Raising children with heart illnesses can be extremely demanding for any parent. However, with the advancement of technology in healthcare and the overall healthcare revolution, understanding the nature of the disease and following practical recommendations from doctors can help you plan your care easily and manage it effectively.
Talking to the Onlymyhealth team, Dr Vikas Kohli, Founder, Child Heart Foundation shared a guide for parents to manage their child’s heart disease effectively.
How To Manage Your Child’s Heart Disease
“There are different types of heart illnesses that a child could be born with or develop early in life but there are solutions to all kinds of heart diseases,” said Dr Kohli.
“Some are relatively less complicated whereas, some might need surgery or long medication. It is very important to deal with the situation positively without knowing and accepting that there are ways to improve your child's quality of life,” he added.
Understanding the Condition and Adapting Care
One of the lesser-known facts about heart disease in children is that these kids have an increased risk of obesity infections. Initially, these babies with heart conditions struggle to gain weight. Hence they are recommended to have high-calorie formulas to grow properly as a lot of their calories are burnt due to faster breathing. But this has to be specifically noted that post-surgery or as their health improves their life has to be normalised. This includes diet and physical activity. Taking help from a nutritionist to develop a diet chart could support your child’s heart health, help them in recovery and also support them in the long term.
Maintaining a Hygienic Environment
Kids with heart diseases are generally more prone to infections and allergies. To protect them it is very important to minimise their exposure to crowded places, especially during cold and flu seasons. A normal child when he or she gets a cold or flu might just need home care and will be fine but these kids might end up in the hospital with severe discomfort, Hence, it is critical to ensure that your child is in a clean and hygienic environment.
Also Read: World Heart Day 2021: FAQs On Congenital Heart Disease In Children
Encouraging Physical Activity
Contrary to what people believe, children and teens with heart diseases should be engaged in physical activities. Regular exercises, 60-minute sessions, or a structured sport can help them to reduce the risk of heart attacks or strokes, and also maintain their weight. Moreover, physical activity helps these kids to prevent diabetes. But it is always advisable to consult with your child's cardiologist to determine the appropriate level and type of activity so that you get a tailored solution for your kid.
Regular Check-Ups and Emergency Preparedness
Being in touch with your child's cardiologist is equally important to manage their condition. Regular checkups ensure that any changes in your child's health are appropriately addressed and medications and activities are adjusted as required. It is also important for parents to understand the illness thoroughly so that they can be prepared for untimely emergencies. Learning first aid techniques like CPR or rescue breathing can be lifesaving.
Teaching Self-Care Skills
Like other life lessons, you should also educate your child about their condition and ways to take care of their heart condition. This makes sure that even when you're not around your child, they are mindful and aware to make wise choices. This could include educating them about their medication, importance of routine exercise, eating healthy food, and avoiding any harmful habits like smoking or drinking. Empowering them with knowledge and healthy habits sets the foundation for a lifetime of good health and well-being.
Also Read: Congenital Heart Disease In Children: What Are The Risk Factors?
Dr Kohli concluded that while managing a child's heart disease can be challenging, it's entirely possible with the right approach and support. By staying informed, maintaining a healthy environment, encouraging physical activity, staying vigilant with medical care, and teaching your child self-care, you can help your child lead a fulfilling and healthy life. Finally, avoiding misinformation from the net via unsupervised medical sites is also important. Seeking your doctor's help to clarify is justified.