The child has weakness and drowsiness without fever, abdominal pain

When an adult gets sick, it is unpleasant and sometimes dangerous, but health problems in a child cause twice as much anxiety. If a beloved child is suffering, then every parent will try to do everything for his speedy recovery. Unfortunately, in pediatric practice there is a lot of pathology with various symptoms. And one of the common signs indicating problems in the body is weakness in the child. Why it occurs, what it is accompanied by and how you can help with it - these are the main questions that anxious parents are looking for answers to.

Why does a child have a stomach ache: 8 most common reasons

“Mom, my stomach hurts.”
Just one sentence, and how much fear it causes in most parents. Although stomach pain is quite common in children, it is the unpredictability that makes such cases confusing. Letidor will tell you why your stomach most often hurts and in what cases you need to see a doctor immediately.

Abdominal pain refers to pain anywhere from the chest to the groin. The reasons may be as simple as constipation or gas, but sometimes it is a sign of a serious illness, such as appendicitis or lead poisoning.

Constipation

Unfortunately, fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains do not always appear regularly in the diet of a modern family. Parents are very busy at work and it is often not possible to monitor how well their child is eating.

And it causes stomach pain.

Urinary tract infection

If your child has a urinary tract infection, he or she may complain of pain and a burning sensation when urinating, as well as discomfort in the abdomen and bladder (lower abdominal area).

Appendicitis

Inflammation of the appendix is ​​one of the most common causes of abdominal pain in children. Appendicitis requires emergency medical care, since the inflamed appendix can rupture, and then its contents are poured into the abdominal cavity, and peritonitis occurs (a life-threatening condition).

Streptococcal throat infection

As strange as it may sound, a streptococcal infection in the throat can lead to abdominal pain. The disease is caused by streptococcal bacteria, and symptoms include fever, sore throat and stomach pain.

Allergy to milk

If your baby is allergic to a protein present in milk, then abdominal pain may be accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea.

Lead poisoning

Young children often put things in their mouths to taste them. Therefore, if you are renovating your apartment, pay attention to what materials you use - there should be no lead in the paint. Some careless manufacturers use the same paint on children's toys, so there is a high risk of lead poisoning.

Anxiety

Just like adults, children can experience stress. And pain can occur without any physiological reason. In addition to abdominal pain, your child may have other symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, cough, weakness, lethargy and sore throat.

If you notice that your child is quieter than usual, hiding his feelings or thoughts, try to find out if something is bothering him at school or at home, and the cause of the stomach pain lies precisely in this.

Colic

Commented by Dinara Bakhtyyarovna Alieva, pediatrician, gastroenterologist, nutritionist of the “Online Doctor” project onlinedoctor.ru

The most common cause of abdominal pain in babies is colic (infantile colic). They manifest themselves as acute cramping pain in the abdomen, while the child worries, cries, and tightens his legs.

The cause of colic can be a deficiency of digestive enzymes, a violation of the intestinal microflora, non-compliance with the regimen and principle of feeding (the baby swallows air), and poor nutrition of the mother during breastfeeding. For example, large amounts of gas-forming vegetables and fruits (cabbage, cucumbers, tomatoes, pears) and fermented milk products can increase abdominal discomfort in children.

Food should be stewed or boiled.

If the child is bottle-fed, then an incorrectly selected formula can cause colic, regurgitation, and poor weight gain. Then you should pay attention to special mixtures for comfortable digestion, as well as mixtures with pre- and probiotics.

Dynamic observation, examination and assessment of physical development must be carried out monthly in the first year of life. If necessary, the local pediatrician will refer you to a pediatric gastroenterologist for consultation.

9 Important Questions Parents Should Answer

In fact, there are many more causes of pain, for example, mononucleosis, pancreatitis, peptic ulcer, hernia and much more. And if the child complains of pain, then you should assess the situation by answering the following questions.

1. How long does the pain last?

As a rule, if the cause of the pain is simple, then it does not last long. This pain can be caused by gases, it also happens with the stomach flu and disappears within 24 hours.

2. Where does it hurt?

If there are no complications, the pain is usually located in the central part of the abdomen. But if there is pain in the lower abdomen or in any other area, then this is a reason for concern and see a doctor.

3. What does the child look like?

Look for symptoms such as lethargy, pale skin, sweating, and drowsiness. Lack of appetite and refusal to drink for many hours may also be a cause for concern.

4. Is there vomiting?

In fact, vomiting does not always mean something serious. If it stops within 24 hours, then there is most likely no cause for concern. On the other hand, if the child continues to vomit for more than a day, you need to go to the doctor. It is also important to pay attention to the vomit, check whether there is blood or dark specks in it, and what color it is.

5. What kind of stool does the child have?

Diarrhea may occur if the child has a viral infection. Typically, diarrhea due to infection lasts about 72 hours.

6. Do you have a fever?

A fever and stomach pain do not mean your baby has a serious problem. In fact, there is more cause for concern when a child has abdominal pain without a fever.

7. Is there pain in the groin?

Teens may say that the pain is in their stomach, but in reality the pain is occurring elsewhere. For example, this can occur due to testicular torsion, which leads to compression of the blood vessels. Boys may be embarrassed to tell the truth.

Testicular torsion is easy to correct, but is a medical emergency. So you need to act quickly!

8. Is there pain when urinating?

If your child complains of abdominal pain while urinating, this is a sign of a urinary tract infection. This is treated with antibiotics strictly under the supervision of a doctor.

9. Is there a skin rash?

If your child complains of stomach pain and develops a skin rash, contact your pediatrician immediately. For example, this happens with scarlet fever.

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Lethargy in newborns

The neonatal period lasts from the birth of the baby until six weeks of his life. Adaptation to the surrounding world occurs, as well as further development of all organs and systems. A newborn baby sleeps for a long time, about twenty hours a day, with short breaks for feeding. In some cases, the baby finds it difficult to breastfeed and begins to become weaker and sleep more. Increased sleepiness may be a manifestation of lethargy due to insufficient nutrition and dehydration.

Doctor's advice. It is necessary to carry out control weighing before and after breastfeeding throughout the day to avoid the consequences associated with systematic malnutrition of the baby

Every 3 hours it is necessary to put the baby to the breast so that he feels the difference between hunger and satiety, and also learns to suck out a sufficient amount of milk for his growth and development.

You should immediately consult a doctor if your newborn, in addition to drowsiness and lethargy, experiences symptoms such as:

  • Fever.
  • The crying is weak and quiet.
  • It is impossible to wake up the child.
  • The amount of urine and the frequency of urination have decreased, less than five times a day. To avoid confusion, you can put a dry paper napkin in the diaper.
  • Dry mouth and eyes.
  • Absence or weakness of the sucking reflex.
  • The stool is green or foamy.
  • Stool with streaks or blood clots.
  • Lack of bowel movements for at least a day.
  • The skin has a bluish or yellow tint.
  • Skin turgor has decreased (when pinched, the skin straightens very slowly).
  • Convulsions appeared.

These manifestations may indicate extremely dangerous pathological conditions for the child, such as complicated viral, bacterial, intestinal infections, dehydration, heart, kidney and liver diseases.

Lethargy in infants

Infancy begins after the neonatal period and continues until twelve months. The baby is growing quickly, gaining weight and developing. Organs and systems are not fully formed and the body is still adapting to the surrounding world. Illnesses in infants can occur, at first glance, without symptoms; the child is not able to complain and explain his illness.

Lethargy can be present in an infant during teething, the presence of an intestinal or viral infection, and many other ailments. High temperature is an inseparable companion to drowsiness, weakness and lethargy in children. It is also a manifestation of various pathologies. All inflammatory processes affect the child’s body very quickly and develop at lightning speed.

Important! High temperature in infants (above 38˚C) is a serious reason to urgently call an ambulance. Hyperthermic syndrome may develop, which manifests itself as convulsions and negatively affects the child’s brain and heart.

Diseases that cause lethargy in infants, along with other symptoms, and are the reason for visiting a doctor, are shown in the table below.

Acute viral infection

Teething condition

Acute intestinal infection. Lethargy is always present during an acute intestinal infection. Children under one year of age are susceptible to this disease. An intestinal infection is often confused with a condition that occurs in a child during teething, and for this reason, parents do not always consult a doctor.

An intestinal infection manifests itself with the following symptoms:

  • Pain in the abdomen (when pressure is applied to the abdomen, the child begins to cry heavily and pulls his knees to his stomach).
  • Heat.
  • Frequent stools of a liquid consistency, greenish in color with mucus impurities (in a healthy child, the stool is yellow in consistency and resembles porridge).
  • Refusal to eat.
  • There may be vomiting, but the baby will not always vomit with an intestinal infection. This symptom appears with moderate or severe disease.

Intestinal infection, like any other, is acute in infants. If all of the above symptoms occur, you should try to give your child clean boiled water, as often as possible, in small portions, and immediately consult a doctor.

Important! If there is no urine for six hours, traces of blood appear in the stool, loss of consciousness, dry skin, or a sunken fontanelle, you should immediately call an ambulance. These are signs of dehydration, a dangerous condition for babies.

Lethargy and weakness may be present with diseases such as:

  • allergies, bronchitis, pneumonia, sore throat, after vaccinations. And it is symptoms of serious diseases, such as meningitis, meningoccemia, sepsis.

Main symptoms

In children of the first year of life, it is difficult to determine this condition. Most often it manifests itself as a lack of appetite, lethargy and excessive drowsiness. Symptoms are sometimes observed during the eruption of lower and upper teeth.

The signs can easily be confused with the onset of a cold or an infectious process. Only a pediatrician can determine the exact cause by carefully examining the baby’s physical condition and analyzing his behavior.

When a child begins to walk and can talk, it is easier to identify symptoms of pathological weakness. Loss of strength manifests itself:

  • refusal of outdoor games during the daytime;
  • excessive excitement and irritability;
  • capriciousness, causeless tears;
  • drowsiness.

Children often have difficulty falling asleep in the evenings, sleep restlessly, but find it difficult to get them out of bed in the morning.

Weakness and fatigue have a detrimental effect on the body's defenses. The immune system is not able to repel viral attacks, so the baby catches colds more often.

Lethargy in children

A healthy baby is active, cheerful and inquisitive. Lethargy in a child makes parents think about his condition. Infants, especially in the first months of life, sleep a lot, but at the same time, they actively develop and grow. Any changes in the baby's behavior are a serious cause for concern. The course of the disease can develop rapidly in a small, fragile organism due to an imperfect immune system. Sometimes parents make a huge mistake, believing that lethargy in a child is a normal symptom, for example, during teething, or after vaccination, and this is not a reason for concern. At this time, immunity decreases significantly and infection occurs.

Possible reasons

The prerequisites for the development of chronic fatigue in a child can be divided into two groups. The first includes physiological reasons, the influence of which is easy to correct:

  • mental or physical stress;
  • excessive workload at school;
  • incorrect daily routine;
  • unbalanced diet;
  • hormonal changes in the body;
  • lack of vitamins.

The second group includes pathological conditions that are dangerous to health and cause serious complications. It is better to dwell on them in more detail.

Infectious diseases

The inflammatory process is a common cause of loss of strength. In the first days, the disease may occur without fever, manifesting itself:

  • drowsiness during daylight hours;
  • headaches;
  • refusal of food;
  • dark circles around the eyes;
  • bad mood and irritability.

Gradually, the development of infection causes intoxication of the body. The child's temperature rises and he complains of muscle pain and aching bones.

A distinctive feature of a respiratory disease is nasal congestion, cough, and swollen lymph nodes.

Drowsiness is one of the symptoms:

After ARVI and influenza are over, signs of fatigue do not go away immediately. The recovery period depends on the state of the immune system.

Blood pathologies

Children's blood diseases are dangerous to health, so you need to carefully look at all changes in the child's condition so as not to miss the onset of the pathological process.

Some diseases, such as leukemia, affect the blood-forming organs and bone marrow. The development of leukocytes is disrupted, the body suffers from a lack of oxygen. The disease manifests itself:

  • lethargy, fatigue;
  • poor appetite;
  • pallor;
  • enlarged lymph nodes;
  • brittle nails and hair;
  • excessive skin sensitivity;
  • rapid heartbeat;
  • colds.

Another dangerous blood pathology is anemia, or lack of red blood cells and hemoglobin . Children are often diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia, caused by a lack of iron. The main cause of the disease is considered to be poor nutrition. It can be recognized by the following signs:

  • fast fatiguability;
  • frequent fainting;
  • moodiness;
  • irritability;
  • drowsiness.

The causes of anemia need to be addressed urgently. Long-term lack of iron in the body negatively affects the functioning of the heart and can lead to myocardial dystrophy.

Thyroid diseases

Thyroid dysfunction impairs metabolic processes, the functioning of the nervous system and other organs. The development of the disease is facilitated by poor ecology, lack of iodine or selenium in the body, and infections.

Doctors identify common symptoms of pathology:

  • sleep disturbance;
  • weakness;
  • swelling;
  • interruptions in heart rhythm;
  • depressed mood;
  • irritability;
  • fatigue;
  • obesity.

Children suffering from thyroid diseases are less able to learn information at school, eat poorly, and often wet their beds at night..

Most dangerous for children:

Cardiopsychoneurosis

Pathology is more common among schoolchildren. Neurocirculatory dysfunction is called vegetative-vascular dystonia. These are recurrent headaches. They can be the result of psycho-emotional disorders and nervous tension.

The pain is localized on the back of the head or forehead. Symptoms often appear against the background of solar activity or changes in weather conditions. In most cases, the pain calms down after sleep, but sometimes rest does not help and the child needs medications.

Symptoms of neurocirculatory dystonia are accompanied by:

  • dizziness;
  • anxiety;
  • sleep disturbance;
  • loss of strength;
  • apathy;
  • increased heart rate;
  • sweating;
  • pressure surges.

Electrolyte disorders

Electrolyte imbalance occurs for various reasons. Frequent causes are a lack of fluid and an incorrect diet that limits the intake of potassium and calcium.

In some cases, electrolyte metabolism worsens due to diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Then the malaise is accompanied by diarrhea, vomiting and drowsiness.

Lack of fluid in the body manifests itself:

  • numbness of the body;
  • lack of appetite;
  • nausea;
  • rare urination;
  • constant thirst;
  • arrhythmia;
  • fatigue;
  • apathy.

Myasthenia gravis

An autoimmune disease characterized by muscle weakness and pathological fatigue is called myasthenia gravis . It occurs without fever and is often congenital. Initial symptoms may appear at the end of the first year of life, when teeth begin to cut. Children experience:

  • deterioration in the function of the masticatory muscles;
  • slurred speech;
  • severe fatigue of the pelvic floor muscles;
  • movement disorders.

If the disease is not treated, the symptoms worsen. Neuromuscular connections are disrupted. Breathing problems may occur, which pose a serious threat to the baby.

Narcolepsy

A rare pathology of the central nervous system, the hallmark of which is loss of strength, is narcolepsy. The etiology of the disease is not exactly clear, but it is believed that it is caused by a hereditary factor.

Scientists know that narcolepsy develops due to a lack of hypocretin. The substance is responsible for the process of falling asleep and waking up in humans. The disease is often accompanied by apnea syndrome .

The following may indicate the presence of pathology:

  • lethargy and apathy of the child;
  • complaints of muscle weakness;
  • frequent falls out of the blue;
  • unmotivated aggression;
  • daytime sleepiness;
  • difficulty falling asleep in the evening;
  • lethargy;
  • memory impairment;
  • deterioration of attention.

The main symptom of narcolepsy is a constant desire to sleep. The child falls asleep several times a day and has difficulty waking up.

Depression

If there are psychoemotional disorders, the child may experience depression. Its development is often influenced by:

  • nocturnal enuresis;
  • parents' quarrels;
  • problems with peers.

Depression causes apathy in a child. He ceases to be interested in the world around him, becomes indifferent and withdrawn. A striking symptom of the disorder is restless sleep at night, nightmares and daytime drowsiness . Associated symptoms are:

  • mood swings;
  • weakness;
  • refusal to eat;
  • reluctance to play with friends;
  • headache;
  • irritability;
  • skin rashes.

To help a child, the help of a psychologist is needed. Depression, especially in teenagers, is very dangerous and can lead to serious consequences.

Causes of lethargy

In 60% of cases, floppy child syndrome develops against the background of the early stage of Werdnig-Hoffmann disease. Often its cause is cerebral palsy, severe rickets. The syndrome often occurs in Morphan and Down diseases. Metabolic disorders that are accompanied by muscle hypotension are also described in the literature.

Common causes of SVR also include:

  • congenital myopathies and muscular dystrophies;
  • sepsis;
  • intoxication;
  • perinatal asphyxia or ischemia;
  • intracranial hemorrhages;
  • spinal cord damage.

Sometimes the development of the syndrome is caused by neuromuscular pathologies, ulcerative colitis in the mother, which limits the mobility of the fetus in the womb. Sick children are often born to women who consumed alcohol, drugs, and anticonvulsants during pregnancy.

When to see a doctor

Any change in the child’s condition is a reason to consult a pediatrician. The disease is easier to treat at the initial stage, so it is important to identify the pathological process in time.

You need to call an ambulance when drowsiness and loss of strength are observed after injury to the head, spine or are accompanied by:

  • stool disorder;
  • constipation;
  • rare or frequent urination;
  • pale skin;
  • lethargy;
  • increased temperature;
  • nervous tic;
  • nausea, vomiting.

Each of these symptoms is a sign of problems, so you can’t hesitate.

Weak activity during the day, muscle pain and the desire to sleep should not be ignored. It is better to play it safe, get examined and protect your baby from complications after illness and other troubles.

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General information

Sleepiness in children can be quite common, occurring in more than 64% of children between the ages of 5 and 9 years. It is during this period that the toddler’s personality, nervous system, and mechanisms of behavior are formed.

In fact, there is no clear rule indicating how long a baby should sleep normally, since the body of each toddler is individual, and the conditions in which the child lives are also influenced.

But there are still guidelines:

  • Children from one to two years old need to sleep from 10 to 11 hours a night, and about three to four hours during the day;
  • babies from two to three years of age should sleep the same amount at night, and during the day two to three hours is enough for them;
  • from three to seven years old - children should sleep ten hours at night, and an hour or two during the day is enough.

As you grow older, the time allotted for night and day rest decreases.

Why does it occur

Prolonged sleep does not always indicate the presence of a disease. In such a situation, it is important to assess the child’s general well-being, his activity, and attitude to what is happening around him. In total, there are two groups of factors influencing the development of drowsiness. These include physiological and pathological manifestations.

We will look at physiological factors first.

  1. Disruption of daily routine. When the baby’s rest and activity schedule is disrupted. When these frames shift, a malfunction occurs in the nervous system, sleep disorder. It is extremely important to observe the time intervals allotted for rest and activity in the age period up to seven years. A day's rest is mandatory.
  2. Emotional stress, consequences of severe overexcitation. The nervous system is thrown out of balance.
  3. The result of overeating. If the baby eats more than he should, he becomes drowsy.
  4. Inadequate sleep at night can cause daytime sleepiness and fatigue. Significant sleep problems can be caused by an uncomfortable bed or being in a stuffy room.
  5. Low blood pressure also provokes lethargy and constant fatigue, the desire to lie down and sleep.
  6. A lack of vitamins in a child’s body can also cause drowsiness.
  7. The result of physical or mental stress.
  8. Lack of activity and excess weight are two factors that lead to the child spending his time passively, falling asleep on the go.

Pathological causes include a number of diseases.

  1. Various forms of anemia. Iron deficiency is associated with oxygen starvation of the brain, metabolic disorders, which provokes inhibition of the functioning of the nervous system, drowsiness and lethargy appear.
  2. Asthenia. There is a response to illnesses with a severe course, often of an infectious nature, or subsequently to chronic illnesses, for example, otitis media.
  3. Diseases of the central nervous system that occur after prolonged intoxication, for example, as a result of exposure to medications during long-term treatment or damage to the brain or spine, for example, osteochondrosis or meningitis.
  4. Endocrine diseases. When the functioning of the endocrine glands is disrupted, a hormonal imbalance occurs, which affects the baby’s condition. Among these diseases, dysfunction of the adrenal glands, thyroid gland and pituitary gland is noted.
  5. Hypersomnia. It is a group of pathological conditions manifested by increased drowsiness in the presence of sufficient sleep.
  6. Presence of neurocirculatory dystonia. This condition is mainly diagnosed in schoolchildren. Symptoms of this disease include increased sweating, apathy, sleep disturbance, dizziness, pressure surges, tachycardia, loss of strength, and increased anxiety.
  7. Drowsiness may be a sign of an infectious disease, such as tonsillitis, otitis media, influenza, measles, rubella or chickenpox.
  8. Electrolyte disorders. A situation where there is an imbalance in the electrolyte balance in the body. Often this is a consequence of an incorrect diet and lack of fluid. Electrolyte metabolism may worsen after gastrointestinal illnesses. Lack of fluid can be manifested by the following symptoms: arrhythmia, nausea, numbness of the body, fatigue, constant thirst, rare urination, lack of appetite.
  9. Myasthenia. It is an autoimmune disease. Characterized by pathological fatigue and muscle weakness. This disease occurs without fever and is often congenital. The child will have slurred speech, deterioration in the functioning of the masticatory muscles, the presence of movement disorders, and severe fatigue of the pelvic floor muscle mass.
  10. Narcolepsy, which develops with insufficient levels of hypocretin. This disease often accompanies apnea syndrome. Characterized by deterioration of attention, memory impairment, daytime sleepiness, unmotivated aggression, muscle weakness, and difficulty falling asleep in the evening.
  11. The presence of depression in a child can also influence the occurrence of constant sleepiness.

The child is weak, what should I do?

When an adult gets sick, it is unpleasant and sometimes dangerous, but health problems in a child cause twice as much anxiety. If a beloved child is suffering, then every parent will try to do everything for his speedy recovery.

Unfortunately, in pediatric practice there is a lot of pathology with various symptoms. And one of the common signs indicating problems in the body is weakness in the child.

Why it occurs, what it is accompanied by and how you can help with it - these are the main questions that anxious parents are looking for answers to.

Causes and mechanisms

The feeling of fatigue, when there is practically no strength to do usual things, is most likely familiar to many. But its origin is often radically different depending on the situation. The reasons can be quite trivial or very serious. The first group consists of conditions that have a completely physiological explanation. These include:

  • Physical or mental fatigue.
  • Changing your daily routine.
  • Poor nutrition.
  • Hormonal changes.
  • Pregnancy.

It's no secret that muscle weakness is a sign of normal fatigue after intense physical activity.

Children may encounter this when their activity level exceeds their constitutional capabilities, for example, when participating in sports clubs or after independent training, especially for beginners.

And ordinary play in the yard with peers or a busy school program is often accompanied by a similar symptom.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQ_K6mb8xcw

If a child goes to bed late, then the next morning he will probably feel tired and not rested. His body just hasn’t had time to recover yet. Sleeping too long is also not useful, since after it many people feel exhausted. Biorhythm disruption also occurs when flying to other climate zones.

During the period of growth, there is an increased consumption of energy substrates, and during malnutrition they become smaller, which also provokes the phenomenon under consideration.

And the period of puberty is also accompanied by hormonal changes, so the child may be plagued by morning drowsiness and absent-mindedness at school.

A pronounced restructuring of the body is also observed in girls during pregnancy, because currently the fertile age already begins at 14 years. Then fatigue is associated in particular with meeting the needs of the growing fetus.

However, keeping in mind physiological changes, it is imperative to exclude dangerous conditions that are pathologies. And, alas, there are many of them. Among them it is worth mentioning the following:

  • Infectious diseases.
  • Blood pathology (anemia, leukemia).
  • Thyroid diseases.
  • Cardiopsychoneurosis.
  • Electrolyte disorders (hypokalemia, hypercalcemia).
  • Myasthenia.
  • Narcolepsy.
  • Depression.

Thus, the source of fatigue is in inflammatory, metabolic, neuropsychic or other disorders. The consequences of taking certain medications (for example, sedatives, tranquilizers and antiallergic drugs) cannot be excluded.

Each case requires a thorough differential diagnosis, but it is carried out only by a qualified specialist.

Therefore, if parents notice that the child has suddenly become lethargic and not as active as before, then it is imperative to seek medical help to find out the cause of this condition.

The causes of fatigue and decreased physical activity in a baby can be both physiological and pathological changes in the body.

Depression

Asthenic syndrome is very characteristic of depression. This is a psycho-emotional disorder that is also characteristic of childhood. Its signs are:

  • Problems with appetite.
  • Insomnia or constant sleepiness.
  • Irritability or anger.
  • Frequent mood swings.
  • Feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness.
  • Lack of desire to communicate with peers.
  • Thoughts about suicide.

Enuresis (bedwetting) and behavioral disorders are also equivalent to a depressive state. Frequent somatic symptoms include headaches or abdominal pain, skin itching, and vague discomfort in the body. But depression must be distinguished from ordinary sadness and sadness, which have a completely understandable explanation (for example, the loss of a loved one).

It is necessary to understand whether asthenia has a physical basis or is it associated with psycho-emotional disorders, among which childhood and adolescent depression occupies an important place.

Additional diagnostics

Considering the rather impressive list of causes of asthenic syndrome, additional research methods help to find out what exactly led to the appearance of fatigue and drowsiness. Necessary diagnostic measures are determined by the preliminary conclusion of the doctor, formed on the basis of clinical data, and may include:

  • General blood and urine tests.
  • Blood biochemistry (indicators of inflammation, immunogram with antibodies to infections, serum iron, thyroid hormones, electrolytes).
  • Ultrasound of the thyroid gland and internal organs.
  • Bone marrow puncture.
  • Muscle biopsy.

Each situation requires careful study and comparison with similar conditions. In the process of making a diagnosis, consultation with related specialists is often required: infectious diseases specialist, hematologist, endocrinologist, cardiologist, neuropsychiatrist.

And only after receiving all the necessary information can we say why the child developed weakness and what to do to eliminate it. Treatment tactics, of course, depend on the origin of the symptoms and are determined only by the doctor.

And the parents’ task is to follow the specialist’s recommendations in everything.

Source: https://elaxsir.ru/simptomy/drugie/u-rebenka-slabost-chto-delat.html

When to see a doctor urgently

It is important to know in what situations it is necessary to urgently contact a doctor or take your child to a hospital for consultation. These are conditions that, in addition to drowsiness, are accompanied by other manifestations that are more dangerous. These include:

  • body temperature above 38 degrees, problems with head tilting, turning around, bouts of vomiting, complaints of pain in the head - such symptoms may indicate the presence of encephalitis or meningitis (in this case, you need to call an ambulance, since in case of brain damage, a qualified specialist is needed help, it is important to ensure peace for the baby);
  • the presence of elevated body temperature, accompanied by repeated vomiting and diarrhea, lack of appetite, complaints of abdominal pain - these manifestations, together with drowsiness, may indicate the presence of an intestinal infection;
  • the baby has lost too much weight, is constantly thirsty, has begun to itch, and is acting restless - these manifestations may indicate diabetes mellitus.

What to do

If your toddler's sleepiness makes you worry or is accompanied by alarming symptoms, consult a doctor. A specialist will help determine whether you should worry and whether treatment is necessary.

  1. It is important to maintain a daily routine. Parents should make sure that there is a clear delineation of time for active activities and rest, as well as sleep.
  2. If your child works too hard while studying something or playing sports, then it is necessary to change his routine and make sure that he does not overwork himself too much.
  3. Make sure your child eats properly and does not overeat. It is better to think about what hours it will be convenient to feed him, and stick to this schedule.
  4. Protect your baby’s delicate psyche from nervous shock and stress. Remember that these factors negatively affect it and can cause drowsiness.
  5. If a child has low blood pressure, you need to give him sweet tea and consult a doctor who can prescribe, for example, Tonginal, which helps normalize blood pressure if it is constantly low.
  6. It is necessary to take care of a balanced diet for the child. Make sure that his diet contains all the necessary vitamins and microelements.
  7. If you have anemia, your doctor may prescribe iron supplements. Walking in the fresh air and consuming foods fortified with iron will also be recommended.
  8. If there are diseases of the central nervous system, the neurologist will prescribe drug therapy.
  9. If endocrine diseases occur, the endocrinologist will prescribe specialized treatment, often hormonal therapy.
  10. For hypersomnia, professional targeted treatment is mandatory.
  11. If a child suffers from depression, it is necessary to consult a child psychologist.

Now you know what the causes of sleepiness in children may be. As you can see, this condition does not always indicate the presence of some kind of pathology. Sometimes it is enough to simply change a child’s daily routine to improve his well-being and normalize activity. We should not forget that drowsiness can be a manifestation of a serious illness, so it is recommended to consult a doctor, especially if, along with the main manifestation, there are other pathological signs.

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Possible reasons

It is important to understand that the presence of weakness in a baby should not go unnoticed by adults, because this manifestation may indicate the presence of deviations in the psychological or physical state of the toddler. Let's look at what factors can influence the appearance of constant fatigue.

  1. Consequences of an acute respiratory viral infection or other viral disease.
  2. The result of having low blood pressure.
  3. Lack of proper lifestyle: inactivity, lack of physical activity, prolonged sitting in front of a TV or computer screen, lack of walks in the fresh air, lack of sleep - negatively affects the entire body as a whole.
  4. Poor nutrition, lack of valuable vitamins and microelements in the diet. Often weakness is a manifestation of reduced hemoglobin in the blood. Also, its occurrence can be affected by a lack of B vitamins, in particular B6, B12 and folic acid, as well as a lack of zinc and copper. In general, the deterioration of well-being is influenced by a lack of protein in food and a lack of iodine.
  5. The presence of an infectious disease, chronic ailments. There are many diseases that can manifest such symptoms. This includes parasitic infections, pathology of the endocrine system, liver disease, and pathology of the cardiovascular system.
  6. Constant stress, psychological overload. Situations when a child grows up in unfavorable conditions, has alcoholic parents, or is present at frequent scandals, or has problems at school that lead to nervous exhaustion. Parents do not always understand how negatively such factors affect the child’s psyche, and they often have a destructive effect.
  7. Transitional age. This can be a crisis period of three years, or a teenage period, when hormonal changes occur in the body, leading to emotional instability, depression and apathy, and deterioration in physical condition.
  8. Pathological processes in the blood, in particular leukemia, is a disease that affects the bone marrow and hematopoietic organs. The body suffers from a lack of oxygen, and disturbances in the development of leukocytes are observed.
  9. Cardiopsychoneurosis. More often diagnosed in school-age children. The second name is vegetative-vascular dystonia. May be a consequence of nervous tension or psycho-emotional disorders.
  10. Electrolyte imbalance. Occurs most often due to an incorrect diet, in which there was not enough calcium and potassium intake, and a lack of fluid. It may also appear due to the presence of pathologies of the digestive system.
  11. Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease accompanied by muscle weakness and constant fatigue.
  12. Narcolepsy is a pathology of the central nervous system that develops with a lack of hypocretin production.

It is also important to know about the existence of a risk group. It includes:

  • teenagers;
  • premature babies;
  • emotional children with increased sensitivity;
  • children with disabilities;
  • children who attend school or kindergarten for the first time (since this event is stressful for their body);
  • schoolchildren at the time of passing exams.

Loss of strength and weakness in the child. Causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention | Children's health

Chronic fatigue is called a disease of modern society. It’s sad that not only adults, but also children often experience a breakdown. A child experiencing unusual apathy and weakness should not be left without help. Such a symptom is evidence of an unfavorable physical or psychological state.

Causes of weakness and loss of strength in a child

If the loss of strength lasts for several days and can be easily explained by a history of acute respiratory viral infection or preparation for exams, parents just need to wait a little, and gradually everything will return to normal.

When lethargy and apathy last more than a week and are accompanied by other symptoms, urgent consultation with a specialist is required.

Factors that provoke weakness, fatigue and drowsiness include:

  • Wrong lifestyle in the family. Modern children exercise catastrophically little, go to bed late and get up early. Lack of physical activity and sleep leads to decreased muscle tone, physical inactivity, deterioration of blood supply and the condition of the body as a whole.
  • Lack of valuable nutrients. Loss of strength is most often associated with anemia - low hemoglobin in the blood. Weakness can also be caused by the lack of foods in the diet that contain vitamins B12 and B6, folic acid, copper, zinc, and iron. Deficiency of iodine and protein negatively affects the general condition.
  • Constant stress and mental overload. Frequent conflicts, alcoholism of parents, increased stress at school lead to exhaustion of the nervous system. Highly sensitive children find it difficult to tolerate what their parents consider insignificant quarrels, as well as rude speech, ridicule, dissatisfaction, and criticism.
  • Chronic and infectious diseases. The list of diseases that cause weakness is wide: these include problems with the cardiovascular and endocrine systems, liver diseases, the presence of helminths, infections, etc.
  • Transitional age . In some adolescents, hormonal changes in the body lead to emotional instability, including apathy, depression, and rapid growth worsens physical condition.

Symptoms of weakness and loss of strength in children

If adults also experience constant fatigue and apathy, it may be due to the wrong regime in the family. It is difficult for a child to be cheerful and active if he spends his leisure time near the TV or computer and sleeps 6-7 hours a day. The baby grows lethargic and weak if he eats processed food, fast food, and there are no fresh greens, vegetables and fruits in the diet.

You can detect stress by observing your son or daughter and noticing a sharp change in behavior. Usually the child either goes deep into his own experiences, remains distant, stops communicating with friends, or becomes impudent and aggressive.

Psychological problems leading to loss of strength are typical for children who are often punished, overloaded with additional activities, or those who are bullied or bullied in a group.

An aggressive environment is formed everywhere: in the family, school, even in preschool educational institutions.

Weakness caused by the disease is usually accompanied by other symptoms: fever , pain, shortness of breath, nausea , etc. An infectious disease specialist, endocrinologist, or cardiologist will help identify the cause. The first thing to do is to consult a pediatrician who has been monitoring the baby from the first days of life. If necessary, he will give a referral to a specialist.

A small patient suffering from loss of strength is prescribed a laboratory examination: a general blood test, urine test, ECG and ultrasound of internal organs. A blood test also determines the lack of vitamins and minerals in the body.

Important! It is generally accepted that cardiograms and blood pressure measurements are only necessary in adults. In order to promptly identify pathology in a baby, experts recommend having an ECG every two years , and measuring blood pressure twice a year.

Treatment of loss of strength in a child

It is the doctor’s task to select treatment in case of health problems. Parents need to follow all instructions, protect children from overload and ensure the required regime.

The workload should be reconsidered if weakness is caused by fatigue from studying and extracurricular activities. Sensitive children need to create a calm environment in the family and provide support in case of conflict with the teacher or classmates. If the atmosphere of bullying is unbearable for a student, it is better to think about changing institutions.

Important! Self-treatment with herbal decoctions, prescribing vitamin complexes, immunomodulators and other medications is strictly not recommended. The consequences can be different: from an allergy to the components of the product to the transition of the disease to an advanced stage.

Children at risk

Anyone can get tired from stress, but there are categories of quickly exhausted children who require special attention. These include:

  • Premature babies. It is more difficult for them to cope with any illnesses than for ordinary children.
  • Children attending kindergarten and school for the first time. Joining a new team is stressful, as is high workload.
  • Teenagers.
  • Sensitive, emotional children.
  • Children with disabilities.
  • Schoolchildren during exam period.

Fact! By the end of the first quarter, up to 60% of schoolchildren lose weight. It is not surprising that many of them experience a breakdown.

Prevention of loss of strength and weakness in children

Parents who want to improve their child’s health often send them to sports clubs. Before doing this, it is necessary to exclude pathologies of the cardiovascular system, otherwise the child may be harmed. It’s better to start with gradually increasing physical activity, hardening and an optimal daily routine.

You also need to protect from psycho-emotional stress: give your son or daughter time in peace and quiet, create trusting relationships between all family members. Optimism, care and support from adults will help a little person survive temporary troubles.

Attention! The use of any medications and dietary supplements, as well as the use of any therapeutic methods, is possible only with the permission of a doctor.

Source: https://vse-pro-detstvo.ru/zdorove_detey/upadok-sil-i-slabost-u-rebenka-prichinyi-simptomyi-lechenie-i-profilaktika

Associated symptoms

The presence of a particular disease can be assumed by the presence of certain symptoms that are observed in addition to weakness.

  1. If there is an infectious pathology, then in addition to weakness the following will be present:
  • drowsiness;
  • headaches;
  • decreased appetite;
  • the appearance of dark circles around the eyes;
  • irritability;
  • Bad mood.

Over time, the infection leads to intoxication of the body, and an increase in temperature is observed.

  1. If leukemia occurs, then there is:
  • pale skin;
  • fatigue;
  • lethargy;
  • poor appetite;
  • brittleness of hair and nails;
  • enlarged lymph nodes;
  • tachycardia;
  • increased skin sensitivity.
  1. If your baby has anemia, there are also signs such as:
  • increased need for sleep;
  • irritability;
  • moodiness;
  • fainting;
  • fast fatiguability.
  1. If there is a pathology of the thyroid gland, then the following signs are also present:
  • swelling;
  • sleep problems;
  • interruptions in heart rhythm;
  • irritability;
  • obesity;
  • depressed mood;
  • fatigue.
  1. If vegetative-vascular dystonia occurs, then the following are present:
  • recurrent headache localized on the forehead or back of the head;
  • anxiety;
  • apathy;
  • pressure surges;
  • prostration;
  • sleep problems;
  • tachycardia;
  • increased sweating;
  • dizziness.
  1. If an electrolyte disorder is present, then the following symptoms are typical:
  • problems with appetite;
  • arrhythmia;
  • numbness of the body;
  • nausea;
  • rare urination;
  • apathy;
  • constant feeling of thirst;
  • fatigue.
  1. If a child has narcolepsy, the following symptoms will occur:
  • problems with memory and attention;
  • inhibited reaction;
  • long daytime sleep;
  • falling out of the blue;
  • apathy and lethargy;
  • unmotivated aggression;
  • muscle weakness.
  1. If myasthenia gravis occurs:
  • movement disorders;
  • problems with chewing muscles;
  • the appearance of slurred speech;
  • increased fatigue of the pelvic floor muscle mass.
  1. If a child has depression, the following symptoms may additionally appear:
  • increased irritability;
  • headaches;
  • refusal to eat;
  • mood swings;
  • weakness;
  • loss of interest in former hobbies;
  • reluctance to communicate with other people.

Parents must realize that the appearance of such a sign as weakness in a child requires a mandatory visit to the doctor. It is necessary to understand that certain situations require emergency consultation and calling an ambulance, in particular if, in addition to weakness, especially after a spinal or head injury, the following signs are present:

  • constipation;
  • lethargy;
  • stool disorder;
  • rare or, conversely, frequent urination;
  • nervous tic;
  • pale skin;
  • nausea or vomiting;
  • temperature rise.

What to do

First of all, it is necessary to identify the root cause that led to the appearance of weakness. Undoubtedly, it is best for a doctor to deal with this issue, since parents are not always able to determine exactly what exactly provokes the loss of strength in their child.

  1. If constant stress and psychological overload are to blame, then the baby may be prescribed sedatives with a sedative effect, for example, Novopassit or Glycine.
  2. If vegetative-vascular dystonia occurs, then, for example, Tonginal will be prescribed.
  3. If a child has problems with a lack of vitamins and minerals, he will be prescribed a vitamin complex.
  4. If a toddler has a negative family environment, then the parents’ task is to correct this situation and prevent scandals in the presence of the baby.
  5. If the cause of weakness is a sedentary lifestyle and insufficient time spent in the air, then the situation needs to be corrected by changing the daily routine. You need to start taking your child for daily walks, enrolling him in a sports section, or teaching him to do exercises in the morning.
  6. If there is a problem with the thyroid gland, then you need to consult an endocrinologist who will be able to prescribe the necessary treatment taking into account the specific disease.
  7. If there are problems with blood cells, then you need to be observed by a hematologist and also follow his prescriptions.
  8. If a child has difficulties at school or with peers, then it is necessary to consult a psychologist.
  9. If an infectious disease is to blame, then appropriate treatment is necessary. In case of intoxication, upset, vomiting, or elevated temperature, drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
  10. If the child is currently in adolescence and weakness is the only symptom, it is likely that it is age related and just needs to be outgrown.

When I was in tenth grade, I was faced with a feeling of constant weakness and periodic headaches. I went to the doctor. It turned out that there is vegetative-vascular dystonia of the hypotonic type, that is, accompanied by low blood pressure. The doctor prescribed me herbal-based medications, which helped me successfully cope with loss of strength and restore my body’s reserves.

Additional diagnostics

The child is lethargic and drowsy when the body is weakened. This condition can occur for a number of different reasons.

If parents suspect a problem with his health, then to make a correct diagnosis and prescribe the necessary prevention and treatment, a comprehensive examination by several specialists is necessary.

First of all, this:

  1. general blood analysis;
  2. general urine analysis;
  3. biochemical analysis.

If necessary, an ultrasound of the thyroid gland, puncture and biopsy, examinations by a neurologist, psychologist, infectious disease specialist and other specialized doctors are performed. Often, only by the totality of the results can one determine the true causes of the child’s apathetic state.

Any change in the child’s condition that causes concern to parents is already a reason to consult a doctor. Constant fatigue, lethargy, apathy, weakness, drowsiness at the wrong time are good enough reasons to call a pediatrician.

Author: Marina (ksenina)

Precautionary measures

Of course, you already know that it is easier to prevent any disease than to treat its consequences later. However, we cannot prevent all illnesses, but parents can still reduce the risk of such symptoms as weakness.

  1. Daily walks in the fresh air are mandatory.
  2. It is important that the room where the child is located is ventilated.
  3. If you have chronic diseases, their timely treatment is important.
  4. If any prerequisites for pathology of certain body systems appear, it is time to consult a doctor and follow his recommendations.
  5. Avoid conflict situations in front of the child.
  6. Be interested in the baby's life. If any problems arise, immediately provide him with support and, if necessary, consult a psychologist.
  7. Provide your child with adequate nutrition, including all the necessary vitamins and minerals.
  8. Make sure your child gets adequate sleep.

Now you know, if your baby complains of a feeling of weakness, for what reason this may be happening. It is important to understand that some of the contributing factors can negatively affect the child’s health and weakness can be an alarm bell. You need to remember this and pay attention in a timely manner, if necessary, visit a doctor, and start treatment.

source

Diagnosis of the disease

If SVR is suspected, after an external examination, neurological tests are performed, including traction by the arms in a supine position and suspension. A sick baby's head hangs down, and it is clear that the tone of the limbs is reduced.

Next, electroneuromyography is performed - the method allows you to establish a syndrome of peripheral genesis. MRI is also performed to detect atrophy of certain parts of the brain. Laboratory tests are performed to exclude infectious factors.

You definitely need to have your heart examined.

Genetic mapping is prescribed to confirm Down syndrome and other chromosomal pathologies.

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