Becoming a new parent has many facets to it.
There are so many things that you have to look for when you are trying to keep your newborn healthy.
You probably are looking out for symptoms that may arise that signal to you that your baby is sick. Newborns can be susceptible to many different ailments.
It is a good thing to write the symptoms down of an ailment and the conditions that may have caused the symptoms.
If your child has been exposed to something and now they have a rash or fever your pediatrician will want to know where and who had the illness. There are several ailments that a newborn may suffer from.
Constipation and Diarrhea
Constipation and diarrhea both can make your baby miserable. These ailments are usually short lived. Your baby may suffer constipation if he or she is on formula. Babies that are being breast fed usually will not suffer from constipation. [Infant constipation]
Diarrhea on the other hand will make your baby’s stool too soft and watery. A virus or an infection that is bacterial could be the reason for your newborn’s diarrhea. The main thing is to make sure that your newborn does not get dehydrated.
Both of these ailments are not considered serious unless it continues for a long time. Your pediatrician will be able to help you with remedies for both.
Newborn Ear Infections
An ear infection is very common in newborns. Germs getting in their ear are usually the culprit for this ailment. It can be painful because of the fluid that has developed in your baby’s ear.
This fluid pushes on their eardrum. Your baby may fuss and cry a lot if they have an ear infection. They probably will want you to hold them all of the time.
This problem will usually take care of itself. You can give your baby some pain reliever that is especially made for newborns to relieve their pain and discomfort. If you see signs of an infection in the ear though, you need to consult your baby’s pediatrician right away.
Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease
GERD (Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease) is an ailment that occurs in newborn babies. The liquids that you are giving your baby along with gas sometimes will travel up into the esophagus of your newborn causing your newborn to spit up.
This ailment could make your newborn spit up much too often. If they are spitting up too much it could cause problems with their breathing if not treated.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Respiratory Syncytial Virus is referred to as RSV. This ailment is a well known cause pertaining to illnesses in the respiratory tract of newborns.
This type of ailment is very contagious. You will know if your baby has RSV within five days of them contracting the ailment. You should immediately contact your baby’s pediatrician if you believe they have been exposed to RSV.
Proper care from yourselves and your baby’s pediatrician for these ailments will assure your baby’s continued health.
