Newborn and pediatric diseases can vary widely in nature, affecting infants and children from birth through adolescence. Here are some common conditions categorized based on the age groups:
Newborn Diseases (0-1 year)
- Neonatal Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by excess bilirubin in the blood, common in newborns.
- Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS): Often occurs in premature infants due to underdeveloped lungs, leading to breathing difficulties.
- Congenital Heart Defects: Structural problems in the heart present from birth, affecting the way blood flows through the heart.
- Neonatal Sepsis: A severe infection that spreads through the bloodstream in newborns, requiring prompt treatment.
- Birth Asphyxia: Lack of oxygen to the baby during birth, which can result in brain damage or other complications.
- Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar in newborns, which can be dangerous if untreated.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER): A condition where stomach contents reflux into the esophagus, leading to spitting up or vomiting.
- Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS): A condition affecting newborns exposed to drugs in utero, leading to withdrawal symptoms after birth.
- SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome): The unexplained death of a seemingly healthy infant, often during sleep.
Pediatric Diseases (1 year and older)
- Asthma: A chronic condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to difficulty in breathing.
- Allergic Rhinitis: An allergic reaction causing sneezing, runny nose, and congestion, often triggered by pollen, dust, or pet dander.
- Infectious Diseases: Common childhood infections include measles, mumps, chickenpox, and whooping cough.
- Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: A viral illness affecting children under five, leading to fever, sores in the mouth, and rashes on hands and feet.
- Gastroenteritis: Inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by viral or bacterial infection, leading to diarrhea and vomiting.
- Otitis Media: Middle ear infection, common in children, causing pain and potential hearing loss if untreated.
- Croup: An upper respiratory infection causing a barking cough, difficulty breathing, and stridor (noisy breathing).
- Leukemia: The most common type of childhood cancer, affecting the blood and bone marrow.
- Celiac Disease: An autoimmune disorder where ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine.