Most Common Chronic Illnesses in Kids and Their Early Signs
In Australia, around 1 in 4 children aged 0-14 years suffering from one or more chronic conditions. Asthma is the most common diseases, affecting around 10 per cent of children. It is hard to deny that impact of behavioural and mental disorders in young kids.
Children-with chronic illnesses can impact their development, growth and day-to-day lives. Caretakers like parents also have to struggle for keeping their kids positive and engaging. Chronic conditions require long-run management and intense care. Thus, it is important to detect early signs and intervene on time, leading them lead healthier and quality lives. You can even attend
programs for children with chronic conditions in Brisbane to better understand the raising concern.
Today, we bring you most common chronic illnesses in kids and their early detection:
1. Asthma
Asthma is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions in Australia. Children from an early age get trapped into this chronic disease. It makes breathing difficult and even triggers adverse symptoms due to dust exposure, infections, weather changes and allergens. Here are key signs of Asthma:
- Consistent coughing, especially at night or after any extensive physical workout
- Wheezing
- Shortness of Breath
- Chest pain
- Fatigue feeling
Watch out for these symptoms and consult a doctor in Brisbane immediately for diagnosis and early management to reduce the impact.
2. Type 1 Diabetes
It is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This can cause high blood sugar levels, and the worst part is that it develops during childhood or adolescence. Early symptoms are:
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Sudden weight loss
- Increased hunger
- Fatigue and weakness
- Blurred vision
According to doctors, Type 1 diabetes need lifelong insulin therapy and monitoring. So,
take care of your kids properly.
3. Cystic Fibrosis
You might have heard this condition for the first time. It is a genetic disorder that can attack your lungs and digestive system, causing mucus buildup. This can also cause breathing difficulties and lead to chronic digestive problems. It may develop in young children due to various reasons. Have a look at key signs:
- Persistent coughing
- Thick Mucus
- Frequent lungs infection
- Instant weight gain
- Greasy stools
Newborn screening for this condition is common in Australia, but parents should remain active for early intervention.
4. Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes recurrent seizures due to abnormal brain activity. Seizures can vary in intensity and frequency, affecting a child’s ability to perform daily activities.
So, the early symptoms are staring or unresponsiveness, uncontrolled jerking movements in legs and arms, confusion, unusual sensations, fainting spells, etc.
If a child experiences recurring seizure-like symptoms, medical evaluation is necessary to confirm epilepsy and start appropriate treatment. It is imperative to support your kids, understand their condition and
manage school when living with such illnesses. You can even attend events designed for children with chronic conditions to help parents cope the situation easily.
Wrapping Up
Living with a chronic condition can be challenging for children and their parents/guardians. However, early detection and proper treatment can improve the condition while boosting their quality of life.
