Types of Infections in Children

Types of Infections in Children
Generally, there are two types of infections that occur in
the human body: viral infections such as the common cold,
which are fairly simple and the more severe and complicated
bacterial infections such as pneumonia. Because the immune
system in babies is not as well developed as in adults, it
is fairly common for babies to get some type of infection
about every one to two months, tapering off as the immune
system matures until it reaches a level about the same as
for adults by the time the child is school age.

Ear infections

Most children have at least one experience with otitis
media (middle ear infection) by the time they are one year
of age. Symptoms include pulling on the ear, pain in the
ear, fever, drainage from the ear and poor sleep. Because
of the small size of the Eustachian tube in children, any
type of upper respiratory infection can block the normal
function of the tube due to swelling and added nasal
discharge. The bacteria remain in the fluid behind the
eardrum and cause pain, swelling of the eardrum itself and
reduced hearing. Ear infections are typically treated with
antibiotics. Children with repeated infections may have
surgery to implant a small tube in the eardrum to allow for
drainage.

Urinary Tract Infections

A urinary infection or UTI is caused by the presence of
bacteria or germs in the urethra, bladder or kidneys. It
can be caused by tight fitting clothing, improper wiping
habits for girls, holding urine for long periods, or bubble
baths. Some children have a physical condition that
prevents the bladder from emptying completely causing
frequent infection. Common symptoms of a urinary tract
infection include frequent urination sometimes with only
small amounts of urine produced, fever, pain in the back,
stomach, lethargy, vomiting and even blood in the urine. A
UTI should be treated promptly as scarring in the urinary
tract can have drastic consequences throughout the entire
lifetime. The usual treatment is by antibiotics given
orally or in severe cases intravenously.

Viral Infections

The most common type of viral infections seen in children
is the common cold. The cold virus is actually more than
one hundred different viruses which produce symptoms that
are collectively known as a cold. Depending upon the type
of cold virus involved, most colds manifest with symptoms
of a cough, fever, sore throat, runny nose or congestion in
the sinuses and upper respiratory tract. The contagious
period of most colds is five to seven days. Immunization is
not a successful treatment for colds since the virus
mutates rapidly. The most effective treatment is frequent
hand washing. Antibacterial soaps to not kill the virus,
but the action of washing removes the virus from the skin.

Fungal Infections

Fungal infections appear as a rash that is red, circular
and scaly. They usually are found on the feet or scalp, but
may also appear on other parts of the body. Ringworm is a
well known type of fungal infection. Athlete's foot and
jock itch are fungal infections as well. Usually dogs or
cats are blamed for spreading the infection, but children
often get it from other children at school. Fungal
infections are highly contagious. Fungal infections are
typically treated by an anti fungal cream applied directly
to the lesion. Covering the area after treatment for the
first 48 hours prevents further spread of the infection to
others.

Croup

Croup is a common respiratory viral infection that
manifests as a barking cough and breathing difficulty.
There may be hoarseness, fever and a runny nose. There is
usually swelling around the vocal chords. Symptoms develop
very quickly. It is the sound of the cough and the noise
when inhaling that is distinctive among the children who
develop the disease. There is no cure, but using treatments
to relieve the symptoms such as warm humidified air for
mild or moderate croup. More severe symptoms may mean
administering a steroid to reduce swelling

Chicken Pox

Because more children are being vaccinated against chicken
pox virus, the prevalence of the disease has been
dramatically reduced in the United States. The infection is
characterized by an itchy rash with blisters. Prevention of
the infection is by avoiding contact or by use of the
vaccine varivax. Treatments include actions designed to
reduce itching and fever and plenty of fluids.

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