The problem of dream in children is a concern for many families. It is logical that everyone gets nervous when the little one does not sleep or does so badly, since rest is key to its development. Among the states of drowsiness, the most notable is lethargy, which we discuss below.
El lethargy It is a state of prolonged drowsiness which may be caused by enfermedades neurological, infectious, or toxic. It is characterized by deep and sustained drowsiness; and is often accompanied by clumsiness, true insensitivity and alterations of the encouragement.
What is childhood lethargy?
In practical terms, lethargy in childhood implies a marked decrease in energy, with Fatigue persistent and poorly responsive to stimuli. In more intense cases, the child may remain still, with breathing and pulse very difficult to perceive, flaccid limbs and dilated pupils with little response to light. There is the so-called lucid lethargy, in which the minor perceives what happens but cannot react. It is important to differentiate: drowsiness (dream), asthenia (fatigue without prior effort) and apathy (lack of interest); lethargy can combine traits of all three.
How it manifests in babies and children
In babies, a behavior change It is usually the first sign of illness. A lethargic infant sleep more than usual, it costs wake him up to feed him, and when he is awake he shows himself somnolent, slow and inattentive to noises or visual stimuli. In older children it is observed decay general, laziness to start activities and less movement for long periods.
Common causes of lethargy
It may be due to lack of energy due to habits or illness. Among the most common causes:
- La Lack of sleep. Children who don't rest well can be in this state of fatigue all day and present Fatigue continues, in addition to difficulty in concentrate in their routines.
- Child malnutrition. If not enough is ingested foods, decrease levels of EnergyBy not receiving proteins, vitamins and minerals, the child will be affected in his encouragement and vitality.
- Anemia. By reducing the Red blood cells that carry oxygen to the organs, lethargy occurs. The most common cause is a low iron diet.
Other causes to consider: infections (cold, flu), meningitis or other serious infections, dehydration, Hypoglycemia (low sugar), cardiac or hematological diseases (such as thalassemia), sleep disorders, certain sedative medications y psychological disorders.
Warning signs and when to seek urgent medical attention
Request immediate medical attention If you observe any of these signs, especially in infants:
- Fever in children under 3 months of age or sustained high fever at any age.
- Inconsolable crying, seizures o irritability extreme.
- Bulging fontanelle, presence of purple spots on skin or unusual rashes.
- Respiratory distress, marked pallor or intense redness.
- Refusal to eat or problems to swallow.
- Vomiting, Diarrhea or signs of dehydration (dry mouth, sunken eyes, depressed fontanel, fewer wet diapers).
How to measure temperature safely
Usa digital thermometerIn newborns and infants, the most accurate method is the rectal:
- Put the baby to bed with the bent knees and clean the thermometer.
- Apply water-soluble gel and introduces some 2,5 cm.
- Wait for the signal and read the temperature. Approximate normal rectal temperature range: 36,6°C to 38°C.
At armpit Place the bulb in full contact and hold the arm. Normal axillary range: 36,7°C to 37,5°CAvoid thermometers mercury and those of ear in newborn, as they may be imprecise.
Treatment of lethargy
Any type of symptom of lethargy may indicate a serious condition, so it is advisable go to the pediatrician to identify the cause. The treatment It will depend on the origin: from correcting sleep habits y nutrition, until managing iron in anemias, rehydration or treat infections. If lethargy occurs after a shock or startle, may subside, but should always to value oneselfWhile obtaining a diagnosis, prioritize hydration, offer frequent feedings to infants, an environment quiet and avoid medication without medical advice.
In children, the goal is to recognize on time the warning signs and act quickly. Detect lethargy, measure the temperature and consulting if you have any doubts improves the prognosis and helps protect the child's health.
