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Children are more vulnerable to illnesses due to their developing immune systems. From common childhood illnesses to rare and life-threatening conditions, early detection and timely medical care are crucial. This guide covers the most common pediatric diseases, their symptoms, and preventive measures.
Children frequently experience mild illnesses as they grow. While most are not life-threatening, they require proper care.
Examples include:
Some illnesses are responsible for a significant number of child deaths worldwide and in India. WHO identifies seven killer diseases in children as:
Many of these are preventable through vaccines, sanitation, and timely treatment.
Communicable diseases spread from person to person through air, water, food, or physical contact.
Common infectious diseases in children include:
Maintaining hygiene, ensuring clean drinking water, and following vaccination schedules help reduce the communicable disease burden in children.
Not all childhood illnesses are caused by infections. Non-infectious diseases may result from genetic, environmental, or autoimmune factors.
Examples:
In autoimmune diseases, the child’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells. Some rare but serious examples include:
These conditions often require long-term medical management.
Good vision is essential for a child’s learning and development. Common pediatric eye problems include:
Children’s skin is delicate and prone to infections and allergies. Common skin diseases include:
Early treatment prevents discomfort and complications.
While rare, these conditions often require specialised care:
Rare diseases in children can be genetic and may need advanced diagnostics and targeted therapies.
Also read, Stomach Worms in Children: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Fever is a common symptom in many pediatric diseases. It can indicate:
Parents should seek medical help if fever is high, persistent, or accompanied by severe symptoms like breathing difficulty, seizures, or rash.
From common colds to rare genetic disorders, children can face a wide range of illnesses. Preventive care, timely diagnosis, and access to quality pediatric healthcare, like that at Vydehi Hospital, can protect children’s health and well-being.
