Common Illnesses in Newborns - Seek medical attention for your child.

There are many common illnesses in newborns most of which are very treatable. Knowing some illnesses to keep an eye out for will help you to take the best care possible of your new baby.

Diarrhea can be seen in newborns and young children.  As with an adult it is usually the cause of bacteria and of a stomach bug or flu.  Keep in mind that when a baby is in the first few weeks of life, they often will have very loose and watery bowel movements that are not diarrhea.  If a baby is suffering from diarrhea, they are likely to be fussy and to show others signs of not feeling well.  You must watch out for signs of dehydration if your child is ill.  Make certain that they are not having a decrease in wet diapers.  Be certain that they are not showing signs of dehydration with a dry mouth or dry crying.  If they seem too lethargic and out of sorts these might also be signs.  Seek medical attention for your child.  Even if you do not believe your child is dehydrated, if you have concerns over their symptoms, contact their pediatrician.

Jaundice is another ailment that commonly afflicts newborns.  When bilirubin is too prevalent in the baby’s blood, there skin will take on a yellowish tint.  The white part of a baby’s eyes will also appear yellow.  There is not usually much reason for concern if a baby has a little Jaundice.  In fact, many babies will show signs of this at a couple days old and it will usually go away on its own within a week or two.  If your baby has Jaundice when leaving the hospital, his or her pediatrician will probably want to see the baby in a few days to see if it is improving. 

It seems that Jaundice can be more frequent in breastfed babies and last a few days longer.  Some breastfed babies will have mild problems throughout the time they are breastfeeding.  It is important to make certain you are feeding your baby frequently.  They will eat more often than a baby who is eating formula.  If the baby is not getting enough milk, they can have problems getting rid of bilirubin which will cause an excess in the blood resulting in Jaundice.

In many cases treatment is not needed for Jaundice.  Follow all instructions provided by the baby’s physician.  Consult the doctor if you have additional concerns.  Rarely, does Jaundice cause any lasting medical problems.

 

Some babies will have a condition known as baby (or infant reflux).  The sphincter in the lower esophagus of a  baby is not fully developed.  For this reason many babies have acid reflux in the first few months after birth.  The baby will not just spit up normally but rather will bring up stomach fluids and acid.  This is just like adult acid reflux.  It is a painful condition for the baby.  If you suspect your baby has reflux, consult their physician.

Baby reflux can sometimes be helped through the uses of feeding wedges and crib wedges.  This helps the baby to safely maintain a more upright position when sleeping.  Generally the wedge will elevate their head   Holding a baby upright and having them in a seated position can help the baby to suffer a little less.

 In more severe cases, a doctor might need  to prescribe medication for the baby.  The  most serious forms of baby reflux  sometimes require surgery to reply any  damage from the acid or to help to alleviate  the reflux.  Surgery is not frequently needed.

 Colic is a term commonly used in terms of  young babies as well.  Babies are often said  to have colic if they cry for several hours per  day and cannot be easily consoled.  The  crying usually occurs around the same time  each day.  Doctors really do not know what  causes colic and it seems to be harmless to  the baby.  Many newborns will exhibit signs  of colic between 3weeks and 3 months of age.  When babies are fed, diapered, and held and still seem to be upset, the cause is often colic.

If your baby cries more often than usual or is not consolable, do not assume that it is nothing at all.  Consult with your child’s physician.  He can help you to determine if there is any reason for additional concern after considering your babies symptoms and behaviors.