Genetic Health Problems in Tweens
Helping Kids who Acquire Hereditary Chronic Conditions
While totally avoiding chronic conditions, such as eczema, allergies, and vision problems is not possible when it comes to a tween's health, there are ways to make the road more easily traveled for the child. The good news is that just because a parent has a chronic condition does not necessarily mean a tween will develop it automatically, but the risk is higher. Here are some common ailments that children do tend to acquire from a parent, and ways to take care of these problems early-on.
Vision Problems
The most inherited vision problems are amblyopia (lazy eye), nearsightedness, and color blindness, according to Stuart Dankner, MD, pediatric ophthalmologist, Baltimore, MD. Common signs that a tween has a vision problem may include:
- Headaches
- Frequent squinting while reading
- Eye tearing
The best defense against vision problems is to have regular eye checkups starting at age 1, and yearly thereafter. This is extremely important if vision problems run in the family so as to catch any problems early-on and begin treatment as soon as possible.
Migraines
Many adults suffer from the debilitating symptoms of migraines, but children are just as much at risk for them, especially if migraines run in the family. In fact, migraines can begin in tweens as early as age 9 (sometimes sooner). The most common symptoms of migraines include:
- Throbbing headache
- Nausea, sometimes associated with vomiting
- Light and sound sensitivity
Protecting a child from migraine frequency consists of knowing what triggers it. Some children are susceptible to certain smells, such as perfumes, while others may get migraines because of processed foods, such as hot dogs or caffeine. Fortunately for tweens, migraines can usually be fended off with sleep and ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Consistent recurrences of migraines may mean a trip to a neurologist is in order. Be sure to talk with the child's pediatrician about the condition to gain the best course to be taken.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is highly hereditary in nature, according to research by the University of Sydney, Australia ["Study Suggests Familial Aggregation of IBS," MedScape Medical News, December 17, 2003]. A tween who suffers from the condition is almost always likely to have a first-degree relative with the same condition. Symptoms of IBS vary from person-to-person, but generally include:
- Crampy abdominal pain
- Diarrhea and/or constipation
- Emotional mood swings
A tween suspected to have IBS should be checked out thoroughly to rule out other more serious gastrointestinal problems. Once IBS has been diagnosed, it usually requires a change in eating habits, as well as adding stress management techniques to a tween's regimen, such as yoga.
There are certainly other chronic conditions shared by families, including allergies, depression, eczema, among others. The best advice is to consult a pediatrician at the first sign that a tween has contracted a genetic disorder, so treatment can begin as soon as possible.
Article Source: Colino, Stacy. "Healthy Ever After," Parenting School Years Magazine, February 2009.
Note: This article is not intended to be medical advice or suggestion for definitive treatment of any of the conditions mentioned herein. Always consult a health care professional for diagnosis and treatment modalities.
Tween Genetic Health Problems
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