There are different types of worms that can infest children, including roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms. Roundworms and hookworms are the most common type of worms found in children and can cause abdominal pain, malnutrition, and anemia. Whipworms and tapeworms are less common, but can still cause serious health problems.

Worms can be contracted through contaminated food, water, or soil. Children who live in areas with poor sanitation are at a higher risk of contracting worms. Children who do not wash their hands regularly, play in contaminated soil, or consume contaminated food and water, are at a higher risk of getting worms. The importance of deworming in children cannot be overstated. Worm infestations can lead to malnutrition and anemia, both of which can have long-term effects on a child’s physical and cognitive development. In addition, worms can cause abdominal pain and discomfort, which can interfere with a child’s ability to concentrate and learn in school.

Deworming is a simple and effective way to prevent and treat worm infestations in children. The process involves administering a single dose of deworming medication to the child. The medication works by killing the worms and expelling them from the body. Deworming medication is safe and well-tolerated by most children. Deworming is usually done on a regular basis, especially in areas where the risk of worm infestations is high. In some countries, deworming is part of the regular national health program and is done twice a year.

The medication can be taken orally or as a suppository, depending on the type of worm and the severity of the infestation. In addition to administering deworming medication, there are several measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of worm infestations in children. These measures include improving sanitation, encouraging regular hand washing, providing clean water, and promoting healthy hygiene practices.

• Improving sanitation is an essential step in reducing the risk of worm infestations.
• Children who live in areas with poor sanitation are at a higher risk of getting worms. Improving sanitation facilities, such as toilets and latrines, can help reduce the spread of worms and other parasites.
• Encouraging regular hand washing is another important measure that can help reduce the risk of worm infestations.
• Children should be taught to wash their hands after using the toilet, playing in contaminated soil, and before eating.
• Providing clean water is also important in reducing the risk of worm infestations. Children who drink contaminated water are at a higher risk of getting worms. Providing clean water sources, such as wells, can help reduce the risk of worm infestations.
• Promoting healthy hygiene practices is also essential in reducing the risk of worm infestations.
• Children should be taught to cover their mouths when coughing or sneezing and to avoid putting their hands in their mouths.
• Children should also be encouraged to avoid playing in contaminated soil and to wear shoes to protect their feet.

In conclusion, deworming is a crucial aspect of child health and hygiene. Worm infestations can cause significant health problems in children and negatively impact their overall well-being. Do not neglect the symptoms and consult a pediatrician near you for better recommendations.

A preterm, premature, or “preemie” baby is one who is born three weeks before their due date. A typical pregnancy (foetal development) lasts about 40 weeks. Preterm birth happens when a woman is 37 weeks or less. Premature or early birth can be dangerous to both the mother and the baby’s health.

Is there a spectrum of prematurity?

Preterm births are classified into four types:

• Born between 34 and 36 weeks gestation.

• Born between 32 and 34 weeks gestation.

• Premature birth (birth before 32 weeks).

• Extremely premature birth (before 25 weeks).

What medical issues might a premature infant face?

To develop, a foetus must be carried to term in the uterus. They may not fully develop if they are born too soon. This can lead to major health issues. Preemie newborns are more likely to develop heart, brain, lung, or liver problems.

• Apnea of prematurity, or temporary pauses in breathing during sleep, is one of the most frequent health disorders affecting premature babies.

• Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (underdevelopment of the lungs).

• Intraventricular haemorrhage, or brain bleeding.

• Necrotizing enterocolitis, or gut inflammation.

• Neonatal sepsis, often known as blood infection.

• Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), or improper cardiac blood flow.

• Prematurity retinopathy, or undeveloped blood vessels in the eye.

   Premature newborns are also more likely to have developmental issues.

 They may develop health problems later in life, such as:

• Cerebral palsy.

• Hearing and vision issues.

• Learning difficulties.

• Slow growth.

What are the most common reasons for preterm birth?

Premature births can occur unexpectedly and with no recognized cause. For medical reasons, doctors may need to induce (start) labour early.

• Chronic health issues, such as diabetes or infections, can potentially cause premature labour.

• Substance abuse (drugs or alcohol).

• Multiple births, such as twins or triplets.

• Hypereclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy).

• Concerns about their uterus or cervix.

• Insufficient time between pregnancies (less than 18 months).

• Pregnancy vaginal bleeding or infections.

Are certain people more likely to have a premature birth?

If you are under the age of 20 or over the age of 40, you may be at a higher risk of premature birth.

• Have a personal or family history of preterm birth.

• Smoking when pregnant.

• Were underweight prior to becoming pregnant.

TREATMENT AND MANAGEMENT

What is the treatment for prematurity?

Premature babies frequently require specialized medical care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This is a section of the hospital reserved for babies in critical condition. Neonatologists are doctors that specialize in neonatal care. Some babies spend weeks or months in the NICU.

Preterm infants frequently require assistance with:

• Breathing.

• Feeding.

• gaining weight; and

• keeping their own body temperature stable.

PREVENTION

How may preterm birth be avoided?

There is no single strategy to avoid premature birth, however you can minimize your chances by doing the following:

• Avoid using smoke, alcohol, or illegal drugs while pregnant.

• Consume a well-balanced diet.

• Get comprehensive prenatal care throughout your pregnancy.

• Lower your stress level.

• Space pregnancies by at least 18 months.

LIVING IN CONNECTION WITH THE CONDITION:

When should you consult your doctor regarding premature labour?

If you detect any of the following indicators of preterm labour, contact your healthcare practitioner right away:

• Unexplained vaginal discharge (leaking fluid) or bleeding.

• Contractions or cramping, either with or without diarrhoea.

• Persistent lower back discomfort.

• Pelvic or abdominal pressure.

• Your “breaking water.”

Consult our top obstetricians & neonatologists for better understanding and recommendations. Book your appointment online at www.blossomscare.in or call us at 0866-6690999.

Is your child suffering from a blocked or runny nose and watery eyes? Is he coughing and sneezing? He could be suffering from a cold. Colds are common in babies and toddlers. If the child’s body temperature rises, he may have a fever.

What You Should Do:

• Keep him hydrated by giving him plenty of fluids such as water and low-sugar juices.

• Keep him away from crowded areas, sick people, and other children.

• Teach your child to blow his nose with a tissue or to cover his mouth when sneezing.

• Take your child to the doctor if he does not improve after a few days or if he has a high fever.

The stomach flu:

Is your child experiencing nausea and vomiting? Are his/her stools odorous and watery? He could be suffering from the stomach flu or a gastrointestinal infection. Muscle aches, abdominal pain, and a slight fever are also symptoms.

What You Should Do:

• Keep your child hydrated with fluids such as water or juices that do not contain milk to replace lost water and salts. Encourage your child to take small, frequent sips of fluids.

• Avoid contact with others because stomach flu is contagious.

• Take your child to the doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.

HFMD (Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease):

Are your child’s palms, feet, or buttocks covered in rashes or blisters? Is your child suffering from painful mouth ulcers, a fever, or a sore throat? He could be suffering from hand, foot, and mouth disease. This can occasionally escalate into something more serious. Examine your child’s palms for blisters:

What You Should Do:

• If your child has HFMD, notify his school, infant or child care centre. He/she should remain at home to prevent the illness from spreading to other children.

• Maintain your child’s hydration. Child should intake plenty of fluids and water.

• As mouth ulcers can be excruciatingly painful, switch to a soft diet (for example, porridge).

• It is essential for your child to get more rest.

• Carry out all precautions at your home to stop the spread of HFMD, like disinfecting all toys and other objects with which your child comes into contact.

• If you suspect your child has HFMD, take him to the doctor right away.

Bronchiolitis and Bronchitis:

Is your child wheezing, which means making high pitched noises while exhaling? Is he exhaling quickly and having difficulty breathing? His lungs’ small airways could be infected.

What You Should Do:

• Keep your child hydrated with fluids such as water and vitamin C-rich juices.

• Avoid smoking areas. Tobacco smoke can aggravate your child’s condition.

• Take your child to the doctor if he is wheezing for the first time, has laboured breathing, is lethargic, lacks energy, or refuses to eat.

Chicken Pox:

Does your child have a fever and itchy, red spots on his or her body and face from chickenpox? The chickenpox rash appears over several days and eventually develops into blisters. In case there is an infection on scratched areas, there is a chance for the spots to leave scars. Even though chickenpox is one of the most common and mild disease in healthy kids, it is however should be properly treated and taken care of as it spreads very easily just from droplets in the air through an infected person and also might spread with direct contact. It is considered as one of the highly contagious disease.

• If your child has chickenpox, notify his school or childcare centre and he/she should remain at home to prevent the illness from spreading to other children.

• Trim your child’s fingernails to prevent scratching and consider allowing him to wear gloves at night.

• Bathe your child in cool water to relieve itching.

• Take your child to the doctor right away if the rash spreads to the eye or becomes extremely red or tender.

Consult your pediatrician, if you see any of the below symptoms in your child

• Dizzy
• Disoriented,
• Vomiting,
• Rapid heartbeat,
• Shortness of breath,
• Has tremors,
• Loss of muscle coordination,
• Stiff neck/high fever.

It is essential to consult the pediatrician near you and get regular health check-ups for your kids, to avoid any unnecessary complications and prevent any other serious health conditions.

Below are other types of cancers and their signs, symptoms to understand more:

What is ovarian cancer?

Another common cancer in women is ovarian cancer, which is a malignancy that occurs when cells grow out of control and form tumors on the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Ovarian cancer is a malignancy that occurs when cells grow out of control and form tumors on the ovaries and fallopian tubes.

How can you tell if you have ovarian cancer by its symptoms and signs?

• Bleeding on the vaginal area after menopause has occurred
• Discharges from the vaginal area that are abnormal
• Pain in the lower abdomen
• A feeling of discomfort in the lower back or abdominal area
• Dizziness, nausea, and abdominal pain
• Having a feeling of fullness pretty soon after eating
• There is a difficulty eating due
• Feeling of nausea and vomiting
• The pressure in the pelvic region
• Changes in menstruation patterns
• Loss of weight in a short period of time
• Changes in the behavior of individuals in the bathroom
• Urination that occurs frequently or urgently
• Constipation that occurs frequently or urgently

What is cervical cancer and what can it do to you?

In the year 2018, more than 500,000 new cases of cervical cancer were diagnosed all over the world, making cervical cancer another common cancer in women.

Why do women get cervical cancer? What are the common symptoms and signs of cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer does not show signs or symptoms early on. On the other hand, as the disease progresses, abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge (such as after sex) can occur as well.

What is uterine cancer?

The most common gynecologic cancer is uterine cancer, or endometrial cancer. Approximately one out of every four women who are diagnosed with uterine cancer suffer from it. Uterine cancer is the most common type of cancer in women. The uterus, or womb, is a hollow, pear-shaped organ where menstruation and fetal development take place. Women 55 and older are at a higher risk of developing uterine cancer.

What are the common symptoms of uterine cancer? What are the common signs and symptoms?

• Menopausal bleeding
• During the period between periods, spot between the periods.
• Discharges which are bloody and malodorous

Where should I seek cancer diagnosis and treatment?

Blossoms mother and child hospital is an expert center to seek cancer diagnosis and cancer treatment. We specialize in breast and gynecologic cancers as we have top gynecologists & obstetricians. You can book an appointment with us @ www.blossomscare.in or call us at 0866-6690999 for an expert advice.

How common is cancer among women? On what percentage of women does it occur?

There are approximately 1 in 4 people who will die from cancer in the world, surpassing only heart disease. The number of people who die from cancer is over one in four. The most common type of cancer among women is breast cancer, a form of cancer that is more prevalent than skin cancer. Despite the fact that discussing cancer can be scary, equipping yourself with knowledge is empowering.

By knowing the most common types of cancer in women, how to detect cancer at an early stage, and the lifestyle choices you can make in order to lower your risk of developing cancer, you can focus on living a healthy life…

Here, we discuss crucial issues every woman needs to know to make sure that she is protected from the most common female cancers that can affect her.

What are the most common cancers in women?

The most common types of cancer among women are

• Breast Cancer
• Cervical Cancer
• Ovarian Cancer &
• Uterine Cancer.

Detecting cancers at an early stage is more likely to have a positive outcome when they are successfully treated.

Common risk factors for different types of cancers include the following, all of which can increase your risk of developing them:

• Consumption of alcoholic beverages
• Being overweight or obese is one of the most common health issues
• Sedentary lifestyles are not healthy
• Not becoming pregnant
• Has not breastfed for at least six months
• The use of birth control, especially oral contraceptives
• Therapy using hormones after menopause in order to maintain a woman’s health
• Determination of the presence of HIV or AIDS
• Long-term use of birth control pills for a period of more than five years
• Having at least three children or more during your lifetime
• Having multiple sex partners

What is breast cancer?

It occurs in the breast cells and can spread to the lymph nodes under the arms. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women other than skin cancer and occurs in the cells of the breast.

What are the common breast cancer symptoms and signs that can indicate the presence of the disease?

• You have a lump on your breast
• Nipple changes
• You have dimpling in your breast (such as something you would see on an orange peel)
• Breast swells and looks bloated
• An underarm lump can be felt when you press on it
• Nipple discharge – particularly concerning is when the discharge is spontaneous or bloody. There are many factors that can cause nipple discharge, among them hormones, pregnancy and lactation.
• The feeling of pain in the breast or in the nipple
• Retraction of the breast from the nipple (inwards into the breast)
• A red, itchy, scaly, or thick patch of skin on your breast can be indicative of these conditions

Where should I seek cancer diagnosis and treatment?

Blossoms mother and child hospital is an expert center to seek cancer diagnosis and cancer treatment. We specialize in breast and gynecologic cancers as we have top gynecologists & obstetricians. You can book an appointment with us @ www.blossomscare.in or call us at 0866-6690999 for an expert advice.

While the rapidly increasing trend of COVID-19 cases is foreshowing the probable third wave in India, there is an utmost need to prepare for the worst. However, experts predict that, even if this probable third wave happens, it might not be as dangerous as the second wave or delta wave.

These 2 reasons explain why?

• Larger proportion of the population immune through vaccination or past infection
• Omicron does not cause the severe lung inflammation and oxygen need seen with delta

In terms of infection, what are the steps an individual can take?

Precautionary Steps can be as follows:

• Get vaccinated, get boosted when eligible
• Mask up
• Avoid crowds whenever possible

What to do, if infected:

• Isolate, follow local guidance but at a minimum, stay home for 5 days or until 24 hours after fever has resolved – whichever is longer
• Almost all infections in young/vaccinated individuals will resolve with NO specific treatment

Treatment Advisory:

• Treatment advised only for the unvaccinated, those who have risk factors such as weakened immune systems, chronic diseases or are elderly.
• Take the booster dose of vaccine if you have not taken till now. Mix and match/ heterologous vaccines are the present consensus.
• Omicron is highly transmissible so you can’t escape it whether you already had COVID-19 in past or fully vaccinated.
• Monoclonal antibodies currently available in India DO NOT work against omicron
• Certain meds help prevent hospitalization in high risk patients if given early (within 5 days of symptoms)
• It is recommended to go for 3 gene Multiplex RT-PCR instead of routine RT-PCR. If there’s an S gene drop out, antibody cocktail may not be effective. (There’s huge spurt of cases. Almost all are S gene drop outs suggesting omicron predominance.)

Consult your doctor for an effective & right medical help, in case you experience any mild to severe symptoms.

The only important recommendation for all those out there, from all the medical experts is “PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE” & “GET VACCINATED”

I don’t feel guilty saying this …

When my daughter does her homework and eats her veggies without her tantrums she is my favourite child … when my son plays all by himself and shares toys with his sister he is my favourite child and when they both are throwing a tantrum and I keep my peace and not yell at them ( sorry for being human ) I am my favourite…. and when my husband takes kids to a mall and leaves me alone at home then he is my favourite person … so yes at times I hate dealing with these little thugs and yet times I squish them hard with love ….

I sometimes feel that I pamper my 3-year-old a lot, his extreme naughtiness brings a smile to me … I laugh at his goofiness but when my daughter tries to do the same I try to discipline her … I feel I am a little bit hard on her and expect much from a 6-year-old…

yes she is 6 and he is 3 and yes I laughed and pampered her more when she was 3 but then she doesn’t remember that … she doesn’t understand why her mother laughs at her brother and tries to discipline her when they both have done the same thing … this happens a lot in all households without parents realizing it and sometimes it creates sibling rivalry … I could see the disappointment in my daughter’s eyes when I do this but then I tried to explain to her that he is still a baby and needs time to understand things… now I and her laugh at him when he is being a baby …. she now knows that her mom loves her and understands her … I now make sure that she is not feeling insecure

I learned my lesson … we tend to ignore little things which if taken care make a huge difference .. parenting is a continuous learning process and kids have such huge hearts that they forgive and forget quickly… god, bless their memory loss … I wish we adults were more like that …

Here we have a list of behavioral problems that many adolescents go through. Nonetheless, before that, here’s why these problems occur.

While it is now a known fact that puberty is all about physical and mental changes in the body, what’s essential to know is that the physical and mental transformations are interrelated. One is a natural occurrence and the other is the reaction.

Emotional disorders

When a child enters adolescence, there’s a gush of hormone production. The brain signals various glands in the body to produce certain hormones for the body to function as per its physical age. This results in physical changes including facial and pubic hair growth and emotional changes. In most cases, the children don’t face trouble through their adolescence. But since everyone is different, the hormonal levels and personality of the child play a vital role in turning these changes into emotional disorders. Depression or anxiety, excessive irritability, and anger are the most common problems. Additionally, some adolescents may develop emotion-related physical conditions such as stomach aches, nausea, and headaches.

Depression is a global problem these days and is also the ninth leading cause of various illnesses and mental disabilities in many adolescents. Depression also leads to withdrawal, avoidance of people, loneliness and can lead to suicidal tendencies at its worst.

Withdrawal or avoidance of family, peers or the community can exacerbate isolation and loneliness. At its worse, depression can lead to suicide.

Eating disorders

There are various reasons for eating disorders including unidentified depression. It is more common in females than in males. Eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa, binge eating, and anorexia nervosa disorder are harmful eating behaviors that involve excessively restricting calorie intake or binge eating. Adolescents who go through this disorder also experience feelings of guilt self-disgust or distress, while binge eating. Eating disorders are also known to coexist with substance misuse in severe cases.

Risk-taking behaviors

Risk-taking behaviors mostly involve substance use and sexual risk-taking that occurs mostly due to unidentified excess production of sexual hormones. There is an emotional imbalance that limits the ability to control or manage emotions. Risk-taking behaviors usually impact the mental and physical wellbeing of the adolescent very strongly and are irreversible.

While depression and anxiety are the most popular associations that we know of, there’s a need to cater to these problems with a lot of care and compassion. It’s all about using every medium to voice it out the right way. In this digital age, life has become quite unpredictable. However, a strategic protocol to spreading awareness about teenage transition and the problems that come along with puberty can help parents help their children be safe from adverse behaviors and health epiphanies during puberty. Blossoms Hospital, Vijayawada is the right place to walk in and make a difference to your community, while we have the best doctors to help you understand the phase and turn things in your favor for your child’s wellbeing and sail through puberty without too much of a hassle.

so all diseases from A-Z A being Anxiety for parents

we all traveled to other towns for a friend’s son’s birthday party, once we reached Kaira was complaining about severe pain in her knees and wrists…

we had an appointment for blow-dry and the little one was so excited to come along that I had no heart to say no, the whole time she was telling me that she is strong and can fight the pain, while coming out she had to drag herself and I asked her if she wants me to carry her…she again told me off saying she is strong

somehow the parties and people just boost energy into my daughter while I am allergic to people and parties she is always the belle of the ball …. any birthday party is like her birthday party …we had so much fun I thought all she had was travel fatigue

boy was I wrong ..sometime early morning her temperature rose and the puking started, she had continues fever of 104 for almost 12 hrs, once the thermometer read 106 and I almost fainted…
PANIC is a little word to describe my condition, I have to thank my friends who patiently calmed me down, we were about to admit her in the hospital but spoke to a pediatrician on phone and she asked me to keep her hydrated and sponge her continuously and wait patiently

Being a parent we cannot see our little one suffering we panic and feel helpless feel vulnerable, but all we need is to remain calm and relaxed with a good state of mind to take correct decisions and also the more the kids see our panic they too get panicked, it is very important to reassure them that they are strong and going to be fine

…. I can’t stress the importance of a good pediatrician for your kids…the one you can trust blindly, I am thankful for all the doctors who helped me out with my kids I am grateful I have found an amazing support system

I always took cold water sponging lightly but trust me it helps a lot to control fevers… only after I did sponging the fever went down…. my daughter recovered the next day but the fever drained me mentally physically and emotionally ….even before I could recover my son came down with cough and cold and here goes another roller-coaster

….this time I pulled my pants up and decided very strongly that I am not gonna drain myself with worry, panic, self-pity… the fevers/cold/coughs come and go …I need to be strong for my kids, we have very good pediatricians, just keeping them hydrated and well-fed is the priority….now little can I stop mosquitoes biting my kids or common cold and cough attacking them every corner …..

Acne is one of the most common issues most teenagers have. While it’s common in the puberty stage, for many it may continue for a longer period. Nonetheless, it fades off once the child crosses puberty and enters adulthood. As we’ve talked about what puberty is in our previous blog, it is important to know that acne is one of the outcomes of the main aspects of puberty – hormonal changes.

Acne occurs when the oily substance called sebum clogs pores. What is important to know is, it is not confined to the face. Acne can occur on the chest and back in both boys and girls and is not a severe problem. However, it is advised to have your child get a consultation before it could turn into an infection or tamper with the child’s self-esteem.

What acne looks like?

Acne can appear as bumpy abrasions on the skin called blackheads, whiteheads, pustules or cysts.

Blackheads: Blackheads are small bumpy protrusions that appear on the face due to follicles getting clogged in the skin pores. They appear black because bacteria or dead skin cells react with oxygen.

Whiteheads: When oily substance gets accumulated and clogs the skin pores with an extra coating of skin layers they are called whiteheads. They are usually not visible but make the skin look dull and oily. In most cases, it also leads to acne in teenagers. 

Pustules: Pustules are serious lesions that appear swollen and reddish due to inflammation of the tissue around the clogged follicles. Pustules are painful and feel hard.  

Cysts: Deep, pus-filled pimples that appear on the face, chest, and back. Cysts are painful and can leave unpleasant scars if not treated with care.

While the exact cause for this hormonal fluctuation in the body is unknown, it is regarded as a part of the growth cycle. Acne is the outcome of the production of hormones called androgens during puberty. Androgens increase in both boys and girls during puberty and make the skin’s oil glands get larger and resulting in producing more sebum. However, sometimes genetics may also matter. If you have been through acne problems during your teenage years, your children may inherit that tendency.

A consultation with your skin specialist and a bit of skincare regimen can make things easy. Nonetheless, it is imperative to know what could aggravate and what can heal acne.

• Aggravation
• Harsh scrubbing
• Picking, bursting or squeezing pimples
• Tight-fitting clothes
• Hormonal changes in adolescent girls 
• Pre-menstrual hormonal fluctuation
• Stress

Acne is not a serious condition. It is just the way the body reacts to growth or change. Simple home hacks are a great option to go with, but it is important to keep a check on what suits your skin. For example; turmeric and aloe vera don’t suit many people. Alterative herbs and kitchen ingredients are easy, safe and lasting.

Nevertheless, if you still see no improvement you might have to visit a skin specialist to aid in a case of excess or severe acne. Make sure you don’t self medicate yourself without the doctor’s prescription. If you’re looking for help, Blossom Hospitals Vijayawada is just a call away. Book a consultation and rid your child off from acne and help them gain their lost confidence.