Laryngitis – Lyme Disease
Laryngitis is an inflammation of the larynx (the organ in the throat
that contains the vocal cords). A baby with laryngitis may be hoarse. An
older child with this condition will have definite hoarseness.
There are many causes of laryngitis. A common cause at all ages is a
brief and severe infection of the respiratory tract. Many of these cases
are caused by viruses. Watch babies and young children carefully during
such attacks. If the larynx swells, the breathing passages may close. In
severe
cases, the doctor may have to establish an airway so that the child can
breathe.
If you suspect that your baby or young child has laryngitis, call your
doctor immediately. Treatment depends upon the cause. Hoarseness may
also be caused by too much talking or shouting. This type of voice abuse
responds to rest.
If the child is constantly hoarse, your doctor may suggest that you
consult an ear, nose, and throat specialist, [m.g.]
See also Croup; Humidifying; Virus
Laxative is a medicine, such as mineral oil, that induces bowel
movements. Do not give laxatives to your baby except on the advice of a
doctor. Never give a laxative to a child who has abdominal pain.
Ordinarily, parents worry unnecessarily about their child “keeping
regular.” Do not worry if your child misses a day. Some children have
bowel movements only every second or third day, but if the stool is soft
and normal there is nothing to worry about. Hard, dry stools indicate
constipation. They will usually become softer after a minor change in
diet, such as increasing the amount of fruit and vegetables, or
decreasing the milk intake.
If laxatives are used repeatedly, they may make the problem worse by
interfering with the normal muscle tone of the bowel. For this reason, a
laxative should not be used unless the child has a special bowel
problem. In that case, your doctor will probably recommend a specific
mild laxative, [m.g.]
Lead poisoning. See Poisonings and poisons
Leukemia is a form of cancer in which the white blood cells multiply
and grow wildly. The first signs include easy bruising, weakness, loss
of appetite, anemia, enlargement of the lymph glands, and fever. The
disease is diagnosed by examining samples of bone marrow and blood. As
yet, the cause of leukemia is unknown.
The several kinds of leukemia are classified according to the type of
white blood cell
affected. All kinds may be either acute (rapidly developing), or chronic
(slowly developing). The acute form is seen most often in children. The
chronic form usually occurs in adults.
The kind of leukemia most common in children is acute lymphocytic
leukemia. As the name implies, those white blood cells called
lymphocytes multiply rapidly in the body’s lymph system. Most children
with this kind of leukemia respond to drug treatment.
More than half the children treated will stay disease-free for at least
five years—and may never have a recurrence. The others will have one
or more periods of improvement, called remissions, during which they act
and appear normal. But the symptoms may gradually return. As drugs
become less effective, the white blood cells multiply rapidly and
interfere with the production of red blood cells. The abnormal white
cells may also invade vital organs, reducing the body’s ability to fight
infection and control bleeding.
During periods of remission, the child should be allowed to live as
normally as possible, and treated as before the onset of the disease.
Any sudden, excessive pampering may be confusing and make the child
difficult to handle.
Researchers in the United States and other countries are striving to
find the cause of leukemia, to develop new methods of treatment, to
extend remissions, and, hopefully, effect a cure. [f.o.]
Leukorrhea. See Vaginal discharge.
Lice are tiny insects which infest the body. The most common type of
lice is head lice. Head lice are more common in girls than in boys and
occur in any social class. Lice spread from person to person and adhere
to hair and fibers. They lay their eggs near hair shafts, and when they
hatch, leave nits, which may look like pieces of dandruff. Lice produce
substances that irritate the skin and scalp and can cause intense
itching.
A child who is suspected of having lice should be examined by a doctor,
who will prescribe a lotion or shampoo to eliminate
the lice. In some cases, it may be necessary for the doctor to use a
microscope to look for nits in order to make the diagnosis. A
fine-toothed comb can be used to remove nits from the hair after the
hair is soaked with vinegar. It is also important that parents boil the
bedding, clothing, hats, combs, and brushes to prevent the lice from
recurring. Infrequently, a second application of the shampoo or lotion
may be required.
Lip blister. See Blister; Fever blisters
Lockjaw. See Tetanus
Lyme disease is named after an area in Connecticut where it was
first discovered. It is caused by the germ Borrelia burgdorferi, and
is spread by tick bites. Certain areas of the country (the Eastern
Seaboard and upper Midwest) have more reported cases.
Lyme disease has three phases. Within a few days to a month after the
tick bite, a red spot develops at the site of the bite. It expands to a
large, red, plaquelike, ringshaped patch. The diameter varies from an
inch to a foot. Flulike symptoms may be present during this initial
phase. The rash fades within a month but may recur during the second
phase.
The second phase occurs within weeks or months. At this time
inflammation of the heart (carditis), nerves (neuritis), and outer brain
membrane (meningitis) may develop. Some joint symptoms, such as joint
discomfort and swelling, may also be part of this phase, which lasts for
a few weeks to three months.
The last phase is the chronic one and is characterized by chronic
arthritis and sometimes by chronic neurologic symptoms. A persistent
rash may also develop. This third phase has its onset months or even
years after the first phase.
Early treatment with antibiotics helps prevent complications of the
disease. Consult the child’s doctor if you are concerned that your child
has possible manifestations of Lyme disease.
Lymph glands. See Swollen glands
