Adolescents are a healthy group of people. Most of the children at this stage are fit and physically active.
Compared to younger children, adolescents have a chance of regular infections because as a child grows, the percentage of contracting infections is the same as that of adults. It can be some mild viral infections or harmful bacterial infections.
Early detection and proper care can cure any type of infection caused by microorganisms. Read along to understand the 8 harmful infections caused by bacteria in adolescent children.
Top 8 Bacterial Infections in Adolescents
Bacterial infections are a group of infections that can affect various parts of your body like skin, blood, gut, lungs, etc. Early recognization of symptoms can help to reduce further complications. There are many reasons for bacterial infections, a few common factors include
- Wound on the skin.
- Consuming spoiled or contaminated food items.
- Transferred from an infected person to another through contact.
- Touching nose, face, and eyes without washing hands.
- Through bodily fluids.
Chances for exposure to many of these factors in adolescents are higher. Hence adolescents have frequent exposure to bacterial infections. Here is a list of 8 bacterial infections:
1. Bacterial Vaginosis
We have good bacteria in our body for maintaining homeostasis. These bacteria can be found in the vagina as well. The good bacteria in the vagina keep the part clean and infection free. But any abnormalities in the balance of good bacteria can lead to bacterial vaginosis.
The overgrowth of harmful bacteria causes BV in many adolescent girls. Smoking, lack of proper hygiene, and consumption of antibiotics can cause bacterial vaginosis.
2. Diarrhea
Consumption of toxic and contaminated food can cause diarrhea. A visceral infection may lead to diarrhea. Some types of diarrhea may go away without any medications. If it gets severe, you need to consult a medical professional.
Diarrhea can cause dehydration in young children. Food poisoning or due to E-Coli, Salmonella, and Shigella bacteria can also result in excessive diarrhea in young children. Viruses and other pathogens are capable of causing diarrhea. Remember to keep your children hydrated if they have diarrhea.
3. Food Poisoning
Food poisoning is a common bacterial infection among teenagers. Germs are the villains here. Consuming contaminated food and water will cause food poisoning. Make sure your child does not exposed to contaminated water or food items. Symptoms of food poisoning may last for a few hours to weeks.
In some cases, food poisoning doesn’t require any medications symptoms may go away without any care. Nausea, vomiting, high fever, and diarrhea are some symptoms of food poisoning
Salmonella, E-coli, listeria, shigella, and Campylobacter are common bacteria that cause food poisoning. Kids with weak gut health are vulnerable to food poisoning.
4. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
It is a common type of infection that affects the urinary tract. Certain bacteria may enter the bladder or kidney and cause urinary tract infections. Teenage girls have higher risks of getting UTI compared to boys.
It happens due to the difference in the urethra. Compared to boys, girls have shorter urethras. This difference in length makes girls more prone to bladder infections. Some sexually transmitted diseases can also cause UTIs.
5. Cellulitis
It is a skin infection caused by the most common bacteria like streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus. Cellulitis affects skin tissues and below skin surfaces.
It is not contagious. Children with lower immune systems are more susceptible to cellulitis. Many bacteria live on our skin, but sometimes these bacteria may enter into broken skin.
6. MRSA
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), staph bacteria live on our skin. But if these bacteria get into our bodies, it can cause various issues.
MRSA skin infection is common, infection develops around a bite or cut on the skin. In some cases, the development of reddish fluid-filled bumps can also appear. It is a contagious disease. Keeping personal hygiene, and regularly washing your hands will help to avoid the infection.
7. Cholera
The bacteria Vibrio cholera causes the disease Cholera. Drinking contaminated water is the main reason behind cholera. Consumption of contaminated food will also be a cause of cholera. In underdeveloped countries, cholera infections are common.
Good sanitation will help barricade infections. The bacteria affects the gut and causes excessive diarrhea and vomiting. Due to dehydration, A child may also suffer from dehydration issues.
8. Bacterial Sinusitis
Both bacteria and viruses cause sinusitis. But unlike viral sinusitis, the former causes more discomfort. Headache caused by a stuffy nose is the main symptom of sinusitis.
It will make breathing difficult for a child. It is easy to treat sinusitis. The common cold may lead to inflammation of the sinusitis. If your child has a cold, it is common to get bacterial sinusitis.
These are the few bacterial infections common among teenagers. Some of these infections can cure without taking any medicine. But it is recommended to see a medical professional if the symptoms get worse.
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Conclusion
Bacterial infections are not rare. All these infections are easily curable when treated as early as possible.
Teaching your child to follow good personal hygiene can help to reduce bacterial infections. Eat healthy food, clean and take care of cuts on the skin, and avoid contaminated food and drinks to prevent recurring bacterial infections. It takes little effort to lead a life with lesser chances of infection.
