Pacifier – Pneumonia
Pacifiers commonly are made of a small plastic or rubber nippple
attached to a flat disk that keeps the infant from swallowing the
nipple. A pacifier offers no nourishment, yet it often soothes a hungry,
irritable, or colicky baby. It also gives the infant a chance to satisfy
the basic need to suck—a very strong need in infants.
Many parents who object strongly to thumb-sucking are not distressed if
the infant sucks a pacifier. They feel that they can offer the pacifier
as they wish, whereas the thumb is always at the baby’s disposal. One
disadvantage of the pacifier is that a baby may become agitated if
having trouble keeping the pacifier in or near the mouth. The baby may
also become overly attached to the pacifier unless it is discontinued
after a few months. Never put a pacifier on a ribbon or string around
the baby’s neck or wrist in order to keep it handy. The danger of the
baby choking is too great, [m.g.]
See also Thumb-sucking
Pimple. See Acne
Pinkeye. See Conjunctivitis
Pinworms are thin white parasites that live in the intestines. They
are about \’A inch (6 millimeters) long. They may be seen in the child’s
stool, or even protruding from the anus or vagina. Children with
pinworms itch about the anus and may scratch the area severely. The
itching is worse at night
after the child goes to bed. Pinworms may cause a vaginal discharge in
young girls.
If one child has pinworms, the entire family should be examined by a
doctor. The adult pinworm crawls out of the anus or vagina to lay its
eggs. The eggs may fall from the infected child onto the bedding or
clothing. The child may pick the eggs up under the fingernails, or they
may float in the air because they are so light. Other people may pick up
the eggs by inhaling them or by touching the child’s bedding, clothing,
or hands. If the eggs are swallowed, they reach the intestine and become
adult pinworms.
Pinworms are harmless unless they occur in large numbers. Doctors
usually prescribe drugs to eliminate them, [mg]
Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs. It is usually caused by
bacteria and viruses. Most children get pneumonia as a complication of a
cold, or of influenza. Certain fungi may be inhaled and cause pneumonia.
Pneumonia can also develop if a child swallows a chemical substance such
as kerosene or furniture polish. Other cases of pneumonia may occur if a
child breathes foods, talcum powder, or other foreign materials into the
windpipe.
A child with pneumonia usually breathes rapidly, sometimes with a
grunting sound, and may develop a cough and a high fever. (Infants
usually run a lower fever than older children.) The child usually is
listless and, in severe cases, appears desperately ill. An older child
may complain of chest or abdominal pain.
If you suspect your child has pneumonia, call the doctor. Pneumonia is
usually treatable at home. Occasionally, hospitalization is required in
order to treat the child with oxygen and intravenous fluids,
[mg]
See also Colds; Virus
