Teens
Childhood Diseases and Their Symptoms

Hopefully, our children will never experience the illnesses below.  But, being aware of their symptoms can lead to early intervention and proper treatment.

Asthma

Asthma can first appear as a cold or respiratory infection.  What is actually happening is an inflammation of the lungs and airways which lead to the symptoms below.

Symptoms: 

• Wheezing
• Breathlessness (rapid breathing)
• Chest tightness
• Nighttime or early morning coughing

Type 1 Diabetes

When a child's pancreas no longer produces insulin, the body must be helped to make and regulate insulin.

Symptoms:

• Increased thirst and frequent urination
• Extreme hunger
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Irritability or unusual behavior
• Blurred vision
• Yeast infection

Cystic Fibrosis:

Cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening illness affecting the lungs via thickening mucus.  The pancreas is also affected causing problems with the body's digestive system.

Symptoms:

• Salty-tasting skin
• Persistent coughing with and without phlegm
• Frequent lung infections
• Wheezing or shortness of breathe
• Poor growth/weight gain

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

This is the most common form of muscular dystrophy affecting children, exclusively boys.  It causes muscle break down leading to weakness and, eventually, an inability to walk.

Symptoms:

• Delay in walking
• Frequent falls
• Large calf muscles
• Difficulty getting up from a lying or sitting position
• Weakness in lower leg muscles
• Waddling gait

Medical information within this site is not intended for use in the diagnosis or treatment of any health condition. Please consult a licensed health care professional for the treatment or diagnosis of any medical condition.

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