Hypoglycemia is an ailment that occurs due to a decrease in the concentration of glucose in the blood. As a result of this, a violation of the central nervous system. Pathology is one of the complications of diabetes. The lack of adequate therapy leads to sad consequences. The article talks about hypoglycemia in a child, its causes, symptoms, and methods of assistance.
The mechanism of development of pathology
Glucose is an important element that is necessary for the normal course of metabolism. Thanks to this substance, the tissues and cells of the human body are nourished. In order for all organs to work correctly, a certain amount of this compound must be contained in the blood. Hypoglycemia in a child is a pathology in which the glucose level becomes too low.
This phenomenon leads to a sharp deterioration in well-being. In addition, the result of the disease is a coma. If the child often experiences bruising, he has a profuse flow of sweat and dizziness, parents should not leave these signs unattended. Hypoglycemia can lead to serious consequences very quickly. This statement applies to both adult and minor patients.
Factors contributing to the development of the disease
Hypoglycemia in a child sometimes occurs as a result of external factors (errors in the diet, prolonged fasting, physical and emotional overload). In addition, pathology appears due to genetic disorders, disorders of the organs. A sharp decrease in blood glucose concentration is especially dangerous for infants. The following can be listed as the main causes of hypoglycemia in children:
- The lack of important substances (fiber, various vitamins), which contributes to increased production of insulin. The same violation may be due to an excess of fast carbohydrates in the diet.
- Drinking too little fluid. Water is an important element that contributes to the proper processing of lipids and glucose entering the body.
- Psychological turmoil.Such circumstances contribute to the intense activity of the central nervous system. Under stressful conditions, the body's organs require more sugar than usual.
- Long-term use of drugs.
- Too high dosage of insulin in patients with diabetes.
- Infectious pathologies, intoxication with spoiled products.
- Ailments associated with a deterioration in the activity of the urinary organs and liver.
- The use of alcohol-containing drinks by persons of puberty.
- Bad heredity.
- Enhanced insulin production. This pathology can develop due to pancreatic diseases. These include neoplasms of a benign and malignant nature. The first variety is removed surgically. The second type refers to cancer pathologies and is difficult to cure. Fortunately, it is extremely rare.
The main forms of the disease
There are several common types of disease. One of the varieties is associated with diabetes mellitus or inadequate treatment of this pathology. Another form of the disease occurs in infants a few days after birth. It often develops in babies who were born prematurely, suffered from hypoxia or impaired carbohydrate metabolism. Often there is the so-called ketotic hypoglycemia in a child. This phenomenon is due to the deterioration of the patient's well-being in connection with a short period of complete starvation. Experts believe that pathology is associated with a poor ability of the body to produce glucose. Such children, as a rule, are characterized by short stature and lean physique. A regular and healthy diet helps to avoid bouts of illness.
Receiving a liquid containing sugar also prevents the development of the condition. With age, the symptoms of ketotic hypoglycemia disappear on its own. There is also a type of disease associated with impaired function of the urinary system. This form of the disease can lead to serious malfunctions in the kidneys.
Symptoms of pathology
Hypoglycemia in a child is a dangerous condition that can lead to serious consequences. Therefore, it is necessary to have a clear idea of its symptoms in order to take timely assistance measures. The main manifestations of pathology include the following:
- Anxiety and irritability. The emotional background of the patient becomes volatile. Sometimes a child feels overwhelmed and loses interest in the world around him.
- Pale skin tone. Even after outdoor games, the patient does not have a healthy glow on the surface of the cheeks.
- Excessive sweat.
- The desire to sleep in the daytime and increased activity at night.
- Tremor of the extremities, muscle cramps, numbness of certain parts of the body.
- Digestive disorders (vomiting, loose stools).
- Headache.
- Decreased body temperature and blood pressure.
- Impaired attention.
- A strong feeling of hunger.
- Accelerated heart rate.
- Loss of consciousness.
The presence of the above signs indicates the possible development of hypoglycemia in children. Symptoms of this kind cannot be ignored. It is necessary to consult a specialist as soon as possible. Diagnostic measures in a medical facility will accurately determine the cause of the ailment.
Manifestations of the disease in newborns
Hypoglycemia in infants has all the signs characteristic of pathology. However, it can occur without symptoms. Then the disease is difficult to identify. Its presence is indicated only by an indicator of the concentration of glucose in the blood.
Symptoms of hypoglycemia in a child under the age of one year occur in the form of seizures and disappear only after feeding or injection of glucose. In infants, this pathology manifests itself in the form of respiratory disorders, muscle tremors, blurred consciousness, fatigue or anxiety. Often, the condition leads to the development of formidable complications, for example, coma. Hypoglycemia is common in infants who are born prematurely. In such babies, the symptoms of the disease are pronounced. It manifests itself in the following violations:
- Excitability.
- The occurrence of seizures.
- Violations of physical development.
- Loss of appetite.
- Apathy.
- Cyanotic shade of the skin.
- Difficulties with the breathing process.
Physicians, as a rule, pay a lot of attention to the health of infants born ahead of schedule. Therefore, the prevention and treatment of hypoglycemia in premature infants is more effective than in those who were born on time.
Methods of treating an illness in babies up to a year
If the pathology has been diagnosed, the doctor prescribes glucose in the form of a solution. It is given to the baby in the form of injections or a mixture with water. To improve the process of perception of a substance by the body, a specialist can recommend insulin. It is known that children with hypoglycemia are most often born in patients with diabetes. In this case, specialists need to carry out a laboratory blood test for glucose within half an hour after birth and conduct repeated tests every 3 hours for three days.
Prevention of the disease in infants
For babies who were born on time, natural feeding is a good preventive measure. The substances contained in mother's milk ensure the normal functioning of the body. Hypoglycemia in this situation is possible only against the background of a child’s malnutrition or hypothermia. The condition of the baby who has been prescribed insulin or glucose solution should be closely monitored by medical professionals.
Stages of the development of pathology
There are several stages of the disease, for example:
- The first degree of the disease. This is the least serious condition, which, however, indicates the development of disorders in the body. In this case, the child experiences intense sweating, crying attacks, pallor of the skin, and a decrease in temperature.
- Second phase. It is characterized by the appearance of vomiting, blurred speech and a deterioration in visual function.
- The third degree of the disease. Manifested by loss of consciousness, bouts of seizures.
- Coma. This is an extremely difficult form, which, in the absence of timely medical assistance, can lead to the death of the patient.
How to make the patient feel better?
If the child’s condition worsened sharply, he developed dizziness, pallor of the skin and severe sweating, you should try to find out what could cause the malaise. These symptoms are likely to indicate a decrease in blood glucose. To measure the level of sugar you need to use a special device. What is the emergency care for hypoglycemia in children? If an attack occurs, the following measures must be taken:
- Place patient in supine position.
- Call an ambulance service.
- Give your child water and some sweet product.
- Place a damp cloth on your forehead.
In addition, “Hematogen” helps alleviate the condition of a patient with an attack of hypoglycemia. This product helps increase blood sugar and iron. Also, before the ambulance arrives, you can put a glucose injection if the drug is at hand.
Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia in children
A clear distinction should be made between the above concepts. The first is associated with a sharp decrease in blood sugar, and the second, on the contrary, is the result of its increase. Symptoms of hyperglycemia include a constant feeling of thirst, frequent urination and pain in the head. This condition often develops after infectious pathologies and stress. In addition, an increase in blood sugar is due to an excess of carbohydrates in the diet. Such nutrition leads to excess pounds and malfunctions in the metabolism.
Proper diet is one of the conditions for preventing an ailment.
How to avoid an attack?
With hypoglycemia in a child, treatment involves regular injection of insulin, which normalizes sugar levels. To prevent the development of exacerbation, you need to adhere to such tips:
- Parents should teach their son or daughter how to give injections. In addition, the child needs to explain how to control glucose using the device.
- Tell patient about symptoms of low blood sugar. You should teach him the correct actions in case of deterioration (for example, that you need to eat sweet food or ask for adult help).
- Eat the right diet.
- Avoid overloads.
- Show patient to doctor regularly.
- Make sure that the baby always has something sweet in his pocket.
Parents of the patient need to know as much as possible about such an ailment as hypoglycemia, symptoms, causes. Treatment in children should also be aimed at combating concomitant pathologies.