Vaccination is one of the greatest breakthroughs in modern medicine. No other medical intervention has done more to save lives and improve the quality of life. Because of vaccination, smallpox is no longer seen and polio is heading towards eradication. No wonder vaccination is considered a modern miracle. Vaccines work by stimulating the immune system to [...]
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Worms
About 25% of all the people on earth are infested by various kinds of worms (helminths). Worm infections are the most prevalent infections in the world. The World Bank estimates that 100 million people may experience stunting or wasting as a result of worm infestation. Because of their high mobility and lower standards of hygiene, [...]
Malnutrition
Malnutrition is the condition that results from taking an unbalanced diet in which certain nutrients are lacking, in excess, or in the wrong proportions. Malnutrition is a serious disease and the effects during the first two years of life are irreversible. Malnourished children grow up with worse health and lower educational achievements. Their own children [...]
Croup
“Help, my child is barking!” Any parent that has been through this barking experience can testify that croup is not just a cough. Let us take a closer look at crou Croup or laryngotracheo-bronchitis is an acute inflammation and obstruction of the upper respiratory tract. It involves the larynx, the trachea and the bronchi. Croup [...]
Neonatal conjunctivitis
Neonatal conjunctivitis is swelling (inflammation) or infection of the tissue lining the eyelids of a newborn. It presents during the first month of life and may be aseptic or septic. The inflammation of the conjunctiva may cause blood vessel dilation, an inflammatory collection of fluid under the membrane covering the white of the eye so [...]
Infant gas
All babies have gas. Many new parents are surprised at just how much gas their tiny infants seem to have and how fussy it can make them. Infant gas symptoms include burping, flatulence, bloating, cramps and, of course, crying. Do not mistake gas for infant colic. Gas does not cause colic, although colicky babies may [...]
The appropriate use of OTC pain killers in children
Paracetamol and ibuprofen are the most commonly used non-prescription medications inSouth Africa. The use of these medications for the treatment of mild pain and fever in children is widespread. Unfortunately paracetamol and ibuprofen are among the most commonly misused non-prescription medications. A study conducted in the USA found that half of the parents and caregivers [...]
Rashes in children.
Rashes are common problems that affect many people throughout their lives. When it occurs in babies and children it is worrying for the mother or carer and a cause has to be identified to suggest the appropriate treatment. Rashes cause the skin to be abnormal in some way. It may appear red and may exhibit [...]
Burns and blisters
We’ve all burnt ourselves. Taking food out of the oven, accidentally spilling boiling water on ourselves or after lying in the sun for too long. Burns occur when heat, fire, radiation, sunlight, electricity, chemicals or boiling water causes damage to the skin. Burns are common and clients will visit you to treat their burns and [...]
Colds and Flu in Children
So your child gets sent home from school because he/she is not feeling well. During this time of the year all parents know that it is more than likely a cold or even a bout of flu. The worst part of a cold or flu is not the sneezing and sniffling, the runny nose and [...]
