blocks digestive enzymes from moving out of the pancreas and into the digestive system. As a result, nutrients are not absorbed properly and vitamin deficiencies develop. With new medicine and technology, children with cystic fibrosis can live into mid-life.

Umbilical hernias are generally more of a malformation than a disease and can resolve on their own or with surgery. Often doctors will look to operate on the baby once they reach 6 weeks old.

Hyperostosis is when the soft tissue around the infant’s bones is swollen. It is often accompanied by fever and irritability and comes and goes with varying severity.

There are many other infant diseases that can occur in the early weeks and months after birth. Watch for these symptoms in your infant.

High fever of over 99.5 degrees
Low temperature of under 95.9 degrees
Will not eat
Does not fill diapers in the usual manner or has a severe change in urination and bowel movement frequency
Convulsions of any kind
Extremely lethargic
Difficulty breathing – either the chest is collapsing or expanding more than regular

The main thing to remember is that you need to act fast, especially with infant diseases. Don’t ever feel like you are over-reacting, as your reaction speed may make the difference in your baby’s lifelong health. Try to keep a record of when and how your baby’s condition changed and bring that with you to the doctor’s office.

If your child continues to cry or is inconsolable for three hours or more, you should take them to a doctor. The fussiness may be a cause of an infant disease or condition.

Many infant diseases do not need medical attention right away. Things like cradle cap and diaper rash can be looked after in your home with over the counter or even herbal remedies. Don’t give your baby anything to ingest without the express consent of your doctor. Topical remedies can be used, but the effects of herbal teas, oils and supplements are often not proved on infants.

Another common infant condition is oral thrush. Caused by a yeast or Candida infection, thrush will show up as lesions or sores in your baby’s mouth. This can occur after your baby has taken antibiotics or can be passed on from a nursing mother with a yeast infection. Antifungal medication is often the prescribed treatment and extra hygiene is needed to clear up the presence of yeast.

Rotovirus (or Rotavirus) is also a common condition in infants and toddlers – most children suffer from this by the time they are three. Symptoms include diarrhea, body aches, low fever and nausea. Rotovirus is often caused when stool or fecal matter comes in contact with the infant’s hands or mouth. Don’t feel badly when your baby contracts it. Remember that it is common, easily treated and not generally dangerous.

Although there are many different infant diseases that can affect your baby, don’t despair or live your life in constant worry. Watch your child, note any changes in their behavior and take them for regular wellness visits. Take utmost care of your little treasure in every way that you can.