INTUSSUSCEPTION
This is an intestinal obstruction, a much
less common illness than many we have mentioned. But it happens often enough
for you to be on guard against it, because unless it is recognized within a few
days of onset, it may be 'fatal.
Intussusception results from telescoping of
a part of the intestine into the section ahead of it. It may occur when the
intestine is partially filled with roundworms but usually there is no obvious
cause. The child appears healthy.
Then paroxysms of abdominal pain set in, with
vomiting and restlessness. Within 12 to 24 hours, bloody mucus is passed by
rectum instead of the usual fecal matter. On the second day, there may be fever
as high as 106° to 108°F. Death can occur within two to four days after onset
unless the condition is relieved. The diagnosis may be confirmed by a barium
enema x-ray test. Actually, this examination in itself frequently reduces the
intussusception and may completely correct the telescoping. Treatment by
surgery cures the condition.
POSTURAL ABNORMALITIES
Special attention
should be given to posture in children because failure to attend to any
difficulties and defects can result in permanent deformity. When we speak of
poor posture in children, we don't mean that they should have the good posture
characteristic of healthy adults. Children are not built to sit or stand like
adults. When they are under nine years of age, they are not large or strong
enough to hold in their stomachs without straining. Odd foot positions and many
other postural peculiarities in children are phases of physical development and
will pass with painfully. But we are concerned about children's posture by
childhood standards.
Poor posture is a broad term; it covers minor as well as
potentially vicious problems. It can be caused by weakness, disease, or
deformity involving muscles, bones, or joints. Some examples include rickets,
congenital dislocation of the hip, flat feet, and scoliosis (curvature of the
spine). Poor posture may also stem from defective vision or hearing. For
example, a nearsighted or hard-of-hearing child is apt to thrust his head
forward to see or hear better. As a result, his shoulders and back may be brown
out of line.
Clothing that is too small or even too heavy may prevent a child
from standing straight. A bed or chair that prevents a child from lying or
sitting properly can also be responsible for poor posture. Finally, but no less
important, emotional factors may cause postural problems. A shy, unhappy child
who feels inferior may slump.
Emotional problems, especially in
adolescence, have contributed to many cases of curvature of the spine. We wish
it were possible to persuade all parents and teachers never to scold or nag a
child about his posture. It is obviously cruel as well as useless to keep telling
a child with a physical weakness or disease to stand up straight and to walk
properly. It is also likely to do harm if the child's poor posture is due to
emotional difficulties.
Regular physical examination will determine whether or
not a child has a real posture problem and will usually reveal any condition
likely to cause postural problems in the future. If you are concerned about
your child's posture, don't wait for his regular examination to fall due.
Consult a doctor as soon as possible. Taken
in time, corrective measures can usually prevent difficulties and even
deformities. If special exercises are needed, they should be supervised or at
least initiated by a doctor or some other person with special training.
