Childhood diseases

Children are subject to almost all the diseases of adulthood, plus several that are unique to childhood. Many infections and disorders that are trivial for a normal, healthy adult, assume serious overtones in children. Illnesses often progress faster in children, too. For these reasons, any disease in a child or baby should not be taken lightly.

The spectrum of childhood illness is vast, and this page attempts to describe a few important diseases.

Chicken Pox This is a viral disease, and can sometimes be serious. Once considered a part of growing up, chicken pox can now be avoided altogether by the use of a vaccine. Read the article	The Common Cold Not a serious or life-threatening disease, but is very common, and can make children and their parents really unhappy for days. Some suggestions about dealing with it. Read the article	Long Standing Cough A short lived cough is common, but one that goes on for a long time should not be taken lightly. Some underlying causes, and what to do. Read the article
Diarrhea Diarrhea is a serious disease, and causes millions of death among children every year. Causes, and what to do for a child with diarrhea. Read the article	Diphtheria A very dangerous disease, with life-threatening complications. Thankfully, we have an effective vaccine to protect our children. Read the article	Febrile Seizures Some children develop seizures (fits) with fever. They're not dangerous, but scary, and must be differentiated from serious diseases. Read the article
Fever Very common, and actually helps the body fight disease. However, fever must be carefully assessed for the underlying cause, and treated appropriately. Read the article	Measles Another of the childhood viral diseases which can be avoided by vaccination. However, it is a serious disease, and can be life-threatening. Read the article	Meningitis A very dangerous disease, with high mortality and several long term sequelae. The incidence has been much reduced recently because of vaccination. Read the article
Mumps The disease that causes swelling of the face. Fairly contagious, and has serious complications. Read the article	Pneumonia Once called the "Captain of the men of death", and with good reason. Even with all the antibiotics we have today, it is still a major killer. Read the article	Rubella A mild, measles-like illness, its importance lies in the dangers to the unborn child if a pregnant woman catches the disease. Read the article
Tetanus A disease known since antiquity, but still kills thousands of people every year, including newborn babies. Read the article	Thalassemia A disease of the blood, associated with frequent blood transfusions and death in late childhood or teenage. Now, however, we have a cure for it. Read the article	Tuberculosis An ancient scourge of mankind, it was gradually coming under control, till the AIDS epidemic happened. Today, it is an important disease in all parts of the world. Read the article
Whooping Cough A cough does not sound dangerous, but the cough of pertussis is very severe, and goes on for weeks. This disease also has several dangerous complications. Read the article