Spotting the Signs of Heart Problems in Children Early

Children are typically considered the definition of health—after all, they’re brimming with energy and joyfulness. For the first few years of their life, it’s generally just little infections, bumps, or the common cold or flu, etc. But sometimes there are invisible health concerns that many children may have to deal with silently, and that are often not addressed, one of the most serious health problems of which is related to the heart. Unlike adults, whose chest pain or exhaustion could set off immediate alarms, warning signs in children can be subtle, dismissed as growing pains or just being tired. Thus, parents should know about their children’s heart health conditions. In this blog, we will inform you about the same about heart problems in children, so that early intervention can be taken.

Understand heart problems in children.

The heart issues in kids can be either from the time of the child’s birth or develop later; this type is known as congenital heart defects. It can happen infrequently, like 1 in 100, but this can be a fatal defect. It occurs when the heart blood vessel does not form at the time of pregnancy, a hole in the heart, and problems with the heart valves that direct blood flow. CHD can be mild in some cases, but it can be life-threatening.

The cause of congenital heart defects in kids is not known. It can be because of genetic conditioning, maternal infection, or certain medications during pregnancy that can increase the risk of CHD. But thanks to today’s medical advancements, many children who suffer from CHD can lead healthy lives with proper care and monitoring. Moreover, early knowledge of heart problems in children can help you get an early diagnosis and treatment.

What are the heart problems in children?

Generally, heart problems in children can vary from age to age. But below are some of the common factors that help you recognize the heart condition:

Difficulty in feeding: If babies have a heart problem, they have difficulty feeding. You notice that at the time of feeding, they suck tightly, weakly, or take time to feed. Moreover, it can be associated with sweating.

Weight issue: After doing all the things, the baby does not gain enough weight or does not lose weight. And the reason is that their body uses more energy to maintain heart efficiency.

Breathing issue: They have breathing problems, like they breathe faster than normal, and when they are in rest mode. It can be a symptom of a lung infection, but if it is long-lasting, then it may be a sign of a heart problem.

Discoloration: Another sign of a heart problem can be discoloration. Some children have a blue tint around their lips, fingertips, and tongue, especially during crying or feeding. It can be an indication of a lack of oxygen, and it is often seen in serious congenital heart defects in kids.

Excessive sweating: If you notice at the time of feeding excessive sweating, then it can be a sign that they are working too much for the circulation of blood.

Swelling: There can be swelling in the legs, feet, abdomen, or around the eyes. This can be due to inefficient heart pumping.

Respiratory infection: Children are more prone to infections like pneumonia. If your children have heart issues, then it can lead to fluid buildup in the lungs, which can worsen the infection.

Delay physical growth: It can be a physical delay in growth because of poor heart output and nutrient deficiency.

Restlessness: Due to ongoing discomfort, children feel restlessness and irritability, and it can cause excessive crying.

Heart murmur: It is detected by a doctor using a stethoscope. If you find a defect in murmur, then it needs further evaluation.

Thus, these are some early signs of heart problems in children and infants. If you find these or you have doubts, then don’t think and seek medical attention immediately. If you are thinking about who you consult, then make an appointment with Pediatric Cardiology. He is a doctor who specializes in diagnosis and providing treatment of heart issues in children.

Final thoughts

Heart problems in children can be rare, but it’s not like that; they vanish. If you find out any of the signs in your children, then don’t be late because your mistake can cause a lifetime risk. If you are looking for a heart specialist in Jaipur, especially for children, then you can make an appointment with Dr. Rahul Sharma.