Main Campus: Chesterfield, MO 63017 | 
Death among children and adolescents
Childhood and adolescent causes of death
Information
The information below is from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Accidents (unintentional injuries) are, by far, the leading cause of death among children and teens.
THE TOP THREE CAUSES OF DEATH BY AGE GROUP
0 to 1 year:
- Developmental and genetic conditions that were present at birth
- Conditions due to premature birth (short gestation)
Health problems of the mother during pregnancy 1 to 4 years:
- Accidents (unintentional injuries)
- Developmental and genetic conditions that were present at birth
- Homicide
5 to 14 years:
- Accidents (unintentional injuries)
- Cancer
-
Suicide
Suicide
Suicide is the act of taking one's own life on purpose. Suicidal behavior is any action that could cause a person to die, such as taking a drug over...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article
CONDITIONS PRESENT AT BIRTH
Some birth defects cannot be prevented. Other problems may be diagnosed during pregnancy. These conditions, when recognized, may be prevented or treated while the baby is still in the womb or right after birth.
Tests that may be done before or during pregnancy include:
- Amniocentesis
- Chorionic villus sampling
-
Fetal ultrasound
Fetal ultrasound
A pregnancy ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to create a picture of how a baby is developing in the womb. It is also used to chec...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Genetic screening of the parents
- Medical histories and childbirth history of the parents
PREMATURITY AND LOW BIRTH WEIGHT
Death due to prematurity often results from a lack of prenatal care. If you are pregnant and are not receiving prenatal care, call your health care provider or local department of health. Most state health departments have programs that provide prenatal care to mothers, even if they DO NOT have insurance and are not able to pay.
All sexually active and pregnant teens should be educated about the importance of prenatal care.
SUICIDE
It is important to watch teens for signs of stress, depression , and suicidal behavior . Open communication between the teen and parents or other persons of trust is very important for preventing teen suicide.
Suicidal behavior
Suicide is the act of taking one's own life on purpose. Suicidal behavior is any action that could cause a person to die, such as taking a drug over...
HOMICIDE
Homicide is a complex issue that does not have a simple answer. Prevention requires an understanding of the root causes and a willingness of the public to change those causes.
AUTO ACCIDENTS
The automobile accounts for the largest number of accidental deaths. All infants and children should use the proper child car seats, booster seats, and seat belts.
Other top causes of accidental death are drowning, fire, falls, and poisoning.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Child health. Updated October 6, 2016. www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/child-health.htm . Accessed October 25, 2016.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Deaths: final data for 2013. National vital statistics reports. Vol. 64, Number 2. Updated February 16, 2016. www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr64/nvsr64_02.pdf . Accessed October 25, 2016.
-
Support group counselors - illustration
Counselors sometimes work with a group of people (support group) to help identify problem issues and direct members towards understanding and personal wellness.
Support group counselors
illustration
-
Asthma in children and adolescents
(In-Depth)
-
Immunizations
(In-Depth)
-
Weight control and diet
(In-Depth)
-
Vitamins
(In-Depth)
-
Sickle cell disease
(In-Depth)
-
Omega-3 fatty acids
(Alt. Medicine)
-
Gastroesophageal reflux disease and heartburn
(In-Depth)
-
Bipolar disorder
(In-Depth)
-
Diabetes - type 1
(In-Depth)
-
Anemia
(In-Depth)
Review Date: 8/31/2016
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
