Diseases in Newborns and Babies
There are two ways to diagnose diseases in babies. Some diseases can be identified in prenatal tests such as ultrasound, while other diseases in newborns are diagnosed only after birth.
  • Recurrent Diseases in Early Childhood

    Even the healthiest babies are vulnerable to some diseases. Even when vaccination is up to date, some babies end up contracting certain diseases, such as viral illnesses. Other diseases considered hereditary or due to some genetic fault can already be discovered in the womb through the ultrasound exam.

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Certain hereditary diseases, whether rare or not, can already be detected well before the baby is born, as is the case with the nuchal translucency exam. It is performed from the 11th to the 13th week of pregnancy and can diagnose Down syndrome, Patau syndrome, and Edwards syndrome. Babies diagnosed with Down syndrome require the same care as a normal newborn, but with greater attention due to the common problems that tend to develop. About 80% of them have heart problems. Other concerns involve intestinal and respiratory problems and their low immunity1.

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In general, after birth, everyone is vulnerable to certain diseases more common in newborns, such as neonatal jaundice. This disease, which leaves the skin of newborns yellowish, affects about 80% of babies and requires simple care to go away2. It usually appears from the third day of life, and the most affected areas by the yellowing are the belly, legs, eyes, and gums. The bilirubin test will determine the appropriate treatment, which may range from light therapy in the hospital to sunbathing.

Another common baby disease or issue is reflux. Reflux in babies occurs due to some digestive difficulty or immaturity of the gastrointestinal tract. It can also happen because the baby has some type of allergy or intolerance to milk or some food they have consumed3. Although it is a very common condition, when it happens many times in large amounts, it can begin to affect the baby's development and should be reported to the pediatrician.

Although milk is the main food for newborns and babies, many have trouble feeding, developing episodes of lactose intolerance, or rather, milk allergy4. This is a baby disease that can persist into adulthood. Typically, uncomfortable symptoms occur when milk is ingested, such as frequent vomiting, colic, and diarrhea. In the case of exclusively breastfed babies, a more restricted diet cutting certain foods can solve the problem; in other cases, it is necessary to replace breast or cow's milk with soy milk.

Another illness very common in babies is bronchitis, which presents as an inflammation in the airways to the lungs, making breathing difficult. It is caused by a virus and always comes along with viral infections such as flu and colds and presents as strong chest wheezing, coughing with phlegm, chest discomfort, and significant difficulty breathing5. Usually, bronchitis gets better on its own without medication, but in persistent cases the use of antibiotics, antihistamines, and syrups may be recommended; this will depend on the assessment of the case.

Hypoglycemia is a low blood sugar level, and when it affects newborns it requires a lot of attention. This condition makes the newborn weak, lethargic, and tremulous, and they may even experience seizures6. It is more likely to affect premature babies, babies of diabetic mothers, babies who had breathing difficulties after birth, and those who have suffered from hypothermia.

Another disease among those affecting babies is meningitis, which is an inflammation of the membranes covering the brain7. It is a highly contagious disease and can be very serious if not treated quickly. There are two types: viral and bacterial. Viral meningitis is the most common and is usually less severe, offering easier and faster treatment. Bacterial meningitis is one of the rare diseases in babies and if not treated properly can cause serious sequelae such as deafness, brain injury, and can even lead to death.

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