6 childhood illnesses that look like a cold but are dangerous

Pediatricians consider it normal for children to suffer from the common cold between 5 and 10 times a year. That’s why parents get so used to this little problem that they often don’t even realize that those symptoms could indicate something more serious.

Only, in some cases, the signs that the body is giving have nothing to do with the problem. In this post you will find all the information you need to recognize a possible dangerous disease in a child, which type of cough you should pay more attention to and the consequences of any carelessness in the face of symptoms that seem common.

O awesome.club recommends that you see your child’s pediatrician as soon as you notice any worrisome symptoms.

After all, prevention is better than cure, especially when it comes to children’s health.

At first, whooping cough (or whooping cough) is difficult to differentiate from a common cold. It may start off mild and with a bit of a fever. The disease is especially dangerous for babies. It is even possible that they do not have a cough, or that it is mild. However, at the same time, they can show a symptom known as apnea: a breathing stop during sleep.

In the first two weeks, the symptoms of whooping cough are not very pronounced.

They can show themselves in the form of:

Occasional mild cough Fever, chills, and other symptoms typical of the febrile state Nasal discharge Apnea in infants

After 1 or 2 weeks (in newborns, the disease can develop more quickly), the cough resembles a bark, with spasms. Sometimes vomiting occurs. In the pauses between this expectoration that causes weakness (and that tends to be uncomfortable at night), the little one may even feel better. Attacks can also occur after recovery, for more than 10 weeks. No wonder, in China, whooping cough is known as the “100-day disease”.

The disease is very contagious. It is transmitted from person to person by coughing or sneezing, as well as by contact with surfaces on which the bacteria have landed. Adolescents and children who have been vaccinated overcome the problem more easily.

Characteristic symptom: a spasmodic, barking cough that prevents the child from breathing.

why is it dangerous: Breathing ends up being affected. Babies are at risk of developing pneumonia or having seizures. The treatment must be carried out in the hospital.

Important: in Brazil, SUS vaccinates children up to 6 years and 11 months and 19 days free of charge, in addition to pregnant women and health professionals. Vaccinate your child.

The tonsils are two lymph nodes located in the throat, responsible for preventing infections. However, they can also cause a disease: the inflammation is called tonsillitis.

It can be viral or bacterial in nature, and the latter can only be treated with antibiotics.

Tonsillitis is manifested by:

Severe sore throat Inflamed tonsils Pain when swallowing Fever, chills Headache, ear and belly pain Bad breath

Sometimes, tenderness in the jaw or neck may occur.

Symptoms: reddened, inflamed tonsils, with yellowish or white spots.

Why is it dangerous: when not treated, tonsillitis can lead to the proliferation of the infection in other organs. Inflamed tonsils can also cause breathing problems.

Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection caused by the streptococcus bacteria, which can cause red rashes on the skin — the same bacteria that causes tonsillitis, pneumonia, and endocarditis. The disease is considered mild and, in general, appears in children aged between 5 and 15 years.

The infection can enter the body through the respiratory tract (through droplets in the air) and through contact with household objects.

Scarlet fever is characterized by the following symptoms:

Body temperature 38°C or higher Sore throat The skin in the armpits, elbows, and groin may turn a bright reddish hue White coating on the tongue The cheeks may turn red, but a pale triangle remains around the mouth

There may also be headaches and body aches, as well as discomfort in the abdomen. Vomiting and nausea are also relatively common. As the disease progresses, the tongue becomes rough, making swallowing difficult. The eruptions subside a week later, and peeling of the skin on the fingers and groin area is observed.

Sometimes scarlet fever can be confused with an allergic rash in the form of hives. To treat this disease, antibiotics are essential. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor.

Characteristic symptoms: reddish eruptions on the body and throat. Tongue also reddish or purplish.

Why is it dangerous: in general, it does not cause long-term complications. But if treatment takes time to start, it can cause otitis media, skin infections and other diseases.

Laryngitis is the result of an inflammation of the vocal cords. It is caused by viruses or excessive effort of the vocal apparatus. The disease manifests itself through a hoarse cough, like barking, with chills and fever. Many adults live with the condition for years, but in children, it can lead to another potentially fatal condition known as laryngotracheobronchitis (croup). Unlike laryngitis, it is caused solely by an infection, usually the parainfluenza virus, transmitted through the air and by coming into contact with infected objects.

Croup is usually preceded by a sharp cough, runny nose, and fever. At night, the child may be troubled by changes in the lungs.

Laryngotracheobronchitis is easily treated, but it is dangerous for babies and young children. Some need to be hospitalized.

Among the dangerous symptoms caused by this bacterial infection are:

Difficulty breathing or swallowing Loud sounds when inhaling Body temperature above 39°C Increased saliva production

If the child has breathing difficulties, call an ambulance immediately and open the windows to allow air into the room. Inhalations with saline solution can provide temporary relief.

Symptoms that characterize laryngotracheobronchitis🇧🇷 acute cough, hoarse voice and respiratory disorders.

Why is it dangerous: there is a risk (albeit low) of death. Generally, the older the child, the less dangerous the croup will be, as the larynx enlarges with age.

Often, acute bronchitis appears after a cold and is viral in nature. It is sometimes caused by dust, allergens, passive smoking, toxic gases or bacteria.

The symptoms of bronchitis resemble those of a common cold:

Nasal discharge, cough, sore throat General malaise Chills, fever Muscle and back pain

At first, the cough is often dry, and then mucus begins to flow. In some cases, breathing difficulty is noted. On these occasions, bronchitis can be mistaken for an asthma attack.

The illness usually goes away within a week or two, but the cough may remain for a longer period.

Characteristic symptoms: lungs making noise and changes in breathing. The diagnosis is made by the doctor based on the clinical history, exams and chest X-ray.

Why is it dangerous: it can turn into pneumonia.

Cough, congestion and nasal discharge can be symptoms of allergies. The reaction to pollen or pet dander usually develops within a few minutes, but in some cases, it may not manifest for a few hours.

This disease can be distinguished from a common cold by the color of the nasal discharge: when yellow or green, it is usually associated with an infectious disease. It is also worth remembering if the child had contact with sick people.

If you suspect an allergy in your child, see your doctor. He may need to undergo skin tests and take antihistamines.

Characteristic symptoms: cough or nasal discharge appears shortly after contact with the allergen. There is no fever, chills or feeling of heat in the body.

Why is it dangerous: allergic rhinitis and obstructive bronchitis can turn into asthma.

And finally, a little tip: if you noticed a different cough, difficulty breathing or strange rashes in your child, do not experiment with folk remedies or offer adult remedies. After all, it is impossible to say how these substances will affect the little one. Expect to have a prescription in hand. And your love also plays an important role in the treatment: when the child realizes that he is loved, he recovers more quickly to live the bright future that lies ahead.