HIV and AIDS: Symptoms, Causes and Managing Aids in Children

What is HIV and AIDS?

HIV means Human Immunodeficiency Virus. The HIV virus multiplies in the lymph nodes and destroys the white blood cells in the body. The immunity power to fight infections decreases. Hence our body gets more infections like diarrhea, cold, cough and weight loss. Some people who have contracted HIV further develop Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). In such cases the immune system does not work properly and sufferers are prone to all sorts of infection. The infections can develop into serious conditions and become life threatening.

What are the causes of HIV?

This virus is transmitted from one person to another either through

Sexual contact
Blood contact
Blood transfusion
From mother to child in the womb.

What are the symptoms of HIV in children?

HIV hinders the normal growth in children.
The child also does not gain weight.
Delay in mental development.
The child experiences difficulty while walking.
Other infections like ear infections, throat infections, tonsillitis develop.
Swelling of lymph nodes.

What is the cure for HIV or AIDS?

There is no cure for AIDS. But the disease can be actively managed.
HIV positive mothers should not breastfeed their babies.
Get yourself checked for HIV virus so that you can prevent transmitting the virus to someone.
Do not share syringes or needles.

You can see more on managing children with HIV and AIDS here.

Hydrocephalus: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment for Fluid in the Brain

What is Hydrocephalus?

Our brain contains small spaces called ventricles which are filled with fluid. These ventricles connect with the fluid around the spinal cord. And there is a continuous circulation of fluid around them. The fluid will increase in quantity if anything blocks or hinders the circulation. And in turn will increase pressure on the brain tissue. This is known as hydrocephalus.

What are the causes of Hydrocephalus?

The factors causing Hydrocephalus are

Tumors
Hemorrhages
Meningitis
Abnormalities present during birth.

What are the Symptoms of Hydrocephalus?

In a new born baby the bones of the skull are not joined together and the pressure can push them apart, thus increasing the size of the baby’s head.
In older children the bones are fused together. But the increase in pressure can cause severe headache and vomiting.

What Treatment is available for Hydrocephalus ?

Shunt maybe used to drain the fluid away from the brain into the blood stream.
Sometimes these shunts have to stay in a place for years and then need to be changed with the growth of the child.