How to know if children have low defenses
Health

How to know if children have low defenses

By Kiwilimón - 2020-05-19T11:35:43Z
Living with a child means spending hours of non-stop activity. Little ones are always full of energy until one day you notice they wake up and they’re not the same. As a mom, you often sense something is off and you suspect they might be getting sick, but not quite yet, so knowing the signs their immune system sends could be useful to know for sure.Just as we can tell something is wrong if little ones wake up feeling down, we can also pay attention to other signs that alert us about the state of their immune system, as children under three years old have a lower immune response, making them more susceptible to viruses and bacteria.But don’t worry, because with every immune response your children have to germs, they strengthen their immune system, and their bodies will be able to react successfully to fight off an illness. Pay attention to these alerts if you notice they seem a bit down or don’t want to eat and check if their immune system is compromised.1. They are drowsyA tired child is not necessarily a red flag, but if your child only wants to be on the couch and do nothing else, and it’s not because they stayed up late the night before, this could be a sign that their immune system is fighting something.2. They seem offAs a mom, you know your child well and how much energy they have throughout the day, that’s why when they are apathetic, irritable, or simply restless and upset, they might be getting sick.3. They seem to have a feverFever is a response to infections that indicates the body is doing something to fight them. Many times, it’s nothing to worry about, but if your child is under 2 years old and has a fever of 38°C or higher, see a doctor as soon as possible.4. They have no appetiteA compromised immune system could affect a child’s appetite, according to the Indiana University School of Medicine. But don’t panic if they skip one or two meals; what’s important is that your child stays hydrated. Eventually, their appetite will return.5. They have a rashA rash that is not attributable to an allergy could be a sign of a viral infection, according to Medical News Today. How the rash is treated will depend on the cause, but if it lasts more than a week, spreads quickly, and is hurting your child, it’s best to seek medical attention.6. They have stomach issuesA problem with the immune system can affect a child's stomach and may present symptoms like cramps or diarrhea if their immune system has any deficiencies. If you’ve noticed this, make sure to keep your child hydrated and consult their doctor.While it’s almost inevitable for children to get sick, there are ways to help them strengthen their immune system. A consistent and healthy diet that includes nutrients like vitamins, minerals, proteins, and good carbohydrates is essential for a child’s growth and a strong immune system.And as ironic as it may seem, proper exposure to germs can also help your child stay healthier. So just remember that with every cold, your little one’s system will become stronger and healthier.Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables that contain the nutrients you need with these recipes:Potato Soup with StripsBroccoli Pancakes with Panela CheeseMediterranean Chickpea Salad with Chimichurri3 Fruit Bowls