Archive | January 14th, 2013

Myths and Facts About Bed Wetting In Children

Worried about your toddler wetting the bed? Here are some facts you need to know about the myths that surround bed wetting in children.

Myth # 1: Bed wetting is a sign of laziness.

Fact: Bed wetters have no control over their condition so blaming your toddler when he has wet the bed is not only erroneous but it will only make him feel bad about himself. Some toddlers have trouble waking up causing them to disregard the internal signal to pee while others have a functionally small bladder (they get a feeling that their bladder is full before it is) causing them to urinate.

Myth # 2: Toddlers who are bed wetters have emotional issues.

Fact: Psychological problems such as low self-esteem, anxiety or fear do not, in any way, cause toddlers to wet their beds. However, cases such as divorce of parents, death of a loved one or transferring to a new city may trigger bed wetting in a toddler who has been dry.

Myth # 3: Boys wet the bed more than girls.

Fact: True, gender plays a factor when it comes to bed wetting in children. Reports show that both toddler boys and girls are bed wetters, but, only 1/3 of bed wetting children are girls.

Myth # 4: Bed wetting is inherited.

Fact: Bed wetting tends to run in families. If you have a history of enuresis in your family, there is a 70% chance your toddler will become a bed wetter.

Myth # 5: Diapers can help stop bed wetting.

Fact: Making your toddler wear a diaper at night will not help him outgrow bed wetting on his own. But, it will keep your toddler from waking up wet and spare you the trouble of changing and washing bed covers repeatedly.

Myth # 6: Potty trained toddlers do not wet the bed.

Fact: Even though your little one knows how to use the toilet to pee and poop, he is still not free from bed wetting. Urine control is different during the day than it is at night.

Myth # 7: Limiting the amount of fluid intake before sleeping can reduce bed wetting.

Fact: Yes, controlling your toddler’s fluid intake before bedtime lessens the amount of urine released reducing the chances of your child to wet his bed.

Myth # 8: Bed wetters should be punished.

Fact: Again, toddlers do not wet their beds on purpose. Hence, punishing them is unnecessary and it will only increase the humiliation they feel. Instead, talk to your little one and reassure him that it is normal and that it is not his fault.

Myth # 9: Bed wetting is an indication of an underlying medical condition.

Fact: Some cases of bed wetting are triggered by underlying medical issues such as UTI (urinary tract infection), diabetes, sleep apnea and spinal cord problems. It would be best to consult with your doctor and have your toddler examined.

Bed wetting is only a phase most children go through during toddlerhood so you need not worry too much. As long as you help your toddler feel in control of the situation, he will overcome this setback in no time.

Posted in Health, Potty TrainingComments (0)

Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Headache In Children

Children also experience a throbbing pain in the head known as “headache”. Although most cases of headache in children are usually not severe, it is still recommended for parents to be aware of its causes, signs and treatment.

Causes

Infection

Common diseases such as cold, flu, fever and gastroenteritis are some of the most frequent causes of headache in toddlers. More serious illnesses such as sinusitis, meningitis and other respiratory infections can also cause headache but are normally accompanied by other signs and symptoms.

Head Trauma

Too much bumping and bruising of the head (e.g. if your toddler falls hard on his head) can cause headache. Immediate medical attention is necessary to prevent internal bleeding.

Migraine

This type of headache is oftentimes inherited. Migraines are painful and may cause your toddler to have mood swings, vomit, lose his appetite and feel nauseous.

Emotional Factors

Tension headache is often a result of anxiety, depression and stress. For example, a toddler who is starting preschool in a few weeks might experience bouts of headache because he is nervous to go to school.

Foods and Beverages

Certain foods and drinks can cause headache. Nitrate-filled foods such as bacon and hotdog and caffeinated drinks like soda are known to trigger headaches.

Symptoms

Generally, toddlers suffering from headaches experience one or two of these symptoms:

  • Tension on one or both sides of the head that usually last for 30 minutes to several days
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Changes in mood
  • Dizziness
  • Abdominal pain
  • Sensitivity to light and sound

Treatment

Adequate Rest

Encourage your toddler to get plenty of sleep as this will help reduce stress. Create a sleep schedule and make sure you stick to it. Sleep is the most powerful tool to treat a headache rather than medications.

Identify The Source

Find out what is bothering your toddler. Does he have a headache because he is exposed to bright lights or too much sun? Is it because he is scared of sleeping alone in his bedroom? Once you know the triggers, you can come up with ways to relieve his mind.

Relax

Teach your little one how to relax. Do breathing exercises. Let him listen to calming songs (e.g. classical music and white noise). Sit with your toddler and talk. Read to him. Cuddle. Give your toddler a kiss.

Exercise

Exercising helps enhance blood flow and boost overall health. Exercising also makes your heart beat at a lower rate which significantly minimizes the occurrence of headaches. Exercise together. It can be as simple as talking a walk around your neighbourhood for 30 minutes, playing tag or running around the park.

Cold Compress

Place an ice pack or a cool washcloth on the sore spot. This effective technique slows blood flow to the head and reduces head pressure.

OTC Medications

Give your toddler an over-the-counter medicine such as children’s acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin). Make sure to read instructions carefully to determine the correct dosage for your toddler. If unsure, talk to your pediatrician. Never give your toddler aspirin.

If your toddler’s headache persists, take him to the doctor for further evaluation.

Posted in Health, Toddler SicknessComments (0)

Tips For Treating Diarrhea In Toddlers

Diarrhea is very common in toddlers. It can be caused by an immature immune system, a change in diet, teething or a viral infection. Here are some tips for treating diarrhea in toddlers.

Offer Plenty of Fluids

Keep your toddler hydrated. Diarrhea can cause dehydration so make sure your toddler gets plenty of fluids. Offer clear fluids such as water and milk or have him suck on ice chips or popsicles. Avoid giving your toddler sweet and caffeinated drinks like fruit juice (especially apple and orange juice), soda and sports drinks since excess sugar can drain water out of the intestines, making diarrhea worse. If your toddler is unable to keep fluids down, give your toddler an oral rehydration solution such as Pedialyte to replenish the body of electrolytes.

Try The BRAT Diet

Feed your toddler bland, solid foods. Doctors recommend following the BRAT diet to speed up the recovery process. The BRAT diet consists of bananas, rice, applesauce and dry toast. These foods are flavorless and starchy which are easy on the stomach and helps create more solid stools. Over the next 48 hours, gradually include carbohydrate and fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, yogurt (that contains lactobacillus) and lean meat into his diet.

Change Diapers Frequently

If your toddler is not yet potty trained, change his diaper immediately after a bout of diarrhea. Clean his bottom and make sure it is dry before applying a diaper rash cream to keep his bottom from becoming irritated due to the loose stools.

Cuddle Your Toddler

Comfort your toddler as much as possible. Cuddle, talk to him and give him a hug and a kiss. These actions can soothe your toddler which can help reduce some of the discomfort that comes with the condition.

Make Sure Your Toddler Gets Plenty of Rest

Do not allow your toddler to play physically demanding activities for now. His body needs as much rest as it can get to recuperate and strengthen the immune system. Instead, perform quiet activities together such as reading, singing a song, coloring, stacking blocks and completing a jigsaw puzzle.

Do Not Self-medicate

Stay away from over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications unless a child health expert prescribes it. Sure, it hurts to see your toddler in pain but offering this drug is very hazardous as it contains bismuth subsalicylate, a substance similar to aspirin which can cause a serious health condition known as Reye’s syndrome.

Seek Expert Help

If the diarrhea lasts longer than 2 days or your baby has a high fever (more than 103 degrees Fahrenheit), vomits multiple times, shows signs of dehydration (dry mouth and irregular urination) and blood appears in the stool, consult with your doctor. Your toddler may need to undergo several tests for signs of issues such as bacterial and intestinal infections which require medical intervention.

Diarrhea is not a serious ailment when treated properly. By taking immediate action, your toddler will be in tiptop condition once again in no time.

Posted in Health, Toddler SicknessComments (0)


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