Health Issues in Childhood and Adolesence

Child at the dentist

There are many health concerns that children face in the world today. Some of the most common chronic childhood conditions are tooth decay, asthma, and ear infections. Millions of children visit doctors each year as a result of ear infections, which are common in young children. There are several illnesses commonly experienced during childhood whose symptoms can range from mild to serious. Children and adolescents may get a virus or infection, develop a fever, experience vomiting, get nose bleeds or catch a common cold. Children can develop illnesses such as croup, sinusitis or tonsillitis.

Childhood and adolescents who are overweight or obese are at a higher risk for different health problems including asthma, sleep apnea, joint pain, skin infections and type 2 diabetes. They may also experience depression, low self-esteem and lower self-confidence than other children.

There are also a number of different skin conditions that children and adolescents may experience. Common skin conditions are diaper rash, dry skin, sunburns, eczema and hives. Insect bites and pimples are something many young people experience. Adolescents’ mental health is a particular area of concern as they may have to deal with bullying, body issues, eating disorders, low self-esteem, peer pressure, stress and anxiety and sexual activity. 

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