Palak Vyas

There are different types of thermometer available in the market:<ol><li>Glass thermometer with mercury</li><li>Glass thermometer without mercury</li><li>Digital thermometer</li></ol> Glass thermometer can be of two types depending upon its usage - rectal thermometer and an oral thermometer. There are several ways to take your child’s temperature: Rectal Method (by the rectum or buttocks):<ul><li>Use a thermometer with a stubby tip.</li><li>Put a diaper or other cloth across your lap. Put your child over that diaper or cloth on his/her stomach or back; whichever way is comfortable for the child.</li><li>Put a little amount of petroleum jelly on the tip of the thermometer.</li><li>Insert the tip gently without giving any pressure, into the rectum. Do not try to force it at all.</li><li>The silver tip of the thermometer is half an inch. If your child is less than 3 months old, insert only half an inch, that is just the silver tip of the thermometer.</li><li>If your child is above 3 months, insert as deep as 1 inch, not more than that.</li><li>Hold the thermometer in place. A digital thermometer makes a beep sound in 30 seconds. Glass thermometers take longer, approximately 3 minutes. Take the thermometer out and read the temperature.</li><li>Measuring the temperature via the rectal method is a bit tricky hence it Is advisable to be done only by healthcare experts, not at home.</li></ul> Oral Method (by mouth):<ul><li>Use an oral thermometer, the one with a thin long tip.</li><li>Do not give anything hot or cold to the child for 20 minutes before measuring the temperature.</li><li>Place the tip of the thermometer in your child’s mouth, under the tongue and close to the mouth.</li><li>You will have to hold a thermometer for him/her. A beep sound comes in 30 seconds with a digital thermometer. For glass thermometers, hold in place for 3 minutes. Take the thermometer out and read the temperature.</li><li>If your child is very young, this method is not advisable as they might bite on to the thermometer and hurting themselves.</li></ul> Axillary Method (under the armpit):<ul><li>Here, you can use an oral thermometer.</li><li>See that your child’s underarm is dry, or else wipe it dry first.</li><li>The tip of the thermometer is directly placed in the armpit.</li><li>Press the child’s upper arm against his chest to keep the arm still and the thermometer in place.</li><li>Digital thermometers may take longer than 30 seconds before beeping when using this method. Using glass thermometer can be tedious because it takes 7-10 minutes which is too long for a child to be still.</li><li>This is the safest method to use at home.</li></ul> Temporal artery Method (forehead):<ul><li>Temporal artery thermometer is an infrared device that scans the temporal artery and shows temperature.</li><li>Put it straight across the forehead, to the temporal area and not down the side of the face.</li><li>Remove, read and record the temperature.</li><li>The device used here is expensive compared to a digital thermometer.</li></ul> Tympanic Method (in the ear):<ul><li>If your child has been outdoors on a cold day or is overheated because of playing, he needs to be inside for 15 minutes before taking the temperature this way.</li><li>Slowly pull your child’s ear backwards to straighten the ear canal (back and up if your child is over 1 year old).</li><li>Gently put the tip of the thermometer in the ear until it stops. The tip should point to the space between the eye and the ear on the other side of the head.</li><li>Within two seconds you will hear a beep sound, take it out and read the temperature.</li><li>This is also a risky method as children tend to move a lot and might get hurt in the ear.</li></ul> Whenever you are using any type of thermometer or whichever the method you use, always be careful and hold the thermometer in place until you get the reading.

There are several thermometers available and different ways to measure the temperature during a fever.

Different types of thermometer to measure a child's fever

Ravina Sewani

Dr Chintan Solanki

Intellectual disability (ID), previously known as mental retardation is characterised by below-average intelligence or mental ability and a lack of skills necessary for day-to-day living. Children with ID can learn new skills but at a slower pace than children without ID. There are varying degrees of intellectual disability, from mild to profound. Intellectual disability affects mental abilities in two areas:<ul><li>Intellectual functioning (such as learning, problem solving, judgement)</li><li>Adaptive functioning (activities of daily life such as communication and independent living)</li></ul> Symptoms:<ul><li>Achieving milestones like rolling over, sitting up, crawling, or walking later than children without ID</li><li>Talking late or having trouble with talking</li><li>Slowly mastering things like potty training, dressing, and feeding themselves</li><li>Difficulty remembering things</li><li>Inability to connect actions with consequences</li><li>Behaviour problems such as frequent tantrums</li><li>Trouble with problem-solving or logical thinking</li></ul> Causes:<ul><li>Genetic syndrome such as Down syndrome or Fragile X syndrome</li><li>Head trauma</li><li>Exposure to toxins such as lead or mercury</li><li>Premature birth</li><li>Severely malnourished child</li><li>Brain malformation</li><li>Maternal diseases</li><li>Environmental influences (alcohol, drugs or other toxins)</li><li>Problems during delivery</li></ul> Diagnosis:Intellectual disability is identified by problems in both intellectual and adaptive functioning. Intellectual functioning is usually assessed with an exam by a doctor. A full-scale IQ test might be suggested by your child’s doctor as part of a standard diagnosing procedure. However, the IQ score should not be the only basis of confirming intellectual disability of a child. Once the IQ tests hint towards intellectual disability, your child’s doctor might suggest further genetic tests to determine the cause of intellectual disability. During the diagnosis, three areas of adaptive functioning are considered:<ul><li>Conceptual – language, reading, writing, maths, reasoning, knowledge, memory</li><li>Social – empathy, social judgement, communication skills, ability to follow rules and the ability to make and keep friendships</li><li>Practical – independence in areas such as personal care</li><li>Adaptive functioning is assessed through interviews with family members, teachers and caregivers.</li><li>Intellectual disability can be mild, moderate or severe. Delays in language or motor skills may be seen by age two. However, mild levels of intellectual disability may not be identified until school age when a child may have difficulty with academics. In general, the milder the intellectual disability, the later it’s diagnosed.</li></ul> Treatment:<ul><li>Intellectual disability is a life-long condition and cannot be treated or prevented. However, early and ongoing intervention may improve functioning and enable the person to thrive throughout their lifetime.</li><li>After the diagnosis, the focus then shifts to looking at the child’s strengths and needs, and the supports he or she needs to function at home, in school/work and in the community.</li></ul> Tips for parents:<ul><li>Learn about your child’s disability.</li><li>Connect with other parents of children with disabilities.</li><li>Be patient and accept that your child will learn things slowly compared to other children.</li><li>Encourage independence and responsibility.</li><li>Look for opportunities in your community for social, recreational and sports activities.</li></ul> Prevention: Intellectual Disability cannot be prevented. FAQS about Intellectual Disability:What is intellectual disability?Intellectual Disability is also known as "Mental Retardation". It is a congenital disorder in which the child is born with low intelligence (low IQ – less than 70). Parents can observe a delay in milestone achievement of an intellectually disabled child in comparison to their sibling(s) or other children. Intellectual Disability includes deficit in intellectual functions, such as reasoning, problem-solving, planning, abstract thinking, judgement, academic learning, and learning from experience. Can IQ be increased with anything?Not at all. IQ can never be increased as it is a birth defect. Can a child with low IQ study in a normal school?Children with low IQ should be taught in a special school as different interventions and different approaches are needed to teach such children. If the parents are very hard-working, a child with mild intellectual disability can be sent to a normal school. From where I can do check the IQ of my child?You can consult a clinical psychologist for the IQ assessment of your child. Can a child with low IQ live a normal life?Only a child with mild intellectual disability may live a normal life if trained well. Otherwise, children with low IQ are always dependent on others for their basic needs of life.

Here are Intellectual Disability Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, FAQs, and Prevention.

All about Intellectual Disability

Dr Aliraza Khunt

Itching can result due to various reasons:<ul><li>Skin allergies</li><li>Food allergies</li><li>Dandruff</li><li>Skin disorder</li></ul> <ul><li>It is advisable to consult your paediatrician or doctor for itching before you apply any skin products to your child.</li></ul> Remedies for itching:<ul><li>Avoid scented soaps, lotions, and bubble baths.</li><li>Change out of wet or damp clothing immediately after exercising or swimming.</li><li>Moisturising the skin with a good moisturiser.</li><li>See a doctor when the itching persists for more than 2 weeks, when there is inflammation and when itching affects the entire body.</li></ul>

Itching, if not treated at the right time can intensify and irritate a child. It is better to consult your paediatrician at the right time.

Itching problem in children

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder which affects children. It mainly affects a child’s social communication which includes language as well as an emotional response to any situation. Children with autism also show some repetitive and restrictive behaviour. One-third of all children who have autism, suffer from intellectual disability, meaning they have a low IQ or mental retardation. Autism is not a life-threatening problem. Its severity ranges from mild to severe and early diagnosis and intervention can help in a better way.Children with autism have a trouble understanding what others think and feel. They cannot express themselves properly either with words, facial expressions, or gestures. Children with autism develop uneven skills. They might have a problem in communicating but they might be good at maths, art, or music. Symptoms:<ol><li>Lack of eye contact</li><li>Repetitive behaviour, example repeating phrases or rocking back and forth</li><li>Higher sensitivity to sounds, sights, smells, touch which might seem ordinary to others</li><li>Not looking at things when someone points at something</li><li>Not paying attention to what the other person is saying</li><li>Trouble adapting to changes</li><li>Some might also get seizures</li></ol> The symptoms usually appear before the child turns 3 or sometimes are evident from birth. Causes: Though the exact causes are not clear, here are a few factors which increase the chances of autism:<ul><li>Genetics of the child</li><li>Older parents</li><li>Pregnant woman exposed to drugs</li><li>Maternal metabolic conditions - like diabetes and obesity</li><li>Autism runs in the family</li></ul> Risk Factors: Children of all races can get autism but certain factors increase the risk. They are:<ul><li>Child's sex: Boys are about four times more likely to develop autism than girls.</li><li>Family history</li><li>Other disorders</li><li>Preterm birth</li><li>Parents' ages: More research is required but children born to older age parents are more likely to develop autism.</li></ul> Diagnosis: 2 step diagnosis for children Step 1: Developmental screening - The doctor will examine whether your child's basic skills like leaning, speaking, behaviour, and movement are on track or not. These developments should be routinely checked at the age of 9 months, 18 months, 24 months, and 30 months. Step 2: If your child shows signs of a problem on step 1 screenings, (s)he might have to undergo a hearing, vision, and genetic testing. By now, you will be advised to work with a child psychologist. Prevention: There is no way to prevent autism development in children. But mothers can live a healthy lifestyle, avoid drugs and alcohol during pregnancy. These will reduce the chances of autism development. Treatment:The treatment patterns which work for one child might not necessarily work for others. Your child's doctor will specially design a treatment plan for your child.&nbsp;Autism cannot be cured but the following treatments are helpful: Main treatment is Psycho-social intervention. It includes different types of behaviour therapy, cognitive therapy, speech therapy, social skill therapy and special school arrangements. Medicines can help to counter different symptoms like irritability, hyperactivity, depression or some of the repetitive behaviours. Behaviour therapy: Behaviour therapy is a collective term for several types of therapies used to treat mental health disorders. The treatment focuses on unhealthy behaviours and aims to change them. Behavioural therapy can be used to treat depression, anxiety, panic disorders, anger issues, autism, ADHD, etc. The several types of behavioural therapies are – cognitive behavioural therapy, cognitive behavioural play therapy, aversion therapy, system desensitisation.&nbsp;Cognitive therapy: It is based on the concept that the way we think about things affects us emotionally. It is based on present thinking rather than past experiences. Speech therapy: Speech-language therapy addresses challenges with language and communication. It can help people with autism improve their verbal, nonverbal, and social communication. The overall goal is to help the person communicate in more useful and functional ways.Goals of speech therapy include improving the spoken language, learning nonverbal skills such as signs or gestures, or learning to communicate using an alternative method (such as pictures or technology). Examples of the skills that speech therapy may work on include:<ul><li>Making clearer speech sounds</li><li>Matching emotions with the correct facial expression</li><li>Responding to questions</li><li>Matching a picture with its meaning</li><li>Modulating tone of voice</li><li>Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC) - for some children with autism, it's easier to communicate through pictures or technology rather than speaking.</li></ul> Social Skills Therapy: Social skills therapy work on improving communication with friends, family members, at school, and more. Your child's psychologist might arrange group therapy for this particular skill development. Depending upon your child's autism intensity, your child's psychologist will layout the treatment plan for your child. Moreover, your child's doctor might also suggest parent training for you and your spouse. Safety precautions: Secure your house, irrespective of the child's age. Keep sharp objects away, keep harmful objects out of reach. You can use monitoring technology to stay assured about your child's safety. FAQs regarding ADHD: Can autism be cured?Autism is a lifelong disorder. The improvement depends on many factors like severity of the problem, time of diagnosis, IQ of the child and the interventions done. Children with normal IQ and mild to moderate autism can live a normal life with timely intervention. Any food can help with autism?There is no evidence that any particular food can help better autism. Do all children with autism have a low IQ?No, only one-third of all autistic children have low IQ. Many children with autism have some extra skills and more than average IQ. To whom should I consult for autism?If you see any symptoms of autism in your child, it is best to consult a psychiatrist. For an initial consultation, you can visit your child’s paediatrician as well. Can a child with autism live a normal life?Yes, many autistic children can live a normal life provided their IQ is normal and the intervention for social communications is done properly. Is autism a genetic problem?Yes, there are pieces of evidence that genetic factors are involved in aetiology (causes) of autism but it is not the only factor. There are others like immunological, neurological and developmental factors also involved. Can a child with autism go to a normal school?If the IQ of a child is normal, (s)he can definitely go to a normal school.

Here are Autism Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Precautions, Risk factors, Prevention, Diagnosis, and FAQs.

All about Autism

Dyslexia is a learning disorder that affects your ability to read, spell, write, and speak. Kids who have it are often smart and hardworking, but they have trouble connecting the letters they see to the sounds those letters make. Some people are diagnosed early in life. Others don't realize they have dyslexia until they get older. Kids with dyslexia are just as smart as their peers but they struggle more in school because it takes them longer to read. When children learn to read, they first figure out what sound each letter makes. For example, "B" makes a "buh" sound. "M" makes an "em" sound. Then, they learn how to put those sounds in order to form words. Finally, they have to figure out what words mean.For kids who have dyslexia, the brain has a hard time connecting letters to the sounds they make, and then blending those sounds into words. So to someone with dyslexia, the word "saw" might read as "was." Because of these mix-ups, reading can be a slow and difficult process.Dyslexia is different for everyone. Some people have a mild form and eventually learn how to manage. Others have a little more trouble overcoming it. Even if children cannot fully outgrow dyslexia, they can still go to college and succeed in life. Causes: Dyslexia is caused due to genetic reasons. Symptoms in Preschoolers:<ul><li>Hard to learn or remember the letters of the alphabet.</li><li>Mispronounce familiar words.</li><li>Mixing up letters. For example, mistaking "t" for "d."</li><li>Trouble identifying rhyming patterns.</li></ul> Symptoms in Grade Schoolers:<ul><li>Read more slowly than other kids their age</li><li>Can't tell the difference between certain letters or words</li><li>Don't connect letters with the sounds they make</li><li>Write letters or numbers backwards, such as "b" instead of "d"</li><li>Have trouble sounding out words when they read</li><li>Can't always understand what they've read</li><li>Write slowly</li><li>Misspell words - even easy words like "and" and "dog"</li><li>Say that words on the page appear to blur or jump around</li><li>Struggle to follow a series of instructions</li></ul> Middle and high school students with dyslexia:<ul><li>Have trouble writing clearly (make errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation)</li><li>Take a long time to finish their homework or complete tests</li><li>Have messy handwriting</li><li>Speak slowly</li><li>Avoid reading aloud</li><li>Use the wrong words - like "furnish" instead of "finish" or "lotion" for "ocean"</li></ul> Common symptoms in children with dyslexia:<ul><li>Frustration</li><li>Anger</li><li>Disinterest in studies</li><li>Disobedience</li><li>Lower self-esteem</li></ul> Diagnosis:Dyslexia is usually diagnosed during elementary school. In some cases, it doesn't become apparent until a child is older and is expected to read and comprehend longer and more complex material. Dyslexia is formally diagnosed by a reading specialist or psychologist, through a comprehensive evaluation either at school or in the community. Managing Dyslexia:<ul><li>Once diagnosed, a child usually works with a specially trained teacher, tutor, or reading specialist to help children in learning how to read, spell, and write.</li><li>Once a child starts working with trained academic professionals, (s)he can overcome dyslexia and lead a normal life. Children with dyslexia should be offered the maximum support of their loved ones.</li></ul> Risk factors:<ul><li>A family history of dyslexia or other learning disabilities.</li><li>Premature birth or low birth weight.</li><li>Exposure during pregnancy to nicotine, drugs, alcohol or infection that may alter brain development in the fetus.</li><li>Individual differences in the parts of the brain that enable reading.</li></ul> Prevention: Dyslexia cannot be prevented. FAQs about Dyslexia:What is dyslexia?Dyslexia is now called Specific learning disorder. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder that influences the brain's ability to efficiently perceive or process verbal and nonverbal information.It is characterised by persistent difficulty in learning academic skills like reading, written expression, or mathematics. Dyslexia begins in early childhood and is inconsistent with the overall intellectual ability of a child. Children with specific learning disorder often find it difficult to keep up with their peers in certain academic subjects, whereas they may excel in other areas. How can I confirm that my child has dyslexia or not?You may suspect that your child has dyslexia when the IQ of your child is normal yet your child lags behind in some areas of academics or when (s)he does not score well even though (s)he learns very well.&nbsp;What is the treatment of Dyslexia?Treatment for Dyslexia depends on the area in which a child lags behind. Teaching specific learning skills through different behaviour therapies or software-based therapies are helpful. Is there any medicine for Dyslexia?NO. There is no medication for dyslexia; the treatment for this condition is through behaviour-based and software-based therapies. If the child has other co-morbid conditions like ADHD or other psychological problems then medicines can be given accordingly. Can a child with dyslexia study?Yes. A child with dyslexia can study normally if the area of problem is identified and interventions are done timely.

Here are Dyslexia Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Management, Risk factors, Prevention, and FAQs.

All about Dyslexia

Unlike dengue or other viral fever, malaria has specific medication. If your child has been diagnosed with malaria then you should consult a doctor. Malarial germs do not die on their own. Our body can’t fight these germs so it is mandatory to give medication as soon as malaria is diagnosed. Symptoms:<ul><li>Drowsiness</li><li>Poor appetite</li><li>Trouble in sleeping</li><li>Chills</li><li>Fever (it might reach up to 105˚ F)</li><li>Fast breathing</li><li>Headache</li><li>Nausea</li><li>Body ache</li><li>Seizures in case the infection reaches the brain</li></ul> Causes:Malaria is caused by parasites carried by female mosquitoes. Congenital malaria is the infection of malaria to a child in the womb from mother. Malaria also spreads through blood transfusion, organ donation, or shared needles. Diagnosis: Diagnosis is based on physical symptoms and blood tests. Treatment:<ul><li>Take prescribed anti-malarial drugs by the doctor.</li><li>Take proper care and see that the child rests well.</li><li>Give sufficient fluids so there is no dehydration.</li><li>In case if the child is young enough and can’t take oral medication there are injections available too.</li><li>If the child doesn’t eat or drink or have any other complications after taking the medication, the child should be hospitalised.</li></ul> Preventive measures:<ul><li>Use screens (mosquito nets) on doors and windows, and promptly repair broken or damaged screens. Keep doors and windows shut.</li><li>Have kids wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, shoes, and socks when they go outside.</li><li>Use insect repellent as directed on kids.</li><li>Limit the amount of time kids spend outside during the day, especially in the hours around dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.</li><li>Keep surroundings clean. Mosquitoes breed easily when there is water around. They lay their eggs in water, so get rid of unclean water around you.</li></ul>

Here are Malaria Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Prevention, and Diagnosis.

All about malaria

Congestion occurs when extra fluids (mucus) accumulate in the nose and airways. Congestion may give your baby a blocked nose, noisy breathing or mild trouble in feeding. Mild congestion is common and is not much of a concern. But if your child breathes 60 breaths per minute, (s)he is struggling to catch breath. In this case, take them to a paediatrician immediately. Symptoms of congestion:<ul><li>Coughing</li><li>Wheezing</li><li>Grunting</li><li>Thick nasal mucus</li><li>Discoloured nasal mucus</li><li>Noisy breathing</li><li>Sniffing</li><li>Trouble eating</li></ul> Causes of congestion:<ul><li>Allergies</li><li>Cold/flu</li><li>Asthma</li><li>Premature birth</li><li>Pneumonia</li></ul> Treatment of congestion:<ul><li>Give your baby a warm bath but try to keep it short for 5-10 minutes and once you are done quickly wipe the baby's body, apply moisturiser and dress your baby as soon as possible.</li><li>Keep feeding your baby regularly and monitor for wet diapers.</li><li>Add one or two drops of saline to their nostrils.</li><li>Use a humidifier in the baby’s room by the bedside to keep away the dryness in weather. It will add moisture in the air of the room and will help clear congestion.</li><li>Gently massage their nasal bridge, forehead, temples, and cheekbones.</li><li>Remove potential allergens or pollutants from the home's air by vacuuming up pet hair, not burning candles or incense sticks and not smoking.</li><li>Wipe away excess mucus with a soft, dry tissue or cloth.</li></ul>

Congestion can make a child uneasy and cause difficulty in breathing.

Dealing with the problem of congestion.

<ul><li>Dust mites are very small bugs which live in humid environments and feed on scales shed by human skin. Dust mites need around 80% humidity and so as soon as the humidity falls, they die.</li><li>A protein present in the wastes of dust mites is usually found in the beds, carpets, furniture and when your child inhales such air, an allergic reaction is triggered.</li><li>Dust mites are the most common culprits behind your child's asthma. So it is very important to clean the furniture in the house properly at regular intervals.</li><li>The growth of dust mites can be prevented by dust-proofing your house using vacuum cleaner and washing pillows and mattresses in hot water time to time.</li><li>The growth of dust mites and hence the allergic reactions can be reduced by installing dehumidifiers to reduce the percentage of humidity indoors. You can also use HEPA filters in the air purifiers of your house.</li><li>Avoid carpeting in your house if your child is allergic to dust mites.</li></ul> Symptoms:<ul><li>Itching</li><li>Rashes</li><li>Vomiting</li><li>Diarrhoea</li><li>Swelling of the lips or tongue or face</li><li>Throat constriction</li><li>Difficulty in breathing</li><li>Allergies may sometimes also cause a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis which constricts the airway passage and requires immediate medical attention.</li></ul> Diagnosis:<ul><li>Always get your child diagnosed by a healthcare expert and never on your own. Never self-assume that your child has peanut allergy. Commercial home test kits for self-diagnosis are not recommended as they may not be of the required standards.</li><li>Your child’s paediatrician may recommend that your child undertake tests like skin prick test, blood test or food/drug challenge. It is important that these tests are performed under medical supervision as these tests might trigger an allergic reaction. Along with these tests, your child’s paediatrician will also examine your child's medical/family history, existing conditions like asthma and eczema.</li></ul>

Allergy to dust mites is usually caused by the carpets used in the house. The best way to make your baby safe is to keep your surroundings clean.

Dust mites allergy

In younger infants, there can be multiple reasons for reflux:<ul><li>Overfeeding</li><li>Weak abdomen muscles</li><li>Immature esophageal sphincter muscles</li><li>Slow digestive system</li><li>GERD - a digestive disease where the fluids and foods from the stomach come back up to the oesophagus</li></ul> Sleep solutions:<ul><li>Do not put your infant to bed immediately after feeding.</li><li>Make them burp.</li><li>Wait for 30 minutes before lying down your baby on bed for a nap or night sleep.</li><li>While you wait for 30 minutes, be sure to hold him/her upright.</li><li>Keep rocking your baby in standing position till (s)he sleeps naturally.</li><li>To avoid acid reflux, give your baby small but frequent feedings.</li><li>In case you are feeding with a bottle, take a closer look at the nipple size. It should not be too small or too big. If the hole is too small, the child keeps sucking hard and instead of milk (s)he sucks in air. If the hole is too big, (s)he won’t be able to take that much amount at a stroke.</li></ul>

Many children have a problem of reflux (spitting/vomiting out the food) when they go to sleep. Certain sleep positions will help with this problem.

choking health concerns

Following article(s) will help solve your concern.