Paediatric Infections

Pediatric infections are a common concern in early life, given that children’s immune systems are still developing. Here’s a summary of key pediatric infections, focusing on diagnosis, treatment, and preventive strategies.

Respiratory Infections

Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs):

• Common Cold: Caused by viruses such as rhinovirus, coronavirus, and adenovirus. Symptoms include runny nose, cough, and sore throat. Supportive care with fluids and rest is usually sufficient.
• Pharyngitis: Often viral but can be caused by Group A Streptococcus (bacterial). Diagnosis involves throat swabs, and bacterial cases require antibiotics.

Lower Respiratory Infections (LRIs):

• Bronchiolitis: Common in infants, usually caused by RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus). Symptoms include wheezing, cough, and difficulty breathing. Management includes oxygen and supportive care.
• Pneumonia: Can be viral or bacterial, with bacterial cases often more severe. Symptoms include fever, cough, and chest pain. Antibiotics are essential for bacterial pneumonia.

Gastrointestinal Infections

• Viral Gastroenteritis: Commonly caused by rotavirus and norovirus, leading to diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) is critical, and rotavirus vaccination has significantly reduced severe cases.
• Bacterial Gastroenteritis: Caused by pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli, and Shigella. Symptoms are similar to viral gastroenteritis but may include bloody diarrhea. Treatment includes ORT and, in some cases, antibiotics.
• Parasitic Infections: Giardia and Cryptosporidium are common in areas with poor sanitation. They cause prolonged diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Antiparasitic medications are typically required.

Skin Infections

Impetigo: A bacterial infection caused by Staphylococcus or Streptococcus. Characterized by honey-colored crusts on the skin, especially on the face and extremities. Treatment includes topical or oral antibiotics.

Cellulitis: A deeper skin infection with redness, warmth, and swelling. It typically requires antibiotics, and severe cases may need IV treatment.

Viral Rashes: Infections like chickenpox, measles, and hand, foot, and mouth disease cause characteristic rashes. Management includes supportive care, and prevention through vaccination is essential.

Ear Infections

• Acute Otitis Media (AOM): Common in children due to their shorter, horizontal Eustachian tubes. Symptoms include ear pain, fever, and irritability. Often caused by bacteria (e.g., Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae). Antibiotics are prescribed for bacterial cases, but many mild cases resolve without treatment.
• Otitis Externa: Also known as “swimmer’s ear,” caused by bacterial infection of the ear canal. Symptoms include ear pain and discharge. Treatment involves ear drops with antibiotics and corticosteroids.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

• UTIs are common in young children and often caused by E. coli. Symptoms include fever, irritability, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Diagnosis is made via urine analysis and culture.
• Management: Antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment, and proper hydration is recommended. For recurrent cases, further investigation may be needed to rule out underlying anatomical issues.

Vaccine-Preventable Diseases

• Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR): Viral infections that can cause serious complications like encephalitis and congenital rubella syndrome. Vaccination is critical.
• Varicella (Chickenpox): Causes fever and a vesicular rash. Vaccination has significantly reduced incidence and complications.
• Pertussis (Whooping Cough): Caused by Bordetella pertussis, leading to severe coughing fits. Vaccination is essential, especially in infants who are at higher risk of severe disease.

Meningitis and Sepsis

• Bacterial Meningitis: Caused by bacteria like Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae type b. Symptoms include fever, irritability, neck stiffness, and lethargy. It’s a medical emergency requiring hospitalization and IV antibiotics.
• Viral Meningitis: Less severe than bacterial meningitis, often caused by enteroviruses. Treatment is supportive.
• Sepsis: A life-threatening systemic infection. Prompt recognition and antibiotic treatment are critical in pediatric cases to prevent organ failure.

Vector-Borne Infections

• Dengue Fever: Transmitted by mosquitoes, causing fever, rash, and body aches. Severe cases can lead to hemorrhagic fever. Prevention includes mosquito control and avoidance.
• Malaria: Common in endemic areas, caused by Plasmodium species. Symptoms include fever, chills, and fatigue. Prevention includes bed nets, repellents, and, where applicable, prophylactic medications.

Prevention and Management

• Vaccination: Ensures protection against many serious infections like measles, rubella, mumps, pertussis, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).
• Hand Hygiene: Essential to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, especially respiratory and gastrointestinal infections.
• Safe Drinking Water and Sanitation: Key in preventing gastrointestinal infections and other waterborne diseases.
• Parental Education: Educating parents about infection prevention, early signs of illness, and when to seek medical help can improve outcomes significantly.