What are allergies?

It is the body's reaction to a harmless foreign substance from the environment. The body reacts to contact with the substance with an excessive immune response. Any pediatrician in Munich can explain this to you. The foreign substance is perceived as too dangerous than it actually is for the body. The body or the immune system can come into contact with the foreign substance through the skin, the respiratory tract, through oral intake or through the blood. The list of foreign substances that can trigger allergies is very, very long. To name a few examples: starting with pollen and grass, through to certain types of fruit, fish, shrimp, bee stings, types of grain, dairy products, certain metals, animal hair and medication. It is important that there is a very clear causal connection between the foreign substance and the allergic reaction.

What are the symptoms?

There may be a local reaction, such as B. reddening after contact with the skin, a local reaction in the lungs, breathing problems or reddening of the skin after oral ingestion. If there is a generalized reaction of the body within minutes to a few hours, one speaks of an anaphylactic reaction. In addition to reddening of the skin, swelling of the mucous membranes, vomiting, diarrhea and breathing problems can occur. It is important that you tell your pediatrician if you experience these symptoms. You are also welcome to ask a pediatrician from the private medical children's emergency service in Munich for an opinion.

What are the complications?

If an anaphylactic reaction occurs, the cardiovascular system is affected. All the symptoms described can be life-threatening and even death.

How is the therapy?

Treatment for an anaphylactic reaction is immediate hospitalization. If necessary, the emergency doctor or pediatrician should be informed. Allergies can be treated with antihistamines and sometimes glucocorticoids. The exact type of therapy should be determined by the doctor. In the case of multiple allergies, if there is a risk of an anaphylactic reaction or if allergies that severely impair daily living conditions, it is advisable to carry out a desensitization.

What is an Epi-Pen and which patient should it be prescribed for?

An epi-pen is a syringe. This syringe contains the drug adrenaline, also called epinephrine. It is an emergency medication that can be used by the patient or another person in the event of an anaphylactic reaction when a doctor is not around. It can be injected into the muscles or under the skin. Patients who have developed an anaphylactic reaction to a foreign substance and who have not been desensitized to it, or who have not been successfully desensitized, should have this tip with them. It is best to have one syringe stored at home and another to take with you when you are out and about. A good example of this is the anaphylactic reaction to nuts. The prescription is given by your pediatrician in Munich.

What is angina?

Angina is an inflammation of the throat. It can be bacterial (strep) or viral. If your child gets sick, your pediatrician in Munich can do a simple test (throat swab). The pediatrician of the private medical children's emergency service in Munich can also do this test during a home visit.

What are the symptoms?

Sore throat and difficulty swallowing are the main symptoms. But also fever and other symptoms, such as headache, body aches, cough and runny nose. Sore throats and difficulty swallowing rarely occur alone, but rather as part of other symptoms. The culprits are mostly viruses, which can also cause a cold.

What are the complications?

If the cause is viral, there is usually no risk of complications. If there is a streptococcal infection, if left untreated with antibiotics, there is a risk that the infection will later lead to rheumatic fever or kidney inflammation. Your pediatrician can prescribe therapy during a home visit.

Therapy and risk of infection?

Every viral and bacterial infection harbors the risk of other children being infected. Therefore, the children should stay at home until symptoms improve or until antibiotic treatment has started. Viral infections are not treated. A bacterial infection with streptococci must be treated with antibiotics. You can ask all your questions to a pediatrician home visit.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic inflammation of the lining of the small bronchi in the lungs. Almost 80% of the time, asthma develops before the age of 6. Not all who develop asthma in childhood will continue to have asthma in adulthood. You can also get precise advice from one of our paediatricians during a home visit.

What are the symptoms?

Dry cough, especially at night. A whistle from the lungs on the exhale. Chest tightness and general difficulty breathing. Depending on the intensity, these symptoms can last for days or weeks if left untreated.

What are the complications?

A status asthmatic can develop from "simple" asthma. The child is acutely unable to breathe and has severe shortness of breath. If left untreated, this can lead to severe cardiovascular impairment and even death. Children with allergies are particularly predisposing to this. But simple viral infections and colds can also trigger such an attack. The private children's emergency service in Munich will be happy to help you with these questions during a home visit.

Therapy?

First and foremost, factors that trigger asthma, such as allergies, should be eliminated or avoided. Asthma is treated according to a prescribed treatment regimen. This is based on the type and frequency of symptoms. Generally there are two types of medication. One is for acute treatment and the second for long-term treatment or prevention. The most important treatment is long-term treatment. These are corticosteroids and other anti-inflammatory drugs. This reduces the symptoms or eliminates them completely, so that the child can act symptom-free and can pursue any kind of leisure activity and sport. Although in some cases children no longer have to suffer from asthma in adulthood, in the majority of cases asthma is a diagnosis that the child will be with them for life. Asthma is a chronic disease and requires long-term therapy that should be done with a specialized doctor. Our pediatricians, who you can see on the website, can help you find a specialist. Nonetheless, many people with asthma have shown that they can perform at their best in sports, including winning medals at the Olympics and other events. An exact therapy should be determined by your doctor.

What is gastrointestinal flu?

It is an infection with a virus or bacteria that causes vomiting and diarrhea. The infection very often begins with sudden vomiting, which can sometimes occur several times in a row at very short intervals. Very often, after the onset of vomiting, diarrhea occurs. This can sometimes happen 1 to 2 days later. In addition, the sick child can develop a high fever.

What are the complications?

Depending on whether viruses or bacteria are the cause, the duration of the illness can vary. Some bacteria can cause bloody stools, in which case the patient must be treated with antibiotics. For other infections, such as Salmonella, antibiotic treatment is contraindicated. Most infections are caused by viruses such as the rotavirus, the novavirus or the adenoviruses. The greatest danger to patients is when they lose fluids and become dehydrated. During a home visit, the pediatrician will decide whether it would be better to be admitted to the hospital. The younger the patient, the greater the risk. Major fluid loss in countries with poor health care can be fatal. Therefore, at the end of a home visit, the parents must decide whether hospitalization would be the better solution.

How is the therapy carried out?

Therapy is primarily to make up for fluid loss before symptoms of volume depletion appear. The patient should be offered plenty of fluids and the fluid should be consumed in small portions of 10 to 30 ml. If the patient vomits or has 1 to 3 times a day or 1 to 3 diarrhea a day and can still absorb fluid, the risk of a volume deficiency is low. However, if the patient is unable to retain anything in the stomach, infusion therapy should be considered. In any case, a pediatrician should be consulted to assess the general condition and the decision on the right therapy should be made by the pediatrician.

When should children be treated in hospital?

Basically, all children should be enrolled who have been unsuccessful in oral fluid therapy at home. Children who have bloody diarrhea should also be admitted as antibiotic therapy may be indicated. At the same time, a stool sample should be taken from children, not only for diagnostic purposes, but also because certain infections, such as B. Salmonella are notifiable. The pediatricians from the private medical children's emergency service in Munich have very good experience as pediatricians and can answer all your questions. Furthermore, it is very important that parents and carers wash and disinfect their hands properly in order to keep the risk of infection for themselves and others as low as possible.

What is bronchitis?

Bronchitis is an infection of the bronchi in the lungs caused by a virus or bacteria. In most cases it is a viral infection. Bacterial infections predominantly lead to pneumonia.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms are mainly cough and fever. With a generalized infection, such as a cold, symptoms such as sore throat, runny nose, headache and body aches occur. The cough can be dry, but it can also be productive. The cough is usually associated with chest pain. If the small bronchi are narrowed by the infection, asthma-like symptoms such as shortness of breath and wheezing can occur. Then one speaks of obstructive bronchitis. The private medical child emergency service can send you a pediatrician at home who can treat your child at home.

What are the complications?

Obstructive bronchitis can cause shortness of breath, which can lead to cardiovascular problems if treatment is not given in good time.

Therapy and risk of infection?

Every viral infection is contagious. Treatment for viral infection is symptomatic. There is no antibiotic treatment. If obstructive bronchitis occurs, the same treatment is carried out as for asthma, so that the bronchial tubes open a little and breathing becomes easier. Sometimes the symptoms can be so severe that even our pediatricians have to admit your child to hospital. For this purpose, the pediatrician from the private medical children's emergency service in Munich will arrange everything necessary.

What is constipation?

Constipation, also known as constipation, is the inability to pass stool. The question of how often a child should have a bowel movement varies from person to person. It can happen every day, but sometimes it can take 3 days. In infants fed exclusively with breast milk, it can be normal that no stool is passed for up to 6 days. For infants who receive only cow's milk, this time frame can be 3-4 days. The consistency of the stool and the easy and unhindered elimination are decisive. Basically, the more fiber-rich the diet, the higher the frequency of bowel movements. During a home visit, the pediatrician can answer all of your questions about this.

When constipated, elimination is associated with severe pain and in some children this elimination is no longer possible at all. Too much water is withdrawn from the stool during the intestinal passage. This is due to a low intake of fluids and a diet that is not rich in fiber. As the stool remains in the intestinal area for longer, the stool hardens. The whole thing very often leads to a negative cycle. Pain prevents elimination and causes the stool to harden even more and more stool to build up.

What are the complications?

If the stool builds up very far down in the bowel and for a very long time, this can lead to severe abdominal pain. Nausea and vomiting can also occur. The appetite decreases. Paradoxically, it can also lead to uncontrolled diarrhea. This happens because the fluid flows around the hardened stool, causing the diarrhea. This diarrhea develops after a long period of constipation. In some but very rare cases, severe and chronic constipation can lead to a complete blockage of the bowel (ileus). This then represents a surgical emergency and is associated with mortal danger. Complications are very rare: the knowledge of our paediatricians from the children's emergency service in Munich.

How is the therapy?

In the case of constipation that has existed for a long time, the first step in therapy is to remove the stool from the lower intestinal area. This can be done on an outpatient basis through an "import". Here, a medicated lubricating fluid is introduced into the rectum rectally. If this method is unsuccessful, the agent must be introduced higher up in the bowel, possibly several times. This should be done in an inpatient setting. Our paediatricians with sufficient experience in paediatrics can discuss the therapy with you during a home visit.

The second step in therapy consists of taking oral medication so that the following stool remains soft. This happens over a few weeks.

The third step in therapy is to teach the child not to hold back the chair if this behavior was the focus. In addition, parents must make sure that the children drink a lot and eat a diet rich in fiber: such as B. lots of fruit, lots of vegetables, whole grain products and especially no white bread, little chocolate and sweets.

What is chickenpox?

Chickenpox is a contagious disease. The disease arises from the droplet infection. The contagious chickenpox is caused by the varicella zoster virus. But there are also other names for chickenpox. Among other things, waterpox, Sptzblattern and other wild leaves. The term chickenpox originated from the transmission of this disease, which can be described as highly contagious. The viruses are transmitted over several meters in the air. Chickenpox mainly affects children in childhood. Our paediatricians know this too. Often in preschool children are affected by this disease. As a rule, however, the majority of sufferers are immune to this disease after the disease has healed. For this reason, chickenpox was classified as a childhood disease. A sick child is always treated at home. A home visit to establish the diagnosis is the easiest way.

Symptoms of Chickenpox

The symptoms of chickenpox are characterized by a fever and an itchy rash that has small, water-clear blisters. When suffering from chickenpox, there is a risk of brain inflammation as well as pneumonia and superinfection of the bacterial nature that can appear on the skin. Chickenpox is a viral infection. The treatment is symptomatic. The signs of illness will eventually subside. After they have subsided, varicella viruses remain in the spinal or cranial nerve duct and can become active again from there through shingles. The children's doctor can answer your questions in this regard during a home visit.

Vaccination options

There is a multiple vaccine against measles, mums, rubella and chickenpox. There is also a vaccination for prophylaxis that has been approved since 2004. Post-exposure prophylaxis with passive vaccination or antivirals is also possible. Since 2013, the disease of chickenpox has become notifiable due to a change in the Infestion Protection Act and laboratory diagnostic evidence. Our paediatricians from the private medical children's emergency service in Munich believe that a vaccination is the best protection against this disease.

What is diphtheria?

Diphtheria is a disease caused by the Corynebacterium diphtheriae. It mainly affects the upper respiratory tract, but can also infect the skin.

The bacterium spreads from person to person via airborne droplets, such as coughing and sneezing. Unpasteurized milk and inanimate objects are also sources of infection. The incubation period can be one to seven days. It's two days on average. Diphtheria has been wiped out in many industrialized countries, but it is still present in many countries in Africa, South America, Vietnam and other South Asian countries, as well as the Indian subcontinent. In 1990 there was an epidemic in Russia that was poorly controlled and therefore spread to many countries of the former Soviet republic.

The designation:

The name diphtheria developed from the French, from which the German form was derived and was introduced as a medical parlance. It is a word usage derived from the Greek origin, diphtheria, which means something like a pair of leather rolls. Dipheriti stands for inflammation. Another term for today's diphtheria is sore throat. This is due to the fact that brown leather-like coatings form in the larynx and the trachea from dead mucous membrane and blood components.

Contagious:

The disease can be transmitted from person to person through droplet or smear infections. It can happen that if you have closer contact with someone with diphtheria, you get infected. Be it by sneezing, coughing or kissing.

Pathogen:

The bacterium Corynebacterium diphteriae is the cause of this disease. The toxin-producing pathogen diphtheria toxin inhibits protein synthesis by making the elongation factor EF-2 inactive. The pathogen's particular danger is when you are infected with a bacteriophage. This will move the toxins that have built up through the blood. In other words, organs such as the heart, kidneys and liver can be affected. This can lead to life-threatening and dangerous complications in sick children.

Vaccination - decrease in frequency

The incidence and spread of this disease have decreased thanks to the physician and Nobel Prize winner Emil von Behring through the passive vaccination with serum that he introduced and active vaccination with diphtheria toxoid introduced into medicine by Gaston Ramin. However, diphtheria is not eradicated. If the so-called vaccination coverage were to be reduced, the number of illnesses would increase again. An example of this was in Russia in 1994. After the Soviet Union collapsed, 48,000 cases of diphtheria occurred. Our paediatricians from the private medical emergency service for children in Munich can confirm that the best protection against this disease will be a vaccination.

The incidence and spread of this disease have decreased thanks to the physician and Nobel Prize winner Emil von Behring through the passive vaccination with serum that he introduced and active vaccination with diphtheria toxoid introduced into medicine by Gaston Ramin. However, diphtheria is not eradicated. If the so-called vaccination coverage were to be reduced, the number of illnesses would increase again. An example of this was in Russia in 1994. After the Soviet Union collapsed, 48,000 cases of diphtheria occurred. Our paediatricians from the private medical emergency service for children in Munich can confirm that the best protection against this disease will be a vaccination.

The symptoms and examinations

One should pay attention to the signs. The following symptoms can occur about two to six days after a person becomes infected.

Almond & pharyngeal diphteria

Fatigue, sometimes nausea and pain in swallowing.

Abdominal pain and body aches. In rare cases even vomiting.

Increasing fever. The development of a yellowish, white coating on the tonsils can be seen. The spread in the entire pharynx cannot be ruled out.

    In many cases, there is a putrid - sweet smell.

Nasal diphtheria

With nasal diphtheria, it is especially infants and toddlers who suffer heavily. Impaired nasal breathing, followed by poor, impaired food intake and restlessness are characteristics. A serious, purulent - bloody runny nose occurs. Other recognizable features are tissue destruction and crust formation at the nasal entrance.

Laryngeal diphtheria

• In most cases, laryngeal diphtheria emerges after pharyngeal diphtheria. Symptoms include a barking cough, increasing hoarseness, or voicelessness. Whistling noises when inhaling and the difficult inhalation are further characteristics and consequences.

Less common forms of diphtheria

• Skin diphtheria and conjunctival diphtheria are rare forms of diphtheria.

Skin diphtheria presents with ulcers and injuries. Conjunctival diphtheria with bloody-watery secretion and frequent corneal formation. In a previous stage, the membrane formation expands very quickly. Especially in the palate, the nasal mucosa and the tonsils. The lymph nodes swell locally.

Examination and treatment

The test results are now available within 12 hours. In particular, if toxic diphtheria is suspected, immediate treatment is required. Treatment should be done in a clinic. The fastest possible neutralization of the toxin must take place immediately. An antitoxin is given for treatment. In addition, penicillin is used for at least 10 days in infected people to kill the bacteria. Our pediatrician Dr. Zia will be happy to inform you and examine your child. Visit our pediatric practice in Charlottenburg. Schedule an appointment.

Diphtheria is a disease caused by the Corynebacterium diphtheria.

It mainly affects the upper respiratory tract, but can also infect the skin. The bacterium spreads from person to person via airborne droplets, such as coughing and sneezing. Unpasteurized milk and inanimate objects are also sources of infection. The incubation period can be one to seven days. It's two days on average. Diphtheria has been wiped out in many industrialized countries, but it is still present in many countries in Africa, South America, Vietnam and other South Asian countries, as well as the Indian subcontinent. In 1990 there was an epidemic in Russia that was poorly controlled and therefore spread to many countries of the former Soviet republic.

What are the symptoms?

The illness usually starts with a sore throat, fever, headache and general malaise. The sore throat does not always have to be accompanied by severe pain, but the lymph nodes in the throat area can become very enlarged if the illness is severe. The sore throat can last for several days, and the membrane in the throat can become so thick that it is difficult to breathe. If the nose is infected, a bloody sputum will emerge from the nose. In the tropics, the skin is the only area that can be infected.

What are the complications?

These can kick in a week or two later and involve the heart muscles, which leads to low blood pressure and causes an irregular heart rhythm that can ultimately be fatal. The involvement of the pharynx can make breathing difficult and lead to suffocation. The diphtheria poison attacks the nerve cells and can paralyze the palate, making speaking and swallowing difficult. The eye muscles can also be affected. The nerves that control the breathing muscles can also be attacked, which can lead to death. Nerve cells can be infected up to three months after infection. Our paediatricians at the private children's emergency service in Munich know that this disease is very, very rare and that if you suspect you must be referred to the hospital

What is a drug reaction?

A drug reaction is an allergic reaction by the body to certain drugs. The reaction can occur immediately or in a few hours to days. Antibiotics are at the top of the list because they are the most prescribed ones. Painkillers and contrast media can also trigger allergic reactions. The pediatrician in the pediatrician's practice as well as our pediatricians can answer all questions about this. Even with a home visit, the pediatrician can in all probability rule out or affirm a drug reaction.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms are mostly generalized. There is an instant response that can occur within an hour. The children get a rash with hives, breathing problems, vomiting and even diarrhea. Late reactions that occur after hours and days mostly affect the skin. This is a generalized rash with or without hives. Isolated rashes on individual areas of the skin are usually not a reaction to the medication, but rather are due to a viral infection.

What are the complications?

An immediate reaction to the drug is an anaphylactic reaction and can lead to cardiovascular problems and even death. Late reactions can also lead to anaphylactic reactions if the drug is not stopped in time. In such a situation you should always call 112.

Therapy?

First of all, the drug must be discontinued. In the event of an immediate reaction, the child must be hospitalized or the emergency doctor must be called. In the event of late reactions, the drug must also be discontinued immediately and a pediatrician consulted. The rash and hives can be treated with corticosteroids and antihistamines. It is important to correctly assess a reaction to a drug, especially with antibiotics, because otherwise the sick child will be assigned an allergy which is not present and therefore an important antibiotic therapy is left out.

What is a febrile seizure?

Febrile seizure is an attack that occurs during a febrile illness. This is independent of the cause of the fever. It usually occurs at a body temperature of over 39 degrees Celsius.

What are the symptoms?

In most cases, generalized “twitches” (tonic-clinical) of the extremities occur. In addition, the sick child is not responsive and the eyes are staring into the room or are turned upwards. A simple seizure can only last a few seconds. Complicated seizures, on the other hand, can last over 15 minutes. The febrile seizure occurs very rarely before the 9th month of life and after the 5th year of life. The febrile seizure occurs most frequently between the ages of 14 and 18 months. If you suspect a febrile seizure, you always have to dial 112 and not the private medical children's emergency service in Munich.

What are the complications?

There are no complications after a simple brief seizure. If the attack lasts longer, it can affect the cardiovascular system. If the seizure lasts more than 15 minutes, it is considered a complicated febrile seizure and the likelihood of recurrence is greater than the risk that the child will develop epilepsy later.

Therapy?

The first therapy always takes place in the hospital. A home visit is not appropriate in this case. Parents should always call the emergency doctor if they suspect a febrile seizure. The child must be admitted to the hospital to rule out other causes of the spasm. The first therapy to break through a seizure is diazepam, which is given rectally as 5 mg or 10 mg. Further therapy depends on the length of the spasm.

What is Haemophilus Influenza?

Haemophilus influenza is caused by the bacterium of the same name and can cause serious invasive infections in children. The infection must not be confused with seasonal influenza infection, which is caused by a virus. Almost all children under the age of 5, especially those between the 4th and 18th months, are at risk. The disease is caused by type B in 95 percent of cases. The transmission takes place through coughing, sneezing and close contact with infected people.

What are the symptoms?

Haemophilus influenza can infect any organ. The severity of the disease differs depending on which organ is affected. This can be meningitis, cellulitis, epiglottitis, arthritis, gallbladder infection, urinary tract infection, bone infection, endocarditis, otitis media, eye infection, sinusitis, and lung infection. That is why our paediatricians will refer your sick child to the hospital if they are suspected.

What are the complications?

It is estimated that the infection is the cause of about 3 million serious illnesses worldwide and is responsible for the death of 386,000 people. Haemophilus influenza was the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in North America and Europe before vaccination was introduced. This reduced the incidence of meningitis by 99 percent. Meningitis predominantly occurs with this infection, in 60 percent of the cases. Long-term damage, such as intellectual disability and / or hearing loss, occurs in around 15-35 percent of meningitis survivors.

What is hand, mouth and foot disease?

It is a viral infection, Coxsackie type A, which mainly affects children up to the age of 9 and 10. The time from infection to onset of the disease takes an average of 3-10 days.

What are the symptoms?

The disease is comparable to that of a cold with fever, malaise and sore throat, only that additional redness occurs in the areas mentioned. The sick children initially have a high fever of over 40 ° C. After 1 to 3 days, a rash will appear that is usually not itchy. This redness can initially appear in the mouth area or on the soles of the hands and feet. There is no set order. Blisters can develop from the redness and then crust. If you go to a pediatrician in Munich, it is possible that other children will be infected. This risk does not exist when our paediatricians visit our home in Munich from the private children's emergency service. In some children this redness can be subtle and in others it can be more pronounced and even spread to the legs and arms. The course of the disease can last up to 10 days.

What are the complications?

The disease is uncomplicated. Occasional deaths occurred, which have been described in particular in the East Asian region.

Therapy and risk of infection?

The disease spreads via a droplet infection, i.e. sneezing and coughing. This is particularly important in kindergartens. As long as all redness has not decreased significantly and the blisters are completely encrusted, there is a risk of infection. Our paediatricians in Munich can ask further questions.

If a child has contact with a pregnant woman, no risk for the unborn child is described, even if the disease is transmitted.

Therapy is symptomatic; H. Antipyretic if the fever is too high, drinking a lot and avoiding bacterial infection of the blisters through good hygiene.

Hepatitis B infection is caused by a virus. The disease primarily affects the liver and has an average incubation time of two to three weeks. The virus is found in all body fluids, such as saliva, urine, stool, blood, semen, and vaginal fluid. Around 2 million people are infected annually worldwide and 350 million people (5% of the world population) are chronic carriers of the virus, with the highest frequency in East Asia. In North America and Europe, the infection rate is 10-50 in 100,000 and the number of chronic carriers ranges from 0.1 to 8 percent.

What are the symptoms?

Infected people can have no or very severe symptoms. The disease lasts an average of two to three weeks, but it can sometimes take up to 6 months for infected people to feel completely healthy. Very rarely, the disease can be very severe and patients must be hospitalized. In 6 to 10 percent of cases, the virus remains in the body for the rest of life. These people are then referred to as chronic carriers. Some of these people have no symptoms but can still infect other people. Our pediatricians from the private medical child emergency service in Munich believe that a vaccination is the best protection against this disease.

What are the complications?

One in four of those chronically infected will develop a severe liver infection and will eventually need a liver transplant. A few get liver cancer.

Pregnant women are at great risk of transmitting the virus to their children. This is why all women in North America and Europe are screened for hepatitis B infection. The babies of mothers with an infection receive the first hepatitis B vaccination and immunoglobulins (passive vaccination) immediately after birth. Infected babies are at an increased risk (90 percent) of developing chronic hepatitis B and a greater risk of developing liver cancer later in life if they are not vaccinated immediately after birth.

What are insect bites?

Insects mainly include mosquito bites, which cause the vast majority of insect bites in our part of the world. Occasionally, bees can also cause a sting. Ticks do not belong to the group of insects. They belong to the mites and the superordinate parasites.

What are the symptoms of an insect bite?

A mosquito bite in our part of the world usually leads to redness, swelling and itching. It is a local allergic reaction. Very rarely, an insect bite can develop into an infection of the skin. Usually this is caused by intensive scratching of the puncture site. The reddening of the skin increases, the area begins to pain and feels harder. In the event of a bee sting, the puncture site can still “burn”. You can order our paediatricians from the private children's emergency service in Munich for a home visit, who will be happy to discuss the treatment and therapy with you.

In warmer areas of the world, such as certain parts of Asia, Africa and South and Central America, mosquitoes can transmit dangerous pathogens through their bite. The best-known disease is malaria, which affects millions of people every year and kills over a million people, most of them children.

What are the complications?

The puncture site can become very inflamed and antibiotic therapy may be necessary. If the skin inflammation spreads deeper into the skin, it can lead to lymphangitis and sepsis ("blood poisoning") if it is not treated in the hospital in good time.

With a bee sting there is a risk of a general allergic reaction of the body, an anaphylactic reaction. This depends on the individual and is very rare. If symptoms such as breathing problems, nausea and vomiting as well as redness and swelling in other areas of the body besides the puncture site occur after a bee sting, a doctor should be consulted immediately or even an emergency doctor should be called. Here you have to call 112 immediately so that the sick child can be brought to the hospital.

How is the therapy?

The itching can be treated with Fenistil gel or drops. It is also possible to administer glucocorticoids against the swelling and redness. If the skin is infected, the doctor should always be consulted and antibiotic therapy is necessary. It is important to avoid excessive itching. If an anaphylactic reaction has occurred after a bee sting, it is advisable to carry out a desensitization and always have a so-called "Epi-Pen" available. The use of mosquito repellent can sometimes be helpful, but does not always offer 100% protection against mosquito bites. An Epi-Pen can also be prescribed by the pediatrician during a home visit

What is pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs, mainly caused by bacteria and viruses. It is to be distinguished from bronchitis, an inflammation of the bronchi.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms are almost identical to those of bronchitis. Cough, fever, sometimes chest pain, which can occur with the cough. Only a doctor can tell the difference through a clinical examination and possibly a chest x-ray. Sometimes it is difficult to tell the difference between bronchitis and pneumonia, even for our pediatricians. A chest x-ray can be an important diagnostic tool. For this purpose, the pediatrician would admit your sick child to the hospital.

What are the complications?

Pneumonia caused by viruses usually heals on its own. Bacterial inflammation is dangerous. Untreated bacterial pneumonia that is not defeated by the immune system can lead to death if left untreated. Pneumonia is particularly dangerous in children, the elderly, people with a chronic disease and a weakened immune system.

How is the therapy?

Treatment is done with antibiotics. The doctor determines which antibiotics should be prescribed based on his clinical examination and a possible X-ray. If the treatment is carried out at home, it is important to know if there is no improvement after 3-4 days or if it gets worse, a hospitalization is necessary. You can order the pediatrician from the private medical children's emergency service in Munich for a second home visit if your child is not feeling better.

What is measles?

The disease is caused by a virus. The virus is transmitted through coughing, sneezing and contact with the sick. In addition, the virus can remain infectious in droplets for up to 2 hours. This means that the measles virus can survive outside the body on surfaces such as door handles. The incubation period is 9 to 14 days. The World Health Organization reports that the vaccination campaigns reduced the global death rate by 60 percent, from about 873,000 in 1999 to 345,000 in 2005. If an infection is suspected, the pediatrician will admit you to the hospital on a home visit.

What are the symptoms?

These are cough, eye infection and runny nose with a very high fever of 40 degrees C / 104 F for a few days. After that, white spots develop in the oral cavity (Koplik Spots). Reddening of the skin occurs 3 to 4 days later and lasts about a week. The children recover after 7 to 10 days. What are the complications These mostly occur in children under the age of 5 who have weakened immune systems and poor nutritional status, as well as adults. The complications that are very rare are convulsions, lung infection, serious eye infection, and death. Very rarely, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) occurs, which can be fatal in later life. Our paediatricians from the private medical emergency service for children in Munich are of the opinion that a vaccination is the best protection against this disease.

What are meningococci?

The bacterium Neisseria meningitides causes the infection. One in four people are harmless carriers of the bacteria in the nose and throat. Meningococci cannot survive outside the body. Because of this, the infection is only transmitted through close contact, such as kissing, coughing, and sneezing around others. Children under the age of 5 and teenagers are at greatest risk of developing the disease. If there is any suspicion, the pediatrician will immediately admit your sick child to hospital during a home visit.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms include stiff neck, high fever, redness, headache, sensitivity to light, vomiting, convulsions, sleepiness, poor food intake and, in infants, intense crying. The disease can affect the entire body and lead to sepsis, particularly affecting the adrenal glands and blood clotting. Treatment is always carried out in the hospital and the pediatrician will know this. If you yourself suspect, then it is advisable to go to the hospital and not to request a home visit.

What are the complications?

The disease causes brain damage and, if left untreated, death 50 percent of the time. Even with treatment, the infection can lead to physical disability, intellectual disability, seizure disorders, and hearing loss in 10-20 percent of cases. Even with early detection within 24 to 48 hours and antibiotic therapy, 10-25 percent of children can die. Our pediatricians from the private medical child emergency service in Munich believe that a vaccination is the best protection against this disease.

What is mumps?

It is a viral infection with an incubation period of 21 days. The disease is transmitted through droplet infection through coughing and sneezing.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms are generally not severe in children. There is a swelling of the salivary glands on one or both sides, which subsides after 4 to 8 days. Infection with mumps is observed very rarely, also by our pediatricians and the pediatrician in the children's practice.

What are the complications?

A decrease in infertility or sterility may occur in adolescents and men. One in four men over the age of 12 will have swelling of the testicle. Other complications include lung infection, brain infection, pancreatic infection, loss of hearing, and infection of other organs. The infection is very rarely fatal - even if there are complications.

What are pneumococci?

The infection is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae. The infection occurs through contact with secretions of the patient and healthy carriers of this bacterium. Children under 2 years of age, adults over 65 years of age and children of all ages with chronic illnesses are particularly at increased risk of developing a serious illness.

What are the symptoms?

The bacterium causes meningitis, lung infection, otitis media, sinusitis, and bacteremia (invasion of the blood).

What are the complications?

In 2000, around 14.5 million serious pneumococcal infections and 826,000 deaths caused by them were registered worldwide in children between the ages of 1 and 59 months. Adults and children with certain chronic diseases should have the vaccination. These are: previous severe pneumococcal infection, sickle cell anemia and other hemoglopathies, kidney and liver disorders, immunosuppression therapy after organ transplantation, immunosuppressive disease, no spleen or inoperable spleen, ventricular shunt, diabetes and HIV. Our pediatricians from the private medical child emergency service in Munich believe that a vaccination is the best protection against this disease.

What is pseudo croup?

It is an infection of the lining of the larynx and vocal cords caused by viruses. The airways in this area of ​​the airways can narrow. Our experienced pediatricians, who have very good experience in diagnosing pseudocroup, can help your sick child.

What are the symptoms?

The main symptom is a cough, which occurs mainly at night and wakes the child from sleep. It is a cough attack that persists very strongly and does not go away after a few times. It can lead to acute shortness of breath. One also speaks of a barking cough. A high fever can be present before the cough attack.

What are the complications?

The only complication is the occurrence of shortness of breath. However, this occurs very rarely.

How is the therapy?

The patient should definitely be examined by a doctor. If the parents have the feeling that the child is having difficulty breathing, the emergency doctor should be called to be on the safe side. The treatment of the disease consists in the administration of glucocorticoids and adrenaline inhalations. Sometimes breathing in cold fresh air will reduce the cough attack. The pediatrician from the private children's emergency service can answer all your questions and prescribe the right therapy. The decision whether the child should be admitted to the hospital depends on the intensity of the symptoms.

What is the human papillomavirus?

The human papillomavirus has 100 subtypes. Forty of them can affect the genital tract.

What are the symptoms?

The vast majority of infections do not cause symptoms. Almost all infections are not symptomatic or lead to the formation of warts, but are associated with anogenital carcinoma in both men and women. Persistent infection of the cervix predisposes to the formation of carcinoma. Sometimes an infection can only be detected by a doctor with the help of a cervical exam.

What are the complications?

About 99 percent of cervical cancers are associated with HPV. It is the second most common cancer in women worldwide, with 0.5 million cases and 250,000 deaths annually. Our pediatricians from the private medical child emergency service in Munich believe that a vaccination is the best protection against this disease.

What is polio?

Polio is a dangerous disease caused by the virus of the same name. It is transmitted through contact with stool (fecal-oral) and through saliva (oral-oral) when the same food and fluid are shared. Almost 90 percent have no symptoms. The virus first infects the intestines and then attacks the nerve cells that control skeletal muscles. The World Health Organization began a global vaccination strategy in 1988 to completely eradicate the virus. Through this effort, the annual infection rate has been reduced by 99 percent, from about 330,000 to 1,000 per year. Polio is currently considered to be eradicated. Our pediatricians from the private medical child emergency service in Munich believe that a vaccination is the best protection against this disease.

What are the symptoms?

Paralysis of the extremities and a disease similar to meningitis.

What are the complications?

The disease can lead to muscle wasting and permanent paralysis of the extremities. In some cases, the infection can affect breathing and result in death.

What is polio?

Polio is a dangerous disease caused by the virus of the same name. It is transmitted through contact with stool (fecal-oral) and through saliva (oral-oral) when the same food and fluid are shared. Almost 90 percent have no symptoms. The virus first infects the intestines and then attacks the nerve cells that control skeletal muscles. The World Health Organization began a global vaccination strategy in 1988 to completely eradicate the virus. Through this effort, the annual infection rate has been reduced by 99 percent, from about 330,000 to 1,000 per year. Polio is currently considered to be eradicated. Our pediatricians from the private medical child emergency service in Munich believe that a vaccination is the best protection against this disease.

What are the symptoms?

Paralysis of the extremities and a disease similar to meningitis.

What are the complications?

The disease can lead to muscle wasting and permanent paralysis of the extremities. In some cases, the infection can affect breathing and result in death.

What is rubella?

The rubella infection is caused by a virus. The infection is transmitted through droplets, i.e. coughing and sneezing. The disease does not cause long-term harm. The incubation period is 10 to 21 days.

What are the symptoms?

Patients have red skin, fever, enlarged lymph nodes, and sometimes a mild joint infection. You will recover within a week.

What are the complications?

Infection during pregnancy can cause abnormalities in the fetus, such as in the heart, eyes, skin, liver, hearing, brain, and other organs. During the epidemic in the United States from 1962 to 1965, it is estimated that about 30,000 pregnancies resulted in stillbirth and about 20,000 disabled children were born. In 1996 it was estimated that approximately 22,000 babies were born in Africa, 46,000 in East Asia and 13,000 in the West Pacific with congenital rubella infection. Since the general rubella vaccination has not been introduced in all countries in these regions, estimates are now based on the same figures. Our pediatricians from the private medical child emergency service in Munich believe that a vaccination is the best protection against this disease-

What is Tetanus?

Tetanus is also known as tetanus. The infectious disease is often fatal. This disease affects the muscle-controlling nerve cells. The trigger for this is the bacterium Clostridium tetani. These resistant spores are found almost everywhere. The spores penetrate open wounds. In the absence of oxygen, the bacteria multiply and secrete toxins. The toxin tetanospasmin then causes the typical muscle cramps. The toxin tetanolysin has, among other things, cardiac damage

Symptoms of childhood illness.

The incubation period is between 3 days and 3 weeks. In the rarest of cases, it can be several months. Flu-like conditions occur. Headaches, dizziness, restlessness and trembling limbs are just a few of the symptoms. Fatigue, muscle aches and sweats are other symptoms of tetanus. A jaw clamp can then no longer open the mouth. The so-called devil grin arises because the mouth can no longer be opened wide. The cause is the cramping of the facial muscles. Further sales also have terrifying consequences: a tonic tension in the long muscles of the back. A painful process, as it can often descend from the neck to hyperextension and, if the disease is untreated, even to vertebral fractures. Muscle cramps in the arms and legs as well as the larynx and diaphragm are the consequences. These cramps last up to two minutes. Even the smallest stimulus causes these spasms, and if left untreated, death from asphyxiation will result. An excruciating disease if left untreated. However, direct infection between people is not possible

Treatment of childhood illness

Treatment, once this disease has broken out, is not readily possible across the board. The tetanus toxins spread very quickly via the nerve sheaths. Even high doses of serum are controversial when given into the bloodstream. Cutting out the wound could prevent the disease from spreading further. In certain cases, an amputation is even recommended. The aim of this approach is to prevent the spread of tetanus. Should one of our paediatricians in Munich actually suspect, the sick child will be admitted to hospital immediately. In severe cases of the disease, mechanical ventilation is even required. The symptoms then subside when an adequate anti-body level has been reached. Occasionally, consequential damage remains that require follow-up treatment. Without vaccination, the disease can recur.

Tetanus is an infection caused by the tetani bacterium that affects muscles and the nervous system. The bacterium lives in the soil and in dirt and enters the body via a wound or a scratch on the skin. It produces a poison that causes the disease.

Even small wounds or scratches, such as a thorn injury, can serve as a portal of entry. The incubation period is on average 21 days, but it can be longer. Because of this, it can happen that an injury is almost forgotten before the disease breaks out. Tetanus is very rare in North America and Europe. Most cases are due to insufficient vaccination. Symptoms depend on the severity of the disease and often begin on the face because the nerve routes to the muscles in the face are the shortest. The first signs are spasm of the jaw muscles, which makes it difficult to open the mouth. Stiffness can spread to the chest, back, and neck within 24 hours. The arms and legs can also be affected.

Within two to three days, the stiffness can spasm and become uncontrollable. When the spasms spread to the entire body, the body bends backwards uncontrollably. The greatest danger to life is when the respiratory muscles are affected. This can lead to an uncomfortable cough, shortness of breath, and death. Around the world, 50,000 people die of tetanus every year.

Vaccination against tetanus

The vaccination against tetanus is possible at our pediatrician in Berlin Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf. Timely vaccination is recommended. If you would like to find out more about vaccination in our pediatric practice, please click here. Our pediatricians from the private medical child emergency service in Munich believe that a vaccination is the best protection against this disease.

What is three days fever?

The disease is caused by a virus called the human herpes virus. It is not to be confused with the herpes simplex virus, which causes an infection of the lip or face. The disease is also known by different names: Exanthema subitum, Roseola infantum, Sixth Disease. Our experienced paediatricians know this. These symptoms are also recognized in the pediatrician practice. However, during a home visit, your sick child will be examined and treated in their familiar environment.

What are the symptoms?

As the name suggests, the disease is associated with fever. It usually begins with a high fever, which lasts 3 days on average, but can also be longer. After that, a rash forms and the fever goes down. The rash is mostly on the torso and neck, and sometimes on the face. Mostly children up to 3-4 years are affected. Age.

What are the complications?

The typical symptoms of a cold can occur, such as coughing, runny nose and sore throat, but also vomiting and diarrhea. Sometimes the eyelids can also swell. The pediatrician can confirm that all of these symptoms are not dangerous and will slowly go back after defrosting.

How is the therapy?

Therapy is symptomatic, such as antipyretic, rest, and drinking plenty of fluids.

Isolation and Pregnancy?

A danger to the pregnant woman and the unborn child has not been described and is very unlikely.

What is whooping cough?

Whooping cough is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. The disease is transmitted via droplet infection through coughing and sneezing. If there is any suspicion, the sick child is referred to the hospital by our paediatricians from the private medical children's emergency service in Munich.

The process is divided into three phases:

Early phase (catarrhal phase)
The disease begins with a mild sore throat and after a short time a cough, runny nose and high fever develop.
Cough phase (paroxysmal phase)
After 10 to 14 days, the disease is characterized by a strong cough. A simple cough turns into coughing attacks that can be so bad that at the end of the coughing attack the children cannot breathe for a short time and turn blue. Some may have a couple of coughing attacks a day. Others can experience up to 100 coughing attacks a day. On average, there are 12 to 15 coughing attacks. The most common case is that children vomit at the end of an attack. This phase usually lasts two weeks, but it can be longer.
Recovery phase (convalescent phase)
The intensity and frequency of the coughing attacks become less. This gradual improvement phase can take up to three months. Whooping cough is also known as the 100-day disease in some countries.

What are the complications?

Whooping cough can be made worse by a lung infection. In some children, the short-term lack of oxygen can lead to brain damage. Usually this complication occurs especially in children younger than six months. Our pediatricians from the private medical child emergency service in Munich believe that a vaccination is the best protection against this disease.