Childhood Diseases
Description
A number of infectious diseases ravaged generations of children, until modern immunization programs which have almost eradicated them, especially in Western Nations: notably poliomyelitis and smallpox. Other diseases have persisted, although they are usually benign and easily overcome by healthy, well nourished children: chickenpox, measles, mumps and whooping cough.
Having suffered the disease in childhood, most people derive lifelong immunity. Most diseases are much more serious if contracted in adulthood. One notable exception tends to be chicken pox (varicella zoster) which may return during adulthood as shingles (herpes zoster).
Current emphasis during infancy is upon the DPT series: diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus.
Causes
Most so-called childhood diseases, are highly contagious and spread through immediate contact with an infected person, typically a class mate at school, or family friend.
Other diseases result from malnutrition e.g. rickets, producing abnormal boney deformities in growing children.
Signs & Symptoms
Most childhood diseases are accompanied by characteristic signs and symptoms, which may include an immediate skin eruption, or reaction, including: chicken pox, measles and scarlet fever.
Mumps has a distinctive swelling of the cheeks and whooping cough has very distinctive sound.
In spite of the overall improvement in childhood health around the world with the removal of several of these life-threatening diseases, arguments remain between parents who do not want their children vaccinated, or immunized, against rare diseases, which are usually benign, anyway. Most school districts, however, in the United States insist upon certified compliance before admitting a student to their program. This should forestall any widespread outbreak in modern times.
Nutritional Supplements
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General Supplements
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Children’s Multiple (Vitamins & Minerals)*
Vitamin C*
*Please refer to the respective topic for specific nutrient amounts.
Note: All amounts are in addition to those supplements having a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Due to individual needs, one must always be aware of a possible undetermined effect when taking nutritional supplements. If any disturbances from the use of a particular supplement should occur, stop its use immediately and seek the care of a qualified health care professional.
Dietary Considerations
A sick, young child will tend to have a poor appetite without much in the way of bodily reserves. Fluids are the first priority but any energy source is important if it is appetizing to the child. Liquids are popular, including soups jellos and sodas. Fruit and vegetable juices would be most nutritious.
Homeopathic Remedy
| Description | Remedy |
| Chicken Pox | Rhus Toxicodendron |
| Influenza | Gelsemium sempervirens |
| Measles: | |
| With watery eyes | Euphrasia officinalis |
| Intolerance to heat | Pulsatilla nigricans |
Treatment Schedule
Over-the-counter homeopathic remedies may be single strength (of fairly weak potency e.g. 6X ) or a blend of several weaker strengths (6X, 8X, 10X).
This may comprise a single remedy, or several remedies.
Doses are administered on a 3 times daily (tid), between meals,schedule and continued for 3 days.
Liquid preparations usually use 8-10 drops per dose.
Solid preparations are usually 2 or 3 pellets per dose.
Children use 1/2 dose i.e. 1 pellet.
If there is aggravation of the symptoms, stop taking the remedy and consult a homeopath.
References
Murphy, R. : Homeopathic Medical Repertory. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1993.
Murphy, R. : Lotus Materia Medica. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1995.
Pert, J.C.: Homeopathy for the Family. The Homoeopathic Development Foundation, London. 1985 edition.
Tissue Salts
Chicken Pox
| Calc. Sulf. | pustular discharge is thick, heavy, yellow matter; |
| Ferr. Phos. | fever; |
| Kali Mur. | eruptions filled with whitish substance; |
| Kali Sulf. | after eruptions have subsided; |
| Nat. Mur. | watery symptoms, drowsiness; |
Herbal Approaches
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Herbs
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Blue Vervain
Oregon Grape
Red Raspberry
Yerba Santa
Chicken Pox
Cayenne
Oregon Grape
Note: The misdirected use of an herb can produce severely adverse effects, especially in combination with prescription drugs. This Herbal information is for educational purposes and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice.
Discussion:
In a specific childhood disease, chicken pox, Cayenne may be taken internally and Oregon Grape (or Goldenseal, or other Berberine herbs) applied externally to combat infection.
Red clover is an expectorant and anti-spasmodic especially good for children (over the age of 2) with whooping cough.
Aromatherapy - Essential Oils
Related Health Conditions
Allergy
Cold
Cough
Down's Syndrome
Eye Disorders
Measles
Mumps
Shingles
Whooping Cough
References
Arvidson-CR: Children's Cardiovascular Health Promotion Attitude Scale: an instrument development. TEXAS WOMAN'S UNIVERSITY 1990 PH.D. (152 p)
Gold, E.: Almost extinct diseases: measles, mumps, rubella, and pertussis. Pediatr Rev 1996 Apr;17(4):120-7.
Huddleston-KC: Nutritional support of the critically ill child. Critical-Care-Nursing-Clinics-of-North-America. 1993 Mar; 5(1): 65-78 (54 ref)
Johnson-CB: Neonatal rickets: metabolic bone disease of prematurity. Neonatal-Network:-Journal-of-Neonatal-Nursing. 1991 Apr; 9(7): 13-7 (31 ref).
Letizia-M: Eat Smart for Your Heart: an educational program. Journal-of-School-Nursing. 1995 Feb; 11(1): 10-5 (21 ref).
Mandelbaum-JK: Child survival: what are the issues? Journal-of-Pediatric-Health-Care 1992 May-Jun; 6(3): 132-7 (17 ref).
Murray-ND et al: The role of nutrition in cardiovascular disease. Journal-of-Home-Health-Care-Practice. 1991 Nov; 4(1): 13-21 (14 ref)
Nicklas-TA:"Heart Smart" program: a family intervention program for eating behavior of children at high risk for cardiovascular disease Journal-of-Nutrition-Education. 1988 Jun; 20(3): 128-32 (27 ref).
Stidham GL: Emergencies in international child health. Curr Opin Pediatr, 1997 Jun, 9:3, 254-8.
Wells-DH et al: Trace elements: fetal and neonatal considerations. Perinatology-Neonatology. 1987 Jul-Aug; 11(4): 29-33, 36b (40 ref)
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