Pediatric heart disease refers to heart conditions in children. In most of the cases, pediatric heart diseases are congenital, that is the children are born with it. Having a child with a congenital heart defect (CHD) and their bringing up will be one of the harder jobs in the world.
Children with CHD will ask for the same needs as any other child. They face challenges like any other children. These challenges can be making friends, understanding their body as they grow, school, work and a place in society.
A child with CHD may also face other challenges their condition brings and can make their growing up more difficult. However, the following activities can help your child to be happy, feel safe and secure in their life:
- Friendships
- Being active
- Taking part in group activities
- Keeping up with school work
- Staying healthy
How To Care For Your Baby
A parent of a child with congenital heart disease plays an active role in promoting their development at home or in the hospital. The appropriate guidelines that are tailored for each child will be provided by the doctors, nurses, physical therapists and other health care team members.
The following are some of the ways through which you can encourage the development of your child:
Teeth And Gums
Look after your child’s teeth. Teeth and gums are the common extremes through which the infections can get into the bloodstream. This must be looked after among children, especially individuals with CHD.
Because they are at higher risk as it can affect the inside of the heart and damaging the valves, resulting in heart failure. This condition is called endocarditis, which can be life-threatening.
The following are the best way to avoid endocarditis, a very serious condition:
- Look after teeth and gums
- Brushing teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day most probably before bedtime
- Avoid having tattoos and piercings
- Encourage your children to spit out toothpaste but not to rinse with water
- Limit sugary foods and drinks to mealtimes
- Visit your healthcare provider regularly
Staying Happy
Happiness is a subjective and personal thing. Your child may feel stressful and frightening because of regular hospital admissions. This can also have an adverse impact on how they continue accessing health care as they grow. There are various things that can make your child happy such as
- Being active
- Feeling well
- Having friends and family around
- Good work prospects
- Feeling positive about oneself and the future
Regular Exercise
Exercise can improve fitness levels, motor skills; help build friendships as well as improve the quality of life. A child with CHD can be benefitted in one or the other form of regular exercise, such as walking, dancing, taking the dog out, playing a sport or flying a kite with friends.
However, children with CHD can tire before their peers. They should be supported when they need a rest or want to go at their own pace. Before considering any physical activity, discuss with your child’s cardiologist. The cardiologist may set certain limitations for your child to take part in a sport or physical activity.
Diet And Food
A healthy diet and a good night’s sleep are important to nurture children. This can help them grow, develop and learn. A poor diet and lack of sleep will have an adverse effect on the children’s growth and their ability to learn. A child with CHD requires extra calories to thrive but a normal balanced diet is always recommended.
The following are the key points that should be kept in mind while preparing a diet plan for your child
- Foods with high salt, sugar and fat content should be avoided
- Avoid giving processed and pre-prepared foods and snacks
- Give bread, potatoes, rice, pasta and breakfast cereals
- Include fruits and vegetables in your child’s diet
- Consider meat, fish and other proteins
As parents, you have to teach and guide your child about their heart condition. At their younger stages, a small bit of information must be given and more complex information as they get older. This must be done so that your child can learn to take on the responsibility of their own health needs as they move towards adulthood.
About The Hospital:
Sai Siva Children’s Hospital, Chanda Nagar, is a full-fledged medical facility specially designed for pediatric patients as well as young adults. The hospital was started in the year 2008, with the aim of reaching out to schools and villages to educate the middle and high school students about health & hygiene. Sai Siva Children’s Hospital is one of the most sought-after children’s hospitals in Hyderabad with a team of experienced doctors and skilled staff who aim to help your child have healthy growth and development. We believe that children today are the future of our world, and must have good health to make the world a better place to live in.