General Info
Infections occur when disease-causing pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, or parasites enter the body or spread indirectly. Infections transmitted through direct contact, indirect exposure, respiratory droplets, or aerosols can be significant issues in childhood. The causes and treatments of infections, which immediately activate the immune system in children, vary. The most common infections present with high fever. Hospital visits during childhood often involve febrile upper respiratory tract infections. Untreated upper respiratory tract infections can progress to more severe lower respiratory tract infections. In addition to respiratory infections, rashes, rheumatic diseases, or parasitic infections are also among childhood infections.
What are Pediatric Infectious Diseases?
Under normal conditions, a healthy human body hosts thousands of bacteria. However, fungi, viruses, and parasites are exogenous microorganisms and have pathogenic effects. Bacteria other than the natural flora bacteria in the body can cause diseases. Children, due to their frequent contact with external environments, other children, crowded school, and play groups, are more prone and vulnerable to infections. Childhood infections manifest with symptoms such as fever, cough, nausea, vomiting, and sweating. Pathogen-induced respiratory infections include:
Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
- Nasopharyngitis
- Acute tonsillitis
- Otitis media (middle ear infection)
- Rhinitis (common cold)
- Croup
- Laryngitis
- Bronchitis
Lower Respiratory Tract Infections
- Pneumonia
- Bronchiolitis
Infections typically caused by bacteria or viruses in the upper respiratory tract (nasal mucosa, pharynx, trachea) resolve within 7–10 days with treatment and monitoring. However, untreated upper respiratory infections can progress to the lower respiratory tract, leading to serious conditions such as pneumonia, bronchiolitis, or meningitis. Besides respiratory infections, children may develop infections caused by pathogenic parasites and fungi. The most common conditions among these include:
- Measles
- Chickenpox
- Diphtheria
- Meningitis
- Scarlet fever
- Impetigo
- Fifth disease
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
- Toxic shock syndrome
- Toxoplasmosis
- Acute gastroenteritis
- Superficial fungal infections
These pathogens are often contracted through contaminated water, soil, or inadequately cleaned food, in addition to transmission from other people. Fever, the body's response to the entry of a foreign microorganism, is usually the first sign. Symptoms vary depending on the type of pathogen and the affected area, with nausea, vomiting, muscle and joint pain, sweating, cramps, skin rashes, and redness being common alongside fever.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Childhood Infections
Diseases caused by infections can be congenital or transmitted directly or indirectly after birth. Congenital infections are those passed from the mother to the child through the placenta. In diagnosing infections, tests search for pathogens or antibodies produced by the body to eliminate them. Hemogram tests, swabs, skin scrapings, stool and urine samples, sputum samples, and serological tests are critical for diagnosis. After diagnosis, it is essential to follow the doctor’s recommendations, use pathogen-specific medications regularly, and pay extra attention to hygiene. Antibiotics are prescribed for bacterial infections, while they are not used for viral, parasitic, or fungal infections. To recover quickly and achieve full recovery, it is advised to consume well-washed raw vegetables, maintain clean clothing, drink clean water, rest adequately, eat a balanced diet, and stay in rooms with normal temperatures. With medical supervision and proper medication, infections are eliminated from the body within the expected timeframe.
This content was developed with contributions from the Medical Park Editorial Board. The information provided is for informational purposes only and does not include elements related to therapeutic health services. Please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.
