The most common diseases in children

The most frequent health problems in Children and adolescents under 15 years of age are respiratory infections. These include colds, pharyngotonsillitis, bronchitis , acute bronchiolitis and otitis , says Carlos Valdivia, spokesman of the Spanish Association of Primary Care Pediatrics (Aepap).

The specialist warns that “healthy children can have between 6 and 8 upper respiratory infections a year, especially when they go to the nursery or their siblings do.” In addition,   diseases of teeth and gums, dermatitis, asthma , conjunctivitis , allergic rhinitis and digestive problems, such as acute gastroenteritis and constipation, are also quite common, he adds.

To prevent them , the most effective methods are: breastfeeding mother , frequent hand washing, vaccination which protects not only the child but also his family, ventilate the house at least once a day, eating a diet balanced and meet the necessary sleep hours. In the same way, Valdivia states that “it is important to teach the child to cover their mouths when coughing and to use disposable tissues.” Most respiratory infections are transmitted through direct contact through droplets of saliva that are released when coughing, talking or sneeze. ”

Be careful – especially in the case of large families – as it is very likely that if a child falls ill, his brothers and even his parents will follow him later. Avoiding infection is difficult, since “many of the infectious diseases are transmitted in the incubation period, before giving the first symptoms,” says the expert; who advocates the washing of hands – before and after handling food and using the toilet -, toys and all kinds of objects of common use.

In addition, good nutrition is the first defense barrier to prevent children from falling ill. A varied and balanced diet should be followed that integrates good eating habits, and a balanced contribution of carbohydrates, fats and proteins; for “not only the weight determines that the child is well nourished. There may be minors who are in their proper weight and yet do not make a good diet, “warns Valdivia. The expert recommended those products sold as strengtheners defenses: based products vitamins ( A , D , C ) and minerale s ( zinc ), derived from plants, derived from the bacteria or from fungi and homeopathic products, since he doubts its effectiveness and considers it “necessary to carry out more studies and that these be more rigorous”.

The importance of vaccination

The spokesman of the Aepap emphasizes the need for vaccination. “Until today, the only products that have proven to be useful for increasing immune system function are vaccines.” He warns that ” not getting vaccinated poses a risk for the child himself to develop diseases (many of them serious) , as well as a risk of transmitting the disease and hindering the creation of group immunity,” recalling that “vaccines are always supported for meticulous scientific studies. The requirements for its manufacture are strict and are subject to continuous review. “

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