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Common Infant Health Issues You Must Be Aware Of

As parents, there is no joy bigger in life than the birth of a baby and the raising of an infant. However, that’s not to say that it is not without its own set of challenges. One of the most critical factors in the nurturing and growth of an infant is health. Compared to adults, infants do not have a fully developed immune system capable of warding off diseases. It grows as they grow, which is often the cause of the delicateness of an infant’s health.

Therefore, parents need to be extra cautious regarding any health issues that are observed in a baby or an infant. However trivial such symptoms might seem upon primary observation, it is well-advised that parents maintain strict monitoring of the child as his or her immune system is weak which might transform minor health issues into something serious. Having knowledge of the common issues plaguing them also comes in handy and allows parents to take a quick course of action.

Consequently, here are eight common infant health issues that you must be aware of:

1. Fever, cold and flu

Fever is the body’s mechanism to show that it is defending itself against a disease. In babies, cold and flu are also quite common, and help build the infant’s immune system. However, always take care that the temperature of the baby is not rising too high. You do not want the flu to turn into a dangerous pneumonia. Keeping a good quality thermometer at home, such as infrared thermometer for medical purposes will allow you to take highly accurate and instantaneous readings, and decide whether you need to visit the doctor. Such highly precise instruments are available online at quality medical supply portals such as Smart Medical Buyer and should be bought immediately if you have an infant at home.

2. Coughing

One might agree that coughing is quite natural in babies and infants, and it usually occurs when they are being fed. This is because they are still getting accustomed to the mechanism of swallowing and might choke a bit if the morsel of food is too big for them. What is highly uncommon, though, is your baby coughing when not being fed, and that too incessantly. If such a thing occurs quite frequently, especially in the night, then you must take your infant to the doctor to check for a possible respiratory issue.

3. Respiratory issues

Blocking of the nasal passage can lead to irregular and faulty breathing in infants. In such a case, saline nasal drops will help. However, you must visit your paediatrician as soon as possible if you observe nose flaring, rapid breathing, etc.

4. Skin problems

Infants are also prone to skin problems such as rashes and itching. Their sensitive skin can be easily damaged and affected with prolonged contact to things such as diapers and the cradle, or lack of hygiene and cleanliness. You can get a cream for rashes certified for a baby’s skin to soothe the irritations.

5. Vomiting

As is the case with coughing, vomiting is also quite common amongst infants as they are prone to regurgitate food and spit it out. It becomes a problem when such a thing starts happening frequently, and when it is accompanied by rapid weight loss. In such events, visiting the doctors is recommended.

6. Diarrhoea and constipation

Diarrhoea and constipation are quite common amongst infants, and often a result of dehydration. Keep ORS and other electrolytic solutions at home to treat your child quickly. However, consider it as an alarm when your infant has difficulty and problems in passing stool. Visit a paediatrician immediately in that case.

7. Jaundice

Out of all serious maladies, jaundice is the most common to affect babies and infants, solely because their liver is very weak. Understanding the symptoms of this disease, therefore, is vital, and you must be prepared to see your baby undergo weight loss.

8. Abdominal distension

Another common issue in infants could be abdominal distension which is the condition that causes your infant’s protruding belly to swell and harden in between meals. If such a phenomenon persists, then you must visit the doctor before it turns into something serious.

In conclusion, one advice for parents is to keep a first aid kit for infants handy at home. Babies, more often than not, need immediate attention and care, which is why the first diagnosis and treatment is vital. Building a great medical kit for your home with stethoscope, medicines, bandages, rehydration solutions, 1 ml syringe with needle, thermometer, etc. has become quite easy today, thanks to the rise of many genuine medical supply portals online.

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