SOME MORE COMMON CHILDHOOD DISEASES

TONSILS



Tonsils may be enlarge normally. Parents believe that removal of tonsils is a magic cure for frequently occurring cough, cold etc. besides surgery, homeopathic treatment can be considered.



ASTHMA



It is a chronic recurrent disorder with negative psychological consequences on the parents and child. The treatment is to inhale bronchodilators (rather than oral) and steroids.





CONVULSIONS



Febrile Convulsion is benign and the child outgrows them 5 years of age. These fits have no ill effects on the longer term development of the child. Recurrent convulsions are termed Epilepsy. Fortunately, excellent anticonvulsants are available to control epilepsy. They are given lead as normal a life as possible.





HERNIA



The only treatment is surgery. There is no medical cure. Wearing belts in order to keep the hernia in check may help a little.



UNDESCENDED TESTES



Testes that have been seen or felt in the scrotum at any time are retractile and normal. On the other hand, truly undescended testis lies in the abdomen and should be brought into the scrotum by operation before the child is 3-4 years old, as the testis after that may atrophy and lose its function. Some children are bone with one testis only. A single testis can carry on the function of reproduction and the person won’t be sterile.





SQUINT



A condition in which the child appears cross eyed is not to be taken lightly, particularly if the child is older than 6 months as one eye can become functionally blind.





MYOPIA



The first complaint often comes during school going when the child may not be able to see the blackboard clearly. The child may not complain because of shyness. So all parents should check periodically whether the child’s vision is good.