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Blood Infection in Kids
Blood infection or sepsis, is the leading cause of death among children all around the world every year. It is a condition when the immune system overreacts to such an extent that it affects the organs causing fatality.
What is Blood Infection in Children?
Also known as sepsis, a blood infection in children occurs when the body creates large quantities of antibodies to fight an infection in the blood-stream. Newborns from the age of two months and children (who are not vaccinated) till the age of three are especially susceptible to the disease since their immunity is not fully developed till then. However, babies who are under two months old, having received antibodies in their mother's womb, are protected from such an infection. The only exception being the strep B newborns, who contract the disease from their mothers. Eventually, as the child grows, the risk decreases and by the age of three, the child is at a much lower risk.
Causes of Blood Infection in Children
Blood poisoning in children or sepsis in newborn happens when bacteria of one part of the body manage to get into the main bloodstream of the baby. The bacteria in the blood cause septicaemia, which, if it is not detected and treated on time, can cause sepsis.
However, there are various other factors which cause the disease in children.
Sepsis (in newborns or children till the age of three) can happen if they are not vaccinated. Children from the age of 2 to 36 months have very low immune system. Thus, vaccination acts like a shield and protects the child from various infections.
Open wounds, cuts and abrasions if left untreated for a long time can result in blood infection in babies. The reason being the Staphylococcus aureus bacterium, which can spread into the main bloodstream through the open, untreated wound.
Blood infection in newborn or children can also occur due to urinary tract infection, pneumonia, ear infections and sometimes even due to meningitis.
Pregnancy complications like the mother developing an infection in the uterus or the placenta, the amniotic sac rupturing way ahead of delivery or the mother developing fever or infection during labour can also cause blood infection in newborns.
Children being born and brought up in an unhealthy and unsanitary environment with poor nutrition can result in a weaker immune system which in turn can lead to sepsis.
The equipment used in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) like catheter, tubes and intravenous lines which are used to make incisions to administer medicines also at times leads to blood infection.
Signs and Symptoms of Blood Poisoning
Most of the times, children do not show any signs or symptoms of the blood infection. However, the most significant sign is body temperature or fever rising higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Apart from this, the other symptoms or signs are:
Children below three months of age may become tired and cranky. They may have loss of appetite and therefore refuses to eat.
The infected newborn may have difficulty in breathing and at times some may even stop breathing for a good 10 seconds.
They also urinate less and turn pale.
The symptoms may include rashes on the skin, bulge of a soft spot (fontanelles) in the forehead.
The blood infection or sepsis may also induce seizures in infected newborns.
Older children may show signs of irritability. They too, like newborns, are cranky.
A change in heart rate is seen.
Older children, like newborns, may also show difficulty in breathing.
The children may have difficulty in passing urine.
The children may experience vomiting and confusion.
Diagnosis of the Blood Infection in Kids
Since the symptoms or signs of the blood infection in children are not clear or definite, doctors order a series of lab tests to confirm or rule out blood infection in children. The doctor firstly looks for ear, throat or lung infection if in case the baby develops a fever. If there are no signs of any other infection, the doctor asks for certain tests to be done.
Blood tests are conducted to check if there are bacteria or micro-organism in the blood.
Blood tests are conducted for checking oxygen level and clots.
A spinal tap may be conducted to rule out bacterial meningitis.
A chest X-ray may also be conducted to rule out chest or lung infection because pneumonia, if not detected and treated on time, may lead to blood infection in the child.
The doctor may also conduct tests to rule out the possibility of urinary tract infection.
Other tests like CT scans, MRI scans and ultrasounds are also conducted to detect infections in other internal organs of the child.
Treatment of Blood Infection
Blood infection or sepsis in children can be fatal if not detected and treated on time. If timely treatment is not given, then the infection may spread to the heart valves or tissues which in turn may infect them and finally damage them. So while the lab test results are awaited, the doctor starts administering antibiotics to the child in order to bring down the fever and minimise the effects of the infection to the other organs of the body. In case the child looks very ill, the doctor may give him antibiotics through injections but in case the child has fever but no other signs of infection, he may prescribe antibiotics to be taken orally.
However, in case the test reports come positive, then the following steps are taken:
The very first thing that the doctor advise is to admit the child in the hospital so that proper treatment can be administered to the child and proper steps can be taken to cure the infection.
Then the doctor administers antibiotics intravenously since in case of serious condition, the child is unable to take antibiotics orally.
Then fluid is administered intravenously to the child so that the child remains hydrated. At times food is also given intravenously.
In case of blood clots, blood plasma is administered.
At times, blood pressure medicines are also administered to the child in order to keep the heart working properly.
Usually, in case of blood infection, children experience breathlessness. At times a child even stops breathing for 10 seconds which could prove to be fatal. Therefore, as soon as a child suffering from blood infection comes in, he is put on respirators so that he may not have any trouble breathing.
At times in certain critical cases where some organs get damaged, an operation has to be conducted in order to repair the damage.
Apart from all the above points, a child who is suffering from blood infection becomes very vulnerable. Therefore, he should be kept in very clean environment and surroundings during the treatment and even after it. In case a child follows the same lifestyle after the treatment, he may be at a risk of getting himself infected again. Thus proper hygiene should be maintained and good and nutritious food given to the child in order to increase and develop his immune system.
It also needs to be seen that a child is given the entire course of antibiotics and also returns back for follow up visits with the doctor.
Risks and Complications of Blood Infection
The risks of blood poisoning in kids are many. First and foremost, if sepsis is not diagnosed early and treated on time, it may even prove to be fatal for the child. It is said to be five times more fatal than that of heart attack or stroke. In worst cases, the blood pressure drops, the heart weakens, some of the organs in our body stop working and once these happens, the child spirals into septic shock which in turn leads to multi- organ failure. Sepsis is, in fact, one of the major challenges in the intensive care units in the hospitals where it is one of the leading cause for deaths.
Home Remedies for Blood Infection
Blood infection or sepsis is a serious ailment in children. It is a medical emergency which cannot and should not be treated at home. However, we can always make use of some natural remedies which can be found at home or in our gardens.
Vitamin C: It plays an important role in treating blood poisoning. It mostly helps in preventing the starting of blood poisoning. It also helps in the growth and repair of any damaged cells in the body. Vitamin C is an immunity booster and also helps in healing wounds. It helps the patients to fight the bacteria in the blood and improve the functioning of the small blood vessels.
Turmeric: It is widely known as one of the most important traditional remedies for various ailments including blood poisoning. It is also known as a natural remedy and can increase the protein content in a child's body. After being infused with more protein, the body can combat and inhibit various types of infection. This healthy ingredient is also beneficial for preventing swelling and bonds with its antibiotics and leaves with very little or no side effects.
Garlic: Like Turmeric, Garlic is also a natural immunity booster and therefore an effective natural remedy for sepsis. It is rich in a component called Allicin which helps in fighting against certain types of inflammations which leads to Blood infection. Chopped garlic cloves along with honey if swallowed regularly can ward off blood poisoning.
Honey: It is believed to modulate the immune system and therefore enables in fighting sepsis causing bacteria effectively. It is also considered to be a fast recovery booster. Honey, if consumed daily, can ward off all types of infections and if applied to a wound, is a perfect cure.
SS 242123080 (ALT : <Home remedies for blood infection>)
Slippery Elm: Treating a cut or a wound with the slippery elm can prevent bacteria from attacking and entering our body through the wound.
Herbs: Dandelion leaves, nettle leaves and birch leaves are good ingredients to make herbal infusions. These leaves are put into boiled water which when taken, flushes out all the toxins from our body thereby preventing blood poisoning.
Avoiding Germs: Lastly the most important among all is to keep in mind to avoid germs. We must keep our hands clean by washing them regularly, especially after one uses the toilet. We must also make sure to keep our dirty or unwashed hands away from cuts and sores in order to prevent blood poisoning.
Apart from these, we can also give our children citrus fruits like Lemons and Oranges.
How to Prevent Blood Infection in Children
Sepsis cannot be prevented always as it can result due to some infection within the body itself. Therefore, we must try and prevent sepsis by preventing what causes them.
First and foremost and the most important, every child should be immunised in accordance with the schedule of the vaccinations and age of the child. Blood infection can be prevented to a great extent by getting the child vaccinated thoroughly and on time.
We must make sure to clean every cuts, wounds and abrasion with an antiseptic.
On seeing any signs of sepsis, we must take our child to the doctor immediately since blood poisoning if detected early, can be cured.
Getting one's child checked by a doctor in case of any rashes or skin infection, can go a long way in preventing sepsis.
We must try and keep our children away from people suffering from any kind of infection like lung infection or skin infection. This will help in preventing the child from acquiring the infection from the affected person.
A child must be given a healthy and nutritious diet in order to boost the immune system which in turn will help in fighting against any kind of infection.
One must follow proper hygiene by taking regular baths and washing hands before every meal and after every toilet visit and also teach his child to do so.
As the saying goes "prevention is better than cure", we must try and prevent sepsis by consciously following the simple rules which will help the child in leading a more better and healthy life. This will not only help in increasing a child's life expectancy in our country but also help our society and our country at large, in constructing a better tomorrow.
Also Read:
Neonatal Sepsis: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Blood Infection (Sepsis) During Pregnancy Read more
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From a Wife to a Mother - the Story of a Change in Attitude
Thanks to motherhood, I have fallen in love with myself again. Thanks to motherhood, I have regained my lost confidence. Thanks to motherhood, I have regained my self-esteem. After all, who can deny that after marriage, one's expected role as a good wife, a good daughter/sister/aunt-in-law makes a woman (more often than not) pre-occupied with doing well in all those new roles at the cost of relegating oneself secondary in priority, attention and importance. Undesirably, the man-woman equation post- marriage also takes a bend with the wife often being taken for granted. In a situation such as this, motherhood came as a surprise saving grace for me.
The bond I share with my baby boy ever since the very minute of his birth till date has been amazingly comforting and soothing. The way he responds to my voice, the way he enjoys playtime with me, the way he strides behind me all over the place, the way he looks and smiles at me, the look of contentment in his eyes as I hold him and the fact that he can't fall asleep without me by his side are just divine. Now I feel like the most beautiful and the best woman in the world, and not to forget, I'm no longer bothered by the indifferent or cold attitude of my husband.
To be honest, there was more than one occasion when I wanted to run away from my married life only because I stopped feeling special or cared for by my husband. I was secretly wishing for a friend, a son or a daughter who would share an unconditional bond with me and who would be my comfort in troubled times. And boy, God really paid heed to my wish and blessed me with a son who is not just my flesh and blood, but truly, my peace & comfort.
A hitherto unwanted, unworthy and unloved wife (of course because I have an introvert and inexpressive man as a husband, and not in any other sense) is now the most wanted, worthy and loved mother. My present state of emotional bliss and self-confidence is courtesy of motherhood only.
SALUTE TO MOTHERHOOD!
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her.
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My Miraculous Journey to Motherhood - Dealing with Infertility and Cherishing All Odds
My dream of becoming a mother was not easy. I was unable to conceive for four years of my marriage due to PCOS. Even after going through constant medical treatments, I failed to conceive. Suddenly I came to know about a relative who has the same medical condition but had conceived. I asked her and went for the same treatment from the same place. After about three months and three cycles of the treatment, I conceived.
When two treatment cycles failed, I wasn't hopeful that the third will be a success. I already consulted with the doctor and was ready to do IVF if things didn't work out. Luckily, after the third cycle of treatment, the pregnancy test came positive. That was the best day of my life. Actually, my journey to motherhood started from the day I was trying to get pregnant because I went through the same hardships that a mother would go through for her child.
I gave birth to a baby girl by normal delivery. My daughter is apple of my eye and is cherished by my whole family, and she is worth all the struggles. Now she is 7-month-old, and I'm enjoying every single day of motherhood. For me, it is a miracle by the God - the impossible miracle and blessing because I did not give up hope. To all the ladies who are dealing with infertility problem, I would say please be hopeful and positive. Don't care if people judge you; it's not a taboo, but just a medical condition. Majority of the conditions can be treated, and this one needs the right treatment. It's true that motherhood completes a woman in a way but anyone who's not able to conceive should not think it's the end and only key to happiness.
Happiness is spiritual, we must fight and appreciate what God has blessed us with, not questioning 'why me', but embracing what we have been blessed with, even if they are hardships. These hardships make us strong, mature, and brave. I don't regret anything because dealing with infertility made this experience of motherhood even more special - my bond with my baby special. In the end, I just want to say that for me, my baby will always be a miracle, and my journey to motherhood is miraculous.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
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Does Progesterone Help To Prevent Preterm Labour?
Pre-term labour could lead to many complications during childbirth and after, where the baby will have to be incubated. While this is an undesirable situation, there are times when it is necessary as the baby is ready to pop out.
Preterm labour is when the baby arrives anywhere between the 28th and the 33rd week of pregnancy. They are at increased risk of infant mortality. Studies have shown that using progesterone can, however, reduce this risk by up to 40%. Progesterone injections for preterm labour are a common occurrence for many women before giving birth.
What is Progesterone?
Progesterone is a hormone that is released in females and it plays a major role in controlling menstruation after ovulation. In pregnant women, it can help prevent preterm birth by nullifying the contractions that lead to the same.
It is important that babies make it as close to their due date as possible because it could lead to a lot of complications in terms of health.
Role of Progesterone Hormone in Pregnancy
Progesterone supply during pregnancy is vital as it helps the endometrium strong to nurture the fetus in the body. It provides a supportive environment in different stages of the pregnancy to ensure that the fetus stays healthy throughout the entire time period.
As the pregnancy progresses, progesterone plays a role in helping the breasts get ready to produce milk for the baby. Also, the lungs are strengthened with the help of this hormone to provide more amounts of oxygen.
Post 8 to 10 weeks of the pregnancy period, the placenta takes over from the ovaries to increase the amount of progesterone for the prevention of preterm birth.
When do Doctors Recommend Progesterone Therapy to Pregnant Women?
Generally, women who are more likely to have miscarriages or preterm births are provided additional progesterone therapy. Here are a few situations where progesterone might be prescribed:
1. Past Preterm Births
When a mother has gone through the experience of a preterm birth in the past, doctors generally advise progesterone therapy. This therapy is generally started somewhere around the 16th to the 20th week of pregnancy and continues well into the 36th week.
The 17 hydroxyprogesterone for pre-term labour is injected into the mother, with a typical dosage anywhere around 250 mg.
2. Short Cervix
A short cervix can be insufficient to hold the fetus in for longer periods of time and this can lead to preterm birth. This can pose many risks for mothers and it is recommended that pregnant women get their cervix measured between the 19th and 24th week of pregnancy.
Physicians carefully monitor the cervical length, in cases of previous preterm births with ultrasounds done every two weeks - right from week 15 till week 24-26. There are also many risk factors for short cervix including:
C and D procedures (surgeries that can scrape the lining of the uterus)
Cervical incompetence in previous pregnancies
Any situations of PPROM - Previous Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes
Any biopsy of the cervix used to remove pre-cancerous tumours or diagnostic purposes
Previous childbirth trauma when the cervix got torn
Later-term or even repeated abortion
Abnormalities in the uterine and anomalies
Diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure
For those who have a shorter cervix, the progesterone is generally given at the 18th week of pregnancy and is continued right till the 36th week. This type of therapy sessions involve the administration of the body’s natural progesterone in the following forms:
Gels
Vaginal suppository
Tablets
3. Past PPROM
The Premature Rupture of Membranes occurs when the chorionic membranes and amniotic sac rupture even before the process of labour. When this happens before the 37th week of pregnancy, the condition is called PPROM (Preterm PROM). In such cases, providing progesterone is not as effective for those having the PPROM in their first pregnancy, but they will benefit in subsequent pregnancies.
4. Other conditions
Progression in the field of medicine can lead to additional uses for progesterone for the prevention of preterm delivery. Some have suggested progesterone therapy can help those women who have experienced premature labour in their current pregnancy though the validity of this is still not fully clear.
Progesterone Treatment during Pregnancy
There are different ways to administer progesterone treatments during pregnancy, depending on the doctor’s advice. If you’re someone who’s in line for progesterone treatment, then you could be prescribed shots, suppositories and tablets based on what’s best for you.
1. Progesterone Shots
Progesterone shots for preterm labour is a common way of getting the hormone into pregnant women. It involves an oil-based solution being injected into the body and this is also the most established way of providing progesterone to pregnant women.
The injection is inserted into the buttocks once a day and it uses thick or larger needles to penetrate thick skin and fat. This method cannot be done by patients on their own and they will require medical intervention as the process can sometimes be painful to endure.
The Progesterone shots to prevent preterm labour side effects include skin reactions and rashes but these are common and should be expected.
2. Vaginal Progesterone
The vaginal progesterone delivery method includes vaginal gels, vaginal inserts. An FDA approved vaginal gel is used once a day for up to 12 weeks of pregnancy. A majority of women who have used this gel have approved its convenience and the comfort that it provides.
There are also progesterone oral tablets that are used vaginally in addition to inserts that are effective for women under 35 years.
Progesterone Suppositories
These suppositories are generally compounded at pharmacists and are wax-based. These can be used two to three times a day though they can cause a messy leakage in the process.
What Are Its Side Effects?
Progesterone shots and oral medicines can give rise to various side effects in women, which are minor. However, if a pregnant woman has liver disease or arterial disease, then the progesterone is contradicted.
Some of the side effects include:
Vaginal discharge after shots
Irritation or reactions at the site of injection
Fatigue
A headache
Sleepiness
Nausea
The last four side effects are consistent with oral medications.
Natural Ways To Avoid Preterm Birth
There are a few natural ways to prevent preterm birth. These include:
Following a healthy diet
Visiting the doctor regularly
Take care of any health problems - like diabetes, high BP and depression
Have a diet that incorporates different food and stay healthy.
Thus, progesterone is known to help improve the health of the cervix and ensure a healthy pregnancy. Consult a doctor before proceeding and using the same, to avoid any side effects
Also Read: Taking Progesterone to Prevent Miscarriage Read more
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Chocolate Microwave Cake with Coffee
This cake can be made literally in one minute in the microwave. It's ridiculously delicious, incredibly simple and will fix chocolate cravings in a jiffy. Get your teenager to take it on - just make sure to clean up after!
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
2 People
5-10 Minutes
1-2 Minutes
Ingredients
1 tbsp (tablespoon) drinking chocolate powder
1 tsp (teaspoon) instant coffee powder
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/8 tsp salt
2 tbsp sugar
1/4 tsp baking powder
2-3 tsp vegetable oil
3 tbsps milk
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Method
Step 1
Combine the dry ingredients (first six) and mix them properly. Add the vegetable oil, milk and the vanilla extract.
Step 2
Stir and transfer to a coffee mug. Either microwave on full power (800 watt) for 30-40 seconds or cook at 350F in an oven for about 12-14 minutes.
Step 3
If you don’t want to eat it straight out of the mug, make sure that you grease the dish first with a little butter, and then wait for the cake to cool before trying to remove it.
Nutritional Information
Calories
143 Kcal
Proteins
2.0 g
Fat
5.1 g
Carbohydrates
22.5 g
Cholesterol
2 mg
Sodium
159 mg
Potassium
92 mg
Read more
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
1 hour ago
Q. #asktheexpert ozone face wash toner and hydrant use kar liya mera face khurdura ho gya kya kare bahut itching hoti hai jalan bhi
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. For the query asked needs consultation with doctor for proper guidance so it is better that the doctor will guide you the correct way .
Online consultation can also be taken abfccnd the expert will give you the proper answer .
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. my baby is not latching the left side Brest milk . She is always crying and straching her leg , stomach. I am not able to understand why she is crying. but she is latching when she is in a sleepy mood
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. Could be due to stomach pain and sometimes kids have an aversion to a particular breast and they do not like to take direct breastfeeding also since you haven’t mentioned the current age of your child I would recommend you to kindly consult a specialist one time
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. At end of 4months baby weighed 5.7kg; suffered from loose stools and stomach infection and recurred again ; then at the end of 5.5 months baby weighed 6.1 kg
Baby is active but looks so lean and thin
Is this weight adequate since birth weight was 2.8kgs
Read moreDr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. Loose motion are most of the time infective where it is associatedgn with fever and vomiting and its known as gastroenteritis where symptomatic treatment along with management for dehydration is required if loose motions are associated with foul smell mucous high grade fever than it could be bacterial infection which needs antibiotics treatment
Vandana Sharma has added a new answer
Expecting Father due this month
1 hour ago
Q. I am 36 week pregnant, from last 3-4 weeks my weight is stable not increasing. I went for a regular checkup and doctor said things are fine. Do I need to worry about weight?
Vandana Sharma
Nutritionist
18 mins ago
A. Hello mom.please do not stress much over it last trimester is the time of rapid weight gain eat healthy , go for walks z be hydrated , take rest as well
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. Still having Loose stool once a day but with foul smell but without fever/vomit . 3days passed since she completed her antibiotic dosage.
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. you will have to give ors for every episode of loose motion. you you cannot give heavy diet like milk to the child for few days as well as you cannot give sugar based food. you cannot give packet based foods as well as biscuit maida. kindly give curd buttermilk apple banana poha upma daliya. you can also give any recipe made from rice dal as well as sabudanxa khichdi. you cannot give outside juice as well as glucon d to the child. please meet your doctor because if it is viral or bacterial diarrhea will be confirmed only on examination.
give sachet econorm twice daily for 3days.
meet your doctor if it is not improving x
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
42 mins ago
Q. Birth weight:2.8kgs
At end of 4 months : 5.7kg
At end of 5.5 months : 6.1kg
Is it adequate?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
40 mins ago
A. Yes it is because your child is almost having more than double the birth fade by completing the age of 5.5 months like you’re mentioning so it’s going good in total the weight of the child currently as per the age is perfectly good so there is nothing nothing for you to be worried in this
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