Every now and then we hear of many ailments which we thought were meant for adults only. Ailments are not age specific these days. Some common ailments which were else presumed not be borne by children are discussed as follows.

APPENDICITIS
The appendix, which does not have any essential bodily function, is a pinky-finger sized offshoot of the large intestine. It becomes inflamed gradually, somewhat like the formation of a boil, which is why a sharp pain that vanishes is not appendicitis. A pain in the middle of the abdomen near the navel moves slowly to the lower right of the abdomen. The child may vomit a couple of time. A toddler may be only cranky.
Any stomach ache that persists for more than an hour should be seen by a doctor. The diagnosis is difficult. A blood test may not even show a raised WBC count, that portends infection. When the doctor says surgery, go for it without waiting for a second opinion. An appendectomy is a simple and safe removal of the offending portion which is not needed anyway.

ASTHMA
Asthma is an allergy of the bronchial tubes, which are irritated by something. Thick mucus is secreted, the airways narrow and breathing become difficult, and the ribs stand out while inhaling, wheezing. There can be a cough, too. It begins in the first five years and half. The attacks are more common at night. Children with one parent with asthma late 25% more prone, and if both parents are asthmatics then the chances rise to 50%.  Metered dose inhalers, nebulizers, spacer inhalers with holding chambers help the young child are able to handle it himself. Parents must learn to determine the severity of the attack, when to use what drug, when to call the doctor, when to go to the hospital. Keep your home dust- and smoke-free. Inform the school or else places about the child’s condition.

CONSTIPATION
It happens, like with you, because of a diet lacking in fruit, veggies, whole grams. Babies on powder milk are also susceptible. Blood may also appear from fissures in the anus.
You need to increase the child’s dietary fiber intake. Establish a toilet routine at regular intervals, twice a day. Ask your doctor about suppositories and stool softeners.

DEPRESSION
Children do not express depression as adults do. Anger, aggression, hostility, over activity mask sadness, despair, and low self esteem is all sidelines of depression. Depression can be provoked by loss of an object or state of well being way out of proportion, which persists beyond reasonable lengths. A death of a person or pet, a new school, a friend moving away, a sacked maid can be causes. Seek professional help for psychotherapy, group therapy etc.

DIABETES
The treatment for children with Diabetes Mellitus is more complex than in adults and is tailored to the specific physical and emotional level. In diabetes the blood sugar levels are abnormally high because the body does not produce enough of the hormone insulin released by the pancreas.
To create the optimum blood sugar, insulin has to be balanced out with regular exercise and six meals a day of moderate carbs, prudent fat, high fiber and low sodium, go that it is not too high or too low.