Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Biruni University Hospital Pediatric Infectious Diseases is the department that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases that develop in children. Our specialist physicians successfully treat infectious diseases such as chickenpox, measles, influenza, tuberculosis and HIV that affect the immune system of children and are caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.

Pediatric Infectious Diseases is a medical branch that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases that are common in children. Specialists working in this department deal with infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites that affect children's immune systems. The aim is to determine the source of the disease and apply appropriate treatment methods to ensure that children regain their health.

What Do Pediatric Infectious Diseases Look For?

There are many and varied infectious diseases in children. These diseases can negatively affect children's health and sometimes lead to long-term health problems. Below, you’ll find more information about some common infectious diseases that children often get:

• Upper Respiratory Tract Infections: Commonly known as the common cold, these infections affect the nose, throat, and sinuses and often cause coughing, sore throat, and nasal congestion.
• Lower Respiratory Tract Infections: They include bronchitis and pneumonia and usually cause more serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing. and high fever.
• Urinary Tract Infections: Urinary tract infections in children usually cause pain and a burning sensation, as well as an increase in the frequency of urination.
• Bloodstream Infections: Serious conditions such as sepsis can cause infection in the bloodstream, which can be life-threatening for children and require urgent intervention.
• Surgical Site Infections: The Pediatric Infectious Diseases unit also deals with infections that may occur in the post-operative period in children.
• Congenital Infections: Some infections, such as HIV, can be transmitted to the baby in the womb and cause congenital health problems can cause.
• Bacterial, Parasitic and Fungal Infections: Children may be more susceptible to these infections and if left untreated, they can cause serious health problems.
• Infections Transmitted from Animals: Children can be exposed to these types of infections while playing with pets or being in outdoor environments.
• Opportunistic Infections Developing in Immunocompromised Individuals: Children with weak immune systems are at greater risk of infections.
• Central Nervous System Infections Such as Meningitis and Encephalitis: These are infections that can affect the brain and spinal cord and cause serious neurological symptoms.
• Skin, Bone, Joint and Soft Tissue Infections: These infections usually occur after injuries or surgical procedures.
• Diseases with Rash: Diseases such as measles and chickenpox can cause rash in children and are contagious.
• Children with Frequent Infections: These children may be constantly exposed to infections and need early intervention.
• Children with Persistent Fever: Children whose fever does not go away for a certain period of time should be carefully evaluated for underlying health problems.
• Children with Fever of Unidentified Source: When the cause of the fever cannot be determined, your infectious disease doctor may need to do more tests.
• Children with Periodic Fever Syndrome: It is characterized by fever attacks that recur at regular intervals and may require treatment.
• Tuberculosis: Tuberculosis, a contagious disease, usually affects the lungs and can have serious consequences if left untreated.

What are the symptoms of infection in children?

Symptoms of infection in children may vary depending on the type and severity of the infection. However, in general, the following symptoms can be observed frequently:

• Fever: Fever, which is the body's way of fighting infection, indicates that the immune system is activated. A high fever is a sign of the body's effort to fight germs. Therefore, it should be monitored carefully.
• Cough and Runny Nose: These are common symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections. A cough is the body’s attempt to clear the airways. A runny nose is usually the result of inflammation of the nasal mucosa.
• Sore Throat: This is a common symptom of conditions such as pharyngitis or tonsillitis. Children may experience discomfort such as difficulty swallowing or a burning sensation in the throat.
• Diarrhea and Vomiting: Common symptoms of gastrointestinal infections include diarrhea and vomiting. These symptoms should be followed carefully as they can cause children to become dehydrated.
• Skin Redness and Rash: Redness or rash that occur as symptoms of some skin infections can be seen.
• Fatigue and Weakness: The body loses energy as a result of the infection, and this makes it difficult for children to continue their normal activities.

What is Good for Infections in Children?

The following methods can be applied to alleviate infections in children and speed up the healing process:

• Pay Attention to Adequate Fluid Intake: Infections can accelerate water loss from the body. For this reason, it is necessary to monitor that children drink enough fluids. Watery foods, fresh fruit juices, or beverages like lemonade can help replace electrolytes lost during an infection.
• Rest and Sleep: The body needs rest and sleep to fight infection. Getting enough sleep for children can speed up the healing process.
• Eating Nutritious Foods: The immune system weakens during an infection. Nutritious foods help support the child's immune system. A diet containing fruits, vegetables, protein, and complex carbohydrates speeds up the healing process.
• Hygiene: Hygiene rules should be followed to prevent the spread of infections. It is important to wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, and limit contact with infected people.
• Physician's Opinion: If the child's condition worsens or if the infection does not improve for a long time, a pediatric infectious diseases specialist should be consulted.

Diagnosis and Treatment Methods of Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Diagnostic Methods:
Various methods are used in the diagnosis of pediatric infectious diseases. These methods, which may vary depending on the type and severity of the disease, are as follows:

• Physical Examination: This is when the doctor examines the child and evaluates the symptoms and general health status. During this process, the child's fever is measured, the throat is checked, and other physical findings are evaluated.
• Laboratory Tests: Blood, urine, and stool tests provide important data to determine the source of the infection. These tests help detect bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections.
• Imaging Methods: Methods such as X-rays and ultrasound can be used to detect infections in internal organs. They are especially useful for determining the cause of lung infections or abdominal pain.

Treatment Methods:

• Antibiotics: Used for bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections, upper respiratory tract infections, and middle ear infections. Specific an