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Older Than Their Years: Three Health Issues Adults Never Expect In Kids

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Eating, kids, and illness

New parents often rush out and buy family health bibles. Then, a lot of parents read them cover to cover, so they’re prepared to recognize health problems in their kids. But, many of them fail to realize that there are issues their children may face during their development that would never cross our minds.

For the most part, we relate such conditions to teens or adults. As such, we don’t even consider looking out for them in our youngsters. And, of course, you can’t become a wealth of knowledge about every condition under the sun. That’s why I’ve put together a list of three health issues you would never consider your kids could suffer from. Best to be prepared, after all!

Hip Problems

Let’s be honest; most of us relate hip problems to elderly grandparents with tired bones. While this is often the case, the elderly aren’t the only ones who might develop such issues.

Although rare, children are susceptible to hip problems, too. Children’s bones are malleable as they grow.

So, an injury could lead to their hips growing wrong. Or, it may be that an underlying condition causes problems. Just remember, if your child often complains of hip pain, it’s a sure sign that something’s wrong. Little bones don’t ache for
the fun of it!

Sometimes, physiotherapy will be enough to correct the problem. In other cases, you may need to take more extreme action and seek something like a hip replacement.

It’s a horrible thought, but it’s better than the suffering your child will endure otherwise. If you want to know a bit more about kids’ hip replacements, you can find details from DrAllison.org/pediatric-hip-replacement and other such companies. There’s no denying that this is a massive operation for a child to go through, but, in some cases, it’s the best way forward.

Eating Disorders

Most parents know to look out for eating disorders once their kids reach the teen years. But, few realize that this is a problem increasingly seen in children as young as seven. It seems horrific to consider, but it’s a reality that more and more kids now face.

For the most part, this is because the pressure to be slim is a much larger part of the media culture now. Kids pick up on that kind of thing. You can find out more about pre-adolescent eating disorders on sites like mirror-mirror.org. Alarm bells should start ringing if your little one refuses to eat, or makes derogatory comments about their weight.

Hearing Problems

Two to three out of every 1,000 children in the United States are born with some level of hearing loss, on average. The first years of a child’s life are critical to their development, physically, emotionally, socially, and cognitively. Even a mild hearing problem can affect a youngster’s ability to develop speech and language.

The good news though is that hearing issues can be overcome, especially if detected early and treated. It is, therefore, important to know what to look out for and what causes hearing loss in kids.

There are common hearing problems, and hearing loss in children though can result from many factors. They occur in the following circumstances:

  • Premature birth
  • Contracted jaundice that required a blood transfusion
  • Given medication that caused hearing loss
  • Hereditary hearing loss
  • Complications at birth
  • Constant ear infections
  • Exposure to loud noises when young

There are two different types of hearing loss. One is conductive hearing loss.

This type is caused by a blockage within the inner ear. The most common cause of it is an ear infection, especially in young children. This is often mild and can be cured with medication or minor surgery.

Sensorineural hearing loss is caused when there is damage within the inner ear. This may mean your child will require a hearing aid.

These devices are not as scary as they seem. There are many different auditory aids, such as wireless hearing aids. The wide range available reflects the varying depths of hearing loss in kids and adults, from mild to profound.

Anxiety

Anxiety is a huge issue in the modern world. It affects millions of adults in the USA alone and easily takes the top spot as the most common mental illness.

But, did you ever consider that your child could suffer from it too? The chances are that you didn’t as worrying seems like such an adult issue. But, anxiety doesn’t discriminate.

Now that you’re aware, it’s time to pay attention to warning signs that they’re feeling that way. If you notice your child worrying excessively or having panic attacks, take them to a doctor. They might also seem angry more often than before, have headaches, or feel tired a lot.

Your GP or a therapist can provide a treatment plan for their anxiety, including understanding the root cause of it. The youngster can begin to learn ways to cope with anxiety and healthy habits to improve their quality of life, such as getting enough sleep, physical activity, and healthy meals.

21 thoughts on “Older Than Their Years: Three Health Issues Adults Never Expect In Kids”

  4. Jay

    Anxiety seems to be increasing, even in children.
    I hate seeing kids hurt, period, especially when they’re still too young to express it. That’s why it’s so important we be on the lookout, even for things that are less common.

    Reply
  10. syl65

    You are right on track here, Christy! We really do think of these three topics as mainly teen/adult issues and we think children will have the common cold/flu or minor bumps and scratches. Good post!!

    Reply

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