Children's diseases

Children's diseases cover a wide range from common infections to rare long-term conditions. Respiratory infections are by far the most common reason to see a pediatrician: a young child gets a viral infection on average six to eight times a year. Ear infections, allergies, asthma, childhood diabetes and developmental disorders are other common reasons for seeking care.

Children's symptoms can differ from those of adults, which makes recognition challenging. High fever, unusual fussiness or inability to sleep, feeding problems and breathing difficulties are the most important warning signs. Developmental delays, such as slower development of speech, motor skills or social abilities, are signs that should be assessed by a specialist.

Infections are predisposed to by an immature immune system and close contact in daycare. Children's allergy and asthma risks are linked to heredity and environmental factors. Childhood type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease and is the most common in Finland in the world. Cerebral palsy is caused by damage to the brain during pregnancy, childbirth or early childhood.

Diagnosis is based on the doctor's clinical examination and any necessary laboratory tests. A pediatric specialist, or pediatrician, is trained to recognize the special features of each age group in children. Developmental delays are assessed using developmental neurological tests and neuropsychological evaluation. If needed, the child is referred to a pediatric neurologist, child psychiatrist or other pediatric specialists.

Infections are mainly treated symptomatically, and many recover on their own. Bacterial infections require antibiotics, but viral infections are not treated with antibiotics. Long-term illnesses such as childhood diabetes, epilepsy and asthma require specialist follow-up and an individual treatment plan.

Children's rehabilitation is multidisciplinary: physiotherapy supports motor development, occupational therapy supports everyday skills and speech therapy supports language development. Early intervention in developmental challenges is key, as a child's brain is plastic and responds best to training in the early years. Seeking a private pediatrician provides quick access to specialist assessment.