Ear infections, also called otitis media, are a common problem in children. About 50% of infants have at least one ear infection by their first birthday. Ear infections can cause pain in the ear, fever, and temporary hearing loss and general signs such as loss of appetite and irritability. Some [...]
Mononucleosis also known as “Mono” or “Kissing disease” is a viral infection causing fevers, sore throat, and swollen lymph glands. It is typically caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Mononucleosis is often transmitted by saliva. While it is known as “the kissing disease,” occurring often in 15- to [...]
Ringworn or Tinea capitis is an infection of the scalp by mold-like fungi called dermatophytes. The scalp sores often have the appearance of an enlarging “ring”. The body normally hosts a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, mold-like fungi (dermatophytes) and yeast-like fungi (such as Candida). Some of these are useful to the body. Others [...]
Understanding Pinworms and Treatments Pinworms are very small parasitic worms that infect the intestines. They are found throughout the world. They are common in children and are easy to treat. Pinworms are the most common worm infection in the United States (approximately 1 out of 5), primarily affecting school-age children. Typically, children scratch their anal [...]
Lead Poisoning In Young Children The Center of Disease Control has for some time mandated that Pediatricians screen children for lead poisoning. The target populations have been changed and significantly modified over the past few years for screening frequency, intervention, and treatment. It is important to note that lead poisoning is NOT solely a problem [...]
Child Care for Vomiting and Diarrhea On the first day of vomiting, do not give milk or any solid food; instead, give only clear liquids such as flattened soda, Kool-Aid, Gatorade, tea, Jell-O water, Jell-O, or Pedialyte (if the child is 10 months or less). Avoid juices. Try to give only small amounts of fluid [...]
Understanding Bed Wetting and How to Stop a Child from Wetting the Bed Bedwetting (ENURESIS) may be normal up to six years of age. After six years, bedwetting may be a problem that children must stop. The exact cause of bedwetting is not completely understood as many factors may contribute to bedwetting. Some factors include [...]
Bronchiolitis or Bronchitis is a common illness of the respiratory tract caused by an infection that affects the tiny airways, called the bronchioles, which lead to the lungs. As these airways become inflamed, they swell and fill with mucus, which can make breathing difficult. Bronchiolitis: most often affects infants and young children because their [...]
DYSFUNCTIONAL VOIDING (A COMMON CHILDHOOD PROBLEM) Bladder Issues Your child has a condition known as Dysfunctional Voiding. This means that the various parts of the urinary tract may not be working together in a coordinated way. The bladder (which stores urine), the external sphincter muscle (which holds urine in the bladder to prevent leaking), and [...]
Children and Hives (URTICARIA) Urticaria is another term for "hives." The condition affects approximately 20% of the population at one time or another. An episode of hives can start as itching, followed by swollen, red welts. The itching may be mild or severe. Scratching and emotional stress may worsen the itching. An episode of hives [...]