• 1 week ago

Chronic Illnesses in Children

What Is a Chronic Illness?

A chronic illness is a medical condition that lasts longer than 3 months, often requires ongoing medical care, and can affect a child’s physical, emotional, and social development. While many childhood illnesses resolve quickly, chronic diseases persist and can interfere with growth, education, and daily activities.

Managing a chronic illness in childhood isn’t just about medication. It’s about consistency, understanding, adaptation, and long-term support—from both healthcare providers and families.

Common Chronic Conditions in Children

Asthma

  • Symptoms: Wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath—especially at night or during exercise
  • Monitoring: Lung function tests, symptom tracking, allergen exposure management
  • Treatment: Inhaled corticosteroids, bronchodilators, individualized asthma action plans

Type 1 Diabetes

  • Symptoms: Frequent urination, excessive thirst, weight loss
  • Diagnosis: Fasting glucose, HbA1c, insulin and autoantibody tests
  • Management: Daily insulin therapy, blood glucose monitoring, nutritional guidance

Celiac Disease

  • Symptoms: Bloating, diarrhea, poor growth, irritability
  • Diagnosis: Anti-tTG antibodies, confirmed by intestinal biopsy
  • Treatment: Lifelong strict gluten-free diet, regular nutrition check-ins

Hypothyroidism

  • Symptoms: Fatigue, weight gain, constipation, delayed growth
  • Diagnosis: Elevated TSH, low free T4
  • Treatment: Daily levothyroxine replacement and growth monitoring

Primary Immunodeficiencies

  • Symptoms: Recurrent infections, chronic diarrhea, growth failure
  • Diagnosis: Immunoglobulin levels, immune function tests, genetic testing
  • Treatment: Antibiotic prophylaxis, immunoglobulin replacement (IVIG), specialized care

How Are Chronic Conditions Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of a chronic illness typically begins with persistent or recurrent symptoms. Dr. Ekin Pasinlioğlu conducts a thorough evaluation including:

  • Detailed medical history and growth assessment
  • Physical examination and symptom review
  • Laboratory testing (blood, urine, antibody panels)
  • Imaging studies if needed (ultrasound, MRI, chest X-ray)
  • Genetic testing when hereditary conditions are suspected
  • Multidisciplinary consultation (e.g., endocrinology, gastroenterology, immunology)

Living with a Chronic Condition: What It Means for Families

  • Regular doctor visits become part of the routine
  • Adherence to medication, diet, or monitoring schedules is critical
  • Schools and caregivers may need to be informed and involved
  • Emotional support for the child is essential to build self-esteem and resilience
  • Parents must be prepared for flare-ups or emergencies, like asthma attacks or low blood sugar episodes

Though each condition presents unique challenges, with proper support, children can live full, engaged, and healthy lives.

Ongoing Care with Dr. Ekin Pasinlioğlu

  • In-depth family education after diagnosis
  • Regular follow-up schedules: growth, labs, treatment response
  • Ensuring adherence to dietary or medication regimens
  • Liaising with pediatric specialists and school personnel as needed
  • Crisis planning and emergency protocols
  • Psychosocial support and age-appropriate counseling