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Watery Eyes (Epiphora) In Babies
Sticky or watery eyes are a common condition in babies. It is observed in 20 percent of all babies. Fortunately, this condition is harmless and will pass by itself. It is up to you to ensure that your baby’s eyes stay clean and healthy in the meantime. However, in a few instances, symptoms associated with watery eyes might indicate serious complications, making a visit to the paediatrician essential. This article will help you understand the causes, treatments and risks related to watery eyes in babies.
Video: Watery Eyes (Epiphora) In Infants - Causes & Treatment
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQb128zQ7KY
What Do Watery Eyes in Infants Mean?
Watery eyes or Epiphora, mean that your baby’s eyes are secreting tears constantly or in excess amounts. Occasionally, you might see tears running down their faces as well. This can be due to various reasons.
What Causes Watery Eyes in Babies?
Here are a few of the most common reasons of watery eyes in babies:
Overproduction Of Tears
Eye irritation is often responsible for excessive tears being secreted by the eyes to wash the irritant out. Eye irritants include smoke, dust, pollen, dirt, sand, and so on. Also, conditions like conjunctivitis, trichiasis and ectropion can also irritate the eyes. Ensure your baby does not rub their eyes too much as this could worsen the inflammation and burning sensations.
Infections
Infections such as pink eye can also lead to epiphora in infants. It can be caused by viruses, fungi, bacteria or even allergies. Pink eye caused by viruses is extremely contagious and can spread to others in your family if precautions are not taken. Another infection is blepharitis, which results due to blockage of the sebum glands under the eyes. These infections can lead to severe symptoms such as swelling, burning, soreness and loss of eyelashes in extreme cases.
Problems With Tear Ducts
The tear ducts are responsible for draining the fluid from the eyes, so they do not accumulate. However, if tear ducts are blocked, the drainage system malfunctions, causing the tears to collect in your baby’s eyes and slowly stream down their face. You might also observe white discharges, redness or swelling on the upper corners of your child’s nose.
Treatments
Here are some treatment options available to get rid of watery eyes during this time:
Waiting and watching are the only things recommended for mild cases of watery eyes, as the condition resolves on its own.
Cleaning your baby’s eyes with cotton and filtered water to prevent accumulation of any discharge which could lead to infections.
Massaging the tear duct a few times a day using mild pressure can help release any clogging, allowing the duct to develop fully. This method is known as milking.
Using antibiotic eye medications to relieve symptoms that might be caused due to infections.
Using eye drops containing antihistamines to combat the symptoms of allergic reactions.
Having a simple procedure done on your baby with the help of a probe to free up cases of severely blocked tear ducts.
Washing your baby’s eyes out under the guidance of a paediatric ophthalmologist to remove any irritants.
If a virus causes watery eyes, you might have to wait for around a week to see if it goes away. If it does not, please consult your child’s paediatrician immediately.
When & Which Home Remedies to Choose for Baby's Watery Eyes?
Treatment of watery eyes in infants can be done at home as well to ease the discomfort experienced by your child. In addition to keeping the eyes clean, do employ alternating cold and warm compresses to ease the tear duct blockage, as well as remove the toxic crust accumulating around the eyes. You can also use a warm tea bag to soothe eye inflammation and soreness. Chamomile and peppermint show the best results when treating epiphora.
When to Visit A Doctor?
If your child has watery eyes, but their eyeballs look clear and white, and if they do not exhibit any signs of discomfort, you can care for them at home, but if you observe any of the following symptoms, please visit your paediatrician immediately.
Inflammation or redness in or around the eyes.
The yellowish-green secretion that forms hard crusts around the eyes
Your infant continually rubs their eyes or shows discomfort.
Your baby is sensitive to light and prefers to keep their eyes closed.
The shape of your baby’s eyelids is not how it is supposed to be.
One of the most common Google searches is “my baby has watery eyes”. This is because this condition is very prevalent and quite harmless, so there is no need to be overly concerned. However, if there is more water than normal in conjunction with other symptoms, please consult with your baby’s doctor, who will perform a detailed examination and suggest possible treatment options. Make sure you follow the paediatrician instruction to the letter, such as finishing the entire course of medication prescribed.
Also Read: Eye Problems in Babies Read more
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Home Remedies for Bee Stings that Will Help You Combat Its Effects
Do you always tend to shoo away a bee when it seems to be hovering around you? If the answer is yes, you may simply be increasing your chances of getting stung by it. Honey bees are more likely to sting when they feel endangered. Flapping your arms at the bee may send aggressive signals to it, prompting it to sting. In most situations, holding still may encourage the honey bee to meander and fly away. Occasionally a bee sting can cause severe complications especially if someone is allergic to the sting’s venom. But mostly bee stings merely result in some discomfort. Home remedies can be real life-savers in times like these.
How to Remove the Bee Stinger Embedded in Your Skin?
In an instance of a bee sting, first and foremost check the sting site. In case the bee stinger is stuck in the skin, try and get rid of it by cleaning the skin area with gauze. You can also try scraping it gently using a fingernail or a set of tweezers. Refrain from squeezing the stinger out by hand or pinching it as it can inject the venom deeper into the skin. It often takes only mere seconds for the damaging poison to enter the body. Taking out the stinger along with its venom sac embedded in the skin may prevent any further irritation. Next, clean the spot with water and antiseptic soap. Pat dry and apply some calamine lotion or ice the area to reduce the swelling and itching.
How to Treat Bee Stings Naturally?
Home remedies can help ease the symptoms of a bee sting. You can try the following therapies:
1. Honey
The antiseptic properties of honey can aid in healing the wound and lessening the inflammation and itching.
How to Use It
Rub a small amount of honey on the bee sting spot for it to wield its way effectively into the infection. Conceal with a bandage loosely tied and leave it on for an hour or so.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar can be one of the potent natural remedies for bee sting itch as it has anti-itching qualities.
How to Use It
Apply diluted apple cider vinegar on the are you were stung to stave off the adverse effects of a bee sting. You can also soak a clean cloth or bandage in the vinegar and place it on the puncture site.
3. Baking Soda
Baking Soda can be another good option for curing bee sores naturally as it has disinfectant abilities.
How to Use It
Make a paste by mixing some water in baking soda. Smear a dense layer of the paste on the bee bite location to neutralise the hostile symptoms of a bee sting. Leave it on for about 15 minutes. Reapply as required.
4. Essential Oils
They yield therapeutic and medicinal properties and can be an excellent natural remedy for bee tingles. Essential oils that can be used to treat bee stings may include:
Tea Tree Oil - It can effectively soothe the burning, redness and itchiness that frequently accompanies a bee bite.
Lavender Essential Oil - It can not only disinfect the wound but also calm the stinging and pain of a bee puncture.
Witch Hazel - It is a powerful astringent owing to the high content of tannins present in its leaves. It can purify the skin of bacteria and calm inflammation.
How to Use It
The lavender essential oil can be used undiluted. Applying it neat can help in taking away the burning and stinging sensation almost right away. Dilute tea tree oil by mixing it with any carrier oils like olive or coconut oil before dabbing a few drops onto the sting spot. You can put on witch hazel directly on the troubled area to get relief from itching and inflammation.
5. Toothpaste
Alkaline white toothpaste is believed to help nullify the acidic bee tingle thus lessening swelling and pain. Do not use coloured gel or whitening toothpaste.
How to Use It
Blob a bit of the toothpaste on the concerned area to alleviate the pain.
6. Papaya
It contains an enzyme called papain which is supposed to support the breaking down of the protein that produces itching and pain.
How to Use It
Just smear a chunk of the fruit on the sting place and leave it on for about 30 minutes or so.
7. Aloe Vera
It has anti-inflammatory and analgesic abilities which can hasten the healing process and soothe the irritating manifestations of a sting.
How to Use it
Split open a leaf of an Aloe Vera plant and extract the gel. Spread the gel on the sting area and allow it to dry.
8. Ice
Ice can numb the pain and decrease the swelling thus bringing immediate respite. An ice compress may be very convenient to apply in the occurrence of a bee sting on eyes, lips or hands.
How to Use it
Drop some ice cubes in a thin, clean cloth and tie it to make a compress. Hold the cold pack onto the bothered spot for about 10 to 15 minutes. Reapply regularly until swelling and pain reduce. You can also use a bag of frozen vegetables or a cold-water bottle.
Tips to Remember
Some useful tips to bear in mind while dealing with honey bees can be:
In case you encounter bees flying about you, try and stay calm. Cover your vulnerable body parts like nose, mouth and unhurriedly walk away from the place.
Avoid hitting and whacking at bees which may incite them to attack you as a way of self-defence.
Refrain from rubbing the disturbed area vigorously as it can heighten the chances of infection and worsen the wound.
While eating out in the open, keep food containers covered to avoid attracting insects like wasps and bees.
In case you are wearing any jewellery on the sting location, immediately take it off as it may be tough to remove it later after the swelling.
Consider seeking professional help to remove any beehives around your house as a precautionary measure.
If a bee strikes on your arm or leg, elevating that particular body part may help mitigate the symptoms.
You can also manage mild bee sting symptoms by using over-the-counter medicines like hydrocortisone creams, Benadryl, ibuprofen that can help diminish swelling, redness and pain.
FAQs
Some of the frequently asked questions are:
1. What Symptoms Will I Experience when A Bee Stings Me?
Different people can experience varying symptoms ranging from brief pain and distress to severe allergic reactions. Common minor signs include a sharp burning ache, red bump with a tiny white spot in the middle, itching and inflammation at the sting spot. Minor symptoms usually disappear within a few days. Moderate symptoms may take around a week to resolve.
2. When to See A Doctor?
Most bee stings get cured without treatment. However, in case you get stung several times, it can result in complications or even prove life-threatening.
Moreover, bee stings can trigger a severe reaction in people who are allergic. If swelling spreads to other body parts like tongue, throat, it may indicate a grave bee sting allergic reaction. Other signs may consist of an increased pulse rate, hives, nausea, vomiting, pale skin, dizziness, diarrhoea, difficulty in breathing or an anaphylactic shock. In such instances, refer to a doctor right away. Also, if you get a bee sting swelling on the eyelid, see a doctor immediately due to the sensitivity of the location.
3. What Happens if You Don't Get A Bee Stinger Out?
When a bee stings, its stinger often shoots into the skin. The stinger has a sack of toxic venom which can negatively impact the body. The longer the stinger remains, the more poison may enter into the body causing pain and swelling. If you don’t get the bee stinger out, the deadly venom can get released into the body which may lead to allergic reactions or even cause death.
4. Is it Normal for A Bee Sting to Itch A Week Later?
It is best to seek medical help if a bee sting continues to itch a week later to avert any probable worries.
The bottom line is, bee stings are no fun and are painful. Home based remedies can relieve mild discomfort. However severe reactions may warrant immediate medical assistance. Hence, it is essential that you can recognise signs of a severe allergic reaction.
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Must-know Health Benefits of Watermelon
In the scorching summer heat, the mere thought of a juicy fresh watermelon is enough to make us feel refreshed. Watermelon not only makes us feel refreshed, but this yummy fruit is also loaded with numerous health benefits. If you wish to know about some its many health benefits, we suggest browsing through the following article for the same!
Nutritional Value of Watermelon
As the name is suggestive, watermelon is loaded with water, and it also contains many other essential nutrients. The bright red colour of the fruit is due to the presence of lycopene, which is an antioxidant and it also contains an important amino acid known as citrulline. Apart from this, the table below shows some other essential nutrients present in watermelon:
Nutrient
Value
Carbohydrates
7.6 g
Sugar
6 g
Protein
0.59 g
Vitamin C
8.2 mg
Calcium
8 mg
Magnesium
11 mg
Phosphorus
12 mg
Potassium
110 mg
Iron
0.26 mg
Sodium
1 mg
The table shows the approx nutritional content present in 1 cup or 100 grams of watermelon.
Table Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watermelon
Amazing Benefits of Watermelon (Tarbooz)
Being loaded with so many vital nutrients, watermelon is an ideal summer staple and can be added to our diets because of some of the following health benefits:
1. Helps in Improving Heart Health
One of the leading health threats is the increasing rates of heart ailments. However, making certain lifestyle changes may help you take care of your heart health and one of the changes that you can bring is by adding watermelon to your diet. This yummy fruit is power-packed with lycopene, which helps in controlling blood pressure and also helps in lowering cholesterol. Also, the presence of vitamin A, C, B6, potassium and magnesium are some of the nutrients present in watermelon that help in maintaining good heart health.
2. Helps in Preventing Cancer
There have been studies that have proved that lycopene, which is an antioxidant present in the watermelon, and other plant nutrients in watermelon are loaded with anti-cancer properties. It was also seen that consuming watermelon helped in reducing the IGF levels because high IGF or insulin-growth factor means higher chances of cancer. This is because IGF is a protein that helps in cell division and thus increases the risk of cancer.
3. Helps in Hydrating the Body
One of the best ways to hydrate the body is by consuming water. However, watermelon contains approximately 92% water content and thus it is amongst one of the best food options to compensate for the body’s fluid requirements. Therefore, if you are looking for foods that will help you feel fuller without too many calories, well, watermelon is what you should consume.
4. Helps in Improving Digestion
Bad digestion or digestive system can take a toll on our overall health. Watermelon is loaded with water and also contains fibre, and both these components make it an ideal addition to your diet to overcome your digestion related issues. Adding fruits and vegetables such as watermelon in your diet that are both water and fibre-rich can help in keeping the digestive system into place.
5. Helps in Treating Inflammation
Watermelon contains carotenoids such as lycopene and beta-carotene. Both these components contain anti-inflammatory properties and thus help in curing any kind of inflammation.
6. Helps in Relieving Muscle Soreness
Muscle soreness may occur when the muscles feel strained, and one of the most common reasons may include a heavy workout. Well, watermelon is something that may come to your rescue. This is because watermelon contains amino acids and electrolytes, which help in battling muscle fatigue and soreness.
7. Helpful During Pregnancy
Acidity and heartburn are a very common pregnancy phenomenon, especially during later stages of pregnancy. Watermelon can help ease the heartburn, and it may also help in relieving the signs of morning sickness. Presence of amino acids can also help in dealing with muscle cramps that usually occur in the third trimester.
8. Helps in Improving Eye Health
Consuming watermelon on a regular basis is also good for the eye health. The presence of lycopene in watermelon is great for reducing the effect of free radical damage that may lead to eye-issues such as blindness, eye-lens deterioration and may also help in preventing macular degenerative disease.
9. Helps in Preventing Asthma
Presence of vitamin A and antioxidants may help in reducing the chances of asthma flare-ups. This fruit may help in lending therapeutic effects and may help in aiding effortless breathing, thereby reducing the chances of asthma attacks.
10. Helps in Controlling Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is one of the leading causes of heart-related ailments and other health complications. However, including food such as watermelon may help in maintaining a healthy pressure. This is because it contains citrulline, an amino acid, which can help in controlling the blood pressure. Apart from this, the presence of potassium also helps in regulating blood pressure, especially during strenuous workout sessions.
11. Helps to Have Healthy Skin
One of the main benefits of drinking watermelon juice or eating this fruit is for having radiant skin and healthy tresses. Where vitamin A is beneficial for creating and repairing skin cells, vitamin C helps the body to make collagen, which is a protein that helps to maintain strong and shiny tresses. Therefore, in order to avail the health benefits of watermelon for the skin and hair, try and include it in your daily diet.
12. Helps in Losing Weight
If you are thinking of consuming watermelon for weight loss, well, the good news is that it is one of the best foods that you can consider adding in your diet for losing weight. While the high water content satiates you instantly, it also helps in flushing out the toxins from the body and increasing the metabolism. All of these factors help in weight loss.
13. Helps in Strengthening Immunity
Being loaded in vitamin B6 and vitamin C, watermelon works wonder in strengthening the immunity. Both these properties aid the production of antibodies and the formation of red blood cells, which in turn helps in regulating the immune system and protection against infection and diseases.
14. Helps in Treating Diabetes
Many of us may wonder whether watermelon for diabetes is a healthy choice and the answer is, you can consume this tropical delight because though this fruit contains high glycemic index, but it lowers the glycemic load. In simple words, the sugar present in this fruit does not get easily absorbed in the blood, thereby reducing the risk of instant sugar hike in the blood.
15. Helps in Preventing Cell Damage
Thanks to the presence of lycopene in this fruit, watermelon helps in battling the free radical damage and thus reducing the risk of cell damage.
16. Helps in Maintaining Healthy Gums
Watermelon is power-packed with the goodness of vitamin C that can help in keeping the gums and capillaries healthy. The dearth of this vitamin can lead to conditions like inflammation of the gums or gingivitis or bleeding of the gums. This vitamin is also helpful in getting rid of the bacteria in the mouth that can lead to gum infections and diseases.
17. Helps in Boosting Energy Levels
Laden with potassium and vitamin B, watermelon is an ideal fruit to spike up your energy levels. While potassium keeps tiredness and lethargy at bay, vitamin B helps in restoring the energy levels in the body.
18. Helps in Preventing Heat Stroke
Watermelons being loaded with water are one of the best fruit options to prevent heat stroke by reducing the chances of hyperthermia. The watermelon peel is important in relieving heat exhaustion.
19. Helps in Maintaining The pH Balance
Any kind of major pH balance shake-up in the body tilst you towards the acidic side, thus making you more feeling off. However, watermelon is alkaline in nature, and when added to our regular diet it helps in neutralising the acidic components of our food. This helps in maintaining the natural pH balance of the body.
These are some of the many health benefits of including watermelon in your diet.
How to Select and Store Watermelon?
Here are some points of consideration when it comes to selecting and storing watermelons:
Heavier the watermelon, better it is. You can pick two of the same size for comparison and choose the one that is heavier as it contains more water.
Pick the fruit that is sans any dents, bruises and cuts. A symmetrical fruit means it received optimal nutrients, sunlight and water.
Do not pick up a watermelon that looks shiny rather the one in the deeper shade and duller appearance is what you should go in for.
Look for the field spot - a spot that is present on the watermelon that shows where the fruit sat on the ground. If it is pale or missing, do not pick that fruit because it means the fruit was plucked too soon.
You can easily store the fruit for up to a week in the refrigerator. Make sure you do not bruise the fruit or store it below 4 degrees.
You can also store the chopped pieces of the fruit in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for 3-4 days.
How Can You Incorporate Watermelon to Your Diet?
The best way to consume watermelon is in its original form; however, here are some other ways of consuming the fruit or adding it in your diet:
1. Watermelon Cooler
A refreshing summer drink that can instantly fill you up with energy!
Ingredients
3-4 cups watermelon cubes, de-seeded
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3-4 mint leaves
1 cup crushed ice
Honey (optional)
Directions
Take the ingredients, put them in a blender jar and churn for a few seconds.
Serve chilled.
2. Watermelon Salad
This salad can be had as a snack, or you can even substituted for a meal.
Ingredients
3 cups chopped watermelon
1 cucumber, diced
100 grams feta cheese
A handful of mint leaves
½ cup cashew nuts, chopped
1 small onion, sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tsp lemon juice
Salt to taste
Directions
In a large bowl, add all the ingredients except lemon juice, salt and olive oil. Give a thorough mix.
Add rest of the ingredients. Mix well.
Chill the salad before serving.
3. Watermelon Sweet Delight
This recipe can be served as an ideal summertime dessert!
Ingredients
6-7 watermelon slices cut
1 cup sour cream
Sugar to taste
Few drops vanilla extract
1 tablespoon almonds, thinly sliced
Directions
Add sugar and vanilla extract to the cream and mix well.
Place the cream on the watermelon sliced.
Garnish with almonds. Serve chilled.
Are There Any Side-effects of Eating Too Much Watermelon?
Here are some side-effects that may occur from eating too much watermelon:
Allergic reactions may be noted in some individuals that may lead to facial swelling or rashes.
Hyperkalemia may occur, which means you have more than the required amount of potassium in the body.
Excess amounts may cause vomiting, nausea or diarrhoea.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding watermelon consumption:
1. Is Watermelon Loaded With Sugar?
Yes, watermelon contains a good amount of sugar in it which may make many diabetics susceptible whether to include it in their diet or not. As discussed in the section above, watermelon contains anti-diabetic properties that can help manage diabetes. However, it is better to consult a doctor before adding it to your regular diet.
2. How Many Watermelons Should I Eat in a Day?
100 grams of watermelon can give you approximately 30 grams of sugar. The ideal intake of sugar from all the foods combined together should be within 100 to 150 grams in a day. Though you can consume easily up to 500 grams of watermelon because it is very light, however, you will end up getting 150 grams of sugar from it.
You can consume watermelon on a regular basis; however, refrain from consuming large amounts of it as it may lead to certain health complications. Consuming it in moderation is the key to deriving the health benefits of watermelon.
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Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis(JIA) In Children
Medical conditions that plague the joints are not only prevalent in adults but can be seen in children too. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is one such condition characterised by swelling of the joints in young children.
If your child is diagnosed with this condition, it is best that you gather all the information required to prepare yourself for her care.
What Is Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis?
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is an autoimmune disease which causes tissue that lines the joints to swell. The tissue called as synovium gets inflamed and leads to intense pain in the joints. The disease shows up in children between the ages of 6 and 16 and has no known cause as of now. In autoimmune diseases like this, the immune system of the body turns against the cells of the body and attacks them after identifying them as hostile.
Types
There are seven types are JIA that are recognised.
Systematic Arthritis
Also called as Still’s diseases, this affects the child’s entire body. It causes symptoms of high fever in the child which may increase around the evening and disappear. It can also cause rashes and make the child appear pale. Systematic arthritis is also known to affect internal organs of the body like the heart, spleen, liver and the lymph nodes. It can enlarge the lymph nodes and the spleen.
Oligoarthritis
The condition is also called as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and affects the joints at the knee, ankle and the wrist. It does not affect more than five joints. Oligoarthritis can also affect the iris in the eye and is more common in girls than boys. Most children outgrow this condition as they grow older.
Polyarthritis - Rheumatoid Factor Negative
This condition is more common in girls than in boys and affects about to four or five joints. Joints on the hands and the other joints like knees, ankles, neck, feet and the hips, which bear weight may also be affected. It may also cause mild fever and subject the nodes in the body to pressure as the children sit or lean.
Polyarthritis - Rheumatoid Factor Positive
This variant of JIA exhibits itself like adult rheumatoid arthritis. The kids of this condition may be diagnosed with a protein called rheumatoid factor (RF) or a CCP antibody (anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide) in the blood. These kids may be more prone to risks of damage caused by erosions when compared to kids with other types of JIA.
Psoriasis Arthritis
In addition to arthritis, children also have the skin condition called psoriasis in this type of JIA. Psoriasis presents itself in the form of rashes on the elbows, knees, behind the ears, etc.) Very often, children are diagnosed with this even when they may not show evidence of the skin condition but they have a family member who has the condition. Such kids may have pitted nails on the fingers and the toes.
Enthesitis-Related Arthritis
Children with this form of JIA suffer pain in the legs and the spine. It affects the places where tendons connect to the bones, also called entheses. The inflammation can cause pain in the hips, the back or their knees. This type of JIA often affects boys above the age of 8 who have a male relative with a history of ankylosing spondylitis or arthritis of the back.
Undifferentiated Arthritis
The features of arthritis do not correspond with any of the mentioned categories or can be related to multiple types of arthritis.
What Are the Causes of Arthritis in Children
Arthritis is an autoimmune disease and has currently no identifiable cause. However, scientists and researchers believe that it can be linked to the following factors.
Environmental triggers or viruses may cause the immune system of the body to recognize the lining of the joints as a foreign body, thus attacking it. This causes inflammation in the joints.
Certain infection may cause reactive arthritis which subsides after a few weeks. It hasn’t been found out whey the condition doesn’t subside in children who develop JIA.
Children who have a family member with rheumatoid arthritis or other rheumatologically conditions have a higher chance of developing JIA. However, this does not indicate that it is genetically passed down.
Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of arthritis in children are very vague and do not specifically indicate the presence of the condition. It is possible that children don’t show symptoms at all. Some of the probable symptoms of JIA are:
Stiffness in the joints
Swelling, pain, and tenderness at the joints
Fever
Weight loss
Rashes
Irritability
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Redness or pain in the eye
Limping
Lack of appetite
Diagnosis and Tests
Since there is no specific test for juvenile idiopathic arthritis, a form of eliminative diagnosis is conducted to rule out similar conditions like Lupus, bone disorders, fibromyalgia, etc.
The doctor will require a complete medical history of your child and conduct a physical exam. Additional tests may also be performed to determine the type of arthritis in the kid.
Tests may include:
Complete blood count test can check the red blood cells, the white blood cells and the platelets to determine the appearance and the amount of the cell type and narrow down on any specific medical condition.
Blood culture is conducted to detect bacteria in the bloodstream which may be the cause of infections.
Bone marrow biopsy is conducted to test for leukaemia.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate is checked to see the rate at which the red blood cells fall to the bottom of the test tube. The rate is high in people suffering from conditions that cause inflammation.
The level of C-reactive protein (CRP) is also checked. The liver releases this protein into the bloodstream if there is a chance for infection or inflammation. The level of this protein can also rise in the event of arthritis.
Rheumatoid factor (RF) or cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (CCP) are also tested for a specific kind of JIA. However, this is more common in adult arthritis.
ANA (antinuclear antibody) is conducted to identify autoimmune diseases. It can also indicate if the child is likely to have eye diseases as a result of JIA.
X-rays or an MRI of the joints are taken to check for bone damage.
A bone scan may be done in the event of unexplained pain in the bone and the joints.
An orthopaedic surgeon may also perform a sampling of the joint fluid and the synovial tissue.
Complications
If symptoms of JIA are noticed in your child, it is essential that you take the child to a doctor and seek medical advice. Left untreated it can have the following complications.
Severe damage to the joints.
Limit growth. Certain medications prescribed for inflammation are also known to cause musculoskeletal problems in children.
An inflammation of the eye called uveitis
The eye condition, when not treated, can cause glaucoma, cataract or even blindness.
Deformities in the joints of children who receive no treatment.
A severe form of the condition, when not treated, can also lead to loss of hand function in the child.
Treatment and Management
Treatment of juvenile arthritis can include physical therapy, medication and a combination of exercises. The course of treatment is also dependent on the type and the severity of the condition.
Medications
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be prescribed to relieve pain and inflammation in kids. These include Ibuprofen drugs like Advil, Motrin, etc. Dosage for these medicines is determined by the condition.
Corticosteroids may also be prescribed to treat instances of arthritic flares. However, it has side effects like slow growth, weight gain, skin changes, etc. Hence, it is usually not prescribed to children.
Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARD) like methotrexate may be given in case the NSAIDs fail to relieve inflammation and pain. Hydroxychloroquine, sulfasalazine and TNF drugs that tumour necrosis factor may also be given to children with JIA.
There is also a new category of drugs called biologics that can be given to kids with JIA. Injections and IV infusions may be performed on a regular basis at the hospital.
2. Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can help your child improve movement. The therapist will suggest certain exercises to reduce the stiffness in the joints, increase flexibility and improve strength in the child. Physical therapy exercises will be coined based on the specific condition of the child.
3. Regular Exercise
A habit of regular exercise can help your child overcome a lot of pain and provide the support necessary to the joints. It can also improve motion in the joints. Warm-up activities and safe exercises like walking, swimming, cycling are recommended for children. You can also check with your doctor about any impact sports that your child needs to avoid due to the risk of serious injury.
Timely treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis can help the child overcome pain and lead a relatively comfortable life. It is important that you track the development of the child and provide a nutritious and balanced diet to your child and aid in the recovery process.
Also Read: Rickets in Children Read more
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Which Toys to Invest for Your Little One Today to Save Money
Purchasing toys for your little one is exciting. It's waste to get toys for the newborns as they are unable to see clearly for the first 3 months. However after 3 months they are attracted to sounds.
Invest in fisher price rattles which are funky and colourful. Play gyms are also good option for your baby in 3-6 months age group. I used to use playgym for my little one when she was around 3 months of age. I could be hands free for around 20 minutes as the little one used to keep observing toys around the gym and babble to them. Later on she tried to hold them and feel the toys. It's a good way of exploration for your little one at this age. They get to learn about colours sounds and helps in building their motor skills. This is must have for your little one. I got my play gym from first cry Babyhug product for around 1200 Rs and it's worth the price.
After 6 months they try to roll over and don't enjoy the gyms more. Use a heavy carpet with bedsheet so that the baby has enough room to rollover and plus you are not worried about him hurting his self. Enjoy watching them at this stage. You can even keep little attractive toys like fisher price giraffe and soft toys so that the baby tries to hold them and moves forward in that way.
Purchase fisher price stack toys which are of colourful colours and attractive for your little ones. It's even mess free as you can stack them at a place and keep aside when not in use. My baby is around 7 months and has been using them since 3 months. I think they can use it till 2 years. It's available for around 180 Rs fisher price from first cry. it's of premium quality and is safe for your little one. I even purchased it to gift someone. It's worth the price.
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Vandana Sharma has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
13 hours ago
Q. I'm currently 37 weeks 4 days my baby weight is 2.4kg whether it is normal?
Vandana Sharma
Nutritionist
13 hours ago
A. Hello mam that is fine , and this varies as it depends o various factors as well too , so avoid stress, take rest and and also healthy diet as well
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
13 hours ago
Q. what could be the baby weight when we are in 37 week 4 days? what could be average weight before labour?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
13 hours ago
A. there is lot of individual variation it can be around 3 kgs ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Disha Patel has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
13 hours ago
Q. hlo plzz tell me gripe water de sakte hai baby ko Mera baby 15 months ka hogya hai ???
Dr Disha Patel
Ayurvedic Physician
12 hours ago
A. nahi.
its not nessesary to feed it.
ur baby is 15 month okd, give all family food in roughly mashed form, include seasonal fruits n veggies.
t..c
Sarika gupta has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
12 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
Am 25 weeks pregnant with Twins, and cervix of 25mm. got cerclage done at 21 weeks. please suggest precautions so that I can smoothly continue ue my pregnancy and avoid premises.
Sarika gupta
Mom of 2 children
12 hours ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much and please have coconut water on daily basis and also have more green leaves vegetables fruits and dairy products in diet and also home made food. Also go on regular check ups. Also be happy and stress free .
Thanks and take care
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
12 hours ago
Q. what does this mean
"There is a funneling of internal os with effective cervical length (measures ~2.8 cm on TVS) "
in 29 weeks 5 days pregnancy?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
11 hours ago
A. small cervical length ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. my baby approximately weighs only 2.4 kgs in my womb what are all the foods that can increase baby weight?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. normal traditional foods if you are having deficiency of hemoglobin can take iron supplements calcium etc. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
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