What is Congenital Hydrocephalus?

 

A birth defect or brain malformation that results in an excessive buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain cavities known as the subarachnoid space is the cause of congenital hydrocephalus. The brain and spinal cord are encased in a clear, colorless liquid called cerebrospinal fluid, which shields them from injury. It transports nutrition to the spinal cord and brain and removes waste. The amount of this fluid produced by the brain is absorbed by the body in a healthy person. When there is hydrocephalus, the fluid does not drain properly and builds up, putting pressure on the brain.

Diagnosis:

Prenatal Diagnosis

Congenital hydrocephalus can be identified in a fetus as early as the third or fourth month of pregnancy using advanced imaging techniques. The abnormal enlargement of brain cavities can be more easily seen by the fifth or sixth month. Before the birth of the child, tests are performed to diagnose the issue.
Amniocentesis or intrauterine fluid aspiration may be used to check for the occurrence of further birth abnormalities linked to hydrocephalus.
Ultrasound — Conducted by a radiologist or perinatologist, this examination will determine whether there is an abnormal fluid buildup but may not reveal the obstruction.

Symptoms:

• Downward deviation of the eyes, called "sunsetting"
• Irritability
• Seizures
• Sleepiness
• Very large head or a head that's growing very quickly in relation to the rest of the body
• Vomiting

Treatment for Congenital Hydrocephalus:

Even if congenital hydrocephalus is discovered while a baby is still in the womb, treatment typically begins after delivery. The problem is typically treated by either removing the obstruction or tumour that is causing it, or by placing a shunt. A shunt is a tiny, flexible plastic tube that moves extra cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) away from the brain and into a different area of the body where it can be reabsorbed.

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy is a different treatment that can be used to treat some children (ETV). In this treatment, a tiny hole is produced in the third ventricle of the brain's floor, allowing cerebrospinal fluid to pass around the blockage and move toward the location where it can be reabsorbed by the body.

What is Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics?

What is Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics?

At children's hospitals, a distinct subspecialty called Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics (DBP) focuses on a child's strengths and challenges within the context of the family from a bio-psycho-social perspective.

DBP Pediatricians: Who are they?

Pediatricians having a certification in developmental and behavioral pediatrics are known as developmental-behavioral pediatricians. The doctors have the education and expertise necessary to take the medical and psychological components of children's and adolescents' developmental and behavioral issues into account when making assessments and prescribing therapies.

The professionals are aware that a child's behavior and development take place mostly within the environment of the family. They try to comprehend how the family sees the issue and how the child's issue affects the family. Working closely with schools, preschools, and other organizations involved in developmental care and education, developmental-behavioral doctors represent their patients with behavioral and developmental issues.

Pediatricians that specialize in developmental-behavioral care assess, advise, and treat kids, teens, and their families in a variety of ways.

What are Developmental Disabilities?

• Developmental-behavioral pediatricians are pediatricians who have received certification in developmental and behavioral pediatrics. When conducting assessments and recommending treatments, the doctors have the training and experience required to take into account the physical and psychological aspects of children's and teenagers' developmental and behavioral disorders.
• The majority of a child's behavior and development occurs in the family setting, as specialists are aware. They aim to understand the family's perspective on the situation as well as how the child's problem impacts the family. Developmental-behavioral doctors represent their patients with behavioral and developmental disorders by collaborating closely with schools, preschools, and other organizations involved in developmental care and education.
• Developmental-behavioral pediatricians evaluate, counsel, and treat children, adolescents, and their families in a number of ways.

What are the Affects of Baby Eczema on Child’s Skin?

 

What is baby eczema?
A common skin condition that affects infants and young children is baby eczema. Patches of the baby's skin affected by eczema become scratchy, dry, and rough. The baby's face is the area where eczema symptoms appear most frequently.

Who does it affect?
In the United States, 15% to 20% of infants under the age of 2 are thought to have baby eczema. The condition can persist throughout maturity.

How does it affect the child’s skin?
The baby's skin becomes dry, itchy, and sensitive due to baby eczema. This occurs as a result of the baby's thin and ineffective outermost layer of skin's protective barrier. Each time their symptoms flare up, they may continue for a number of weeks. Baby eczema is a chronic illness that can appear and disappear at any time. When they are adults, some children outgrow the illness, but others continue to have modest flare-ups or dry skin symptoms for the rest of their lives.

Symptoms of baby eczema:

• Dry skin
• Itchy skin
• Bumpy rash
• Skin discoloration; red or darker than your natural skin tone (hyperpigmentation)

Causes of baby eczema:

• Skin irritants and allergens
• Immune system reaction
• Genetics

Diagnosis:

Eczema will be identified by your doctor after a medical check. It is possible to diagnose eczema for your newborn based on the appearance of the rash on his or her skin. To determine what brought about the signs to appear on your baby's skin, your doctor might suggest more tests. Tests might comprise:

• An allergy test
• Blood tests
• A skin biopsy

Are you aware of the early signs of Autism?

What are the Early Signs of Autism?

When they are infants, many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) display developmental impairments, particularly in their social and verbal abilities. Less evident disparities in the development of body movements, pretend play, and social language frequently goes unrecognized because babies typically sit, crawl, and walk on schedule. Families may see changes in how their child interacts with peers and other people in addition to behavioral issues and speech/language impairments. 

Recognizing signs of Autism:

Social differences in autistic children

• Making little to no eye contact or failing to maintain eye contact
• Demonstrates little to no reaction to the grin or other facial emotions of the parent.
• May not focus on anything that a parent points to or looks at.
• May not make a parent look at something by pointing to an item or an event.
• Less likely to bring personal items to a parent to display
• Many people lack the right facial expressions.
• Has trouble interpreting others' facial expressions to determine what they could be feeling or thinking
• Less likely to have empathy for other people
• Has trouble making and maintaining friendships

Communication issues in Autistic children:

• Less inclined to give or point at goods to convey needs to others
• By 15 months, says no single words, and by 24 months, no two-word phrases.
• reproduces verbatim what others have spoken without understanding what they mean (often called parroting or echoing)
• Possibly won't answer when called by name, but will react to other noises (such a car horn or a cat meowing).
• May use the pronouns "you" to refer to oneself while using "I" to refer to others.
• communicator e in communication or diminished interest
• less inclined to initiate or carry on a discussion
• less likely to depict people or actual life in pretend play using toys or other materials
• Possess a strong rote memory, particularly for numbers.

Keep in mind that you are the expert on your child, and your worries are valid. You and your child's pediatrician will determine the best course of action together. Get a second opinion if you're uncomfortable with the doctor's recommendation.

10 Oral Hygiene Habits for Babies and Toddlers

Although maintaining good oral health is vital at all ages, young children must rely on their parents or other primary caregivers to take care of their teeth and gums. Baby teeth in the child serve as indicators for adult teeth to erupt, and even though they will eventually fall out, they still require the same level of care as permanent teeth. Children who practice good oral hygiene practices are less likely to experience tooth decay and other issues that could last a long time.

10 Oral Hygiene Habits for Babies and Toddlers:

• As soon as your child has teeth, begin brushing them.
• use low-fluoride toothpaste beginning at age 18
• Flossing is crucial as well
• Avoid feeding bottles to infants before bedtime
• For toddlers, make tap water their primary beverage
• Avoid sugary foods and beverages

Is the Kawasaki virus highly contagious?

 

It is a disorder that results in inflammation of the blood vessel walls in some body parts. It most frequently affects babies and young children. Kawasaki disease cannot be transmitted from one person to another since it is not contagious. Because of this, it's unlikely that a virus alone is to blame. Children of any age can develop the Kawasaki disease. High temperature and skin peeling are symptoms. In advanced stages, medium-sized blood vessels may become inflamed (vasculitis). Lymph nodes, skin, and mucous membranes, including those in the mouth, are also affected. Usually, Kawasaki disease is curable. Aspirin and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy are two initial treatments that are administered in a medical setting.

High temperature and skin peeling are symptoms. In advanced stages, medium-sized blood vessels may become inflamed (vasculitis). Lymph nodes, skin, and mucous membranes, including those in the mouth, are also affected. Usually, Kawasaki disease is curable. Aspirin and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy are two initial treatments that are administered in a medical setting.

Hospitals treat Kawasaki illness because it might have dangerous side effects. Starting treatment as soon as feasible is advised.

• If Kawasaki disease is not promptly treated, your child's recovery may take longer
• They will also be more susceptible to problems
• The two main Kawasaki disease treatments are: Intravenous immunoglobulin with aspirin

What is the difference between Preterm and Premature Baby?

 

What are premature birth and preterm labour?

The terms premature and preterm both refer to being early. Preterm labour is defined as labour that starts earlier than 37 weeks into a pregnancy. The  body goes through labour to give birth to the child. Premature birth can result from preterm labour. When the baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy, it is known as a premature birth. Before birth, the baby needs roughly 40 weeks to grow and develop in the womb. Premature babies are those born prior to 37 weeks of pregnancy. Premature newborns can have major health concerns at birth and later in life. In the United States, one in ten babies are born prematurely each year.

Signs and symptoms of preterm labor? 

• Changes in your vaginal discharge, such as more than normal or discharge that is bloody, mucous, or watery
• Feeling like the baby is pressing down on your pelvic or lower belly
• Persistent low, dull back pain
• Stomach pains, either with or without diarrhoea
• Contractions that happen frequently or on a regular basis and cause your belly to tighten. There is a chance that the contractions won't hurt
• Water leaks

Risk factors in your everyday life for preterm labor and premature birth:

• consuming illicit substances, alcohol, cigarettes, prescription medicines, or all of these things
• being under a great deal of stress.
• bad socioeconomic standing (also called SES). SES is a collection of factors including your income, employment status, and education (how much money you make).
• Domestic abuse. When your partner mistreats or abuses you, this happens. It encompasses verbal, physical, and emotional abuse.
• working long hours or spending a lot of time standing
• exposure to lead, radiation, and chemicals found in paint, plastics, and secondhand smoke, as well as air pollution. Smoke from another person's cigarette, cigar, or pipe is known as secondhand smoke.