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22q Deletion Syndrome
22q11.2 deletion syndrome, also known as DiGeorge Syndrome, is a condition where there is a small amount of genetic material missing (a microdeletion) on the long arm (the q arm) of chromosome 22. 22q has the potential to impact every system in the body and can lead to a range of health issues.
Learn More22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome in Children
22q11.2 deletion syndrome is a genetic disorder that can cause many health problems. These problems may range from heart defects and developmental delays to seizures.
Learn MoreA Child Living with a Pacemaker or Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)
Detailed information on living with a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator
Learn MoreA Child's Concept of Death
From babies to teens, a look at how children understand death.
Learn MoreAbdominal / Duplication Cysts
Abdominal cyst is a general term used to describe a rare, congenital birth defect that causes an irregular mass of tissue to grow in a baby’s abdomen. Growths can appear anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract or reproductive organs like the ovaries. Surgery is the most common treatment for cysts.
Learn MoreAbdominal Pain
Functional abdominal pain is a common problem that interferes with a child’s daily life. Some red flags to look for include weight loss, vomiting, lack of energy and bloody diarrhea. A physician can perform tests to determine the cause of abdominal pain. Treatment plans vary depending on the cause.
Learn MoreAbout Cancer
Detailed information on cancer in children, including causes, diagnosis, treatment, and coping
Learn MoreAbout the Heart and Blood Vessels
Detailed anatomical description of the heart's blood vessels, including simple definitions and a labeled, full-color illustration
Learn MoreAbrasions
An abrasion is a superficial rub or wearing off of the skin, usually caused by a scrape or a brush burn. Abrasions are usually minor injuries that can be treated at home.
Learn MoreAbusive Head Trauma
Abusive head trauma (AHT), formerly called Shaken Baby Syndrome, is a form of child abuse.
Learn MoreAcanthosis Nigricans
Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a dark patch that appears on a child's neck, armpit, under the breast or a skin crease. It is usually a sign that the body is making extra insulin that it cannot use well. Eating a healthy diet and increasing physical activity are steps to help cure acanthosis nigricans.
Learn MoreAchalasia in Children
Achalasia is a rare disease that makes it hard to swallow food and liquids. In achalasia, there is a problem with the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach (esophagus).
Learn MoreAchilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis is an injury of the Achilles tendon (back of ankle). This tendon, sometimes called the ‘heel cord’, attaches the calf muscle to the heel. It is important for standing on your toes or for push-off during walking, running or jumping.
Learn MoreAchondroplasia
Achondroplasia is the most common form of short-limb dwarfism. Individuals who have achondroplasia have short limbs but normal trunk height and head size with a prominent forehead. Children with achondroplasia can lead normal lives provided they receive appropriate care by knowledgeable providers.
Learn MoreAchondroplasia in Children
Achondroplasia is a group of rare genetic (inherited) bone disorders. Achondroplasia is the most common type of what was once called dwarfism, in which the child's arms and legs are short in proportion to body length.
Learn MoreAcne
In this Helping Hand™ document, we discuss the causes and treatment of acne. Acne is one of the most common skin problems that young people have. Almost everyone will develop acne to some degree and some people have more pimples than others. Treatment often requires time, patience and medicine.
Learn MoreAcne in Children
Acne is a disorder of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Hair follicles are the areas around the base or root of each hair. Sebaceous glands are the tiny glands that release oil (sebum) into the hair follicles. The sebum moistens the skin and hair. The sebum and hair get to the skin surface through tiny holes called pores.
Learn MoreAcquired Hypothyroidism in Children
Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland doesn't make enough thyroid hormone. The condition is more common in adults. But it’s the most common thyroid disorder in children. Not enough thyroid hormone leads to signs, such as slow growth, lack of activity, and poor performance in school.
Learn MoreActive Tuberculosis Disease
In this Helping Hand™ document, we discuss Tuberculosis (TB). Active TB disease (the common name for Mycobacterium tuberculosis) is contagious. It is most often spread through the air. The standard of care for treatment of active TB is daily administration of medicines from health department nurses.
Learn MoreAcute Bronchitis in Children
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the large breathing tubes (bronchi) in the lungs. Short-term (acute) bronchitis means that the symptoms often develop quickly and don't last long.
Learn MoreAcute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy
AFLP is a rare, but serious, liver problem in pregnancy. With AFLP the liver cells have too much fat, which can damage the liver.
Learn MoreAcute Flaccid Myelitis
Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a rare but serious nerve-related condition that occurs mostly in children. AFM comes from a virus that is the common cold. AFM attacks the spinal cord and the nerves that go to the muscles. Patients begin with a respiratory illness and then end up with muscle weakness.
Learn MoreAcute Flaccid Myelitis in Children
AFM is a rare condition that affects the nervous system.
Learn MoreAcute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
Leukemia is cancer of the blood. It’s the most common form of cancer in childhood.
Learn MoreAcute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML)
Leukemia is cancer of the blood. It’s the most common form of cancer in childhood.
Learn MoreAcute Renal Failure
Acute kidney disease starts suddenly. In some cases, it may be reversed and the kidneys can work normally again.
Learn MoreAcute Respiratory Disorders
Detailed information on acute respiratory disorders in children
Learn MoreAcute Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) in Children
Acute spinal cord injury (SCI) is when the spinal cord is damaged from an accident or other situation. An SCI may be a bruise (contusion), a partial tear, or a complete tear (transection) in the spinal cord.
Learn MoreAddiction
Addiction refers to a wide range of compulsive behaviors. Traditionally, addiction refers to the excessive use of substances, including alcohol, drugs, cigarettes and food. Addiction has a wider meaning for children and teens, including attachment to things like the Internet and video games.
Learn MoreAdding to Mother's Milk
Your milk is best, but it's not always complete with the nutritional needs of very small premature babies or some very sick newborns.
Learn MoreAddison Disease in Children
Addison disease is when the adrenal glands don't make enough of 2 steroid hormones. The hormones are cortisol and aldosterone. Cortisol controls the body's metabolism, blocks inflammatory reactions, and affects the immune system. Aldosterone manages sodium and potassium levels. Addison disease is fairly rare and may first appear at any age.
Learn MoreAdenovirus Infection in Children
Adenoviruses are a group of viruses that cause a variety of infections. These include the common cold, conjunctivitis, and croup.
Learn MoreAdjustment Disorders in Children
An adjustment disorder is an unhealthy emotional or behavioral reaction to a stressful event or change in a person's life. The response happens within 3 months of the stressful event.
Learn MoreAdnexal Cysts
The adnexa are made up of the fallopian tubes and ovaries. Cysts are fluid-filled structures that can develop in the adnexa. Cysts on the ovaries are usually caused by hormonal stimulation or bleeding at the time of ovulation (hemorrhagic ovarian cysts). Most ovarian cysts require no treatment.
Learn MoreAdnexal/Ovarian Torsion
Adnexal torsion, when the adnexa twist inside the pelvis, may involve the fallopian tube, ovary or both. Torsion causes disruption in the blood flow to and from the adnexa, potentially causing tissue necrosis and damage. Adnexal torsion requires emergency surgery to detorse (untwist) the adnexa.
Learn MoreAdolescent Growth and Development
Detailed information on adolescent growth and development
Learn MoreAdolescent Health Problems and Injuries
Detailed information on adolescent health problems and injuries, including acne, asthma, breast conditions, breast self-examination, diabetes, eye care, eye safety, gynecological conditions, menstrual conditions, gynecologic problems, pap test, vaginitis, vulvitis, menstrual disorders, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), high blood pressure, infectious mononucleosis, obesity, oral health, orthodontics, braces, wisdom teeth extraction, periodontal disease, orthopedic problems, osgood schlatter disease, scoliosis, slipped capital femoral epiphysis, sexually transmitted diseases, safer sex guidelines, sports safety, sports injuries, sprains, strains, tennis elbow, mouthguards, heat related illness, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke
Learn MoreAdolescent Mental Health
Detailed information on adolescent mental health disorders, including schizophrenia, mood disorders, major depression, dysthymia, manic depression (bipolar disorder), teen suicide, anxiety disorders, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, phobia, post-traumatic stress disorder, behavior disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, eating disorders, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, substance abuse/chemical dependence, and adjustment disorders
Learn MoreAdolescent Problems of the Teeth and Mouth
Detailed information on adolescent problems of the teeth and mouth
Learn MoreAfter a Burn: When to Call Your Child's Healthcare Provider
Details about when to call your child's healthcare provider after a burn.
Learn MoreAge-Appropriate Speech and Hearing Milestones
A helpful look at age-appropriate hearing milestones for babies and toddlers.
Learn MoreAgenesis of the Corpus Callosum
Agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC) is a rare, congenital brain defect where a structure called the corpus callosum does not develop normally. The corpus callosum is a band of tissue connecting the left and right sides of the brain. The severity of the symptoms due to ACC is highly variable.
Learn MoreAIDS-Related Lymphoma in Children
AIDS-related lymphoma is a type of cancer called non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It grows in some people with AIDS. AIDS is a disease that weakens the immune system. AIDS raises the risk for long-term (chronic) disease, such as cancer.
Learn MoreAirway Obstruction Index
Infants and children under age 4 are particularly at risk for choking on food or small objects because their upper airways are smaller, and they tend to explore things with their mouths.
Learn MoreAirway Obstruction: Prevention
Because most accidental child strangulations, chokings, and suffocations happen in the home, it's important to carefully childproof your residence.
Learn MoreAirway Obstruction—Identifying High-Risk Situations
Choking hazards in the home: round, firm foods, such as grapes and popcorn, and small nonfood items, such as coins, balloons, and marbles.
Learn MoreAllergic Rhinitis
Allergic rhinitis is a common condition caused by an abnormal reaction of the body’s immune system to various allergens. In this condition, the nasal lining can become very inflamed and swollen from the over-response of the body. Common allergens include dust, grass, pollen, mold, trees and dander.
Learn MoreAllergic Rhinitis
In this Helping Hand™ document, we discuss allergic rhinitis. There are two main types of allergic rhinitis: seasonal (occurs certain times of the year) and perennial (happens all year). When symptoms occur in late summer or early fall, some people call it hayfever. Small changes at home can help.
Learn MoreAllergic Rhinitis in Children
Allergic rhinitis can happen on a seasonal basis or year-round. There is often a family history of allergic rhinitis, eczema, asthma, or food allergy. Read on to learn details about treating and managing this condition.
Learn MoreAllergies in Children
Allergies are problems of the immune system. Most allergic reactions happen when the immune system reacts to a “false alarm.” Normally, the human body defends itself against harmful things such as viruses or bacteria. But sometimes the defenses violently attack mostly mild things, such as dust, mold, or pollen.
Learn MoreAllergies to Foods
A food allergy occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts to certain foods. The body then makes antibodies to that food and an allergic reaction occurs. Anaphylaxis is a severe and possibly life-threatening reaction. If a severe reaction occurs, use the EpiPen and call 9-1-1 immediately.
Learn MoreAllergy to Dust Mites
Dust mites are tiny insects that live indoors. The enzymes in their feces and their hard shells can cause allergy and asthma symptoms. When a person who is sensitive to the dust mite breathes in these particles, they can cause sneezing, coughing, runny nose, congestion and itchy, watery eyes.
Learn MoreAllergy to Latex
Latex is the milky sap from the rubber tree. It is used to make many rubber products that are used in the hospital and home. Signs of a latex allergy include skin rash or scaliness, itching, hives, swelling, watery or puffy eyes, sneezing, coughing, wheezing or difficulty breathing.
Learn MoreAllergy to Mold
Mold is a fungus that can be found almost anywhere, both indoors and outside. Only a few types of mold cause an allergic reaction. Mold seeds (or spores) get into the air and are then breathed in. For children at risk, this can cause allergy-like symptoms or trigger breathing problems like asthma.
Learn MoreAllergy to Stinging Insects
In this Helping Hand™ document, we discuss local and systemic reactions to stinging insects. The most common stinging insects found in the Ohio area are honeybees, wasps, yellow jackets and hornets. Doctors often prescribe an automatic injector device such as an EpiPen® to treat severe reactions.
Learn MoreAlopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is a form of hair loss that occurs in children and adults. It is considered an autoimmune condition that results in inflammation and loss of hair. Alopecia areata is non-scarring, which means that the hair follicle is not destroyed and that it has the ability to regrow hair.
Learn MoreAlpha Thalassemia in Children
Alpha thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder. This means it is passed down through the parent’s genes. It causes anemia in affected children. Learn more about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
Learn MoreAlpha-fetoprotein (AFP) Screening Test
Alpha-fetoprotein screening is a blood test that measures the level of AFP in the mother's blood. Abnormal levels may indicate certain problems with the fetus.
Learn MoreAlveolar Cleft
An alveolar cleft is a cleft of the upper gum line. It most often accompanies and cleft lip and/or cleft palate. Bone graft repair allows permanent teeth to descent into the cleft while providing stability to the upper jaw and support to the nose.
Learn MoreAmenorrhea
Amenorrhea means a lack of menstrual periods. Primary amenorrhea means a patient has never had her first menstrual cycle. Secondary amenorrhea means the patient had menstrual cycles, but they are no longer happening at healthy intervals.
Learn MoreAmenorrhea in Teens
Amenorrhea is when a girl's menstrual bleeding (period) doesn't occur.
Learn MoreAmniotic Band Syndrome (ABS)
Amniotic band syndrome (ABS) is a rare congenital disorder that occurs when the lining of the amniotic sac is damaged during pregnancy, creating strands of tissue that wrap around different parts of the developing fetus or umbilical cord. The compression causes a wide range of birth defects.
Learn MoreAnaphylaxis in Children
Anaphylaxis is a severe and sometimes life-threatening reaction to an allergen. An allergen is something that your child is allergic to. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. Your child can have a reaction within seconds or as long as an hour after contact.
Learn MoreAnatomy and Development of the Mouth and Teeth
Children's teeth begin developing in the fetus. Good nutrition from the mother during pregnancy is important in the development of the teeth.
Learn MoreAnatomy and Function of the Electrical System
Detailed anatomical description of the heart's electrical system, including simple definitions and a labeled, full-color illustration
Learn MoreAnatomy and Function of the Heart Valves
Detailed anatomical description of the heart valves, including simple definitions and a labeled, full-color illustration.
Learn MoreAnatomy and Physiology of the Ear
The main parts of the ear are the outer ear, the eardrum (tympanic membrane), the middle ear, and the inner ear.
Learn MoreAnatomy and Physiology of the Nose and Throat
A helpful guide to the nose, the sinuses, and the throat.
Learn MoreAnatomy of a Child's Brain
The brain can be divided into 3 main parts: the cerebrum, the brainstem, and the cerebellum.
Learn MoreAnatomy of the Endocrine System in Children
Detailed information on the endocrine system, its anatomy and function, including a full-color, labeled illustration.
Learn MoreAnatomy of the Respiratory System in Children
A detailed anatomical description of the respiratory system, including simple definitions and labeled, full-color illustrations.
Learn MoreAnemia
Detailed information on anemia, including symptoms, diagnosis, causes, types, and treatment
Learn MoreAnemia B12 Deficiency
Learn MoreAnemia in Pregnancy
Anemia is when your blood has too few red blood cells. Having too few red blood cells makes it harder for your blood to carry oxygen or iron. This can affect how cells work in nerves and muscles. During pregnancy, your baby also needs your blood.
Learn MoreAnemia Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiency anemia means there is not enough iron in the red blood cells.
Learn MoreAnencephaly
Anencephaly is a condition present at birth that affects the formation of the brain and the skull bones that surround the head. Anencephaly results in minimal development of the brain. Often, the brain lacks part or all of the cerebrum. There is no cure or standard medical treatment for anencephaly.
Learn MoreAnencephaly in Children
Anencephaly is a birth defect that affects the brain and skull bones. With this condition, the brain isn't fully formed. It often lacks part or all of the cerebrum.
Learn MoreAneurysmal Bone Cyst
An aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a highly destructive, blood-filled benign (non-cancerous) bone tumor. ABCs can cause pain, swelling and fractures. Doctors at Nationwide Children's have developed a minimally invasive approach to treating aneurysmal bone cysts utilizing sclerotherapy techniques.
Learn MoreAnger Management: Strategies for Parents and Grandparents
Anger management helps you deal with your child or grandchild in a kind and constructive way. It also sets a good example of how to handle challenging situations and work out conflicts.
Learn MoreAnimal Bites
Detailed information on animal bites and rabies, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention
Learn MoreAnkle Sprain
An ankle sprain is a stretching or tearing of the ligaments. Signs of an ankle injury include pain, swelling or trouble walking. This often happens after an injury that involves twisting or rolling of the ankle. Sprains can often be treated at home, but a doctor may need to be seen if symptoms remain.
Learn MoreAnkle Sprain
An ankle sprain is a torn or stretched ligament in the ankle. Signs of an ankle injury include pain, swelling and tenderness in the ankle that may spread to the whole ankle and foot, and trouble walking.
Learn MoreAnkyloglossia in Children
Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) is a problem with the tongue that is present from birth. It causes speech and eating problems in some children.
Learn MoreAnomalous Coronary Artery in Children
An anomalous coronary artery (ACA) is a heart defect. This is something your baby is born with (congenital). In ACA, the blood vessels that supply blood to your child’s heart muscle aren’t normal.
Learn MoreAnorectal Malformation (ARM) or Imperforate Anus: Female
In this Helping Hand™ document, we discuss the symptoms and treatment of anorectal malformations (imperforate anus) in females. Different types of ARMs include perineal fistula, vestibular fistula, cloaca and no fistula. Young girls may be at risk for urology problems and gynecology problems.
Learn MoreAnorectal Malformation (ARM) or Imperforate Anus: Male
In this Helping Hand™ document, we discuss the symptoms and treatment of anorectal malformations (imperforate anus) in males. Different types of ARMs include perineal fistula, rectourethral fistula, cloaca and no fistula. Young boys may be at risk for urology, spine and sacrum problems.
Learn MoreAnorectal Malformation in Children
Anorectal malformations are birth defects, or problems that happen as an unborn baby is developing during pregnancy. With this defect, the anus and rectum don’t develop properly. They are the lower part of the digestive tract.
Learn MoreAnorectal Malformations or Imperforate Anus
Imperforate anus (or anorectal malformation) is a congenital defect that happens early in pregnancy, while a baby is still developing. In this defect, the baby’s anal opening, the rectum and nerves do not develop properly, preventing the child from being able to have normal bowel movements.
Learn MoreAnorexia Nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is a type of eating disorder in which a person severely limits the amount of food he or she eats to prevent weight gain or lose weight.
Learn MoreAnorexia Nervosa in Children
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder. It is a form of self-starvation. Children and teens with this health problem have a distorted body image. They think they weigh too much.
Learn MoreAnterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tear
An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is a sprain of one of the four major ligaments of the knee. The ACL is a rope-like structure that helps maintain the normal position of the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (leg bone).
Learn MoreAnterior Cruciate Ligament Tear (ACL Tear)
In this Helping Hand™ document, we discuss injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The ACL is one of four main ligaments in the knee. Surgery to rebuild the ACL is called arthroscopic ACL reconstruction. It usually takes 6 to 9 months of recovery before returning to normal activities.
Learn MoreAnterior Pituitary Disorders
Detailed information on anterior pituitary disorders, including hypopituitarism
Learn MoreAnticipatory Grief
Anticipatory grief is similar to the normal process of mourning, but it happens before the actual death.
Learn MoreAntiphospholipid Syndrome in Pregnancy
Antiphospholipid syndrome is an autoimmune disease. This happens when your immune system fights against normal cells. In this condition, your body makes antibodies that attack a kind of fat in cells. This makes your blood clot too easily.
Learn MoreAnxiety
Anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental health disorder in children. There are many types of anxiety disorders (each with its own distinct symptoms) including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and others.
Learn MoreAnxiety and Worry
Anxiety is a normal emotion. It can cause feelings of fear, tension and worry. It can also cause physical changes in the body.
Learn MoreAnxiety Disorders in Children
Detailed information on the most common types of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and phobias
Learn MoreAortic Stenosis in Children
Aortic stenosis means that your child has a heart valve that is too narrow or is blocked. The aortic valve is 1 of 4 heart valves that keep blood flowing through the heart. The valves make sure blood flows in only one direction. The aortic valve keeps blood flowing from the left ventricle to the aorta.
Learn MoreApert Syndrome
Apert syndrome affects the skull, face, hands and feet. It is a genetic syndrome, which is due to a mutation on the FGFR2 gene.
Learn MoreAplastic Anemia in Children
Detailed information on aplastic anemia, including cause, symptom, diagnosis, and treatment
Learn MoreApnea
In this Helping Hand™ document, we discuss apnea, which is a pause in breathing that lasts 20 seconds or longer for full-term infants. There are many reasons why a baby may have periods of apnea including brain immaturity, neurological issues, heart disease, gastrointestinal issues and others.
Learn MoreApnea of Prematurity
Apnea is a term that means breathing has stopped for more than 20 seconds. It can happen in full-term babies, but it is more common in premature babies. The more premature the baby, the greater the chances that apnea will occur.
Learn MoreAppendicitis in Children
Appendicitis is a painful swelling and infection of the appendix. It is a medical emergency. The appendix can burst or rupture. This is serious and can lead to more infection. If not treated, it can be fatal.
Learn MoreArrhythmias in Children
An arrhythmia is an abnormal rhythm of the heart. In an arrhythmia, abnormal electrical signals through the heart muscle may cause the heart to beat too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or irregularly. Read on to learn more.
Learn MoreArteriovenous Malformations
Learn MoreArthrogryposis
Arthrogryposis, also called arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC), involves a variety of non-progressive conditions that are characterized by multiple joint contractures (stiffness) and involves muscle weakness found throughout the body at birth. AMC is not a progressive disorder.
Learn MoreAsperger's Syndrome
Asperger’s Syndrome, a form of Autism Spectrum Disorder, is a developmental disorder. Young people with Asperger’s Syndrome have a difficult time relating to others socially and their behavior and thinking patterns can be rigid and repetitive. They also may have trouble understanding body language.
Learn MoreAspiration in Babies and Children
Aspiration is when something enters the airway or lungs by accident. It may be food, liquid, or some other material. This can cause serious health problems, such as pneumonia.
Learn MoreAssessments for Newborn Babies
Each newborn baby is carefully checked at birth for signs of problems or complications.
Learn MoreAsthma and Reactive Airway Disease (RAD) (Wheezing)
Asthma is a disease of the lungs in which the airways are sensitive to things in the air. During a flare-up the airways swell and fill with mucus. The muscles around the airways also tighten and squeeze. This can cause noisy breathing or wheezing. Asthma action plans involve taking rescue medicine.
Learn MoreAsthma in Children
Asthma is a long-term (chronic) lung disease that causes your child's airways to become sensitive to certain things (triggers).
Learn MoreAsthma in Children Index
Detailed information on asthma, including triggers of an asthma attack, symptoms, diagnosis, management, and treatment
Learn MoreAsthma Triggers
Your child's asthma may be triggered by a number of things: pollen, molds, certain foods, strong odors, or even exercise.
Learn MoreAstrocytoma (aka Glioma)
An astrocytoma or glioma is a type of tumor that form in the brain or spinal cord as a result of abnormal growth of glial cells. Glial cells surround, protect and help with the functions of neurons—the cells that help send messages from your brain to the rest of your body. Astrocytomas specifically develop from the growth of astrocytomas, which are one type of glial cell.
Learn MoreAstrocytoma in Children
Astrocytoma is the most common type of brain tumor in children. It is usually low grade, which means slow-growing.
Learn MoreAtopic Dermatitis in Children
Atopic dermatitis is a long-term (chronic) skin condition. It causes dry, itchy skin. It’s a very common condition in babies and children. It often first appears between ages 3 and 6 months.
Learn MoreAtrial Septal Defect
Atrial septal defects (ASD) are a congenital heart defect characterized by a hole in the wall (septum) that divides the upper chambers (atria) of the heart.
Learn MoreAtrial Septal Defect (ASD) in Children
The atrial septum is the wall between the 2 upper chambers of the heart (right and left atria). An atrial septal defect (ASD) is an abnormal hole in this wall. ASD is a heart problem that is present at birth (congenital). Read on for details about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
Learn MoreAtrioventricular (AV) Canal Defect in Children
An atrioventricular (AV) canal defect is a congenital heart defect. This means that your child is born with it. These defects may range from partial to complete. These conditions cause oxygen-rich (red) blood and oxygen-poor (blue) blood to mix. This sends extra blood to the child's lungs.
Learn MoreAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common behavioral disorder. It affects about ten percent of school-age children. Boys are more likely than girls to be diagnosed with it. Young people with ADHD have an impulsive nature that is difficult for them to control.
Learn MoreAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition characterized by inattention, impulsiveness and hyperactivity. Symptoms are usually noticed by the time a child starts school. Treatment of ADHD may include family or individual counseling. Medicines may also be prescribed.
Learn MoreAttention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavior disorder. It is often first diagnosed in childhood.
Learn MoreAudiology
As part of a hearing evaluation, your child's healthcare provider will do a complete medical history and physical exam. In addition, there are many different types of hearing tests.
Learn MoreAuditory Processing Disorder
Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), also referred to as Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD), is a disorder of the auditory (hearing) system that causes a disruption in the way that an individual’s brain understands what they are hearing. It is not a form of hearing loss.
Learn MoreAutism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts a child’s ability to communicate and interact socially. It also impacts the way the child thinks and behaves.
Learn MoreAutism Spectrum Disorder in Children
Autism spectrum disorder is a problem that affects a child's nervous system and growth and development. It often shows up during a child's first 3 years of life.
Learn MoreAutoimmune Diseases and Pregnancy
Detailed information on autoimmune diseases and pregnancy
Learn MoreAutoimmune Hepatitis
Autoimmune hepatitis in children is a rare and serious disease of the liver. It happens when something goes wrong with the body’s immune system. In autoimmune hepatitis, the immune system attacks normal liver cells. This causes damage that makes it hard for the liver to work properly.
Learn MoreAutosomal Dominant Opitz G/BBB Syndrome
22q.11.2 deletion syndrome includes the autosomal dominant form of Opitz G/BBB Syndrome.
Learn MoreAutosomal Recessive: Cystic Fibrosis, Sickle Cell Anemia, Tay Sachs Disease
Overview of autosomal recessive inheritance, including cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and Tay Sachs disease.
Learn MoreAvulsion Fracture of the Iliac Crest
Avulsion fractures occur when a small piece of bone is separated from the main bone due to the pull of the muscle and tendon attached to it.
Learn MoreAvulsion Fractures of the Ischial Tuberosity of the Pelvis
Avulsion fractures occur when a small piece of bone is separated from the main bone due to the pull of the muscle and tendon attached to it. This typically occurs in a growing bone which is weaker than a developed bone.
Learn MoreBaby's Care After a Cesarean Delivery
Because babies born by cesarean may have difficulty clearing some of the lung fluid and mucus, extra suctioning of the nose, mouth, and throat are often needed.
Learn MoreBaby's Care After a Vaginal Delivery
Healthy babies born in a vaginal delivery are usually able to stay with the mother. In many cases, immediate newborn assessments are performed right in the mother's room.
Learn MoreBaby's Care in the Delivery Room
A newborn baby is wet from the amniotic fluid and can easily become cold. Drying the baby and using warm blankets and heat lamps can help prevent heat loss. Often a knitted hat is placed on the baby's head.
Learn MoreBack Sciatica
The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body. It runs from the lower back through the hips and down each leg. The sciatic nerve provides sensation and muscle innervation to the back of the thigh, lower leg, ankle and foot.
Learn MoreBacterial Endocarditis in Children
Bacterial endocarditis is an infection of the lining of the heart (endocardium), and the heart valves. It does not happen very often, but when it does, it can cause serious heart damage.
Learn MoreBacterial Skin Infections in Children
Detailed information on bacterial skin infections, including impetigo, cellulitis, scarlet fever, folliculitis, boils, carbuncles, and staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome
Learn MoreBacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis is an infection of the vagina. Females of any age can have it and you do not have to be sexually active to get bacterial vaginosis. This infection is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Learn MoreBacterial Vaginosis
Bacterial vaginosis or BV is an infection of the vagina. BV is not a sexually transmitted disease. It is an overgrowth of specific anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that do not need oxygen to grow) in the vagina. Women with BV report a fishy-smelling discharge (fluid) that is white to gray in color.
Learn MoreBartholin’s Cyst
Girls have two Bartholin glands that are located just inside the opening of the vagina. The glands produce fluid that lubricates the vagina. A Bartholin gland cyst forms when the opening of the gland becomes blocked and the fluid cannot get out.
Learn MoreBartholin's Cyst
A Bartholin’s cyst is a pocket of fluid that forms in the tissue surrounding the vaginal opening. Bartholin glands create fluid that lubricates the vagina.
Learn MoreBathing and Skin Care for the Newborn
Bath time is a great time to bond with your newborn while keeping his or her skin healthy and cuddly soft. Get the fact - îand proper supplies - to make these moments safe and enjoyable for both you and baby.
Learn MoreBatten Disease
Batten Disease, also known as Spielmeyer-Vogt-Sjogren-Batten disease, is the most common form of a group of disorders called neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (or NCLs). Although Batten disease is usually regarded as the juvenile form of NCL, it has become the term which encompasses all forms of NCL.
Learn MoreBecker Muscular Dystrophy
Becker muscular dystrophy is the same basic disease as Duchenne muscular dystrophy, except it is less common and the symptoms are milder and slower to progress. It only affects males. Once symptoms begin, they follow a slower, but similar, course to that of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Learn MoreBehavior Changes
Your baby's activity level, appetite, and cries normally vary from day to day, and even hour to hour. But a distinct change in any of these areas may signal illness.
Learn MoreBehavior Disorders
Detailed information on behavior problems in adolescents, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder, and oppositional defiant disorder
Learn MoreBenign Skin Growths and Pigmentation Disorders
Detailed information on benign skin growths and pigmentation disorders in children
Learn MoreBenign Skin Growths in Children
Detailed information on benign skin growths, including dermatofibromas, dermoid cyst, freckles, keloids, lipomas, moles, atypical moles, pyogenic granulomas
Learn MoreBeta Thalassemia in Children
Beta thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder. This means it is passed down through the parent’s genes. It is a form of anemia. Anemia is a low red blood cell or low hemoglobin level. Hemoglobin is part of red blood cells. It carries oxygen to organs, tissues, and cells. Beta thalassemia affects the production of hemoglobin.
Learn MoreBiceps Tendonitis and Tenosynovitis (Distal)
Distal biceps tendonitis is pain at the front of the elbow and upper arm caused by inflammation (swelling) of the biceps tendon. Tenosynovitis (ten-oh-sine-oh-VIE-tis) is inflammation of the tendon sheath (lining) that surrounds the biceps tendon.
Learn MoreBicuspid Aortic Valve
Bicuspid aortic valve disease (BAV) is an irregularity in the heart where there are only two leaflets on a valve, instead of the normal three.
Learn MoreBicycle / In-Line Skating / Skateboarding Safety
Detailed information on bicycle, in-line skating, and skateboarding safety
Learn MoreBicycling, Inline Skating, Skateboarding, and Scooter Safety—Prevention
Read on for specific safety and injury prevention tips for wheel sports--from biking and inline skating to skateboarding and scooters.
Learn MoreBifid Uvula
A bifid uvula, also known as a cleft uvula, is a uvula that is split in two. A bifid uvula may be an isolated finding or it may be related to submucous cleft palate. In cases of isolated bifid uvula, and in cases of submucous cleft palate without hypernasality, no surgical intervention is needed.
Learn MoreBilateral Renal Agenesis
Bilateral renal agenesis (BRA) is a rare and life-limiting condition in which the baby’s kidneys never develop. BRA is usually diagnosed during pregnancy. Unfortunately, there currently is not a cure for bilateral renal agenesis. These babies usually only live for a few hours after birth.
Learn MoreBiliary Atresia in Children
Biliary atresia is a rare liver disease that occurs in infants. It is often found shortly after birth. The disorder affects tubes in the liver called bile ducts. If not treated with surgery, it can be fatal.
Learn MoreBiophysical Profile
A biophysical profile is a test that is sometimes used during the third trimester of pregnancy. It is often done if there is a question about the baby’s health. This may be because of other test results or certain pregnancy symptoms, or because your pregnancy is high risk.
Learn MoreBipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic-depression, is a chronic mental illness that causes extreme mood swings from high to low and vice versa.
Learn MoreBipolar Disorder in Teens
Bipolar disorder is a type of depression. A teen with bipolar disorder often has extreme mood swings. These mood swings go beyond the day's normal ups and downs.
Learn MoreBirth Defects in Children
A birth defect is a health problem or abnormal physical change that is present when a baby is born. Birth defects can be very mild, where the baby looks and acts like any other baby. Or birth defects can be more severe. Read on to learn more.
Learn MoreBirth Defects in Newborn Babies
Birth defects may be caused by inherited (genetic) problems or by environmental things such as exposure to certain toxic substances during pregnancy. Some birth defects can be linked to a direct cause. Other reasons are not as clear.
Learn MoreBirth Defects Index
Detailed information on birth defects, including their cause and frequency
Learn MoreBirth Injuries
Some babies have a more difficult trip through the birth canal than others, resulting in physical injuries. These injuries usually are not serious and clear up or improve within a few days or weeks after the birth.
Learn MoreBirthmarks
Detailed information on birthmarks and the different types, including vascular birthmarks, hemangiomas, and port-wine stains.
Learn MoreBirthmarks
More than 80 percent of babies have some type of birthmark. Most birthmarks are harmless and require no treatment. Vascular birthmarks include macular stains, hemangiomas and port wine stains. Pigmented birthmarks include congenital melanocytic nevi (moles), dermal melanosis and café-au-lait spots.
Learn MoreBites
Detailed information on bites, including human bites, animal bites, and insect bites
Learn MoreBites and Stings
Detailed information on insect bites, including bee stings, flea bites, mite bites, chigger bites, spider bites, tick bites, and lyme disease
Learn MoreBiting
Young children may bite others out of frustration or stress, or because they feel powerless. Infants and toddlers often bite as a way of exploring their world.
Learn MoreBlack Eye (Ecchymosis)
A black eye should be seen by a healthcare provider to make sure no injury has happened to the eye itself. Most black eyes heal completely and don't cause any damage.
Learn MoreBladder Outlet Obstruction
Bladder outlet obstruction, also known as lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO), is a rare birth defect characterized by a partial or complete blockage in the urethra. There are several types of bladder outlet obstruction, including urethral atresia, posterior urethral valves, and triad syndrome.
Learn MoreBleeding Disorders
Detailed information on bleeding disorders, including Hemophilia and Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura
Learn MoreBlepharitis in Children
Blepharitis is an inflammation in the oil glands of the eyelid. It causes swollen eyelids and crusting around the eyelashes. Even after it’s treated and goes away, it can often come back again and again for years. It can often lead to an infection of the eye and a loss of eyelashes.
Learn MoreBlisters in Children
Detailed information on blisters, including cause, first aid, and treatment.
Learn MoreBlocked Tear Duct (Dacryostenosis) in Children
In some children, the openings into the tear duct don’t form the right way. This causes a blockage. The tears have no place to drain. Learn more about how this condition can affect your child, and how it's treated.
Learn MoreBlood Circulation in the Fetus and Newborn
During pregnancy, the fetal lungs are not used for breathing - the placenta does the work of exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide through the mother's circulation. With the first breaths of air the baby takes at birth, the fetal circulation changes.
Learn MoreBlood Clots
Learn MoreBlood Clotting Disorders in Children
Blood-clotting disorders are a group of conditions in which there is too much clotting. They are often inherited.
Learn MoreBlood in the Eye (Hyphema) in Children
Hyphema is blood in the front (anterior) chamber of the eye. This is located between the clear front part of the eye (cornea) and the colored part of the eye (iris). Read on to learn more about what to do when your child has blood in their eye.
Learn MoreBlood Tests and Your Child's Heart
Detailed information on blood tests used to diagnosis heart disease.
Learn MoreBlood Types in Pregnancy
A baby may have the blood type and Rh factor of either parent, or a combination of both parents.
Learn MoreBone Cancers in Children
Detailed information on bone cancer in children, including Ewing sarcoma and osteogenic sarcoma
Learn MoreBone Marrow
Detailed information on bone marrow and bone marrow transplantation in children
Learn MoreBone Marrow Suppression During Cancer Treatment in Children
Bone marrow suppression is when fewer blood cells are made in the marrow. It's a common side effect of some strong medicines, such as chemotherapy.
Learn MoreBone Marrow Transplant for Children
A bone marrow transplant (BMT) is a treatment for children with certain types of cancer or other diseases. The goal of BMT is to replace a child's diseased bone marrow with healthy bone marrow.
Learn MoreBone Marrow: Transplant Chronic Graft-Versus-Host-Disease
After someone has a bone marrow transplant, the donated bone marrow or stem cells can attack healthy tissue in a patient’s body.
Learn MoreBottle-Feeding
Detailed information on bottle-feeding, including information on the different types of baby formulas.
Learn MoreBoxer's Fracture
This fracture in the hand is often caused by hitting something with a closed fist, thus the name Boxer’s Fracture. It is commonly seen in teenagers. The fracture will typically heal within 3 to 4 weeks from the date of injury.
Learn MoreBrachial Plexus
The brachial plexus is a bundle of nerves that separates into the major nerves that supply movement and touch function to the arm.
Learn MoreBrain Abscess in Children
An abscess is a pocket of infection. In the brain, an abscess may be in one or more areas. This condition may cause problems with how the brain and spinal cord function. It is a serious and life-threatening condition that needs to be treated right away.
Learn MoreBrain Tumors
Brain tumors are the most common solid tumors in children. Primary brain tumors start in the brain and usually do not spread outside the brain tissue.
Learn MoreBrain Tumors in Children
A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue in the brain. The brain is part of the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS also includes the spinal cord.
Learn MoreBranchial Cleft Abnormalities in Children
A branchial cleft abnormality is a cluster of abnormally formed tissue in the neck. A branchial cleft abnormality is a birth defect. It happens when the area doesn't form as it should during the early stages of an embryo’s development.
Learn MoreBranchial Cleft Cyst/Sinus/Fistula
During early prenatal development, gill-like structures (branchial) usually resorb but in rare circumstances, they may remain. These are referred to as branchial anomalies. They include branchial sinus, branchial fistula and branchial cyst. Branchial anomalies can be removed surgically.
Learn MoreBreast Asymmetry
Breast asymmetry in teenage females is common. In certain situations, the asymmetry may be significant and may lead to decreased body image, and difficulty finding clothes that fit. Treatment may include surgery. The type of surgery varies based on patient wishes and surgeon assessment.
Learn MoreBreast Conditions in Young Women
Some breast changes or conditions are related to a young woman's menstrual cycle, but others may occur at any time. Most breast conditions are benign.
Learn MoreBreast Milk Collection and Storage
Detailed information on breast milk collection and storage
Learn MoreBreast Milk Expression
Most mothers who plan to continue breastfeeding will need to express their breast milk during the work or school day if away from the baby for more than three or four hours.
Learn MoreBreastfeeding and Delayed Milk Production
If your milk is delayed coming in, or you're not making enough milk, don't give up. Read on for some helpful tips.
Learn MoreBreastfeeding at Work
Having your employer's support is important to successfully continue breastfeeding. Here's what you need to know about pumping breastmilk at work.
Learn MoreBreastfeeding Difficulties - Baby
Detailed information on breastfeeding difficulties of the baby, including ineffective latch-on, ineffective sucking, slow infant weight gain, poor infant weight gain, mismanaged breastfeeding, over-active breast milk let down
Learn MoreBreastfeeding Difficulties - Mother
Detailed information on breastfeeding difficulties of the mother, including sore nipples, low breast milk production, flat nipples, plugged milk ducts, and mastitis
Learn MoreBreastfeeding the High-Risk Newborn
Detailed information on breastfeeding the high-risk newborn
Learn MoreBreastfeeding When Returning to Work
Helpful advice on how to maintain your milk production when going back to work.
Learn MoreBreastfeeding Your Baby
Click on the links below to learn more about this topic. Breast Milk is the Best Milk Getting Started How Milk is Made Effective Breastfeeding Effective Sucking Breastfeeding Difficulties - Mother Sore Nipples Insufficient or Delayed Milk Production Low Milk Production Flat or Inverted Nipples
Learn MoreBreastfeeding Your High-Risk Baby
Learning to breastfeed effectively is a process that may take days or weeks for premature and many other high-risk babies. But you and your baby can become a breastfeeding team if you are patient and persistent.
Learn MoreBreastfeeding Your Premature Baby
Breastfeeding your premature infant is not only possible, it's the best thing for your baby.
Learn MoreBreastfeeding: Getting Started
The first weeks of breastfeeding should be considered a learning period for both you and your baby. Here's what you need to know.
Learn MoreBreastfeeding: Returning to Work
It's important to give yourself enough time to practice pumping and get your body used to pumping before you return to work. Read on for some helpful tips.
Learn MoreBreastmilk Is Best
Your milk contains just the right balance of nutrients in a form most easily used by your baby's immature body systems.
Learn MoreBreastmilk: Pumping, Collecting, Storing
"Fresh breastmilk" contains the most active anti-infective properties. Refrigerated breastmilk has fewer anti-infective properties than fresh milk and frozen breastmilk has the least.
Learn MoreBreathing Problems
If you listen closely, you'll notice that your baby's breathing isn't like yours. Babies breathe much more frequently and with different patterns than adults. Here's how to recognize normal breathing in your infant - and how to spot signs of respiratory distress.
Learn MoreBroken Bone
Learn MoreBronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis is an infection of the small airways (bronchioles) caused by a virus. The most common viruses that cause it are RSV, para influenza virus, rhinovirus (common cold), human metapneumovirus and adenovirus. Bronchiolitis is also often called "RSV infection."
Learn MoreBronchiolitis in Children
Bronchiolitis is an infection of the lungs. It's when your child has swelling in the smaller airways (bronchioles) of the lung. This swelling blocks air in the smaller airways.
Learn MoreBronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a term used to describe long-term breathing problems for premature babies. It involves abnormal development of the lungs, and sometimes the lungs are scarred and inflamed.
Learn MoreBronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD)
Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) is a term used to describe long-term breathing problems for premature babies. BPD involves abnormal development of the lungs, and in the most severe cases the lungs are scarred and inflamed. Symptoms can include respiratory distress and assisted breathing.
Learn MoreBronchoscopy
Bronchoscopy is the examination of the main airways of the lungs using a flexible tube. It helps assess and diagnose lung problems, assess blockages, take samples of tissue or fluid, or help remove a foreign body.
Learn MoreBrown Recluse and Black Widow Spider Bites in Children
Most spiders in the U.S. are poisonous. The fangs of most spiders are too short or too fragile to break through human skin. Or their poison (venom) is too weak to cause damage. Most spider bites cause only minor, local reactions. But bites from the black widow and the brown recluse spiders can cause serious problems. Read on to learn more.
Learn MoreBruises
A bruise is a collection of blood underneath the skin that is caused by injury to an area of the body. Sometimes enough bleeding occurs so that a lump also forms.
Learn MoreBrushing and Toothpaste for Children
Read on to learn how to help your child care for their teeth correctly, from the type of toothbrush and toothpaste to use, to tips on how to brush their teeth.
Learn MoreBulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa is a type of eating disorder in which a person regularly eats excessive amounts of food and then attempts to eliminate the consequences of overeating by vomiting, taking laxatives or diuretics, fasting, or exercising excessively.
Learn MoreBurkitt Lymphoma in Children
Burkitt lymphoma is a rare, fast-growing form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). It’s a type of cancer of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is part of the immune system. It helps to fight diseases and infections.
Learn MoreBurkitt's Lymphoma
Learn MoreBurkitt's Lymphoma/Burkitt's Like Lymphoma
Learn MoreBurners and Stingers Syndrome in Children
Burners and stingers syndrome is a type of sports injury. It is a pain in the shoulder or neck that causes a burning or stinging feeling down an arm to the hand.
Learn MoreBurns Caused by Heat
Detailed information about how to care for your child's heat-induced burn.
Learn MoreBurns: Symptom Management
Most children with burns have pain, which can be controlled with medicine. They also usually experience itching at some point during the healing process.
Learn MoreBursitis
Bursitis is swelling or irritation of a bursa. A bursa is a fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between tendons, ligaments, bones, and skin.
Learn MoreCampylobacter Infection in Children
Campylobacter infection is a mild to serious digestive illness. It is caused by bacteria. Symptoms often include cramping, diarrhea, belly pain, and fever.
Learn MoreCancer Treatment for Children
The specific treatment for your child's cancer will be determined by your child's healthcare provider, based on a variety of factors, including the type of cancer and the extent of the disease.
Learn MoreCandidiasis in Children
Candidiasis is an infection caused by yeast called Candida. Candida normally causes no harm, and is found on the skin, vaginal area, and digestive system. But in some cases, it can overgrow. This can cause a rash, itching, and other symptoms.
Learn MoreCanker Sores (Aphthous Ulcers) in Children
Canker sores are small sores inside the mouth. They are often found inside the lips, on the cheeks, or on the tongue.
Learn MoreCarbon Monoxide Poisoning in Children
Carbon monoxide poisoning is an illness that occurs from breathing in carbon monoxide (CO) gas. It's a medical emergency and needs treatment right away.
Learn MoreCardiac Catheterization for Children
Cardiac catheterization is a procedure in which a long, flexible tube (catheter) is put into a blood vessel. The doctor then guides the catheter into the heart to find and treat heart problems.
Learn MoreCardiomyopathy and Your Child
Cardiomyopathy is any disease of the heart muscle in which the heart loses its ability to pump blood effectively.
Learn MoreCare of the Baby in the Delivery Room
A newborn baby is wet from the amniotic fluid and can easily become cold. Drying the baby and using warm blankets and heat lamps can help prevent heat loss. Often a knitted hat is placed on the baby's head.
Learn MoreCare of the Uncircumcised Penis in Teens
In an uncircumcised boy, the foreskin will begin to separate from the tip of the penis. This happens naturally while the boy is a baby. This is called foreskin retraction.
Learn MoreCast Types and Maintenance Instructions
The outside of a cast can be made of plaster or fiberglass. Cotton and synthetic materials line the inside of the cast to make it soft and to provide padding around bony areas, such as the wrist or elbow.
Learn MoreCat Scratch Disease in Children
Cat scratch disease is a bacterial infection carried in cat saliva. It is passed from a cat bite or scratch to a human. It can also result from a fleabite, but cats are the main source.
Learn MoreCataracts in Children
A cataract is a clouding over the lens of the eye. This area is normally clear (transparent). Some cataracts are small and don’t cause any trouble with vision. Others can cause visual problems in children. Cataracts are rare in children.
Learn MoreCauliflower Ear
Cauliflower ear is the result of a direct blow to the outer ear. Blood or other fluids fill the space in between and disrupts normal blood flow. Without adequate blood flow, the cartilage is starved of vital nutrients.
Learn MoreCauses of Cancer
There is no one cause for cancer. Scientists believe that it is the interaction of many factors—genetic or environmental.
Learn MoreCayler Cardiofacial Syndrome
Cayler Cardiofacial Syndrome is also known as 22q.11.2 deletion syndrome.
Learn MoreCeliac Disease
Celiac disease is a chronic condition that results in damage to the lining of the small intestines. Symptoms are triggered by the ingestion of products that contain wheat, barley or rye proteins, collectively known as gluten.
Learn MoreCellulitis in Children
Cellulitis is a spreading skin infection. It may affect the upper skin layer. Or it may affect the deeper skin and layer of fat under the skin. When cellulitis affects the upper skin layer, it may be called erysipelas. This type of infection is more common in children.
Learn MoreCellulitis of the Eye in Children
Cellulitis is a serious type of infection and inflammation. It can occur in various parts of the body. When it occurs in the eyelid and tissues in the front part of the eye area, it’s called preseptal cellulitis. When it occurs behind and around the eye in the eye socket (orbit), it’s called orbital cellulitis. Both of these conditions are serious.
Learn MoreCentral Nervous System (CNS) Tumor
The central nervous system is made up of the brain and the spinal cord. This system is responsible for sending, receiving and processing information throughout your body, controlling how your body functions. When tumors grow in the central nervous system, they can cause significant symptoms.
Learn MoreCerebral Palsy in Children
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a lifelong condition that affects how the brain and muscles communicate. CP affects body movement, muscle control, coordination, reflexes, posture, and balance.
Learn MoreChalazion in Children
A chalazion is a slow-growing, painless lump in the eyelid that forms because of the swelling of an oil gland. It’s more common in adults between ages 30 and 50 than in children.
Learn MoreChemical Burns
Chemical burns can occur when strong acids or alkalis come in contact with the skin or the eyes.
Learn MoreChemical Burns of the Eye in Children
Chemical burns happen when a chemical gets into your child’s eye. Read on for details about this emergency situation.
Learn MoreChemotherapy for Children
Chemotherapy is the use of medicines to treat cancer or kill cancer cells. Read on to learn more about what to expect when your child needs this treatment.
Learn MoreChemotherapy for Children: Side Effects
Detailed information on chemotherapy and managing chemotherapy side effects in children
Learn MoreChemotherapy-Related Hair Loss (Alopecia) in Children
Hair loss is a common side effect of chemotherapy. It can affect the hair on the head, and also the eyebrows, eyelashes, and facial and pubic hair. Not all chemotherapy causes hair loss. And not all children lose hair in the same way.
Learn MoreChemotherapy-Related Mouth Mucositis in Children
Chemotherapy is the use of medicines to treat cancer. The medicines can cause an inflammation of the lining of the mouth. The mouth is lined with mucous membranes. When these are inflamed, it’s called mouth mucositis.
Learn MoreChest Wall Tumors
A variety of soft tissue tumors can present in the chest wall. Chest wall tumors include benign conditions, including neurofibromas, and malignant tumors, such as soft tissue sarcomas.
Learn MoreChiari II Malformation in Children
A Chiari II malformation is present at birth. With this condition, 2 parts of the brain at the back of the skull bulge through a normal opening in the skull where it joins the spinal canal.
Learn MoreChiari Malformation Type I in Children
A Chiari malformation (CM) is a problem with how the brain sits in the skull. Read on for detailed information about this condition in children.
Learn MoreChiari Malformations
Learn MoreChickenpox (Varicella) and Pregnancy
Did you have chickenpox or get the vaccine as a child? Then you've got nothing to worry about from varicella. But if you didn't, you may not be immune to this infectious disease that can cause complications for a pregnant person and their baby. Read more to find out why, and how to protect yourself.
Learn MoreChildhood Apraxia of Speech
Childhood apraxia of speech is a type of speech disorder. It is present from birth. A child with this condition has problems making sounds correctly and consistently. Apraxia is a problem with the motor coordination of speech.
Learn MoreChildhood Immunization Index
Detailed information on immunizations for adults and children, including a current immunization schedule
Learn MoreChildhood Immunizations
Your little one will need several immunization shots to help protect them from several childhood diseases, some of which can be deadly. Read on for helpful advice on which shots they need and when--and what to do if they have a minor reaction.
Learn MoreChildproof Your Home for Poisons
Always remember that ordinary products you use each day around the home can become dangerous poisons in the hands of a child. Here's what you should know.
Learn MoreChildren Living with a Rheumatic Disease
Detailed information on living with a rheumatic disease
Learn MoreChlamydia
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the germ Chlamydia trachomatis. Anyone that is sexually active is at risk of getting chlamydia.
Learn MoreCholestasis of Pregnancy
Cholestasis of pregnancy is a liver problem. It slows or stops the normal flow of bile from the gallbladder. This causes itching and yellowing of your skin, eyes, and mucous membranes (jaundice). Cholestasis sometimes starts in early pregnancy. But it is more common in the second and third trimesters. It most often goes away within a few days after delivery. The high levels of bile may cause serious problems for your developing baby (fetus).
Learn MoreCholesterol, LDL, HDL, and Triglycerides in Children and Adolescents
The cholesterol in blood comes from 2 sources: the foods your teen eats and their liver. The liver, however, makes all of the cholesterol your teen's body needs.
Learn MoreChoosing Child Care for Your Breastfed Infant
Choosing a childcare provider for your baby is an important decision. Find one who supports your choice to breastfeed and is willing to carry out your plan. Doing so will give you peace of mind and make your transition back to work easier.
Learn MoreChoosing Your Child's Healthcare Provider
A pediatrician, family practice healthcare provider, physician's assistant, family nurse practitioner, or pediatric nurse practitioner can be your baby's primary care provider. The medical specialty dealing with children is called pediatrics.
Learn MoreChorioamnionitis
Chorioamnionitis [chor-y-oh-am-nee-oh-NY-tis] is an infection of the placenta and the amniotic fluid. Only a few women get it. But it is a common cause of preterm labor and delivery.
Learn MoreChorionic Villus Sampling
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS) is a test done early in a woman’s pregnancy. CVS checks for genetic problems in your baby. During CVS, your healthcare provider takes a small piece of tissue from the placenta for testing.
Learn MoreChronic Constipation
Many kids will experience occasional bouts of constipation during their childhood. Chronic constipation is a slightly different, yet much more challenging condition to treat.
Learn MoreChronic Hypertension and Pregnancy
When a woman has pre-existing hypertension or develops hypertension before the 20th week of pregnancy, this is called chronic hypertension.
Learn MoreChronic Illness and Transplantation Issues and the Teen
Detailed information on chronic illness and transplantation issues and the teen.
Learn MoreChronic Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction
Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIP) is a rare disorder of gastrointestinal motility where coordinated contractions (peristalsis) in the intestinal tract become altered and inefficient. Motility is the term used to describe the contraction of muscles in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Learn MoreChronic Lung Disease in Premature Babies
Chronic lung disease is the general term for long-term breathing problems in premature babies. It’s also called bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Here's what you need ot know about this condition.
Learn MoreChronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML)
Learn MoreChronic Renal Failure
Learn MoreChronic Respiratory Disorders
Detailed information on chronic respiratory disorders in children
Learn MoreChronic Sinusitis
Learn MoreCircumcision for Children
Circumcision is a surgery to remove the skin covering the end of the penis. This is called the foreskin. This surgery is most often done 1 or 2 days after a baby's birth. Read on to learn more about this procedure.
Learn MoreClassification and Treatment of Burns
Burns are classified as first-, second-, or third-degree, depending on how deep and severe they penetrate the skin's surface.
Learn MoreClassification of Burns
Burns are classified as first-, second-, or third-degree, depending on how deep and severe they penetrate the skin's surface.
Learn MoreClavicle Fracture
A clavicle fracture is common in children after a collision or fall onto the shoulder. Most clavicle fractures that occur in children can be treated without surgery.
Learn MoreCleft Lip and Palate
Cleft lip and/or cleft palate is the most common birth defect in the United States. A cleft lip is a separation of the upper lip, often involving the upper gum line. A cleft palate is an opening or split in the roof of the mouth and may involve the soft palate alone or both the soft and hard palate.
Learn MoreCleft Lip and Palate in Children
Cleft lip and palate are openings or splits in the upper lip or roof of the mouth (palate). A child can be born with a cleft lip, cleft palate, or both. Cleft lip and palate may be the only birth defects, or they may happen with other defects.
Learn MoreCloacal Exstrophy
Cloacal exstrophy, also known as OEIS syndrome, is a rare congenital birth defect that occurs when the lower abdominal organs do not form properly during fetal development. Babies with this condition are born with organs outside the body, such as the bladder, small and large intestine.
Learn MoreCloacal Malformation
Cloacal malformation, sometimes called persistent cloaca, is found in female children where the rectum, vagina and urethra are fused together, creating a single common channel. In developing fetuses, these openings are joined in a sac known as the cloaca. At birth, these openings are normally separate.
Learn MoreClubfoot
In this Helping Hand™ document, we discuss clubfoot, a foot disorder in which the foot turns inward and downward at birth and remains in this position. In some cases, clubfoot can be corrected without surgery.
Learn MoreClubfoot (Talipes Equinovarus)
Clubfoot, also known as talipes equinovarus (TEV), is a common foot abnormality, in which the foot points downward and inward. It occurs twice as often in males than in females. Signs of clubfoot include a short and/or tight Achilles tendon (heel cord) and a heel that is turned in.
Learn MoreClubfoot in Children
Clubfoot is a deformity of the foot. It's when one or both feet are turned inward. The condition affects the bones, muscles, tendons, and blood vessels. Read on to learn more about this condition.
Learn MoreCoagulation Disorders
Learn MoreCoarctation of the Aorta
Coarctation of the aorta is a heart defect that is present at birth (congenital) in which the aorta is narrowed and results in decreased blood flow to the lower body.
Learn MoreCoarctation of the Aorta (COA) in Children
Coarctation of the aorta is a heart defect that's present at birth (congenital). It means the aorta is narrower than it should be. Read on to learn details about the condition.
Learn MoreCognitive Development in Adolescence
Cognitive development means the growth of a child's ability to think and reason. This growth happens differently from ages 6 to 12, and ages 12 to 18.
Learn MoreCold vs. Allergy in Children: How to Tell the Difference
Detailed information on the differences between cold symptoms and symptoms of allergies
Learn MoreColic
Colic is when a healthy baby cries for a very long time for no obvious reason. It is a common problem that affects some babies during the first 6 weeks of life.
Learn MoreColic
Colic is when a healthy baby cries more than 3 hours a day for 3 or more days in a week. If this happens 3 weeks in a row, your baby may have colic. Colic usually begins by 2 to 3 weeks of age and lasts up to 3 or 4 months of age.
Learn MoreColor Vision Defects
Color vision defects, also known as color blindness, occurs when someone is not able to see colors in a normal way.
Learn MoreCommon Childhood External Ear Problems
Detailed information on common childhood external ear problems
Learn MoreCommon Childhood Nose and Throat Illnesses
Detailed information on common childhood nose and throat problems in children
Learn MoreCommon Children's Digestive Problems
Detailed information on common children's digestive problems, including colic, diarrhea, food allergies, and lactose intolerance
Learn MoreCommon Cold in Children
The common cold is one of the most common illnesses in children. Most children will have at least 6 to 8 colds a year.
Learn MoreCommon Conditions and Complications
Detailed information on common conditions and complications of the high-risk newborn
Learn MoreCommon Dental Problems and Concerns
Detailed information on common dental problems and concerns in children
Learn MoreCommon Procedures
Detailed information on the most common procedures performed on newborns
Learn MoreCommon Skin Disorders in Children
Detailed information on common skin disorders, including Bacterial Skin Infections, Fungal Skin Infections, Viral Skin Infections, Viral Exanthems (Rashes), and Parasitic Skin Infections
Learn MoreCommon Types of Pediatric Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Diseases
Detailed information on the most common types of pediatric arthritis and other rheumatic diseases, including Juvenile Dermatomyositis, Fibromyalgia, Juvenile Ankylosing Spondylitis, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Rheumatic Fever, Scleroderma, Septic Arthritis, Infectious Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Lupus, Vasculitis, Kawasaki Disease, and Henoch-Schönlein Purpura
Learn MoreCommon Variable Immunodeficiency in Children
Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is an immunodeficiency problem. It is a lifelong health problem that can lead to a reduced ability to fight infections.
Learn MoreCommunication Disorders in Children
A child with a communication disorder has trouble communicating with others. They may not understand or make the sounds of speech. The child may also struggle with word choice, word order, or sentence structure.
Learn MoreComplementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) for Cancer
Alternative therapy is a nonconventional approach to healing. It may be used instead of standard treatment or in combination with standard medicine. Read on to learn more.
Learn MoreComplete Blood Count (CBC)
A CBC count is a measurement of size, number, and maturity of the different blood cells in a specific volume of blood.
Learn MoreComprehensive Psychiatric Evaluation for Children
A psychiatric evaluation looks at the child's behaviors, when those behaviors happen, and what impact those behaviors have on school, family, and other relationships.
Learn MoreConcussion
Learn MoreConduct Disorders
Conduct disorder refers to a group of behavioral and emotional problems characterized by a disregard for others. Children with conduct disorder have a difficult time following rules and behaving in a socially acceptable way.
Learn MoreCongenital and Hereditary Neurological Disorders
Detailed information on the most common congenital and hereditary disorders in children
Learn MoreCongenital and Hereditary Orthopedic Disorders
Detailed information on the most common congenital and hereditary disorders in children
Learn MoreCongenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), is a rare congenital condition where the muscles in the diaphragm do not grow together, leaving a hole. The hole allows the intestines and other organs (stomach, liver) to move up into the baby’s chest. When this happens, it makes it hard for the lungs to grow.
Learn MoreCongenital Heart Disease
Heart problems are the most common kind of birth defects. While children with some heart defects can be monitored by a doctor and treated with medicine, others will need to have surgery.
Learn MoreCongenital Heart Disease Index
Detailed information on congenital heart disease, including patent ductus arteriosus, atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, atrioventricular canal, tricuspid atresia, pulmonary atresia, transposition of the great arteries, tetralogy of Fallot, double outlet right ventricle, truncus arteriosus, coarctation of the aorta, aortic stenosis, and hypoplastic left heart syndrome
Learn MoreCongenital High Airway Obstruction Syndrome (CHAOS)
Congenital high airway obstruction syndrome, or CHAOS, is a very rare condition where the fetal airway is fully or partly blocked. CHAOS is usually found during a routine prenatal ultrasound. In some cases, fetal surgery may be done to remove the blockage. Sometimes CHAOS resolves on its own.
Learn MoreCongenital Hypothyroidism
When a baby is born without enough thyroid hormone, it is called congenital hypothyroidism. Most babies do not have symptoms of low thyroid levels at birth.
Learn MoreCongenital Hypothyroidism in Children
Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. Congenital hypothyroidism is when the disorder is present in a baby at birth. If not treated, it can lead to serious health problems.
Learn MoreCongenital Laryngeal Stridor in Babies
Congenital laryngeal stridor is a noisy or high-pitched sound with breathing. It is from an abnormally formed voice box (larynx). It is present at birth (congenital).
Learn MoreCongenital Limb Defect in Children
A congenital limb defect is when an arm or leg doesn't form normally as a baby grows in the uterus. The baby is born with the defect.
Learn MoreCongenital Liver Defects
Congenital liver defects are liver disorders that are present at birth. They are rare. These liver disorders often block the bile ducts. This affects the flow of bile.
Learn MoreCongenital Lung Lesions
Congenital lung lesions are a group of conditions where part of the lung has an abnormal growth or mass. Congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM), bronchopulmonary sequestration and congenital lobar emphysema are the most common types of congenital lung lesions.
Learn MoreCongenital Melanocytic Nevi (CMN)
Moles present from birth, or that develop within the first few months after birth, are called congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN). They are fairly common and, in most cases, they do not cause health problems. However, they can carry risks.
Learn MoreCongenital Muscular Torticollis
Congenital torticollis means that a baby is born with an odd position of the neck. The odd position is because of a tight, short neck muscle. It affects the right side more often than the left side. It may range from mild to severe. The condition is sometimes called wryneck.
Learn MoreCongenitally Corrected Transposition of the Great Vessels
Congenitally corrected transposition of the great vessels (CCTGA; l-TGA) is an uncommon congenital heart abnormality, where the receiving chambers (atria) are connected to their opposite pumping chambers (ventricles) because the ventricles are switched from their normal anatomic positions.
Learn MoreCongestive Heart Failure
Congestive heart failure (CHF) happens when the heart does not pump enough blood to the body for normal function and activity. When the heart is not pumping normally, fluid can build up in the lungs.
Learn MoreConjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is a clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inner part of the eyelids.
Learn MoreConjunctivitis in Children
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye. The conjunctiva is the membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids and covers the eyeball. Conjunctivitis is also known as “pink eye.”
Learn MoreConotruncal Anomaly Face Syndrome
Conotruncal Anomaly Face Syndrome is also known as 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.
Learn MoreConstipation
Many children have constipation at one time or another. Constipation can be defined as more than three days between bowel movements; stools that are large, hard and painful to pass; or incomplete bowel movements and stool backs up in the bowel despite daily bowel movements.
Learn MoreConstipation in Children
Common causes of constipation in children: a low-fiber diet, not enough fluids, lack of exercise, and emotional issues.
Learn MoreConstipation: Child Over One Year of Age
Constipation is a change in the child's stool or bowel habits. Sometimes children have poor stooling habits because they are not encouraged to go to the bathroom on a regular schedule. Children may have constipation if their stools are too hard, too infrequent, too painful or too large.
Learn MoreConstipation: Infant
Constipation in infants less than one year of age is common, but it can be a concern for parents. Signs of constipation include infrequent stools that are difficult to pass and straining more than normal to have a bowel movement. Even if a baby is not constipated, bowel movements may be irregular.
Learn MoreContact Dermatitis in Children
Contact dermatitis is a skin reaction from contact with certain substances. Read on to learn about its causes, symptoms, and treatment.
Learn MoreContact Sports and Kids: How to Keep Your Children Safe
Kids are more susceptible to sports injuries than adults because they are still growing and developing. The risk for injury is even greater if the child plays a contact sport such as basketball, football, or soccer.
Learn MoreContusions Bruises
Contusions, or bruises, are one of the most common types of injuries occurring in active children. A contusion is caused by a direct blow to the body that can cause damage to the surface of the skin and to deeper tissues as well.
Learn MoreCoping Emotionally After a Burn
Your child's burn care and emotional recovery will continue when you leave the hospital. Along with the excitement, you and your child may also feel uneasy about what will happen next.
Learn MoreCoping with a Diagnosis of Cancer in Children
A cancer diagnosis is shocking and overwhelming. But prognosis of childhood cancer continues to improve, and the chance of being cured continues to increase.
Learn MoreCorneal Abrasions in Children
A corneal abrasion is a scratch on the cornea. This is the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. Learn details about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
Learn MoreCosmetic Safety for Teen Contact Lens Wearers
Cosmetics are among some of the most common sources of problems for contact lens wearers. Misusing cosmetics can lead to severe harmful reactions.
Learn MoreCOVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019)
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that usually cause only mild respiratory diseases, such as the common cold. SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, is a more serious strain of coronavirus that spreads and infects people easily.
Learn MoreCradle Cap
Cradle cap (infant seborrheic dermatitis) is scaly patches on a baby's scalp. Cradle cap isn’t serious, but it can cause thick crusting and white or yellow scales. Some babies can also have seborrheic dermatitis in the diaper area, and on the face, neck, and trunk. Cradle cap usually clears up within the first year.
Learn MoreCradle Cap
Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as cradle cap, is very common in infants and children. It appears as scaly, itchy, white, yellow or red patches. It most often appears on the scalp but can also be found on the face, ears, or in body folds such as under the arms and behind the knees.
Learn MoreCraniopharyngioma
Craniopharyngioma is a rare tumor that normally develops at the central, bottom portion of the brain. The pituitary gland, optic pathway and hypothalamus might be affected by this tumor. It is a low-grade tumor, meaning it grows slowly and is not aggressive-appearing under the microscope.
Learn MoreCraniopharyngioma in Children
Craniopharyngioma is a benign brain tumor that is found near the pituitary gland.
Learn MoreCraniosynostosis
Craniosynostosis is a condition where 1 or more of the bones of the skull close too early. This can cause problems with normal brain and skull growth.
Learn MoreCraniosynostosis
Craniosynostosis occurs when one or more sutures close early. Early suture closure can cause the skull to grow in an unusual shape. Sometimes, early suture closure can also restrict overall skull growth which may be harmful to the growing brain inside.
Learn MoreCraniosynostosis
Craniosynostosis is a medical condition where one or more of the openings (known as sutures) between skull bones have closed too soon. This will affect the shape of the skull. It can also mean that over time brain growth may be restricted. This could result in increased pressure on the brain.
Learn MoreCrohn's Disease in Children
Crohn's disease is when there is redness, swelling (inflammation), and sores along the digestive tract. It is part of a group of diseases known as inflammatory bowel disease.
Learn MoreCroup
Croup is an illness that is usually caused by a virus. The tissues of the windpipe (trachea) and voice box (larynx) become swollen, which makes it harder for air to get into the lungs. Croup can cause a barky cough or hoarse voice. You may also hear a high-pitched squeaking sound called stridor.
Learn MoreCroup in Children
Croup is a common infection in children. It causes swelling in the upper part of the airway in the neck. It causes a barking cough, with or without fever. And it may cause problems breathing.
Learn MoreCrouzon Syndrome
Crouzon syndrome is a genetic condition that affects the skull, face and heart. It is caused by a mutation on the FGFR2 or FGFR3 gene. The treatment of Crouzon syndrome includes several operations. The Center for Complex Craniofacial Disorders expertly cares for children with Crouzon syndrome.
Learn MoreCrush Injuries of the Fingertip
Crush injuries of a fingertip or the tip of a toe are common in children. They can happen when a finger is slammed in a door, a finger or toe is stepped on, or if a heavy object falls on a nail with great force.
Learn MoreCrutch Walking
Step-by-step tips to help your child learn to use crutches, including going up and down stairs, sitting and standing up, and more.
Learn MoreCushing Syndrome in Children
Cushing syndrome is a hormone disorder. It’s caused by having high levels of the hormone cortisol over a long time. Cushing syndrome is fairly rare. It most often affects adults who are 20 to 50 years old. But it can also occur in children. It is sometimes called hypercortisolism.
Learn MoreCuts and Wounds of the External Ear
Helpful first aid tips for handling minor cuts, wounds, or deep cuts a child may get to the outer ear.
Learn MoreCuts and Wounds of the Face
Most minor cuts or wounds to the face can be handled at home with simple first aid treatment. But there are also times when these injuries need medical care. Here's what you need to know.
Learn MoreCuts and Wounds of the Mouth and Lips
Kids can get cuts and wounds in their mouth and on their lips when they are playing or doing sports. Learn how to use first aid for these injuries, and when to get medical care.
Learn MoreCuts and Wounds of the Nose
Most minor nose wounds can be handled at home, but a wound or bruise that also involves 1 or both eyes needs immediate medical attention.
Learn MoreCystic Fibrosis - Related Diabetes
Cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD) is a type of diabetes that affects children and adults with cystic fibrosis (CF). Diabetes is a common complication for patients with cystic fibrosis.
Learn MoreCystic Fibrosis and the Digestive System
In the digestive system, cystic fibrosis (CF) mainly affects the pancreas. A child with CF has trouble absorbing fats, as well as some proteins and vitamins.
Learn MoreCystic Fibrosis and the Reproductive System
Detailed information on cystic fibrosis and its effect on the reproductive system.
Learn MoreCystic Fibrosis and the Respiratory System
Detailed information on cystic fibrosis and its effect on the respiratory system
Learn MoreCystic Fibrosis in Children
Detailed information on cystic fibrosis, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and genetics
Learn MoreCystic Fibrosis Overview
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease of the glands that make mucus and sweat. Here's a quick look at how CF affects the body, and who may be more likely to have this disease.
Learn MoreCytomegalovirus (CMV) in Newborns
CMV (cytomegalovirus) is a herpes virus. It is very common. It affects people of all ages and in all parts of the U.S. In most cases CMV causes mild symptoms, or no symptoms at all. But it can cause serious problems in an unborn baby or newborn.
Learn MoreDandy-Walker Syndrome
Dandy-Walker Syndrome (DWS) is a congenital condition where the cerebellum does not develop normally. The cerebellum is an area at the back of the brain that controls movement and balance. With DWS, parts of the cerebellum may never develop, may be very small, or may become filled with fluid.
Learn MoreDeep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Deep Vein Thrombosis is a blood clot that has formed in a large blood vessel. It may completely or partially block the blood flow in that vein. Symptoms of DVT include pain, swelling and feeling warm. In most cases, a DVT will be treated with an anticoagulation medicine.
Learn MoreDehydration: Giving Liquids at Home
There are many reasons why children can get dried out or dehydrated. A child can lose too much liquid from the body from diarrhea, vomiting or fever. If the child has mouth sores or a bellyache, they may refuse to drink enough. Babies and younger children are at greater risk.
Learn MoreDelayed Puberty
Puberty that happens late is called delayed puberty. This means a child's physical signs of sexual maturity don’t appear by age 12 in girls or age 14 in boys. This includes breast or testicle growth, pubic hair, and voice changes. These are known as secondary sexual characteristics.
Learn MoreDelirium
Delirium is a serious disturbance in mental abilities. It involves changes in behavior, confused thinking, and reduced awareness of a person's surroundings. Delirium is a serious complication of medical illness.
Learn MoreDental Emergencies in Children
One type of dental emergency is a knocked-out tooth. If it's a permanent tooth, rinse it and place it back in the socket. Then immediately take your child to the dentist.
Learn MoreDental Health for Children- Overview
Generally, dental exams and cleanings are recommended every 6 months for children. Encourage good oral hygiene at home by helping your child brush their own teeth.
Learn MoreDental Procedures for Children
Detailed information on the most common dental procedures, including braces, bleaching, bridges, dentures, dental implants, fillings, root canal, sealants, and wisdom teeth extraction
Learn MoreDental Restorations (Fillings)
Teeth that have tooth decay must be repaired. Advances in dental materials and techniques provide new, effective ways to restore teeth.
Learn MoreDepression
Clinical depression in children includes several disorders: major depressive disorder, disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, and persistent depressive disorder.
Learn MoreDermatitis in Children
Detailed information on dermatitis, including the different types of dermatitis such as atopic dermatitis (eczema), contact dermatitis, dermatitis herpetiformis, generalized exfoliative dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, localized scratch dermatitis, nummular dermatitis, perioral dermatitis, and stasis dermatitis
Learn MoreDermoid Cyst
Dermoid cysts, also called epidermoid cysts or dermal/epidermal inclusion cysts, are masses in children and adults, most commonly found in the head, face, neck and upper chest. Dermoid cyst ablation is a minimally-invasive procedure that is an alternative to surgically removing the dermoid cyst.
Learn MoreDermoid Cyst in Children
A dermoid cyst is a collection of tissue under the skin. It may contain hair follicles, oil, and sweat glands.
Learn MoreDetermining Body Mass Index for Teens
Although it is not a perfect measure, BMI gives a fairly accurate assessment of how much of your teen's body is made up of fat.
Learn MoreDevelopmental Care for Babies in the NICU
Premature babies especially need a supportive environment to help them continue to mature and develop as they would in their mother's womb.
Learn MoreDevelopmental Dysplasia of the Hip
Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH) is a term that includes several types of hip disorders that occur at different ages. DDH may be present at birth or may develop over time.
Learn MoreDevelopmental Dysplasia of the Hip in Children
In a normal hip joint, the top (head) of the thighbone (femur) fits snugly into the hip socket. In a child with DDH, the hip socket is shallow. As a result, the head of the femur may slip in and out.
Learn MoreDiabetes During Pregnancy
Diabetes is a condition in which the body can't make enough insulin, or can't use insulin normally. Insulin is a hormone. It helps sugar (glucose) in the blood get into cells of the body to be used as fuel. When glucose can’t enter the cells, it builds up in the blood. This is called high blood sugar (hyperglycemia).
Learn MoreDiabetes During Pregnancy: Risks to the Baby
When a mother has diabetes, her baby is at risk for problems. Read on to learn more.
Learn MoreDiabetes Index
Detailed information on diabetes, including type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, teens and diabetes, and diet and diabetes
Learn MoreDiabetes Insipidus in Children
Diabetes insipidus is a condition caused by not enough antidiuretic hormone (ADH) in the body. ADH is also known as vasopressin. This is a hormone that helps the kidneys keep the correct amount of water in the body. The condition is also called “water diabetes.”
Learn MoreDiabetes Ketoacidosis (DKA)
Diabetic ketoacidosis, also known as DKA, is a serious complication of diabetes. When cells do not have glucose to use for energy, the body starts to use fat for energy.
Learn MoreDiabetes: MODY
MODY is the name given to a collection of different types of inherited forms of diabetes that usually develop in adolescence or early adulthood. MODY stands for “Maturity-onset diabetes of the young.”
Learn MoreDiabetes: Type 1
Type 1 diabetes, formerly known as juvenile diabetes, is a chronic condition that occurs when your body makes little to no insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is made in the pancreas and keeps blood glucose (sugar) at a normal level.
Learn MoreDiabetes: Type II
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when your body makes insulin but does not know how to use it well. This is called insulin resistance.
Learn MoreDiagnosing and Evaluating Heart Disease in Children
Detailed information on diagnosing and evaluating heart disease in children
Learn MoreDiagnosing Anemia in Children
Many problems caused by anemia can be prevented when it's diagnosed in children at an early stage. Learn what symptoms to look out for, as well as what tests are done for diagnosis.
Learn MoreDiagnosing Cancer
Many tests are needed to find out if a person has cancer, or if another condition is causing cancer symptoms.
Learn MoreDiagnostic Tests for Allergy in Children
Detailed information on allergy testing, including blood tests and skin tests.
Learn MoreDiagnostic Tests for Neurological Disorders in Children
Detailed information on the most common diagnostic tests for neurological disorders in children
Learn MoreDialysis
Detailed information on dialysis, including peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis
Learn MoreDiamond Blackfan Anemia
Diamond Blackfan anemia (DBA) is a rare blood disorder that is usually diagnosed in children during their first year of life. Children with DBA do not make enough red blood cells – the cells that carry oxygen to all other cells in the body.
Learn MoreDiaper Dermatitis in Children
Diaper dermatitis is inflammation of the skin in the diaper area. It’s a very common condition in babies and toddlers.
Learn MoreDiaper Rash
Diaper rash (diaper dermatitis) is a red, sore rash that happens when urine and bowel movements irritate your baby's skin. The Helping Hand™ will teach you how to prevent and treat diaper rash.
Learn MoreDiapers and Diaper Rash
A core part of every baby's care is diapering. Read on for helpful information on changing diapers, preventing and treating diaper rash, and the pros and cons of cloth and disposable diapers.
Learn MoreDiaphragmatic Hernia in Children
A diaphragmatic hernia is a birth defect. It happens in a baby during pregnancy. In this condition, there’s an opening in your baby’s diaphragm. This is the muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity.
Learn MoreDiarrhea
Diarrhea (loose, watery bowel movements) is a common problem in young children. It is usually caused by a virus. It can also be caused by bacteria, something that the child eats or drinks (like too much fruit juice) or starting a new medicine. It rarely means a child has a serious illness.
Learn MoreDiarrhea in Children
Diarrhea is a common problem. It may last 1 or 2 days and go away on its own. If diarrhea lasts more than 2 days, your child may have a more serious problem. Read on to learn more.
Learn MoreDiet and Diabetes
It's important to learn about proper meal-planning when your child has diabetes. The type and amount of food your child eats affects their blood sugar levels.
Learn MoreDifficulty with Latching On or Sucking
Detailed information on problems with latching-on or sucking during breastfeeding, and how to handle them.
Learn MoreDiffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG)
Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, also know as DIPG, is an aggressive, malignant brain tumor that develops in a part of the brainstem called the pons.
Learn MoreDigestive and Liver Disorders
Detailed information on digestive and liver disorders during pregnancy
Learn MoreDigestive Disorders
Detailed information on the most common digestive disorders in high-risk newborns
Learn MoreDiphtheria in Children
A detailed look at diphtheria, including symptoms, treatment, and a vaccination schedule.
Learn MoreDiphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP)
Diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus are serious illnesses. A combination vaccine is given to babies and children to provide protection against all 3 diseases.
Learn MoreDischarge from the Hospital
Learn what you can expect about hospital discharge after your child has minor surgery.
Learn MoreDiscipline
Detailed information on disciplining a child, including information on time-out, temper tantrum, lying, stealing, and television and children
Learn MoreDisciplining Your Child at Any Age
Each child is different, but most children need to be given clear rules about behavior. Read on for some discipline tips by age group.
Learn MoreDiscomforts and Complications After a Child Has Surgery
Common discomforts after surgery include nausea and vomiting, soreness in the throat, and restlessness or sleeplessness.
Learn MoreDiscussing Death with Children
The ultimate goal in discussing death with a dying child is to optimize his or her comfort and alleviate any fears. If the child is not ready to discuss death, the most helpful step parents can take is to wait until he or she is ready.
Learn MoreDislocations in Children
A dislocation is a joint injury. It occurs when the ends of 2 connected bones come apart. Dislocations happen more often among teens.
Learn MoreDisorders Affecting Calcium Metabolism
Detailed information on disorders affecting calcium metabolism, including juvenile osteoporosis, hyperparathyroidism, hypoparathyroidism, and DiGeorge syndrome
Learn MoreDisorders Affecting the Adrenal Glands
Detailed information on disorders affecting the adrenal glands, including underactive adrenal glands (Addison's disease), overactive adrenal glands (Cushing's syndrome), and pheochromocytoma
Learn MoreDisorders Affecting the Pituitary Gland
Detailed information on disorders affecting the pituitary gland, including posterior anterior disorders and anterior pituitary disorders
Learn MoreDisorders Affecting the Thyroid
Detailed information on disorders affecting the thyroid gland, including hyperthyroidism (Graves disease) and hypothyroidism
Learn MoreDisorders of Sex Development
When a child's gender is in question at birth, the child has atypical genitalia (ambiguous genitalia). This means that the genitals don't seem to be clearly male or female.
Learn MoreDisorders of the Brain and Nervous System
Detailed information on the most common disorders of the brain and nervous system in high-risk newborns
Learn MoreDisruptive Behavior Disorders
Children with disruptive behavior disorders (DBD) show ongoing patterns of uncooperative and defiant behavior. The most common types of these disorders include disruptive behavior disorder not otherwise specified (DBD NOS), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder (CD).
Learn MoreDistal Radius Buckle (Torus) Fracture
A distal radius buckle (torus) fracture causes one side of the bone to bend but does not actually break through the bone. It is an incomplete fracture that normally heals within 1 month.
Learn MoreDouble Outlet Right Ventricle
Double outlet right ventricle (DORV) is a congenital heart defect where the two great arteries are both attached to the right ventricle. In DORV, the normally separated oxygen-rich arterial blood and oxygen-poor venous blood is mixed prior to leaving the heart.
Learn MoreDouble Outlet Right Ventricle in Children
Detailed information about double outlet right ventricle (DORV), a heart malformation that is present from birth.
Learn MoreDown Syndrome (Trisomy 21) in Children
Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that includes certain birth defects, learning problems, and facial features. Read on to learn more details about this disorder.
Learn MoreD-Transposition of the Great Vessels
D-Transposition of the great vessels (d-TGA) is a congenital heart defect where the aorta and pulmonary artery are switched from their normal positions. Shortly after birth, babies with d-TGA are blue because not enough oxygen is getting to the body.
Learn MoreDuchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common inherited neuromuscular disorder that affects all races and ethnicities. DMD only affects males. Children with DMD may lose the ability to walk as early as 7 years of age.
Learn MoreDuchenne Muscular Dystrophy in Children
Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a rare genetic condition that weakens your child's muscles. It appears in young boys, usually between ages 2 and 5.
Learn MoreDuodenal Atresia
Duodenal atresia is a congenital condition where the duodenum is narrowed or blocked. The duodenum is the first part of the small bowel (intestine). This blockage keeps liquids and food from passing through the stomach into the rest of the intestine. The cause of duodenal atresia is not known.
Learn MoreDyskeratosis Congenita in Children
Dyskeratosis congenita is a rare disease that's present at birth. It affects the skin and nails. In its most severe form, it causes bone marrow failure. Learn more about it, from causes and symptoms to diagnosis, treatment, and complications.
Learn MoreDysmenorrhea (Painful Menstruation)
A common reason patients experience painful menstruation, also known as dysmenorrhea, is because of inflammatory agents, called prostaglandins, which are released from the lining of the uterus during menstruation.
Learn MoreDysphagia in Children
Dysphagia means trouble swallowing. This condition happens when food or liquids can’t pass easily from your child’s mouth, into the throat, down the esophagus, and into the stomach when swallowing.
Learn MoreDysthymia
Persistent depressive disorder is a type of depression. Depression involves a child’s body, mood, and thoughts.
Learn MoreEar Infections (Otitis Media)
Ear infections, also known as otitis media, occur when the middle ear is infected or inflamed. There are two main types of otitis media: acute otitis media with effusion (fluid in the middle ear space) and chronic otitis media with effusion.
Learn MoreEar Tube Insertion for Children
An ear tube insertion is when a tiny tube is placed in the eardrum to let fluid leave the middle ear. Read on to learn all about this procedure.
Learn MoreEating Disorders and Young Athletes
Playing competitive sports can boost self-esteem and teach teamwork and leadership lessons. But sometimes being on a team that focuses too heavily on performance--or appearance--may trigger an eating disorder.
Learn MoreEating Disorders in Children
Detailed information on adolescents and eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia and obesity.
Learn MoreEchocardiography for Children
Echocardiography is an imaging test. It uses sound waves to make detailed pictures of the heart.
Learn MoreEctopic Pregnancy
A pregnancy that develops outside the uterus is called ectopic pregnancy. This nearly always happens in a fallopian tube. So it’s often called tubal pregnancy. Rarely, an ectopic pregnancy will happen in an ovary, in the cervix, or the belly (abdomen).
Learn MoreEctopic Ureterocele
An ectopic ureterocele is when there is an abnormality in the renal system, usually with an extra tube that drains pee (urine) into the wrong place.
Learn MoreEczema
Eczema is a chronic dry, itchy skin condition that often runs in families. Eczema is not contagious. Eczema often affects the insides of elbows, backs of knees, and the face.
Learn MoreEczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin problem characterized by dry, itchy, rough skin rashes. Eczema can cause skin to appear thickened, wrinkled, red (irritated), and rough and dry.
Learn MoreEffective Sucking
It's important for your baby's health to be able to effectively remove milk from your breast during nursing. To do this, your baby must learn the proper way to suck. But how do you know if your baby is actually getting the nutrition he or she needs? Here's a guide to help you.
Learn MoreEgg Allergy Diet for Children
Parents of children with egg sensitivity may not be aware of the many food products that contain eggs. That's why it's important to carefully read food labels. Here's what you should know.
Learn MoreEhlers Danlos Syndrome with Associated Bleeding Disorders
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) is a genetic (inherited) disorder that affects mainly the skin and joints. There are many types of EDS. People with some types of EDS may bruise or bleed easily.
Learn MoreElbow Dislocation
The elbow joint is made up of 3 bones – 1 upper arm bone (humerus) and 2 forearm bones (ulna and radius). An elbow dislocation is an injury to the elbow joint that causes the humerus and ulna to be moved from their normal spot, so they no longer fit together.
Learn MoreElectrical Burns
Electrical burns occur when a child comes in contact with electricity, either alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC).
Learn MoreElectrocardiography for Children
Electrocardiography (ECG) is a simple, fast test to check the electrical activity of your child's heart as blood moves through it.
Learn MoreElectroencephalogram (EEG) for Children
An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test that measures the electrical activity in the brain (brain waves). Small, round discs with wires (electrodes) are placed on the scalp during the test. The electrodes are not painful to your child.
Learn MoreElevated Liver Enzymes
Elevated (too high) levels of liver enzymes are a warning sign that something might be harming the liver. Two of these enzymes are alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Symptoms of elevated liver enzymes may include jaundice and swelling of the abdomen, arms or legs.
Learn MoreEmergency Contact Information
In an emergency, it is easy to "forget" even the most well-known information. That's why it is crucial to complete the information in this form for each member of your household.
Learn MoreEmergency Treatment of a Burn Injury
Detailed information on emergency treatment of a burn injury
Learn MoreEmery-Dreifuss Muscular Dystrophy
Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy is a rare form of MD that affects only males. Symptoms may begin in childhood or adolescence. The condition causes slowly progressive weakness in the muscles of the shoulders, upper arms, and lower legs and joint stiffness.
Learn MoreEmery-Dreifuss Muscular Dystrophy in Children
EDMD is a rare inherited muscle disease. It causes weakness in your child’s shoulders, upper arms, and calves. The disease also causes stiff joints that can’t move well.
Learn MoreEmotional and Family Issues in Children with Heart Disease
A detailed look at the way children may feel about having congenital heart disease--and tips for helping them cope.
Learn MoreEncephalitis in Children
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain. The inflammation causes the brain to swell. This leads to changes in a child's nervous system that can include confusion, changes in alertness, and seizures.
Learn MoreEncephalocele
Encephalocele is a rare congenital condition where the neural tube does not close and causes a sac-like bulge with brain tissue and spinal fluid that pokes through the skull. Encephalocele is often found during a prenatal ultrasound. Treatment depends on the location of the encephalocele on the skull.
Learn MoreEncopresis
Encopresis is when your child leaks stool into their underwear. It is also called stool soiling. It is most often because of long-term (chronic) constipation. Encopresis happens to children ages 4 and older who have already been toilet trained.
Learn MoreEndometriosis
Endometriosis is an inflammatory and estrogen-dependent condition in which the menstrual tissue is found outside the uterus, within the pelvis. Pain due to endometriosis is different from normal menstrual pain. Girls who have a family history of endometriosis have an increased chance of developing it.
Learn MoreEndoscopic Sinus Surgery for Children
Endoscopic sinus surgery is a procedure to open the passages of the nose and sinuses. It is done to treat long-term (chronic) sinus infections. An ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT) does the surgery.
Learn MoreEnlarged Adenoid
The adenoid is a structure located at the junction of the nose and throat (nasopharynx) that functions in the immune system. Adenoids sometimes become enlarged during childhood and the increased size may cause problems.
Learn MoreEnlarged Lymph Nodes
There are thousands of collections of immune cells throughout the body called lymph nodes. When an infection is present, lymph nodes can become enlarged as an immune response is mounted.
Learn MoreEnlarged Tonsils
The function of the tonsils is to help identify and fight infections caused by viruses or bacteria. They can cause problems if they are enlarged or become infected.
Learn MoreEnterovirus D68 Infographic
Learn about Enterovirus D68, the symptoms that are associated with it and how it can be treated.
Learn MoreEnteroviruses in Children
There are many types of enteroviruses. The viruses mostly cause illness in babies, children, and teens. This is because most adults have already been exposed to many enteroviruses and have built up immunity.
Learn MoreEnuresis (Bedwetting)
Enuresis is the medical term for wetting the bed. It means a child urinates without meaning to. Treatment usually means helping a child to form habits that will allow him to control his need to urinate.
Learn MoreEosinophilic Esophagitis
An eosinophil is a type of white blood cell that usually helps fight certain types of infections from parasites or other germs. It can also occur with other allergic disorders.
Learn MoreEosinophilic Esophagitis (EOE)
Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) is a condition caused by inflammation of the esophagus, or swallowing tube, from the mouth to stomach. The inflammation is caused by the accumulation of white blood cells, called eosinophils, in the esophageal tissue.
Learn MoreEpendymoma
Ependymomas are a type of a tumor that form in the brain or spinal cord (central nervous system) as a result of abnormal growth of ependymal cells.
Learn MoreEpididymitis in Children
Epididymitis is an inflammation or infection of the epididymis. This is a thin, coiled tube that sits on top of a male testicle. In younger boys, this condition can be caused by a urinary tract infection. In older boys and teens, it's often caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Learn MoreEpiglottitis in Children
The epiglottis is a flap of cartilage at the base of the tongue at the very back of the throat. When the epiglottis becomes swollen and inflamed, it is called epiglottitis.
Learn MoreEpilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological condition involving the brain that makes people more susceptible to having recurrent unprovoked seizures. The two broad categories of epileptic seizures are generalized and partial seizures.
Learn MoreEpilepsy and Seizures in Children
Epilepsy is a brain condition that causes a child to have seizures. It is one of the most common disorders of the nervous system.
Learn MoreEpilepsy During Pregnancy
Epilepsy is a disorder of the nervous system. It is also called a seizure disorder. Normally the body's nerves send information by electrical and chemical signals. People with epilepsy have abnormal electrical signals in the brain. This can cause a seizure. Seizures can cause severe shaking of muscles. Or they may be very mild with hardly any symptoms at all.
Learn MoreEquipment That Is Used in the NICU
NICUs are equipped with complex machines and devices to monitor nearly every system of a baby's body--temperature, heart rate, breathing, oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, and blood pressure.
Learn MoreEvaluating a Child for Birth Defects
Detailed information on evaluating a child for birth defects
Learn MoreEvaluation Procedures for Children
Detailed information on evaluation procedures used to diagnosis orthopedic disorders in children.
Learn MoreEwing Sarcoma in Children
Ewing sarcoma is a rare type of cancer. It’s most common in children and teens between ages 10 and 19. It usually grows in bone, but it can also grow in soft tissue that’s connected to the bone. Read on to learn about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
Learn MoreEwing's Sarcoma
Ewing sarcoma is a form of cancer that usually starts in the bone. The tumors, sometimes referred to as the Ewing Family of Tumors, include Ewing sarcoma, atypical Ewing sarcoma and peripheral primitive neuroectodermal (PNET) tumor of the bone.
Learn MoreExercise and Children
Exercise is an important part of keeping children healthy. Encouraging healthy lifestyles in children and teens is important for when they grow older.
Learn MoreExercise and Teenagers
Teens need at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity on most days for good health and fitness and for healthy weight during growth.
Learn MoreExercise Electrocardiogram (ECG) Testing for Children
Electrocardiography (ECG) is a simple, fast test to check the electrical activity of your child's heart as blood moves through it. Abnormal ECG results may mean there's a problem with your child's heart.
Learn MoreExercised Induced Asthma (EIA)
Exercise-induced asthma, also known as EIA, is defined as breathing difficulty that is triggered by increased activity. Symptoms of exercise-induced asthma include chest tightness, coughing, shortness of breath and wheezing.
Learn MoreExpressing Milk for Your High-Risk Baby
You will have to remove milk from your breasts on a regular basis if you are to provide enough of your milk for your high-risk baby.
Learn MoreExpressing Your Milk - Helpful Equipment
Hospital-grade, electric breast pumps are the only pumps built for frequent and prolonged use. These pumps automatically cycle suction with release of suction—similar to a baby's sucking action.
Learn MoreExstrophy of the Bladder and Epispadias in Children
Exstrophy of the bladder is when a baby's bladder has grown inside out and is sticking through the belly wall. It often occurs together with epispadias. This is when the opening of the tube that carries urine out of the body (the urethra) is in the wrong place.
Learn MoreExtreme Prematurity
A birth that occurs any time prior to 37 weeks of pregnancy is considered premature. Sometimes that baby is referred to as preterm, near-term or a preemie. The most extreme issues occur in babies born at less than 28 weeks.
Learn MoreEye Injury Corneal Abrasion
The cornea is the clear part of the eye that covers the iris and pupil. A corneal abrasion is an injury caused by something scratching or rubbing the surface of the eye.
Learn MoreEye Medicine and Vitamin K Injection for Newborns
Newborn babies routinely receive eye medicine and vitamin K injections soon after birth. Both prevent serious conditions.
Learn MoreEyeglasses and Contact Lenses
A child who needs vision correction may wear eyeglasses or contact lenses. Either one comes in a range of choices.
Learn MoreEyelid Lacerations in Children
Eyelid lacerations are cuts to the eyelid. They are caused by injury.
Learn MoreFacial Paralysis
Facial paralysis is weakness or complete lack of motion of part or all of the face. It can involve one or both sides of the face. This decreased or lack of motion causes asymmetry and can lead to both functional and social interaction issues.
Learn MoreFacioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy
Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, also known as Landouzy-Dejerine, causes severe weakness in muscles of the face, shoulders and back. As shoulder and back muscles weaken, they shrink and the shoulder blade sticks out excessively.
Learn MoreFacioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy in Children
FSHD is a rare genetic muscle disease that affects the muscles of your child’s face, shoulders, upper arms, and lower legs.
Learn MoreFactor V Leiden
Factor V (factor five) is a protein involved in the blood clotting process. Children born with Factor V Leiden produce a mutated form of Factor V that does not respond well to activated Protein C.
Learn MoreFactor V Leiden
In this Helping Hand™ document, we discuss Factor V Leiden, which is an inherited blood disorder. Doctors can find out if your child has Factor V Leiden by genetic testing.
Learn MoreFactors That May Lead to a Congenital Heart Defect (CHD)
In most cases of congenital heart defect, the cause is thought to be a combination of genetics and environment.
Learn MoreFacts About Animal Bites and Scratches
Whether the bite is from a family pet or an animal in the wild, scratches and bites can become infected and cause scarring. Animals can also carry diseases that can be transmitted through a bite.
Learn MoreFacts About Poisons
Medicines are the leading cause of poisoning in children. Poisoning by makeup and personal care products is the next most common cause.
Learn MoreFailure to Thrive
Failure to thrive (FTT) is a term that is traditionally used for children who have failed to develop and grow normally. FTT occurs when a child is either not receiving enough calories or is unable to properly use the calories that are given, resulting in failure to grow or gain weight.
Learn MoreFailure to Thrive (FTT) in Children
Failure to thrive (FTT) is slow physical development in a baby or child. It's caused by a baby or child not having enough nutrition.
Learn MoreFailure to Thrive In Infants
Failure to Thrive (FTT) describes an infant or child who does not gain weight at the expected rate. The two kinds of FTT are organic and non-organic. Medical problems such as diarrhea or vomiting may be the cause of organic FTT.
Learn MoreFamilial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)
Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), previously known as Gardner syndrome, is an inherited colorectal cancer syndrome characterized by the development of numerous adenomas throughout the digestive tract. Other organs of the body can be affected as well. FAP can be passed from one generation to the next or occur as a new genetically driven disorder.
Learn MoreFamily Support for Autism Spectrum Disorder
Having a child with autism spectrum disorder can be hard on the entire family. That's why it's so important to have a good support system in place. Read on to learn more.
Learn MoreFanconi Anemia
Fanconi anemia is a blood disorder in which the bone marrow doesn’t make enough blood cells or makes abnormal types of blood cells.
Learn MoreFebrile Seizures
In some children, fever of 100.4˚ F or higher can bring on a seizure or a convulsion called febrile seizures. febrile seizures usually do not last long and do not cause brain damage, learning disabilities or epilepsy.
Learn MoreFecal Incontinence
Fecal incontinence is a very common problem in children. Soiling can be caused by medical conditions like chronic constipation or congenital conditions that may disrupt bowel control.
Learn MoreFeeding A Child Who Has Cystic Fibrosis
Children with cystic fibrosis often have poor weight gain. This can happen even when they get enough calories. Read on for details on how to make sure your child gets enough nutrients--and what to do if your child isn't gaining weight.
Learn MoreFeeding Disorders
Feeding disorders are characterized by extreme food selectivity by type, texture, brand, shape or color.
Learn MoreFeeding Guide for the First Year
It's important to feed your baby a variety of healthy foods at the correct time. Learn more with this helpful guide.
Learn MoreFemoral Anteversion
Femoral anteversion is a condition where the femur (thigh) bone rotates inward. This rotation causes the knee and foot to point inward as well. It is known as intoeing or being “pigeon-toed”. Often parents first notice this intoeing when their child begins to walk. It becomes most noticeable around 4 to 6 years of age. Femoral anteversion may exist in one or both legs.
Learn MoreFemoral Anteversion
Femoral anteversion (feh-mr-uhl an-ti-vur-zhn) is an inward turn of the thigh bone (femur) which can cause the knees and toes to point in (pigeon toed). Femoral anteversion can be seen in one or both legs. It is often most clear when children are 5 to 6 years old.
Learn MoreFemoral Anteversion in Children
Femoral anteversion is an inward twisting of the thighbone (femur). This health problem causes a child's knees and feet to turn inward. The child may have a pigeon-toed appearance.
Learn MoreFemoroacetabular Impingement
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a condition where extra bone grows on the bone(s) within the hip joint.
Learn MoreFetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
A baby born to a mother who drinks alcohol during pregnancy can have many problems. This is called fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).
Learn MoreFetal Blood Sampling
Fetal blood sampling is a procedure to take a small amount of blood from an unborn baby (fetus) during pregnancy. Fetal blood sampling is usually done by a perinatologist with special training. This is a doctor who specializes in the care of babies in high-risk pregnancies.
Learn MoreFetal Circulation
Through the blood vessels in the umbilical cord, the fetus receives all the necessary nutrition, oxygen, and life support from the mother through the placenta.
Learn MoreFetal Echocardiography
Fetal echocardiography (echo) uses sound waves to check the heart of your developing baby. Learn why the test is used, and what to expect before, during, and after this test.
Learn MoreFetal Growth Restriction
Fetal growth restriction is a condition in which an unborn baby is smaller than expected for the number of weeks of pregnancy (gestational age).
Learn MoreFetal Monitoring
In pregnancy and during labor, your healthcare provider will want to check the health of your unborn baby (fetus). This is done by checking the baby’s heart rate and other functions. Monitoring can be done on the outside of your belly (external monitoring). Or it may be done directly on the baby while inside your uterus (internal monitoring). Fetal monitoring is a very common procedure.
Learn MoreFetal Movement Counting
Fetal movement counting is a way to check the health of a woman’s unborn baby (fetus). It’s often called kick counting. It’s done by counting the number of kicks you feel from your baby in the womb in a certain time period.
Learn MoreFever
In this Helping Hand™, we discuss fever, which is an increase in the body’s temperature above the normal range. Most doctors agree that a temperature over 101° F is a fever. Fevers lower than 101° F don't need to be treated unless your child is uncomfortable or has a history of febrile seizures.
Learn MoreFever in a Newborn Baby
The system that controls body temperature is not well developed in a newborn. Here's what you need to know about fever and your baby.
Learn MoreFever in Children
Read on to learn all about fever and children--from symptoms and treatment to how to take your child's temperature.
Learn MoreFibromyalgia in Children
Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes pain in muscles and soft tissues all over the body. It is an ongoing (chronic) condition. It can affect the neck, shoulders, back, chest, hips, buttocks, arms, and legs.
Learn MoreFifth Disease (Erythema Infectiosum)
Fifth disease is a mild illness caused by a virus. Symptoms include a blotchy rash that begins on the cheeks and spreads to the arms, legs and torso.
Learn MoreFifth Disease in Children
Fifth disease is a viral illness that causes a rash. It occurs most often in the winter and spring.
Learn MoreFire Safety and Burns
Detailed information on fire safety and burns and preventing injuries and death in children
Learn MoreFire Safety and Burns Overview
Know the types of burns you can get and how to keep you and your family safe.
Learn MoreFire Safety and Burns—Identifying High-Risk Situations
Children are at increased risk for serious fire and burn injuries and death because they have thinner skin than adults. This results in burns at lower temperatures.
Learn MoreFirearms
Detailed information on firearm safety and preventing injuries and death in children
Learn MoreFirst Aid for Poisonings in a Child
Sometimes accidental poisonings can be treated in the home under the direction of a poison control center or your child's healthcare provider. At other times, emergency medical care is necessary.
Learn MoreFirst Trimester Screening
First trimester screening combines fetal ultrasound and blood tests for the mother. It’s done during the first trimester of pregnancy, during weeks 1 to 12 or 13. It can help find out the risk of the fetus having certain birth defects.
Learn MoreFirst-Degree Burn in Children
A burn is damage to tissues of the body caused by contact with things such as heat, radiation, or chemicals. A first-degree burn affects only the outer layer of skin (epidermis).
Learn MoreFlat or Inverted Nipples
Detailed information on breastfeeding and flat or inverted nipples
Learn MoreFlea, Mite, or Chigger Bites in Children
Fleas, mites, and chiggers are different kinds of small insects. They are also parasites. This means they feed off the blood, skin, or both of animals and humans. These insects are more common in the warm weather. They bite skin and cause symptoms such as bumps, redness, pain, or itching.
Learn MoreFlossing and Children
Flossing should be started when your child is about 2 to 3 years old, under the direction of your child's dentist. Read on for helpful tips, including step-by-step flossing directions.
Learn MoreFluoride and Children
Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay, strengthens tooth enamel, and reduces the harmful effects of plaque.
Learn MoreFolliculitis
Learn MoreFolliculitis
Folliculitis is a common inflammation of the hair follicles, which are the openings in the skin where the hair grows. The rash appears as small red bumps or pus bumps that can itch or be mildly painful.
Learn MoreFolliculitis, Furuncles, and Carbuncles in Children
Bacteria on the skin can cause an infection of one or more hair follicles. A hair follicle is the base or root of a hair.
Learn MoreFood Allergies in Children
A food allergy is when your child’s body has a bad immune reaction to a certain food. This is different than a food intolerance which does not affect the immune system. This is true even though some of the same signs may be present.
Learn MoreFood Allergy
A food allergy is when the immune system mistakenly responds to a food protein, resulting in inflammation or damage to the intestinal tract. Allergies can present with an immediate or a delayed reaction.
Learn MoreFood Poisoning
When people eat tainted food, they can develop anything from a mild illness to a serious disease. Germs that cause food poisoning include Campylobacter, E-Coli, Salmonella and Shigella.
Learn MoreFoot Sprain or Strain
A foot sprain is a stretching or tearing of the ligaments that connect the bones of the foot. A foot strain is a stretching or tearing of the tendons and muscles in the foot.
Learn MoreFor Parents: Important Decisions to Be Made in the Dying Process
Detailed information on important decisions to be made when a child is dying, including the right to refuse treatment, to die at home versus the hospital, advanced directives, do not resuscitate, autopsy, organ donation, palliative hospice care, and funeral arrangements.
Learn MoreForeign Bodies in the Ear, Nose, and Airway
Children usually place things in their ears because they are bored, curious, or copying other children. Some objects may cause no symptoms, but other objects, such as food and insects, may cause pain in the ear, redness, or drainage.
Learn MoreForeign Bodies in the Eye in Children
A foreign body in your child’s eye is any object that isn’t supposed to be there. The foreign object may be in the conjunctiva. This is a thin membrane that covers the white of the eye. Or it may be in the cornea. This is the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the colored part of the eye and the pupil.
Learn MoreFractures in Children
A fracture is a partial or complete break in the bone. When a fracture happens, it is classified as either open or closed.
Learn MoreFractures of the Orbit in Children
An orbital fracture happens when one or more bones around one of your child's eyes is broken. The orbit is the bony structure around the eye.
Learn MoreFrostbite
Frostbite is damage to the skin and underlying tissues caused by the cold. It occurs most often on small, exposed areas of the body such as the hands and fingers, feet and toes, and the ears, nose and cheeks.
Learn MoreFrostbite and Frostnip in Children
Frostbite is damage to parts of the body from freezing. It occurs when ice crystals form in the skin or in deeper tissue. Frostnip is a mild form of frostbite. It does not cause permanent tissue damage.
Learn MoreFungal Infections
Detailed information on fungal skin infections, including Candidiasis, Tinea Infections, and Tinea Versicolor
Learn MoreGanglion Cysts
A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled lump under the skin, often over a joint or in a tendon in the hand or wrist. If the cyst appears on top of the wrist, it is called a dorsal wrist ganglion cyst. A cyst on the palm side of the wrist is a volar wrist ganglion cyst. These cysts are usually harmless.
Learn MoreGastroesophageal Reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux, also known as chalasia or spitting up, is so common that it should be considered normal for babies. In infants, the sphincter that keeps food in the stomach is not as strong, so some formula or food can come back up. Reflux can cause heartburn which may make the baby fussy.
Learn MoreGastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) in Infants
In this Helping Hand™ document, we discuss Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, also known as GERD, in infants. This document provides tips on feeding your child, medications, positioning and safe sleep to help you manage your infant's reflux. Call your child's doctor if they fail to gain weight.
Learn MoreGastroesophageal Reflux in Children
Gastroesophageal reflux is a digestive disorder. With this condition, acidic stomach juices, food, and fluids flow back up into your child’s esophagus. Read on to learn about causes, symptoms, and treatment.
Learn MoreGastrointestinal Problems
If your baby seems fussy and you've fed and changed him, he may have an upset stomach or colic. But don't worry, there are lots of things you can do to make your little one more comfortable and keep both of you calm.
Learn MoreGastroparesis
Gastroparesis is a condition where the stomach contracts less often and less powerfully, causing food and liquids to stay in the stomach for a long time.
Learn MoreGastroschisis
When the muscles and skin fail to form normally in the abdominal wall, this results in an abdominal wall defect. Gastroschisis is the most common of the abdominal wall defects. Babies born with gastroschisis have a hole in the abdominal wall.
Learn MoreGastroschisis
Gastroschisis is a defect in the abdominal wall. Part of the intestine is outside of the baby's body, rather than inside the abdomen.
Learn MoreGeneralized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) in Children and Teens
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental health problem. A child with GAD has a lot of worry and fear that seems to have no real cause.
Learn MoreGenetic Disorders Associated with Congenital Heart Disease
Detailed information on congenital heart disease, including patent ductus arteriosus, atrial septal defect, ventricular septal defect, atrioventricular canal, tricuspid atresia, pulmonary atresia, transposition of the great arteries, tetralogy of Fallot, double outlet right ventricle, truncus arteriosus, coarctation of the aorta, aortic stenosis, and hypoplastic left heart syndrome
Learn MoreGenital Herpes
It's important not to get genital herpes during pregnancy. A first episode during pregnancy raises the risk of passing the disease on to your baby.
Learn MoreGenital Warts
The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) commonly causes genital warts. In females, these warts can occur around the vagina, on the cervix or around the rectum. Some strains of HPV can cause different types of cancer, however, most do not.
Learn MoreGenital Warts (HPV Infection)
Genital warts are skin-colored, cauliflower-like, painless growths. They are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Genital warts are usually spread by sexual contact. During pregnancy or delivery, the HPV virus can be passed on to the baby from an infected mother.
Learn MoreGenital Warts in Babies and Children
Genital warts are common skin-colored growths that are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). In males, they can occur on the penis or around the rectum. In females, they can occur around the vagina or rectum. Treatment includes freezing with liquid nitrogen or applying topical medicine.
Learn MoreGERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) in Children
GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a long-term (chronic) digestive disorder. It happens when stomach contents flow back up (reflux) into the food pipe (esophagus).
Learn MoreGerm Cell Tumors (GCTs) in Children
Germ cells form as a baby grows in the womb. The cells usually form the eggs (ova) in females and the sperm in males. Germ cell tumors are made up of these underdeveloped cells. The tumors may be cancer (malignant) or not cancer (benign).
Learn MoreGestational Age Assessment
It's not always easy to tell a newborn's age by their size. Premature babies are usually small, but full-term and past-term babies can be small, too. That's when healthcare providers will do a gestational assessment to determine if a newborn needs special treatment.
Learn MoreGestational Hypertension
Gestational hypertension is high blood pressure in pregnancy. It occurs in about 3 in 50 pregnancies.
Learn MoreGI Bleeding (Upper and Lower)
Upper GI bleeding occurs when irritation and ulcers of the lining of the esophagus, stomach, or duodenum result in bleeding. Lower GI bleeding occurs most frequently from the large intestine (colon) and rectum. Pediatricians and pediatric gastroenterologists see this problem quite regularly.
Learn MoreGiant Neck Mass
A giant neck mass is an abnormal growth of the neck. There are two different types of masses including cervical teratomas and lymphatic malformations. The cause of it is unknown, but it can be treated.
Learn MoreGlomerulonephritis
Glomerulonephritis is a kidney disease that involves inflammation of tiny filter units in the kidneys called glomeruli. Due to inflammation, these filters can leak blood and protein into the urine. Symptoms may include dark brown-colored urine (from blood and protein) and diminished urine output.
Learn MoreGlomerulonephritis in Children
Glomerulonephritis is a type of kidney disease that makes it hard for the kidneys to filter blood from urine.
Learn MoreGonadotropin-Independent Precocious Puberty
Puberty that happens early is called precocious puberty. Gonadotropin-independent precocious puberty is caused by early secretion of high levels of sex hormones. These include the male androgens and female estrogens.
Learn MoreGonorrhea
Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the germ Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Anyone that is sexually active is at risk of getting gonorrhea. Those who have had more than one sexual partner are at higher risk of getting infected.
Learn MoreGranuloma Annulare
Granuloma annulare is a raised, bumpy ring-like rash. This starts as a smooth bump on the skin and becomes a circular ring. Granuloma annulare is common, but no one knows what causes it. It is not infectious or contagious. Granuloma annulare is often mistaken for ringworm or bug bites.
Learn MoreGraves' Disease
Graves’ disease is the most common kind of hyperthyroidism. It happens when a person’s immune system acts against his or her thyroid gland by mistake. It makes too much of the hormone thyroxine. Graves’ disease can happen at any age in both males and females. It is more common in women.
Learn MoreGraves Disease in a Newborn (Neonatal Graves Disease)
Graves disease is an autoimmune disease. The immune system normally protects the body from germs with chemicals called antibodies. But with an autoimmune disease, it makes antibodies that attack the body’s own tissues. With Graves disease, antibodies cause the thyroid gland to make too much thyroid hormone. This is known as hyperthyroidism. Extra thyroid hormone in the bloodstream leads to the body's metabolism being too active.
Learn MoreGraves Disease in Children
Graves disease is an autoimmune disease. With this disease, antibodies cause the thyroid gland to make too much thyroid hormone. This is known as hyperthyroidism. Excess thyroid hormone in the bloodstream leads to the body's metabolism being too active. It can cause problems such as weight loss, nervousness, fast heartbeat, tiredness, and other issues. It’s an ongoing (chronic) condition that needs lifelong treatment.
Learn MoreGraves Disease in Pregnancy
Graves disease is a condition where the thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone. This is called hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid. Graves disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism during pregnancy.
Learn MoreGreater Trochanter Bursitis
A bursa is a fluid-filled sac, like a water balloon. It reduces rubbing between the bone and the surrounding soft tissue, like muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Bursitis occurs when there is swelling and pain in a bursa.
Learn MoreGrief and Bereavement
The process of grieving is often long and painful for parents, siblings, relatives, friends, peers, teachers, neighbors, and anyone that understands the loss of a child.
Learn MoreGroup B Streptococcus Infection in Babies
Group B streptococcus (strep) is a type of bacteria. It can be found in the digestive tract, urinary tract, and genital area of adults. About 1 in 4 pregnant women carry GBS in their rectum or vagina. During pregnancy, the mother can pass the infection to the baby. The fetus can get GBS during pregnancy. Newborns can get it from the mother's genital tract during delivery.
Learn MoreGrowth and Development in Children with Congenital Heart Disease
Children with congenital heart disease often grow and develop more slowly than other children. Here's what you should know.
Learn MoreGrowth Hormone Deficiency in Children
Growth hormone (GH) deficiency is when the pituitary gland doesn't make enough growth hormone. GH is needed to stimulate growth of bone and other tissues. This condition can occur at any age. GH deficiency does not affect a child's intelligence.
Learn MoreGrowth in Children
Detailed information on growth in children, including normal growth, newborn screening tests, growth problems, growth hormone deficiency, and achondroplasia
Learn MoreGrowth Plate Injuries
The physis, or growth plate, is an area of growing bone near the ends of long bones. Bones grow longer from the tissue produced by the physis and then harden.
Learn MoreGrowth Problems in Children
A growth problem means that a child falls either below or above the average range of growth for a child's age, sex, family history, or racial background.
Learn MoreGrowth-Related Disorders
Detailed information on the most common growth-related disorders in children
Learn MoreGuillain-Barré Syndrome in Children
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a short-term but often life-threatening disorder that affects the nerves in the body. GBS can cause muscle weakness, pain, and short-term (temporary) paralysis of the facial, chest, and leg muscles.
Learn MoreGynecological and Menstrual Conditions
Detailed information on the most common gynecological and menstrual conditions that affect adolescents
Learn MoreGynecomastia
Gynecomastia refers to enlarged breasts in males. This condition is common in teenagers and often resolves on its own. However, if it persists for longer than 12 months, it may benefit from breast surgery.
Learn MoreGynecomastia
Gynecomastia is excess growth of breast tissue in males. Usually, it is caused by an imbalance of estrogen and testosterone. This is known as physiologic gynecomastia.
Learn MoreH. Pylori
H. pylori, also known as Helicobacter pylori, is a bacteria that infects the stomach. Although common, this infection rarely shows any signs or symptoms. Some adults and a small number of children with the infection will develop inflammation and even ulcers of the stomach or small intestine.
Learn MoreHaemophilus Influenzae Infections in Children
Haemophilus influenzae (H. influenzae) is a group of bacteria that can cause different types of infections in babies and children. H. influenzae most often cause ear, eye, or sinus infections. They also cause pneumonia.
Learn MoreHaemophilus Influenzae Type b (Hib)
Haemophilus influenzae type b is a serious bacterial disease that usually strikes children younger than 5. It is spread from person-to-person by coughing and sneezing.
Learn MoreHamstring Strain
A hamstring strain is a stretching or tearing of the hamstring muscles located in the back of the thigh. Hamstring strains are usually caused by an over-stretching of the muscle. Symptoms of a hamstring strain include immediate pain in the muscle, pain with movement and swelling or bruising.
Learn MoreHand Eczema
Hand eczema is a type of eczema (an itchy, red, dry skin condition) that appears on the hands. Hand eczema can be chronic and hard to treat. A form of hand eczema in which small, itchy blisters appear on the hands is called dyshidrotic eczema. Anti-inflammatory creams can reduce redness and itching.
Learn MoreHand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease in Children
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is an illness caused by a virus. It causes a rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It can also occur in the diaper area, and on the legs and arms.
Learn MoreHand-Foot-Mouth Disease
Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a common illness caused by a virus. Early symptoms of HFMD are much like a common cold. After a day or two, you might see small painful sores (ulcers) on the throat and tonsils and a rash of very small blisters or red spots on the hands, feet and diaper area.
Learn MoreHashimoto's Thyroiditis
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is the common name for autoimmune hypothyroidism.
Learn MoreHead Injury - Concussion
If your child has been diagnosed with a concussion because of a head injury, they may not need to be admitted to the hospital. It is important to watch your child closely for the next 24 to 48 hours. Depending on the degree of head injury, the symptoms may last minutes to weeks.
Learn MoreHead Injury in Children
The more common causes of head injury in children are falls, motor vehicle accidents—in which the child is either a passenger or a pedestrian—or a result of child abuse.
Learn MoreHead Lice
Head lice are tiny, six-legged insects that spend their entire life on human heads. Nits are the eggs of the lice. Nits look like bits of dandruff in the hair but do not flake off when touched. Lice are usually spread from child to child when sharing clothing, combs or brushes.
Learn MoreHead Lice in Children
Head lice are tiny parasitic bugs that can infest the skin. They live on people’s heads and feed on their blood. Head lice can cause intense itching.
Learn MoreHeadaches
Most headaches in children are not serious. Children’s headaches are very rarely from serious diseases or physical problems. Because of their young age, children may not know how to describe pain. Symptoms of headaches include acting quieter or moodier than normal and a drop in their activity.
Learn MoreHeadaches in Children
Many headaches in children may be caused by tight muscles and dilated blood vessels in the head. Other headaches may be caused by an actual problem, such as a tumor or malformation of the brain, although this is much less common.
Learn MoreHeadaches in Children
A headache is one of the most common complaints of children and teenagers. Fussiness, crankiness and not being able to sleep may be the only signs of head pain in children who are too young to tell you where they hurt. There are many different types of headaches. Each may be treated differently.
Learn MoreHeadaches: Migraine
Migraine headaches occur when there are changes in some of the nerves and blood vessels and are common in children.
Learn MoreHealth Promotion and Common Problems
Detailed information on health promotion and common health problems in children
Learn MoreHealthy Diets Overview
Eating healthy is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and is something that should be taught to children at a young age.
Learn MoreHealthy Eating During Adolescence
Encourage your teen to eat 3 balanced meals a day, with fruits or vegetables as snacks.
Learn MoreHealthy Sleep Habits
The normal amount of sleep varies depending on the age of your child. Read on for helpful tips to create healthy sleep habits, plus a chart of normal day and night sleep times by age.
Learn MoreHearing Aids for Children
Hearing aids can help improve hearing and speech, especially in children with hearing loss in the inner ear caused by damaged hair cells or a damaged hearing nerve. Read on to learn about the types of hearing aids available, and what to think about before buying one.
Learn MoreHearing Loss in Babies
Hearing loss in babies is rare in this country. But when it does happen, it's important to diagnose it early. Undetected hearing loss can delay speech and language development.
Learn MoreHearing Loss in Children
A look at the 3 different types of hearing loss and what causes them.
Learn MoreHearing Screening Tests for Newborns
Today nearly all newborns are screened for hearing loss. Here's a look at why, and the types of screening tests that are done.
Learn MoreHearing, Speech, and Language
Detailed information on hearing, speech, and language in children
Learn MoreHeart Defects Causing Obstructions to Blood Flow
Detailed information on heart defects that cause obstructions in blood flow
Learn MoreHeart Defects Causing Too Little Blood Flow Through the Lungs
Detailed information on heart defects that cause too little blood flow through the lungs
Learn MoreHeart Defects Causing Too Much Blood Flow Through the Lungs
Detailed information on heart defects that cause extra blood flow through the lungs
Learn MoreHeart Failure
Heart failure means the heart’s ability to squeeze is weaker than normal. As a result, the heart works less efficiently and cannot pump enough oxygen and nutrients to meet the body’s needs. Before a transplant is considered, children and adults with heart failure may be managed with medication.
Learn MoreHeart Failure in Children
Heart failure is when the heart can't pump enough blood to the body. In children, it is often caused by a congenital heart defect.
Learn MoreHeart Murmurs
Murmurs are extra or unusual sounds made by blood circulating through the heart's chambers or valves, or through blood vessels near the heart. Types of murmurs include systolic murmurs, diastolic murmurs and continuous murmurs. Heart murmurs are analyzed for pitch, loudness, and duration.
Learn MoreHeart Murmurs in Children
Heart murmurs are extra or unusual sounds made by blood moving through the heart. Many children have heart murmurs. Some cause no problems or go away over time. Others need treatment.
Learn MoreHeart Transplant for Children
A heart transplant is a surgery to replace a diseased heart with a healthy one from an organ donor. Organ donors are adults or children who have become critically ill, often because because of injury. They will not live because of their illness or injury.
Learn MoreHeat-Related Illnesses (Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion, Heat Stroke)
Children and teens are at greater risk for heat-related illnesses for several reasons. They adjust more slowly to changes in air temperature. They also make more heat with activity and sweat less.
Learn MoreHelicobacter Pylori in Children
H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori) is a spiral-shaped germ (bacteria) that infects the stomach. It can damage the tissue in your child’s stomach and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). This can cause redness and swelling (inflammation). It may also cause painful sores called peptic ulcers in the upper digestive tract.
Learn MoreHELLP Syndrome
HELLP syndrome is a rare but life-threatening condition in pregnancy. It causes red cells in the blood to break down. It also causes problems with the liver, bleeding, and blood pressure. It's often linked with preeclampsia and eclampsia. It often develops before delivery. But it may also occur after delivery.
Learn MoreHemangioma
A hemangioma is a common vascular birthmark, made of extra blood vessels in the skin. It is a benign (non-cancerous) growth. Hemangiomas may occur anywhere on the body. There are three main types of hemangioma: superficial (on the surface of the skin), deep (under the skin) and mixed.
Learn MoreHemangioma and Vascular Malformations
The treatment of a hemangioma is usually observation. Some hemangiomas can cause problems if they bleed or press on important nearby structures, such as the eye or the upper airway. Venous malformations, lymphatic malformations and arteriovenous malformations require a multidisciplinary approach.
Learn MoreHemifacial Microsomia (HFM) in Children
Hemifacial microsomia (HFM) is a congenital disorder. This means that your child is born with it. In this condition, one side of your baby’s face is underdeveloped (hemi means half). HFM usually only affects one side of the face. Sometimes both sides may be affected.
Learn MoreHemoglobin C Disease
Most people carry hemoglobin A in their red blood cells. Those who carry hemoglobin C, considered an abnormal variation, may develop hemoglobin C disease. This blood disorder develops because the red blood cells break down earlier than they should, leaving too few in the blood and leading to mild anemia.
Learn MoreHemoglobin E Trait
Hemoglobin E trait is an inherited blood disorder. That means it's passed down through your parent’s genes. It occurs most often in people of Southeast Asian descent. Many people with hemoglobin E trait have no symptoms. Read on to learn more.
Learn MoreHemoglobinopathy
Learn MoreHemolytic Anemia in Children
Hemolytic anemia is a group of disorders in which the red blood cells are destroyed faster than the bone marrow can make them. Learn more about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
Learn MoreHemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN)
Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) is a blood disorder that causes a baby’s red blood cells to break down quickly (hemolysis). HDFN occurs when there is a mismatch between the mother’s and baby’s blood type and/or Rh factor during pregnancy. Hemolysis causes anemia and jaundice.
Learn MoreHemolytic Disease of the Newborn (HDN)
Hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) is a blood problem in newborns. It occurs when your baby's red blood cells break down at a fast rate. It’s also called erythroblastosis fetalis.
Learn MoreHemolytic Uremic Syndrome in Children
Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a rare condition that can lead to kidney failure. The syndrome harms the small structures and vessels inside the kidneys. HUS causes red blood cells to clog the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys. It may cause damage to the kidney tissues.
Learn MoreHemophilia
Hemophilia is an inherited bleeding disorder. People with hemophilia can’t stop bleeding because they don’t have enough clotting factor in their blood. Clotting factors are needed for blood to clot. Blood clots to prevent excessive bleeding.
Learn MoreHemophilia
Hemophilia is an inherited blood disorder. In hemophilia, a blood clotting factor is missing. In Hemophilia A, Factor VIII (8) is missing. In Hemophilia B, Factor IX (9) is missing. Without these factors, blood will not clot well. People with hemophilia are born with the disorder. It is not contagious.
Learn MoreHemophilia Carrier
A hemophilia carrier is a female who has the gene that causes hemophilia A or hemophilia B deficiency.
Learn MoreHemorrhagic Stroke
Learn MoreHenoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP)
HSP results from inflammation of small blood vessels in the skin and other organs in the body.
Learn MoreHepatitis A
Hepatitis A is an infection of the liver. Hepatitis A is caused by a virus found in feces, contaminated water and food that has been handled by infected persons. People are infected by passing the virus from contaminated hands to their mouths or by eating foods that contain the virus.
Learn MoreHepatitis B
The hepatitis B virus is one of the several viruses that can cause hepatitis. Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis B is caused by a virus found in blood, semen, vaginal secretions and saliva. It is mainly spread through unprotected sexual activity or exposure to blood.
Learn MoreHepatitis B Virus (HBV) in Children
An infant or young child who contracts hepatitis B is at greater risk of staying infected with the virus and of having life-long liver problems, such as scarring of the liver and liver cancer.
Learn MoreHepatitis in Children
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. It can damage and destroy liver cells.
Learn MoreHepatoblastoma in Children
Hepatoblastoma is a very rare cancer. It’s a tumor that starts in the liver. The cancer cells are similar to fetal liver cells. It usually affects children less than 3 to 4 years of age.
Learn MoreHepatocellular Carcinoma
Learn MoreHereditary Retinoblastoma
Learn MoreHerpangina in Children
Herpangina is a very common illness in children. It causes small blisterlike bumps or sores (ulcers) in the mouth.
Learn MoreHerpes Simplex Virus
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a very contagious virus that causes infections. There are two types of HSV. One type (HSV-1) usually causes sores around the lips or inside the mouth that are sometimes called fever blisters or cold sores. The other type (HSV-2) usually causes sores on the genitals.
Learn MoreHerpes Simplex Virus (Cold Sores) in Children
Cold sores are small blisters around the mouth caused by the herpes simplex virus. Once a child is infected with the virus, the virus becomes inactive (dormant) for long periods of time. It can then become active at any time and cause cold sores.
Learn MoreHeterotaxy Syndrome
Heterotaxy syndrome, also called isomerism, occurs when the heart and other organs are in the wrong place in the chest and abdomen. This complex heart condition commonly affects the lungs, liver, spleen, stomach and intestines. There are two types: right atrial isomerism and left atrial isomerism
Learn MoreHidradenitis Supperativa (HS)
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a long-term (chronic) skin condition. Plugged pores and red, tender bumps or boils begin deep in the skin around hair follicles that contain specific sweat glands called apocrine glands. The tender bumps often enlarge, break open and drain pus.
Learn MoreHigh Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, means that there is higher than normal pressure inside the arteries either during systole (when the heart contracts and pumps blood through the body), or during diastole (when the heart relaxes and fills with blood).
Learn MoreHigh Blood Pressure in Children and Teens
Blood pressure is the force of the blood pushing against the artery walls. High blood pressure (hypertension) means that the pressure inside the arteries is too high. This higher pressure may harm the arteries and cause the heart to work harder.
Learn MoreHigh Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fatty yellow substance made by your liver from the fats, carbohydrates and proteins in the food you eat. There are two important types of cholesterol. One is LDL or "bad" cholesterol. The other is HDL or the "good" cholesterol.
Learn MoreHigh-Grade Gliomas
A high-grade glioma is a type of tumor formed in the brain or spinal cord through the abnormal growth of glial cells.
Learn MoreHigh-Risk Newborn Blood Disorders
Detailed information on blood disorders that place a newborn at higher risk and require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional
Learn MoreHip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia, also known as developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), is an issue that is present at birth. In a child with DDH, the hip socket is shallow. As a result, the head of the femur may slip in and out. It may dislocate. This means it moves partly or completely out of the hip socket.
Learn MoreHip Flexor Strain
The hip flexor muscles are in the front of the thigh. They are made up of the iliopsoas (i-lee-uh-sow-uhs), sartorius (saar-taw-ree-is), and rectus femoris (rek-tuhs feh-mr-uhs) muscles. They allow the hip to lift up, or flex. Muscle attaches to bone via a tendon.
Learn MoreHip Pointer (Iliac Crest Contusion)
A hip pointer is a bruise to the bone on the side of the hip called the iliac crest. It is usually from a direct hit to the hip. Bruises cause bleeding from small blood vessels that split, allowing blood to leak into the muscles, tendons, or other soft tissues.
Learn MoreHirschsprung Disease
Hirschsprung disease, also known as megacolon, is a congenital condition that causes blockage of the intestine. The blockage is caused by a lack of nerves in the bottom segment of the colon. Children with Hirschsprung disease will need surgery to remove the non-functional segment of the intestine.
Learn MoreHirschsprung Disease (HD)
In Hirschsprung disease, the nerves in the colon, also known as the large intestine or bowel, that move stool forward did not form. Hirschsprung disease can affect a small part of the colon or the entire colon. In rare situations, it can move into the small intestine, as well.
Learn MoreHirschsprung Disease in Children
Hirschsprung disease is a rare birth defect. It affects the nerve cells in the large intestine. These nerve cells control the muscles that move food and waste, or stool, through the large intestine. The large intestine is the last part of the digestive tract.
Learn MoreHIV Infection/AIDS
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that causes a number of different health problems including AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). The HIV virus is passed from person to person through sexual contact, contact with blood from an infected person, or from mother to infant.
Learn MoreHIV/AIDS and Pregnancy
A mother with HIV can pass the virus to her baby during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and breastfeeding.
Learn MoreHoarse Voice (Dysphonia)
Dysphonia, also known as hoarseness, refers to having an abnormal voice. For those affected by dysphonia, the voice can be described as hoarse, rough, raspy, strained, weak, breathy or gravely. There may also be voice breaks and pitch changes. Causes may include inflammation, growths and scarring.
Learn MoreHodgkin Lymphoma
Hodgkins Lymphoma (also known as Hodgkin’s Disease) is a form of cancer of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a part of the circulatory system. It plays a main role in fighting infection. It is made up of hundreds of lymph nodes.
Learn MoreHodgkin Lymphoma in Children
Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer in the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is part of the immune system. It helps to fight diseases and infections. The lymphatic system also helps with balancing fluids in different parts of the body.
Learn MoreHolter Monitoring for Children
Holter monitoring is a way to continuously check the electrical activity of the heart. Your child will wear a small device called a Holter monitor for at least 24 to 48 hours. The device constantly checks your child's heart during this time.
Learn MoreHome Care for Children with Sickle Cell Disease
Although a child who has sickle cell disease should be under a healthcare provider's care, parents can do many things at home to reduce symptoms and maintain the child's health.
Learn MoreHome Page - Adolescent Medicine
Detailed information on adolescent medicine, including growth and development, cognitive development, relationship development, health and injury problems, and safety
Learn MoreHome Page - Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
Detailed information on allergy, asthma, and immunology
Learn MoreHome Page - Burns
Detailed information on burns, including anatomy, classification, treatment, and prevention
Learn MoreHome Page - Cardiovascular Disorders
Detailed information on cardiovascular diseases in children
Learn MoreHome Page - Care of the Terminally Ill Child
Detailed information on care of the terminally ill child
Learn MoreHome Page - Child and Adolescent Mental Health
Detailed information on child and adolescent mental health disorders
Learn MoreHome Page - Common Childhood Injuries and Poisonings
Detailed information on the common poisonings and injuries of children
Learn MoreHome Page - Craniofacial Anomalies
Detailed information on craniofacial anomalies, including Cleft Lip, Cleft Palate, Craniosynostosis, Deformational Plagiocephaly, Hemifacial Microsomia, Vascular Malformations, and Hemangiomas
Learn MoreHome Page - Dental and Oral Health
Detailed information on dental and oral health in children
Learn MoreHome Page - Diabetes and Other Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders
Detailed information on diabetes and other endocrine and metabolic disorders that affect children
Learn MoreHome Page - Digestive and Liver Disorders
Detailed information on digestive disorders in children
Learn MoreHome Page - Ear, Nose, and Throat
Detailed information on ear, nose, and throat disorders in children
Learn MoreHome Page - Genitourinary and Kidney Disorders
Detailed information on genitourinary and kidney disorders in children
Learn MoreHome Page - Growth and Development
Detailed information on proper health maintenance for a child
Learn MoreHome Page - Hematology and Blood Disorders in Children
Detailed information on blood disorders, including Anemia, Aplastic Anemia, Hemolytic Anemia, Iron Deficiency Anemia, Megaloblastic Anemia, Sickle Cell Anemia, Thalassemia, Alpha Thalassemia, Beta Thalassemia (Cooley's Anemia)
Learn MoreHome Page - Infectious Diseases in Children
Detailed information on infectious diseases in children
Learn MoreHome Page - Medical Genetics
Detailed information on medical genetics, including chromosome abnormalities, single gene defects, multifactorial inheritance, teratogens, and non-traditional inheritance
Learn MoreHome Page - Neurological Disorders
Detailed information on neurological disorders in children
Learn MoreHome Page - Pediatric Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Diseases
Detailed information on pediatric arthritis and other rheumatic diseases
Learn MoreHome Page - Respiratory Disorders in Children
Detailed information on respiratory disorders in children
Learn MoreHome Page - Safety and Injury Prevention
Detailed information on safety and injury prevention of children
Learn MoreHome Wound Care
Your child may come home with unhealed areas that still need directed on how to change dressings before you leave the hospital.
Learn MoreHorseshoe Kidney (Renal Fusion) in Children
Horseshoe kidney is when the 2 kidneys join (fuse) together at the bottom. They form a U shape like a horseshoe.
Learn MoreHospice Care for a Child
The goal of hospice care is to provide the terminally ill child peace, comfort, and dignity.
Learn MoreHospital Visit/Preoperative Clinic
Touring the hospital before surgery can help your child see the sights, sounds, and events he or she will experience the day of surgery. It is a nonthreatening, often reassuring, way to learn about the hospital.
Learn MoreHow the Liver Works
Detailed information on how the liver works, including a full-color, labeled illustration of the digestive system
Learn MoreHow to Manage Hearing Loss in Children
A look at the healthcare team members involved in diagnosing a child's hearing loss, and different ways of managing hearing loss.
Learn MoreHuman Parainfluenza Viruses (HPIVs) in Children
Human parainfluenza viruses (HPIVs) are a group of viruses that cause different types of respiratory infections. They are more common in children and babies. But they can occur in people of any age, especially those with a weak immune system.
Learn MoreHydramnios
In this condition, there is too much amniotic fluid around your baby during pregnancy. It happens in about 1 in 100 pregnancies.
Learn MoreHydrocele
Hydrocele is a collection of clear or yellow fluid around the testicle within the scrotum. Many male newborns have small hydroceles present at birth, most of which will go away on their own within the first year and do not require surgery.
Learn MoreHydrocele in Children
A hydrocele is fluid buildup in the thin pouch that holds the testes in the scrotum. Up to 1 in 10 baby boys have a hydrocele at birth. In most cases, it goes away without treatment in the first year.
Learn MoreHydrocephalus
A baby with hydrocephalus has extra fluid around the brain. This fluid is called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Too much CSF can increase the pressure in your baby’s head. This causes the bones in your baby’s skull to expand and separate. The baby's head may look larger than normal.
Learn MoreHydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus occurs when too much fluid builds up inside the spaces around the brain. This fluid, called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal cord. Hydrocephalus can be caused by a blockage in the flow or reabsorption of CSF, causing extra fluid to build up.
Learn MoreHydronephrosis
Hydronephrosis is a radiology term for swelling or fluid in the kidney. Hydronephrosis is not a disease, but can be a sign of other kidney or bladder problems or developmental issues. Similar terms for less severe kidney swelling which are used interchangeably are pyelectasis or pelviectasis.
Learn MoreHydrops Fetalis
Hydrops fetalis is severe swelling (edema) in an unborn baby or a newborn baby. It is a life-threatening problem.
Learn MoreHydroureter
Hydroureter is when the ureter gets bigger than normal due to a backup of urine.
Learn MoreHymen Variants
Hymen is a thin piece of tissue located at the opening of the vagina. The hymen needs to be open to allow menstrual blood and normal secretions to exit the vagina. Hymens come in different shapes including imperforate hymen, microperforate hymen, cribiform hymen and septate hymen.
Learn MoreHyperbilirubinemia in the Newborn
Hyperbilirubinemia happens when there is too much bilirubin in your baby’s blood. Bilirubin is made by the breakdown of red blood cells. It’s hard for babies to get rid of bilirubin. It can build up in their blood, tissues, and fluids.
Learn MoreHyperemesis Gravidarum
Many pregnant women have some nausea and sometimes vomiting in the first trimester. A few pregnant women have a severe kind of nausea and vomiting called hyperemesis gravidarum. Read on to learn more about this condition.
Learn MoreHyperhidrosis
Sweating (or perspiration) is a normal body function that helps to maintain body temperature and prevent overheating. An increased, unusual amount of sweating is called hyperhidrosis. The three types of hyperhidrosis are primary focal, generalized idiopathic and secondary generalized.
Learn MoreHypermobile Joints
Hypermobile joints, also known as loose joints, describes the ability of a joint to move beyond its normal range of motion. People with hypermobile joints are sometimes referred to as being double jointed. Benign hypermobility syndrome can lead to weak, loose ligaments and joint instability.
Learn MoreHyperparathyroidism in Children
Hyperparathyroidism is when the parathyroid glands make too much parathyroid hormone. The condition is rare in children.
Learn MoreHypertelorbitism
Hypertelorbitism, also known as orbital hypertelorism, is an abnormally increased distance between the orbits, which are the bony sockets holding the eyes. In addition, patients may have a flat nasal bridge. The surgical treatment of hypertelorbitism depends on the underlying cause.
Learn MoreHyperthyroidism
Learn MoreHyphema
Hyphema is a collection of blood inside the front of the eye. The blood may cover all or part of the iris (the colored part of the eye) and the pupil (the black circle of the eye). It usually heals without problems but can cause loss of vision if it is not properly managed.
Learn MoreHypocalcemia in the Newborn
Hypocalcemia is when a person doesn't have enough calcium in the blood. In babies, it’s called neonatal hypocalcemia. Your baby can get it at different times and from different causes.
Learn MoreHypoglycemia in a Newborn Baby
Hypoglycemia is when the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood is too low. Glucose is the main source of fuel for the brain and the body. In a newborn baby, low blood sugar can happen for many reasons. It can cause problems such as shakiness, blue color to the skin, and breathing and feeding problems. Read on to learn more.
Learn MoreHypoglycemia in Children
Hypoglycemia is when the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood is too low. Hypoglycemia can be a condition by itself. Or it can be a complication of diabetes or other disorder. Read on to learn more.
Learn MoreHypoparathyroidism in Children
Hypoparathyroidism is when the parathyroid glands don’t make enough parathyroid hormone. The parathyroid glands are 4 tiny glands on the thyroid. The hormone they make helps manage levels of calcium in the bloodstream. Low levels of the hormone leads to low levels of calcium. This can lead to muscle spasms and cramping, called tetany.
Learn MoreHypopituitarism in Children
Hypopituitarism means that the pituitary gland is not working normally. The pituitary gland is a pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain. It’s the master endocrine gland in the body. The pituitary gland normally releases as many as 8 different hormones. These hormones control growth, metabolism, blood pressure, and other body processes. The effects of hypopituitarism may be slow over time. Or they may be sudden.
Learn MoreHypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a congenital heart defect where most of the structures on the left side of the heart are small and underdeveloped. The Hybrid approach, developed by surgeons at Nationwide Children's Hospital, is an alternative to Norwood open heart surgery for HLHS.
Learn MoreHypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) in Children
Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a group of defects of the heart and large blood vessels. A child is born with this condition (congenital heart defect). It occurs when part of the heart doesn't develop as it should during the first 8 weeks of pregnancy.
Learn MoreHypospadias
Most hypospadias is classified as distal, where the urethral opening is just below the head of the penis and most of the urethra is normal. Mild hypospadias is when the urethral opening is just below the tip of the penis. Severe hypospadias is when the opening is at the level of or below the scrotum.
Learn MoreHypospadias in Children
Hypospadias is a problem where the opening of the urethra is not at the tip of the penis. With hypospadias, the end of the tube is lower down on the underside of the penis. Or it may be in the scrotum.
Learn MoreHypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism happens when the body does not make enough thyroid hormone. As a result, many body functions slow down. An underactive thyroid is the most common thyroid problem. Sometimes hypothyroidism is caused by the immune system making proteins called antibodies that attack the thyroid gland.
Learn MoreIdentification, Treatment, and Prevention of Birth Defects
Detailed information on the identification, treatment, and prevention of birth defects
Learn MoreIf Your Child Has Trouble Adjusting After a Burn Injury
Agitated behavior such as crying, sleep disturbances and nightmares, and repeated episodes of sadness are signs that your child may be having trouble coping with stress.
Learn MoreIgA Vasculitis in Children
IgA Vasculitis is a condition that involves swelling (inflammation) of small blood vessels. The swollen blood vessels leak into the skin, joints, intestines, and kidneys.
Learn MoreIliac Apophysitis
Iliac apophysitis (uh-paa-fuh-sai-tuhs) is pain and swelling (inflammation) of the growth plate along the side of the hip (iliac crest). The growth plate is an area of weakness, and injury to it occurs because of repeated stress or forceful exercise.
Learn MoreIliotibial Band Syndrome
The Iliotibial Band (IT Band) is an extension of muscle on the outside of the thigh. IT band syndrome is a painful condition caused by overuse. Symptoms of IT band syndrome include pain on the outside of the knee or hip that becomes worse with activity.
Learn MoreImmune Deficiencies
Detailed information on immune deficiency disorders in children, including Severe Combined Immunodeficiency, Common Variable Immunodeficiency, DiGeorge Syndrome, and X-linked Agammaglobulinemia
Learn MoreImmune Thrombocytopenia (ITP)
Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) happens when the body destroys its own platelets. Platelets are a kind of blood cell that help the blood to clot after a person gets cut or bruised. A child with ITP may have a platelet count of less than 1,000.
Learn MoreImmune Thrombocytopenic Purpura in Children
ITP is a blood disorder that causes a decrease in the number of platelets in the blood. Platelets help stop bleeding. So a decrease in platelets can result in easy bruising, bleeding gums, and bleeding inside the body. The lower the platelet count, the greater the risk of bleeding.
Learn MoreImperforate Anus in Children
Imperforate anus is a problem that your child is born with. It happens when your child has a blocked or missing anus.
Learn MoreImpetigo in Children
Impetigo is a skin infection. When it affects just the surface, it’s called superficial impetigo. Impetigo can also affect deeper parts of the skin. This is called ecthyma. It may occur on healthy skin. Or it may occur where the skin was injured by a cut, scrape, or insect bite.
Learn MoreIncreased Intracranial Pressure
Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) means greater than normal pressure on the brain. It results from a greater volume of fluid or swelling of the brain. Call 911 if your child loses consciousness or has convulsions (seizures) lasting longer than 5 minutes.
Learn MoreInfant Feeding Guide
How much, what, and when to feed your baby can seem daunting. But this cheat sheet will give you the information you need to start your baby on the right nutritional path.
Learn MoreInfant Nutrition
Choosing how to feed your baby is an important decision that has life-long effects for your baby and for you.
Learn MoreInfant Play
Read on for helpful suggestions for activities and toys for your baby, according to their age.
Learn MoreInfant Problems of the Teeth and Mouth
Detailed information on infant problems of the teeth and mouth
Learn MoreInfant Sleep
If you know anything about your baby's sleeping pattern, it's probably that it doesn't coincide with yours. But learning more about your baby's nighttime and daytime sleep needs can help you recognize what's normal, and what's not.
Learn MoreInfection in Babies
Newborns are particularly susceptible to infections. One of the best ways to keep your baby infection-free is to wash your hands before and after handling him or her. Other preventive measures may also be necessary.
Learn MoreInfectious Mononucleosis (Mono) in Teens and Young Adults
Infectious mononucleosis is a contagious illness. It’s common in teens and young adults.
Learn MoreInflammatory and Infectious Digestive Disorders
Detailed information on digestive inflammatory and infectious disorders in children
Learn MoreInflammatory and Infectious Musculoskeletal Disorders
Detailed information on the most common types of inflammatory and infectious disorders in children
Learn MoreInflammatory and Infectious Neurological Disorders
Detailed information on the most common inflammatory and infectious disorders in children
Learn MoreInflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) refers to chronic inflammation of the intestines not due to infections or other identifiable causes. There are two main types of IBD: ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. The most common symptoms are diarrhea, sometimes with blood and mucus and abdominal pain.
Learn MoreInfluenza
Influenza, also known as the flu, is an illness caused by a virus. A child who has the flu may have some or all of these symptoms: high fever, headache, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, tiredness, stomach pain and diarrhea. Antibiotic medicines will not help cure the flu.
Learn MoreInfluenza (Flu) in Children
Influenza (flu) is a very contagious viral infection that affects the air passages of the lungs. It causes a high fever, body aches, a cough, and other symptoms.
Learn MoreInformed Consent
You will be asked to sign an informed consent form. It states in detail that you understand the risks and benefits of your child's surgery.
Learn MoreInguinal and Umbilical Hernias in Children
A hernia is when a part of the intestine pushes through a weak spot in the belly (abdominal) muscles. The hernia creates a soft lump or bulge under the skin.
Learn MoreInguinal Hernia in Children
A hernia occurs when a part of the intestine pushes through a weakness in the belly (abdominal) muscles. A hernia in the groin area is called an inguinal hernia.
Learn MoreInjuries to a Child's Tooth
The injury may be to a primary tooth or a permanent tooth. A tooth can be cracked, chipped, or totally detached from its socket.
Learn MoreInsect Bites and Children
Detailed information on insect bites, including fleas, mites, chiggers, and ticks
Learn MoreInsect Stings and Allergic Reactions
For most children, the reaction to a sting is brief, with redness and swelling followed by pain and itching. Others may have an allergic reaction that is life-threatening. Read on for details.
Learn MoreInsect Stings in Children
Insect stings can occur anywhere on the body and can be painful and frightening for a child. Most insect stings cause only minor discomfort. Most stings are from honeybees or yellow jackets, also called ground hornets.
Learn MoreInsects in a Child's Ear
Read on for important tips on what to do if your child has an insect in their ear.
Learn MoreInstalling and Using Child Safety Seats and Booster Seats
As part of your preparation for your new baby, you probably got an infant safety seat for the car. But do you know how to make sure it’s installed properly? And when do you switch to a child safety seat? Learn the ins and outs of safe car travel for your little one.
Learn MoreIntensive Care
Intensive care is needed for children who have had certain types of major surgery: heart operations, organ transplants, or neurosurgery.
Learn MoreInteracting with a Child Who Has Autism Spectrum Disorder
If you are a parent or grandparent of a child with ASD, it can be heartbreaking if you feel like you just can't connect with them. Here are some things to know that can help you and your relationship.
Learn MoreIntestinal Malrotation and Volvulus in Children
Intestinal malrotation is a birth defect. It happens when your baby’s intestinal tract doesn’t form as it should during pregnancy. Malrotation happens when your baby’s intestine doesn’t turn like it should.
Learn MoreIntracranial Hypertension (Pseudotumor Cerebri)
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension, sometimes called pseudotumor cerebri, is a condition in which the cerebro-spinal fluid (the fluid inside the skull) is not able to drain normally. When no underlying cause is detected for the elevated pressure, the condition is said to be “idiopathic.”
Learn MoreIntravenous (IV) Line and Tubes
Because most babies in the NICU are too small or sick to take milk feedings, medicines and fluids are often given through their veins or arteries.
Learn MoreIntraventricular Hemorrhage in Babies
Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is bleeding inside or around the ventricles in the brain. The ventricles are the spaces in the brain that contain the cerebral spinal fluid.
Learn MoreIntussusception (Inpatient)
Intussusception is a blockage of the intestines. It happens when one part of the intestine folds into another part. Signs of intussusception include pain in the abdomen (stomach) that comes and goes, or comes on suddenly. Many intussusceptions are fixed with an air enema but some require surgery.
Learn MoreIntussusception (Outpatient)
Intussusception is a blockage of the intestines. It happens when one part of the intestine folds into another part. Signs of intussusception include pain in the abdomen (stomach) that comes and goes, or comes on suddenly. Many intussusceptions are fixed with an air enema but some require surgery.
Learn MoreIntussusception in Children
Intussusception is a serious problem in the intestine. It's the most common abdominal emergency in early childhood. Read on to learn more.
Learn MoreIron Deficiency Anemia
The most common cause of anemia worldwide is iron deficiency. Iron is needed to form hemoglobin. Iron is mostly stored in the body in the hemoglobin. Iron deficiency anemia can be caused by diets low in iron, body changes, gastrointestinal tract abnormalities and blood loss.
Learn MoreIron-Deficiency Anemia in Children
Anemia is a common health problem in children. The most not getting enough iron. A common cause of anemia is child who's anemic doesn't have enough red blood cells or enough hemoglobin. Read on to learn more.
Learn MoreIrritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects the large intestine (colon). Symptoms are caused by changes in how the GI tract works. IBS is a group of symptoms that occur together, not a disease.
Learn MoreIrritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in Children
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a long-term (chronic) disorder that affects the large intestine or colon. IBS causes painful belly (abdominal) and bowel symptoms.
Learn MoreJaundice (Hyperbilirubinemia)
Jaundice, also called hyperbilirubinemia, means that there is a high level of bilirubin in the blood. This is a pigment that settles in body tissues and can make your baby’s skin look yellow. Jaundice often occurs in newborns. If high bilirubin levels are untreated they can cause serious problems.
Learn MoreJaundice in Children
Jaundice is a common condition in newborns that occurs when a yellow pigment (bilirubin) cannot be removed from the body fast enough and levels in the blood become too high. The buildup of bilirubin causes the skin and the white part of the eyes to appear yellow. Most cases clear without treatment.
Learn MoreJaw Abnormalities
Jaw abnormalities affect the bite and appearance of patients. These may be due to a cleft lip and palate, or other causes. When planning surgery, most patients will need orthodontics. Treatment may include LeFort1, bilateral sagittal splint osteotomy (BSSO) and genioplasty.
Learn MoreJeune's Syndrome
Jeune's Syndrome is a form of congenital dwarfism causing children to have a deformity of their chest wall. The chest cage is extremely small and doesn't have enough room for proper breathing. The ribs are broad, short and irregularly joined between the cartilage and sternum or breastbone.
Learn MoreJuvenile Ankylosing Spondylitis (JAS) in Children
Juvenile ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis. It affects the spine and the places where the muscles, tendons, and ligaments are attached to bone. Ankylosing means stiff or rigid. Spondyl means spine. Its refers to inflammation.
Learn MoreJuvenile Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Diseases
Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints that causes pain and swelling. Juvenile arthritis is the term used for arthritis in children. Read on to learn more.
Learn MoreJuvenile Dermatomyositis
Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is a rare disease that causes muscle inflammation and a skin rash.
Learn MoreJuvenile Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Juvenile Fibromyalgia Syndrome is a chronic pain condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain. The symptoms begin in childhood or adolescence. JFS can run in families.
Learn MoreJuvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a form of arthritis in children. Arthritis causes joint swelling (inflammation) and joint stiffness. JIA is arthritis that affects 1 or more joints for at least 6 weeks in a child age 16 or younger.
Learn MoreJuvenile Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones are thinner than normal. It’s a condition that gets worse over time. This means that bones get thinner over time, or don’t grow as they should. The bones are then weaker and at higher risk of breaking. The condition is much more common in older adults. But it can also occur during childhood. In children, it’s called juvenile osteoporosis.
Learn MoreJuvenile Polyposis Syndrome (JPS)
Juvenile polyposis syndrome is an inherited condition that is characterized by the development of hamartomatous polyps throughout the digestive tract.
Learn MoreJuvenile Xanthogranuloma (JXG)
A juvenile xanthogranuloma, or JXG, is a benign skin lump or bump caused by a collection of cells called histiocytes. These may be red, orange or tan at first, but over time may become more yellow in color.
Learn MoreKawasaki Disease
Kawasaki Disease is the most common cause of acquired heart disease in the United States and Japan. The disease can cause blood vessels to become inflamed or swollen throughout the body. It is more common in boys and in Asians and Asian-Americans.
Learn MoreKawasaki Disease in Children
Kawasaki disease is a rare illness that most often affects children. Learn more about this condition, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and complications.
Learn MoreKeeping Your Baby Warm
Premature and low-birth-weight babies may be too immature to regulate their own temperature, even in a warm environment. Read on to learn how to safely keep them warm.
Learn MoreKeratitis in Children
Keratitis is an inflammation or infection of the cornea of the eye. The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye.
Learn MoreKeratosis Pilaris
Keratosis pilaris is a dry skin type. It looks like dry, rough, small bumps that are flesh-colored or pink and can feel like sandpaper or chicken skin. It is not contagious and is usually not itchy. The most common areas for these bumps are on the back of the arms, front of the thighs and the face.
Learn MoreKetogenic Diet for Seizures in Children
A ketogenic diet is a special type of diet that causes the body to make ketones. The diet is very high in fat, and very low in carbohydrates. It includes enough protein to help your child grow.
Learn MoreKidney Disease in Children
Kidney disease (renal failure) is short-term or permanent damage to the kidneys that results in loss of normal kidney function.
Learn MoreKidney Stones
Stones in the urinary tract form in the kidneys when small particles, which are usually dissolved in the urine, become oversaturated and begin to form small crystals. These small crystals can continue to grow into larger solid crystals, which resemble sand, gravel or small rocks.
Learn MoreKidney Transplantation in Children
Detailed information on kidney transplants, including why a kidney transplant is recommended, what is involved in kidney transplant surgery, and the long-term outlook for a child after a kidney transplant.
Learn MoreKnee Sprain
Knee sprains can be significant injuries that occur from a stretch or tear of the ligaments in and around the knee. The four main ligaments of the knee most often damaged are the Anterior Cruciate (ACL), Posterior Cruciate (PCL), Medial Collateral (MCL) and Lateral Collateral (LCL).
Learn MoreKnock Knees (Genu Valgum)
Genu valgum, also known as knock knees, is a common lower leg abnormality that is usually seen in the toddler, preschool and early school-age children. In genu valgum, the lower extremities turn inward, causing the appearance of the knees to be touching while the ankles remain apart.
Learn MoreKnowing When to Seek Treatment for Your Child
Common symptoms of a potential emotional, behavioral, or developmental problem include poor grades in school, withdrawal from friends and family, and insomnia.
Learn MoreKyphosis
Kyphosis is the natural curve of the upper back (thoracic) area of the spine. In the extreme curves, the spine looks like a “hunchback.” Some excessive curves can be passed on by parents. Some are brought on from bad posture, while others can develop from a disorder.
Learn MoreKyphosis in Children
Kyphosis is a deformity of the backbone (spine). It's when the bones of the spine (vertebrae) in the upper back curve outward more than they should.
Learn MoreLabial Adhesions
Labial adhesions, or labial agglutination, occur when the labia minor (inner lips of the vulva) are stuck together, covering the vaginal opening. The vast majority of girls with labial adhesions have no symptoms and do not require treatment as the adhesions will resolve on their own.
Learn MoreLabial Hypertrophy
Larger-appearing labia minora, known as labial hypertrophy, may be completely normal. Labia vary in appearance with a wide range of normal regarding the size, shape and color. The majority of patients who have concerns about labial hypertrophy have normal labia.
Learn MoreLabral Tear of Hip
The labrum is a piece of cartilage that lines the socket (acetabulum) of the hip joint. It provides strength and cushions the hip joint. A tear in the labrum can result from injury, repeated wear-and-tear to the hip joint, or from a bony deformity (impingement) in the hip joint.
Learn MoreLacerations (Cuts) Without Stitches in Children
A laceration (cut) is a tear or opening in the skin caused by an injury. Some lacerations are small and need only minor treatment at home.
Learn MoreLacerations with Stitches and Adhesive Strips
Stitches, also called sutures, are special types of thread that hold the edges of a wound together while it heals.
Learn MoreLactose Intolerance in Children
Lactose intolerance is when the body can’t easily break down or digest lactose. Lactose is a sugar found in milk and milk products.
Learn MoreLangerhan Cell Histiocytosis (LCH)
Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) is among a rare and diverse group of disorders affecting primarily children. LCH was previously known as Histiocytosis-X, with the terms eosinophilic granuloma, Hand-Schuller-Christian disease, and Letterer-Siwe disease applied to various forms of the disease.
Learn MoreLangerhans Cell Histiocytosis in Children
Langerhans cell histiocytosis is a rare disorder that causes damage to tissues all over the body. Read on to learn more including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatments, and prevention.
Learn MoreLanguage Disorders in Children
A language disorder in a child means they have trouble understanding words that they hear and read. Or the child has trouble speaking with others and expressing thoughts and feelings.
Learn MoreLarge Cell Lymphoma
Learn MoreLarge for Gestational Age
Large for gestational age is used to describe newborn babies who weigh more than the usual amount for the number of weeks of pregnancy. Babies are called large for gestational age if they weigh more than 9 in 10 babies of the same gestational age.
Learn MoreLaryngomalacia
Laryngomalacia is the most common cause of noisy breathing in infants. More than half of infants have noisy breathing during the first week of life, and most develop this by 2-4 weeks of age. Rarely, laryngomalacia occurs in older children, or adults, particularly those with other medical problems.
Learn MoreLaryngomalacia (Laryngeal Stridor)
Laryngomalacia, also called laryngeal stridor, results from a weakness of parts of the voice box (larynx). The main symptom of laryngomalacia is noisy breathing when your child breathes in.
Learn MoreLatent Tuberculosis Infection (LTBI)
Tuberculosis, or TB, is the common name for a germ called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. People with latent TB infection (LTBI) do not feel sick. They do not have any symptoms but can potentially develop active TB disease. People with LTBI are not contagious and cannot spread TB to others.
Learn MoreLateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
Lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow, is an injury to the outer side of the elbow where the muscles and tendons attach to the bone. The muscles or tendons of the forearm that pull your wrist back (extend the wrist) get damaged.
Learn MoreLateral Malleolus Avulsion Fractures
Avulsion fractures are breaks or splits in the bone.
Learn MoreLead Poisoning in Children
Lead poisoning is a totally preventable disease. Children ages 1 to 3 who live in low-income housing built before 1978 are especially at risk. Read on to learn more.
Learn MoreLearning Disorders in Children
A learning disorder is when a child has trouble learning in certain school subjects. Your child may have problems with reading, math, or writing. Here's what you need to know, and how to help.
Learn MoreLegg Calve Perthes Disease
Legg Calve Perthes Disease, also known as Perthes or LCP, is a condition affecting one or both hips typically in children ages 3 to 10 years old
Learn MoreLegg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, often called Perthes disease, is an uncommon condition in children affecting the hip. Perthes disease occurs when blood flow to the ball at the top of the thigh bone (femur) temporarily stops. If the growing bone does not get enough blood, it dies and collapses.
Learn MoreLegg-Calvé-Perthes Disease
This disease is a temporary condition that causes the hip joint to become painful and stiff.
Learn MoreLeukemia
Leukemia is the most common form of childhood cancer. Leukemia is a cancer of the bone marrow, which is the tissue found inside many of the bones of the body. There are two main types of childhood leukemia: acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Learn MoreLeukemia (ALL and AML)
Leukemia (ALL and AML) is the most common form of childhood cancer. It affects the tissues of the body which make the blood cells and the bone marrow. When leukemia strikes, the body makes an abundance of abnormal white cells that invade the marrow and crowd out the normal healthy blood cells.
Learn MoreLeukemia in Children
Leukemia is cancer of the blood. It’s the most common form of cancer in childhood. The cancer cells grow in bone marrow and go into the blood.
Learn MoreLichen Planus
Lichen planus is a common rash that appears on the skin as shiny, flat bumps. The bumps may be clustered together in patches or scattered far apart. These bumps can occur anywhere on the body but are most often found on the legs and wrists. They can be red or purple in color. The rash may be itchy.
Learn MoreLichen Sclerosus (LS)
Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory, vulvar skin condition affecting young girls prior to puberty, as well as older, menopausal women. It is not clear how many patients experience LS or what causes it, but it may be an autoimmune condition.
Learn MoreLichen Striatus
Lichen striatus is a rash that appears as pink or lightly-colored, scaly, flat bumps. Over time, these bumps come together to form a line or band on the skin.
Learn MoreLimb Length Discrepancy (LLD)
A limb length discrepancy (LLD) is when one arm or leg is longer than the other arm or leg. Leg length discrepancies are very common. There are two main causes of leg length discrepancy: a condition that caused one leg to grow slower or something like an injury affected the growth of the bone.
Learn MoreLimb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy
Limb-Girdle muscular dystrophy affects males and females. Most commonly it causes progressive hip and shoulder muscle weakness that spreads to the arms, legs and back. Symptoms usually begin between ages 8 and 15 and progress slowly. Patients usually become confined to a wheelchair by age 30.
Learn MoreLisfranc Injury
A Lisfranc injury occurs when the ligaments in the middle part of the foot are sprained. That causes some of the foot bones to move out of position. It may or may not involve a break (fracture) of the bones.
Learn MoreListeriosis
You've probably been warned not to eat brie cheese or order your steak cooked to anything less than medium. Why do you have to take these precautions? Listeriosis. Learn more about this food-borne illness and how to avoid it.
Learn MoreLittle League Elbow
Little league elbow is a painful inflammation of the bony bump on the inside of the elbow where the tendons of the muscles that bend your wrist and fingers are located. Little league elbow occurs as a result of overuse to the muscles of the elbow and forearm from activities such as throwing a ball.
Learn MoreLittle Leaguer's Elbow
Little leaguer’s elbow is an injury to the medial epicondylar growth plate of the inner elbow. The growth plate is a weak area. Injury to it occurs due to repeated stress.
Learn MoreLiver Disease
Liver disease occurs in children for a variety of reasons. Babies may have problems with inherited disease, despite having healthy parents. Congenital problems where the bile ducts don’t develop normally may also cause problems in babies. Infections may also lead to the development of liver disease.
Learn MoreLiver Failure in Children
Liver failure happens when the liver becomes so sick and damaged that it stops working, either partly or completely. Although this is rare, liver failure can happen even in children. Many of them recover well, but others become extremely ill, and some may need a liver transplant to survive.
Learn MoreLiver Transplant for Children
A liver transplant is surgery to replace a diseased liver with a healthy liver from another person.
Learn MoreLiving with Aplastic Anemia
Aplastic anemia is a rare blood disorder that most often occurs in children, teens, and young adults. This piece offers helpful information on how to help your child live with this disease.
Learn MoreLiving With Congenital Heart Disease
Detailed information for children living with a congenital heart disease
Learn MoreLordosis
Lordosis is the natural curve of the lower back (lumbar) area of the spine. There are five primary types of lordosis: postural lordosis, congenital/traumatic lordosis, post-surgical laminectomy hyperlordosis, neuromuscular lordosis and lordosis secondary to hip flexion contracture.
Learn MoreLordosis in Children
Lordosis is a deformity of the backbone (spine). It's when the bones of the spine (vertebrae) in the lower back curve inward more than normal.
Learn MoreLow Back Strain
A low back strain is a stretch or tear of a muscle in the lower back that hold the vertebrae in its proper place. A low back strain can occur from lifting heavy objects, sitting or standing for long periods of time or a direct blow to the area.
Learn MoreLow Birth Weight
Low birth weight is a term used to describe babies who are born weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces (2,500 grams). An average newborn usually weighs about 8 pounds. A low-birth-weight baby may be healthy even though he or she is small. But a low-birth-weight baby can also have many serious health problems.
Learn MoreLower Respiratory Disorders
Detailed information on lower respiratory disorders in children
Learn MoreLower Urinary Tract Outlet Obstruction (LUTO)
Lower urinary tract outlet obstruction is when pee is partly or completely blocked from leaving the body at the lower urinary tract. LUTO occurs in about 1 in every 5,000 pregnancies. It is more common in males.
Learn MoreLow-Grade Gliomas
Low-grade gliomas are a type of tumor that form in the brain or spinal cord (central nervous system) because of abnormal growth of glial cells. Glial cells surround, protect and help neurons, the cells that send messages from your brain to the rest of your body. work properly.
Learn MoreLumbar Facet Syndrome
The facet joints are the links between the bones of the spine. They allow the spine to bend and twist and keep the back from slipping too far forward or twisting too far. Injury to one or more of the facet joints can cause pain and irritation known as lumbar facet syndrome.
Learn MoreLumbosacral Transitional Vertebra (LSTV)
The lumbar spine (low back) normally has 5 vertebral bones that attach to the sacrum (bone at the bottom of the spine). The lumbosacral spine supports the majority of the body’s weight and protects the primary nerves that arise from the spinal cord.
Learn MoreLung Transplantation in Children
A detailed look at lung transplantation in children, including why it is advised, information about the surgery, and the long-term outlook for a child after a lung transplant.
Learn MoreLupus and Pregnancy
Many women with lupus give birth to healthy children. The key to a successful pregnancy is know how lupus affects your body.
Learn MoreLying and Stealing
Lying and stealing are common, but inappropriate, behaviors in school-aged children. Most of the time these behaviors will be outgrown. Here's what you should know.
Learn MoreLyme Disease
Lyme disease is spread to humans through the bite of infected ticks. Symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, swollen lymph nodes, headache, stiff neck, tiredness, swelling of large joints and red rash that often has a “bulls-eye” appearance.
Learn MoreLyme Disease in Children
Lyme disease is an infection caused by bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi. The bacteria are usually spread by tick bites. Lyme disease is a year-round problem, but it peaks during the spring and summer months.
Learn MoreLymphadenopathy in Children
Lymphadenopathy means swelling of the lymph nodes or glands. Lymphadenopathy can occur in just one area of the body, such as the neck. Or it may affect lymph nodes throughout the body. The cervical lymph nodes, found in the neck, are the most common site of lymphadenopathy.
Learn MoreLymphatic Disorders
Lymphatic disorders arise when the lymphatic system is disrupted either through congenital malformation, traumatic injury from a medical procedure, or a change in the lymphatic-circulatory balance. Lymphatic disorders may result in losses in nutritional, immune, electrolyte and clotting factors.
Learn MoreLymphatic Malformation
A lymphatic malformation is the result of abnormal formation and development during fetal development of the otherwise normal lymphatic vessels in the body. This is usually in one area of the body: neck, chest, abdomen and extremities.
Learn MoreLymphatic Malformations in Children
A lymphatic malformation is a lymphatic vessel that isn't formed correctly. The vessel traps the lymph fluid and causes cysts to form. Your child may have 1 or more of these cysts.
Learn MoreLymphoblastic Lymphoma
Learn MoreLymphoma
Lymphoma is cancer which arises in the lymph system, the body’s circulatory network for filtering out impurities. There are two broad varieties, Hodgkin’s disease, and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Learn MoreLynch Syndrome / HNPCC
Lynch syndrome, also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), is an inherited cancer syndrome that affects the digestive tract, reproductive tract and other major organs. It is the most common of the digestive cancer risk syndromes.
Learn MoreMacromastia
Macromastia refers to enlarged breasts in females. This condition may cause back and neck pain, as well as rashes and limitations with daily activities. In those situations, breast reduction surgery may be beneficial.
Learn MoreMagnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for Children
MRI is a procedure that uses a large magnet, radio waves, and a computer to create detailed images of organs and tissues in the body. It’s used to diagnose problems in many areas of the body.
Learn MoreMajor Depression in Teens
Major depression goes beyond the day's normal ups and downs. It involves a teen's body, mood, and thoughts. It can affect and disrupt eating, sleeping, or thinking patterns.
Learn MoreMalignant Teratoma
Learn MoreMallet Finger
Mallet finger is an injury to the end of the finger. It is sometimes also called “baseball finger.” It occurs when an object (most often a ball) hits the tip of the finger. This forcibly bends the fingertip further than it should go. This causes damage to the extensor tendon.
Learn MoreMalocclusion in Children
Malocclusion is when a child’s teeth become crooked or crowded. The child may also have a problem with their bite. That means the teeth of the upper jaw don’t meet normally with the teeth of the lower jaw when the jaw is closed.
Learn MoreManaging Poor Weight Gain in Your Breastfed Baby
Sometimes a breastfed baby will gain weight more slowly than they should. Read on to learn some helpful tips on how to deal with this.
Learn MoreMarfan Syndrome
Marfan Syndrome is an inherited disorder of connective tissue, and is caused by genetic mutations that result in the dysregulation of the proteins of the extracellular matrix (fibrillin).
Learn MoreMarfan Syndrome in Children
Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects the body's connective tissue. Connective tissue holds the body's cells, organs, and other tissue together. Connective tissue is also important in growth and development.
Learn MoreMastoiditis in Children
Mastoiditis is a complication of a middle ear infeciton. Read on to learn more about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
Learn MoreMaternal and Fetal Infections
In pregnancy, infections are a common complication—but women may not have obvious symptoms, or they may show different symptoms of an infection.
Learn MoreMaternal and Fetal Infections Overview
Treating maternal and fetal infections can be tricky during pregnancy. Learn more about these infections.
Learn MoreMaternal and Fetal Testing
Women with high-risk pregnancies often need a close watch for potential problems or complications. Many tests and procedures are available to monitor the health of both mother and baby.
Learn MoreMaternal and Fetal Testing Overview
Many tests and procedures are available to monitor the health of both you and your baby. Many of these pose little or no risk.
Learn MoreMaternal Nutrition and Breastfeeding
People who are breastfeeding should eat a well-balanced, varied diet and drink enough liquids. Read on for more details.
Learn MoreMaternity Leave
The length of time given for a paid maternity leave of absence varies among companies. Some women extend their maternity leaves by taking additional weeks of unpaid leave.
Learn MoreMeasles
Measles, also known as rubeola, is an infection caused by a virus. It is very contagious. It can be very serious in young children, adults over 20, pregnant women and people with a weakened immune system.
Learn MoreMeasles (Rubeola) in Children
Measles (rubeola) is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. It causes a red, blotchy rash. It’s a very contagious illness.
Learn MoreMeasles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
The MMR vaccine is given in 2 doses--at 12 to 15 months and at 4 to 6 years, or at least 1 month after the first dose.
Learn MoreMeckel Diverticulum
Meckel diverticulum is a small pouch in the wall of the intestine. It’s near where the small and large intestines meet. This condition is the most common birth defect of the digestive system. It happens to about 1 in 50 babies.
Learn MoreMeconium Aspiration
Meconium aspiration happens when a newborn breathes in a mixture of meconium and amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid is the liquid that surrounds the baby in the womb. Meconium is the baby's first stool, or poop, which is sticky, thick, and dark green. It is typically passed in the womb during early pregnancy and again in the first few days after birth.
Learn MoreMedial Epicondylitis (Golfer's Elbow)
Medial epicondylitis, or golfer’s elbow, is an injury to the inner side of the elbow where the muscles and tendons attach to the bone. The muscles and tendons of the forearm that bring your wrist down (extend the wrist) get damaged.
Learn MoreMedical Genetics: Chromosome Studies
When a chromosome is abnormal, it can cause health problems in the body. Tests called studies can look at chromosomes to see what type of problem a person has.
Learn MoreMedical Genetics: DNA Studies for Single Gene Defects
To look for single gene defects, healthcare providers look at the DNA to see if it has any errors in it. Errors are known as mutations.
Learn MoreMedical Genetics: Getting Genetic Services for Your Child
Genetic services are programs that help support families and children with genetic disorders.
Learn MoreMedical Genetics: How Chromosome Abnormalities Happen
Chromosome problems usually happen as a result of an error when cells divide.
Learn MoreMedical Genetics: How Genetic Testing Is Used
Genetic testing can help find diseases that run in a family or don't yet have symptoms.
Learn MoreMedical Genetics: Mosaicism
Mosaicism is when a person has 2 or more genetically different sets of cells in his or her body.
Learn MoreMedical Genetics: Multifactorial Inheritance
Multifactorial inheritance is when more than 1 factor causes a trait or health problem, such as a birth defect or chronic illness. Genes can be 1 factor, but other things that aren't genes can play a part, too.
Learn MoreMedical Genetics: Teratogens
A teratogen is something that can cause or raise the risk for a birth defect in a baby. They are things that a mother may be exposed to during her pregnancy.
Learn MoreMedical Genetics: Treatment with Gene and Enzyme Replacement Therapy
Gene therapy is a way to change the genes a person has. Enzyme therapy treats a genetic condition by replacing a certain enzyme.
Learn MoreMedical Genetics: Types of Genetic Changes
Genetic changes come in 2 main types: chromosome abnormalities and single-gene defects.
Learn MoreMedicine Rashes in Children
Medicine rashes are the body’s reaction to a certain medicine. The type of rash that occurs depends on the type of medicine that is causing it. Rashes can range from mild to severe.
Learn MoreMedulloblastoma
Medulloblastomas are tumors that develop in the brain, most commonly in a region called the cerebellum. The cerebellum is located next to the brainstem and controls coordination, balance and other motor skills.
Learn MoreMegaloblastic Anemia in Children
Anemia is a problem in which there are not enough red blood cells or hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. In megaloblastic anemia, the bone marrow, where the cells are formed, makes fewer cells. And the cells that are formed don’t live as long as normal.
Learn MoreMegaureter in Children
Megaureter is a ureter that is much wider than normal. A megaureter may not drain urine normally. This can lead to infections and kidney damage.
Learn MoreMelanoma
Learn MoreMénière's Disease
Ménière's disease is a balance disorder caused by an abnormality found in a section of the inner ear called the labyrinth.
Learn MoreMeningitis
Meningitis is an infection of the meninges. These are the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.
Learn MoreMeningitis in Children
Meningitis is most often caused by a bacterial or viral infection that moves into the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF).
Learn MoreMeningocele
Learn MoreMeningococcal Infection in Children
Meningococcal infections are not common, but they can be fatal. They occur most often in late winter and early spring. Children are more often affected, but the illnesses also occur in teens and adults.
Learn MoreMeniscus Injuries
The meniscus are two pieces of cartilage located in the knee joint that are responsible for cushioning and adding stability to the knee.
Learn MoreMeniscus Tear
The meniscus is a C-shaped structure in the knee that acts as a shock absorber between the thigh bone (femur) and the shin bone (tibia). The meniscus can tear due to a blow to the knee, twisting, pivoting, kneeling, squatting or fast change in running direction.
Learn MoreMeniscus Tears
Meniscus tears are common injuries. The meniscus is the rubbery cartilage disc between the tibia (shinbone) and femur (thighbone). It acts as a shock absorber in the joint (Picture 1). The meniscus helps provide stability in the knee.
Learn MoreMenkes Disease
Menkes disease, also known as Menkes syndrome, is a disorder caused by a mutation of the ATP7A gene. This gene affects how the body transports copper and maintains copper levels. Menkes disease usually causes low copper levels in blood plasma, the liver and the brain. Menkes disease occurs mostly in male infants.
Learn MoreMenstrual Cramps (Dysmenorrhea) in Teens
Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea) are severe, painful cramps that occur with menstruation.
Learn MoreMenstrual Disorders
Detailed information on the most common menstrual conditions, including premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, and menorrhagia
Learn MoreMenstrual Dysfunction in the Athlete
Many things can cause changes in hormone levels. These changes can lead to irregular or missed periods, especially in athletes.
Learn MoreMetatarsal Stress Fracture
A metatarsal stress fracture is a break in the foot which involves one or more of the long foot bones (metatarsals). It is caused by intense exercise or repeat pressure on the foot.
Learn MoreMetatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia (met-uh-tahr-sal-juh) refers to pain in the ball of the foot (metatarsal heads). This is the part of the foot where you push off when walking or running. This pain can occur in one or more of the toes. It usually involves the second and third toes.
Learn MoreMetatarsus Adductus in Children
Metatarsus adductus is a common foot deformity noted at birth. It causes the front half of the child's foot (forefoot) to turn inward.
Learn MoreMicrocephaly in Children
Microcephaly is a condition where a baby's head is much smaller than normal. It is most often present at birth (congenital). Most children with microcephaly also have a small brain and an intellectual disability. Some children with small heads have normal intelligence.
Learn MoreMicrognathia
Micrognathia is when the lower jaw is smaller than normal. In some cases, this can cause problems with feeding, breathing and sleeping.
Learn MoreMicropenis in Children
A micropenis is a penis that is smaller than normal. A penis length of less than 0.75 inches is considered micropenis.
Learn MoreMid-Back Strain
A mid-back strain is an injury to the muscles and ligaments of the middle back that attach to the ribs, chest wall and the thoracic spine.
Learn MoreMigraine Headaches During Pregnancy
Many women have migraine headaches while pregnant. The good news is that you don't have to give in to the pain when it strikes. Know what pain-relief options are safest for you.
Learn MoreMigraines
To be diagnosed with migraines, a child needs to have at least five headaches that meet certain criteria: pain that is moderate to severe, pain that is one-sided (unilateral) or on both sides of the head (bilateral), sensitivity to light and sound, and nausea that may or may not lead to vomiting.
Learn MoreMilk Allergy Diet for Children
Helpful information on helping your child follow a milk-free diet, including tips for reading food labels.
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