Acute Illness Care

Acute illness care involves the diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases or conditions that present with a rapid onset and typically require urgent or immediate attention.

Prof. Dr. Hem Sagar Rimal

Pediatrics

Acute illness in pediatrics refers to a sudden onset of symptoms or a disease that typically resolves within a short period, often a few days to weeks. These illnesses are usually self-limiting but can sometimes require medical intervention.

Common Examples :

Respiratory Infections: Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs): Colds, sore throat, sinusitis. Lower Respiratory Infections: Bronchiolitis, pneumonia, croup.
Gastrointestinal Illnesses: Gastroenteritis: Vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration. Appendicitis: Sudden abdominal pain, often requiring surgery.
Febrile Illnesses: Fever due to infections like flu, strep throat, or viral infections.
Skin Infections: Impetigo, cellulitis, abscesses.
Ear Infections: Otitis media (middle ear infection), otitis externa (swimmer’s ear).
Allergic Reactions: Sudden onset of rashes, anaphylaxis, or asthma exacerbation.

Signs & Symptoms

Fever, cough, runny nose.
Vomiting, diarrhea.
Rash or skin changes.
Ear pain or discharge.
Fatigue and irritability.

Management

Supportive care:Hydration, rest, fever management.
Medications: Antibiotics for bacterial infections, antipyretics, and antivirals when necessary.
Emergency care: In severe cases, such as respiratory distress or dehydration.

When to Seek Immediate Care:

Difficulty breathing.
High fever (especially in infants under 3 months).
Persistent vomiting or diarrhea.
Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, reduced urination, lethargy).
Seizures or unresponsiveness.