PharmEasy Blog

Newborn Care Week – How To Care For A Newborn Baby?

As new parents, we are sure it’s pretty exciting and yet challenging to handle your bundle of joy. Knowing how to take care of your little one can be insightful. Read on to know more.

Every year in the week between 15 and 21st November, India celebrates the Newborn Care Week. Why is this week necessary? It’s because the first 28 days of your newborn’s life (neonatal phase) are very vulnerable – the neonatal phase has the highest child mortality rate. Similarly, this stage also sets the foundation for your child’s health. The care and effort you put into the baby’s health at this stage will decide how strong he/she will be as an adult.    

That is why throughout the newborn care week, efforts are made to educate parents on how to look after their infants. Read on to know the major challenges to a baby’s health and what you can do to avoid them.

Neonatal health problems

Why is your little one so vulnerable? It’s because a baby’s immunity has not developed yet. The following health complications can strike your child in the first 28 days-

Symptoms to look for in your Newborn

Although every newborn is different and has different needs, there are a few common symptoms in newborns, which if diagnosed early, could be life-saving. Let us take a look at some of the health symptoms which can be manifested in newborns.

A newborn baby needs to be fed every 2–3 hours. Breastfed babies are probably getting enough to eat if they: seem satisfied; have about 6 wet diapers and sleep 2 to 3 hrs after feeds.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Tips to take care of your Newborn

What is the best way to protect your little one? It is by being aware of the common health problems your child may have. If you are aware of them, then you will be able to recognize them and take action at the right time.

Caring for your newborn starts with ensuring that as soon as the baby is born, he/she is given a complete health check. Doctors should also administer the birth shots of certain immunization vaccines like BCG, Hepatitis B, etc.

Infections in newborns do not show any specific telltale signs but are usually bacterial in origin and can be a frequent cause of pneumonia, sepsis and meningitis, any symptoms of prolonged fever, lethargy, jaundice should be examined by a paediatrician to diagnose the disease at an early stage.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.

What else can you do for your baby? You can follow these child-care tips

Parents need to be made more aware of what they can do to promote their child’s well-being. And the newborn care week makes it an important step in keeping your little one fit and healthy.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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National Deworming Day: All You Need To Know

Introduction

Intestinal worms are a serious health hazard. Even though nearly 836 million children globally (241 million in India alone in the 1-14 age bracket) are at the risk of contracting infections through worms, this problem is mostly overlooked by parents due to inadequate knowledge of the dangers associated with intestinal worms. Let us find out more.

What are intestinal worms?

Intestinal Worms or Helminths are usually transmitted from the soil and are also called Soil-Transmitted Helminths or STH. Some common types of intestinal parasites are- roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, pinworms and whipworms. All of these are parasitic worms that thrive in the human intestine. 

All children irrespective of whether they have worms in stool or not , should be given deworming medicine every 6 months and it is given free of cost at government centres.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

How does an intestinal worm infection happen?

STHs live in the human intestine and sustain themselves on the nutrition ingested by humans. These intestinal worms lay thousands of eggs every day, which then pass into the faeces of the infected human.

If an infected person defecates out in the open, the faecal matter containing the STH eggs mixes with the soil. 

Vegetables and fruits grown in this soil will also contain parasite eggs and when people consume vegetables and fruits that have not been washed properly or cooked thoroughly, then they may contract an STH infection. 

According to CDC, parasitic intestinal worms may also enter the body if the person has handled contaminated soil and didn’t wash their hands properly before eating or if a person drinks water contaminated by an infected person’s faeces.

For these reasons, STH infections are especially common in regions of poor sanitation and hygiene, especially in tropical climates but can also be seen in children and adults living in metros. 

Abdominal pain, vomiting, lack of appetite, anemia, itching around the anus are common telltale signs that deworming is needed in the individual, it is as equally important in adults as in children.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.

Symptoms of Intestinal Worms

Worm infestation is a very common problem and you must be aware of its symptoms. Children (and adults) infected with intestinal worms show some or most of these symptoms-

Are intestinal worm infections dangerous?

Yes. In the long run, untreated intestinal worm infections can take a toll on a person’s health.

Worms can trigger-

Are intestinal worm infections curable?

Yes, infections caused by intestinal worms can easily be cured by antiparasitic medicines. These medicines are prescribed by doctors after a diagnosis of an intestinal worm infection.

How are these medicines administered?

Antiparasitic medicines for deworming are pills or tablets that are administered orally as a part of preventive measures or a cure for worm infestation. The medicine and dosage can vary depending upon the child’s age.

What are the side effects of antiparasitic medicines?

Antiparasitic medicines usually do not trigger any serious side effects. However, very few individuals may experience mild –

However, some people can have allergic reactions to the medication.

What should you discuss with your doctor?

Some deworming medicines may interact with medication for other disorders. Let your doctor know if you or your child is under medication for-

Similarly, people planning to conceive or pregnant, breastfeeding women should also inform their doctors before taking deworming medicines.

Can parasitic worm infections be prevented?

Yes, infection by intestinal worms is preventable. A few things to keep in mind-

What is National Deworming Day?

Recognising the urgent need to deworm children so that their health and school participation are not adversely affected due to worm infections, the Government of India issues deworming guidelines to all the states and Union Territories of the country. 

Every year, 10th February is observed as the National Deworming Day to spread awareness regarding the health threat of worms and for the promotion of deworming as many children as possible in the 1-19 age group (pre-school and school). 

To make this deworming mission successful, antiparasitic medicines are given to children from government schools. The deworming is done twice a year in states where infection rates are above 20% and once a year in other states (only Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan as of now)

National Deworming Day or NDD was first implemented in 2015 and 8.9 crore children were given deworming medicines that year, achieving 85% coverage. In subsequent years, the coverage percentage has steadily increased.

Do adults need deworming?

Yes, parasitic worms can affect adults as well. Oral anti-parasitic medicines are prescribed by doctors for deworming adults. Usually, the results of the treatment manifest within a week.

Pet deworming:

In this context, it is important to remember that parasitic worms may affect your beloved pets as well. Dogs and cats are very prone to intestinal worms transmitted by fleas. Since their paws come in contact with soil all the time, there are high chances that worm eggs will enter their bodies. Cats and dogs also get intestinal worms if they eat infected meat containing worm eggs. 

Untreated worms in your pets’ intestines can trigger-

There are several over the counter deworming options for pets. You can also ask your veterinarian to recommend a few medicines. Check out for these symptoms to know if your pet has worms-

Pet deworming is not just vital for your pet’s health, but also your own. Infected dog/cat droppings increase the chances of you and your family accidentally consuming infected food. The worms will then end up in human intestines. 

Conclusion

Intestinal worms can have serious implications on a person’s health. But the good news is that treatment through oral medication is simple and fully effective. Maintain personal hygiene and avoid open defecation. If you have children keep an eye out for symptoms and talk to your doctor for the best advice. 

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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Can You Get Your Child The COVID Vaccine Any Time Soon?

India carried out one of the largest vaccination programs in the world and is one of the leading countries when it comes to the number of people vaccinated. This is heartening news because this means we are all a little more protected from the dreaded coronavirus. 

In this context, a question that is on the mind of every parent with a very young child is, when will the COVID vaccine for children in India be available?

The need for COVID vaccine for children in India

Children are as vulnerable to COVID as adults. And very small ones might be at greater risk as they may fail to follow Covid appropriate behaviour very precisely. Schools and colleges have remained closed for many months now and it has greatly disrupted their academic routine. This situation can not possibly continue. The pandemic and the lockdown life has also greatly affected children’s psychological health. So for the sake of their safety and wellbeing, the COVID vaccine for children is ultra essential.

India already has three Covid vaccines – Corbevax, Covovax and Covaxin – that have received emergency use approvals in children from 5 to 12. The nod means human trials in this bracket have found these shots safe and effective.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Why has the vaccination plan for children not been rolled out yet?

The very simple reason is that experts weren’t yet sure whether the vaccines that are being administered to adults are safe for children. And even if they are safe, what would be the dosage? Clearly, children would need smaller doses than adults. But what dosage would be effective in triggering an immense response? 

Trials have been ongoing to find out all the answers. And finally, the scientists have given the green light and COVID vaccines for children will soon hit the market.   

A COVID-19 vaccine can prevent your child from getting infected and spreading coronavirus. If your child gets infected, a COVID-19 vaccine could prevent them from becoming severely ill in subsequent exposure to COVID-19 infection. The Government of India has extended the COVID-19 vaccination for children in the 15 to 18 age group on 3 January 2022.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.

The latest updates regarding the COVID vaccine for children in India

The Subject Expert Committee has recommended the emergency use authorization of India’s home-grown COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin for children between 2-18 years of age. Higher authorities and officials will hold extensive talks with experts, before this COVID vaccine for children in India is rolled out.

Another vaccine that may become available in the market as early as November is ZyCoV-D developed by India’s Zydus Cadila. This vaccine has earned emergency use approval for everyone above 12 years of age. Discussions are ongoing to decide whether this vaccine should also be made available to children below 12 years of age. ZyCoV-D is a unique 3-dose, a needle-free vaccine for COVID-19.

Also Read: Omicron Variant & Vaccine Efficacy

What can you do in the meantime?

Until the COVID vaccine for children in India is available and your child gets vaccinated, make sure that you limit their exposure to the virus. They need to wear masks at all times whenever they go out of the house. Sanitization of hands is vital. Make sure their outside clothes and bags are disinfected properly. And the adults of the household should be vaccinated and must also follow the above-mentioned COVID protocol.

Also Read: Omicron Variant Latest News & Updates

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

Impact Of Diabetes On Child’s Psychology

Diabetes is a health condition that can affect people from all age groups. There are many types of diabetes but we will be talking about the two commonly known types of diabetes, namely, Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is predominantly observed in children and adolescents, while Type 2 diabetes is more common among adults and can also affect children. It is not just a physical condition. Diabetes and the mental health of a person are closely related.

Children and Diabetes

Juvenile diabetes or Type 1 diabetes is a type of diabetes diagnosed in children and young adults. But the recent trends have also shown that an increasing number of young adults and adolescents are being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes as well.

Living with Diabetes

When a child is detected with diabetes, it brings about several changes in their lifestyle and health. Individuals with diabetes not only experience physical changes but certain emotional and mental health issues too. Diabetes-related stress manifests as behavioural issues in children, young adults and parents in the form of anxiety, stress and mood swings.

A 2014 study published by the American Diabetes Association shows that really high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) can slow the growth of a brain as it develops. The same is true when a child’s levels swing up and down a lot. Brain scans show differences between a child with diabetes and one without.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

How do children feel about diabetes?

Children with diabetes often feel that they are different from the rest of their peers. At school, they might have to visit school teachers/medical staff for insulin injections, medicines or testing blood sugar levels, making them feel uncommon or isolated.

Most children and young adults visit parks, malls, food joints, summer camps and sleepovers but children with diabetes are often denied participation in such activities because the parents are constantly worried about their child’s health.

There is a correlation between diabetes and depression. Some studies state that children with diabetes are at increased risk of developing depression. About 15 – 20% of adolescents with diabetes experience diabetes-related depression.

They often feel sadness, irritability, lack of concentration, lethargy, sleep disturbances, appetite changes, low motivation, decreased participation in activities and thoughts about suicide.

Diabetes burnout is a state of low self-esteem, lack of motivation or what can be called diabetes distress. A state of mind where a person feels frustrated with managing the blood sugar levels, feeling dragged down by carrying out all the daily diabetes management tasks or feeling lonely for experiencing diabetes. It often leads to depression associated with diabetes.

Diabetic depression in children and young adults often results in poor health outcomes such as poor diabetic control, increased hospital visits, low confidence, poor quality of life and low self-efficacy, a belief that they are unable to control their diabetes well.

At an age of carefree playfulness, managing diabetes, monitoring blood sugar levels and maintaining several restrictions to keep diabetes in check can be stressful for children and adolescents.

The scheduled hospital and clinic visits for diabetic care, monitoring the associated risk and complications and reducing the risk of or preventing the other infections by maintaining a healthy immune system can get too overwhelming. Hence, diabetes and stress go hand in hand in children.

It is a disorder characterised by abnormal eating behaviour such as binge eating or restricting food intake.

Dietary restriction often makes people with diabetes too conscious about their weight, body and food intake. This practice of decreasing the food intake, increased daily exercise for maintaining body weight often results in punishing the body.

You may observe signs such as weight loss, vomiting, increased frequency of defecation post-meal, restrictive eating, binging, skipping meals, etc.

How to Manage the Mental Health of Kids With Diabetes?

Diabetes can be a psychologically challenging health condition. Thus, implementing the most appropriate coping strategies can help maintain the mental health of kids with diabetes.

Parents of diabetic children should stay in constant touch with their kids’ teachers and inform them about the child’s health condition. They should also guide the teacher about managing strategies in case a diabetes-related health emergency arises at school.

If you notice any change in your child’s behaviour, you must also contact a child psychologist. The professionals from the team of mental health services can guide you and help you develop positive coping strategies to manage diabetes-related mental health issues of kids.

Conclusion

Children and young adults with diabetes need extra care to cope with the mental stress of diabetes as diabetes is associated with many physical and psychological challenges. Some seem to cope up easily, while others find it difficult. Thus, caregivers and children with diabetes should be vigilant about the mental health issues accompanying diabetes.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

Allergy March – Have You Heard Of It? By #AllergyFree- A Sanofi India Initiative

Very common in children, an allergy march is when a kid starts to get allergies in a specific order. It’s a condition that starts from eczema, then food allergies and hay fever, eventually leading to asthma.  A lot of times people misunderstand mild symptoms which may lead to severe ones, but the development of these diseases is strongly influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. So, let’s look at how this allergic march or atopic march develops in children.

Allergic sensitization

The first stage is allergic sensitization, where a child shows IgE reaction to the food proteins during the first weeks or months. Most commonly developed from egg or cow’s milk, these strong IgE antibodies that respond to food proteins can be considered as triggers for atopic reactivity. Reaction to environmental allergens comes at a later stage as the outdoor allergens require exposure as well.

Atopic dermatitis (eczema)

Dry, red, irritated and itchy skin is the most common symptom during atopic dermatitis. The skin develops small, fluid-filled bumps that ooze a clear or yellowish liquid. Gender difference also plays a role here as the reactions in boys are seen quite early in life, whereas the reactions in girls persist later in adulthood. The elevated rate of total IgE levels and a high degree of sensitization to food protein, has led to the misunderstanding that eczema triggers food allergy. But in most cases, the sensitization is only a complication of atopic march rather than a trigger to another condition.

Food allergy

Food allergy symptoms are far and many but most certain foods such as peanuts, tree nuts, fruits, vegetables allow a risk and potentially life-threatening anaphylactic reactions with significant IgE-responses. So far, the only treatment of food allergy in children is an elimination diet, which is necessary to be carried out for a few years. But high IgE levels from egg or cow’s milk have a less favorable outcome and longer persistence of the disease.

Rhinitis

Seasonal allergic rhinitis generally doesn’t show up during the first two years of life. However, it’s possible for children to develop specific IgE-antibodies years before they manifest into something severe. An early reaction in children to grass or pollen allergens can indicate a high risk of rhinitis manifestation in the latter years of life. In some cases, children suffering from allergic rhinitis are known to be at high risk for future asthma manifestation.

Also Read: What Happens If You Eat Mold: Decoding the Potential Health Risks

Asthma

Signs of asthma can be observed during an early stage of a child’s life. A majority of cases show symptoms of asthma such as asthmatic wheezing but very rarely does it persist throughout school-age and adolescence. The wheezing is not because of allergen-specific sensitization but because of virus infections such as RSV or rhinovirus, and the pattern may change later during school-age. Persistent wheezing shows a connection to indoor allergens like house dust mites and mold etc.

Allergy march management

Prevention of allergic diseases and symptoms is the best possible way to fight off the allergic march. Early prevention is recommended which heavily relies on the prevention of triggers in healthy infants. Allergy prevention can be done with certain measures such as avoidance of early allergen contact from foods and inhalants and avoidance of pollution mainly indoor pollutants such as cigarette/tobacco smoke. It’s not necessary that if your child has eczema, they are certain to get the allergy march. It just means there’s a higher chance of it happening if the signs do show up seeking medical attention as soon as possible for the necessary allergy diagnosis.

For more information on how you can identify and manage allergies, visit http://bit.ly/allergy_free

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Enfagrow+: Nutrition For Children’s Robust And Speedy Brain Development!


Bringing a baby into the world can be the most exhilarating experience of your life. But it is also associated with a lot of responsibilities. Why? Because the baby is helpless and dependent on you for every little thing-from feeding, bathing to safety and security.

As a parent, you have to ensure that your little one is getting the right nutrition so that he/she can grow into a healthy individual. The brain development of your baby is something you need to pay extra attention to.  

Read on to know why-

The 2-6 year period is crucial for critical brain development in children.

Did you know that a baby is born with 5% of the bodyweight of an adult while its brain has completed significant growth & development?

But, in the next few years, the brain grows to 300% of its size at birth and is fully developed by the age of 6. In fact, 95% of the adult brain growth is attained by the age of 6.

blog-subheading-Enfagrow

That means vital brain activities like sensory abilities, language & higher cognitive development start within this time span.

That is why, during this phase, the rapidly growing brain requires DHA and other key nutrients to support the expansion of IMEC skills.

Why does a child need DHA?

DHA is a key nutrient that helps improve learning abilities in a child and can shape his/her future academic performance. Here are a few reasons why your child must receive a constant supply of DHA-

DHA accumulates in the frontal cortex of the brain responsible for higher functions such as memory, language and emotions. During brain growth and development, DHA accumulates in the grey matter.

Also Read: Apple Diet: Unpacking the Potential Health Benefits and Risks Based on Studies

Do children get the DHA they need from their regular diet?

No, children are unable to obtain adequate DHA from their diet because the metabolic conversion of ALA to DHA is limited to 0.2% in children. The dietary DHA intake among children is low and well below the recommended daily intake levels.

Also Read: Gripe Water for Babies: A Research-Based Guide on Benefits and Usage

What should be done?

  Since children’s diets may not provide them with sufficient amounts of DHA, they will require nutritional supplementation to bolster brain development. Feed your child Enfagrow A+. This nutrition-enriched milk powder is loaded with DHA, choline, Iodine, Zinc, Iron, Vitamin B and other nutrients handpicked for their ability to support brain development in growing children.

blog-subheading-Enfagrow_1

Enfagrow A+ also contains prebiotics, Vitamin A and Vitamin C, all of which are crucial for your child’s immunity. On top of that, protein, calcium, Vitamin D, phosphorus and magnesium support the child’s physical development.    

Give your child Enfagrow+ from today for rapid brain and physical growth and watch your little one develop into a smart, healthy and strong individual!

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Want To Keep Your Kids Healthy This Monsoon? – Follow These Simple Tips.

Monsoon increases the dampness in the environment which encourages growth and spread of infection-causing germs. If proper care is taken along with an appropriate diet, we can prevent certain infections in children.Eat right

Stay active Wash Hands Other useful information Moreover, with the close vicinity of children in schools and child care settings, there is a high risk for the spread of infectious disease.If at all your child falls sick, allow the child to rest at home. It works well for everyone. Consult your doctor, do not medicate your child without appropriate medical advice. If your child has waded through the water, don’t take it lightly. It could be leptospirosis. Learn how to prevent it here.Skin infections are also rife in this season. Read here how to prevent skin infections in monsoons.Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.