Commonly seen conditions in Paeds?

[BB89]

Hi there,

I'm a gapper who's applying for med school at the moment and am volunteering on the paediatrics ward at my local general hospital. I was just wondering whether there are a few more commonly seen conditions in general paeds.. Bronchilolitis seems to be a common infection at the moment on the ward. A nurse commented that it was 'the season for it', which also got me thinking and I was wondering if the number of admissions was higher in winter?

Just questions for interest's sake, really!

B x

[Clarkey]

If you are on the wards at the moment you really are in a prime position to find out the answer to this for yourself. Speak to the doctors and other members of the team to find out what they are seeing most often.

I've seen lots of bronchiolitis and asthma at the moment which is definitely related to the weather. Whooping cough was quite common in southampton this time last year too, although that is rarer apparently.

[rjm]

In terms of acute admissions rather than outpatient stuff
Bronchiolitis - usually Oct/Nov - March/April time but we are still seeing it now (May) - its a viral infection of the lower airways seen in under 1s
Gastroenteritis
Viral induced Wheeze
Asthma
Meningitis
Urinary tract infections
Tonsillitis
Lymphadenitis

[Airtones]

If you get a chance to see Meningoccal septacemia take it. It leaves a very characteristic rash and dark spotting on the skin and is extremely dangerous for the child.

On the paeds ward especially when dealing with the younger infants the child you want to see most isn't necessarily the crying noisy one (since any child in hospital has good reason to be crying). Instead its the silent and still one you should be looking out for.