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Pacemaker and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) Insertion for Children
A child with an arrhythmia may need a pacemaker or an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). These devices require a simple surgery to implant. They can increase a slow heartbeat or correct a possibly life-threatening fast or chaotic beat.
Learn MorePain Control After Your Child's Surgery
If your child has moderate to severe pain, they may receive narcotics during and after surgery. If your child is in the ICU after surgery, they may receive sedatives along with pain medicines.
Learn MorePain Management for Children with Cancer
When a child has cancer or another pain-causing disease, one of their greatest fears is pain. Every effort should be made to ease the pain during the treatment process.
Learn MorePainful Menstruation
Learn MorePalliative Care
Supportive, or palliative, care is care aimed at comfort of the person versus cure and treatment.
Learn MorePancreatitis
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that can impact children at any age. Children may have acute, acute recurrent or chronic pancreatitis. All three types are serious, their symptoms vary and treatment can range from pain management to surgery.
Learn MorePap Test for Adolescents
A Pap test, along with a pelvic exam, is an important part of a female's routine healthcare because it may find abnormalities that can lead to invasive cancer.
Learn MoreParadoxical Vocal Cord Dysfunction (PVCD)
With Paradoxical Vocal Cord Dysfunction (PVCD), the vocal cords close together, or constrict, when a person inhales, leaving only a small opening for air to flow into the windpipe.
Learn MoreParasitic Skin Infections
Detailed information on parasitic skin infections, including scabies and lice
Learn MoreParenting in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
In most cases, you can be with your baby in the NICU at any time. Read on to learn what you can expect.
Learn MorePatellar Subluxation
A patellar subluxation means that the kneecap has briefly slid out of its normal place in the groove at the center of the bottom end of the thigh bone.
Learn MorePatellar Tendonitis
Patellar Tendinitis is inflammation of the patellar tendon located directly below the knee cap.
Learn MorePatellofemoral Dislocation
The patella (kneecap) sits in the groove at the end of the femur. Sometimes, it moves too far to the side of the knee and slides out of the groove. This is called a dislocation.
Learn MorePatellofemoral Pain
Patellofemoral pain is when there is pain in the soft tissue of the knee and around the patella (kneecap).
Learn MorePatent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a heart defect found in the days or weeks after birth. Read on to learn about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
Learn MorePatent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
The ductus arteriosus is a blood vessel that is formed during fetal growth to provide blood flow between two of the major arteries in the baby’s body while in the womb.
Learn MorePeanut Allergy Diet for Children
A detailed look at how to follow a peanut-free diet for your child, including how to read food labels.
Learn MorePectus Carinatum
Pectus carinatum - also known as pigeon breast - is characterized by a prominent sternum and is usually asymptomatic.
Learn MorePectus Excavatum
Pectus excavatum - also known as sunken chest syndrome - is the most common chest wall disorder treated at Nationwide Children’s.
Learn MorePedestrian Safety
Children are at higher risk for pedestrian injury and death because they often don't understand traffic rules or the danger that vehicles pose. In addition, parents and caregivers often overestimate a child's traffic skills. Read on to learn how to keep your child safe.
Learn MorePediatric Blood Disorders
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 MorePediatric Cataracts
A cataract is a clouding (whitening) of the lens of the eye, which is normally clear.
Learn MorePediatric Feeding Disorder
A child with Pediatric Feeding Disorder does not eat or drink enough food or liquid, or a broad enough range of food, to achieve and maintain growth or meet nutritional needs. The child also may not eat in age-typical ways.
Learn MorePediatric Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve. It occurs when eye pressure is too high. It is a serious vision-threating disease. Children who have glaucoma need to be closely monitored because glaucoma is usually a lifelong problem.
Learn MorePediatric Obesity
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using body mass index (BMI) to screen for overweight children beginning at age 2 and through age 19.
Learn MorePediatric Ptosis
Ptosis is an eye condition that involves drooping of the upper eyelid(s). The eyelid may droop just a little, or enough to cover the pupil. Ptosis can prevent normal visual development and cause amblyopia (lazy eye). It can also block part of the visual field.
Learn MorePediatric Trigger Thumb
Pediatric trigger thumb (PTT) is also called a flexion contracture of the IP joint. It is a condition that affects the movement of the thumb in children. In PTT, a tendon cannot slide back and forth through the ligament and the thumb gets stuck in a bent (flexed) position.
Learn MorePelvic Apophysitis
Apophysitis (uh-paa-fuh-sai-tuhs) is pain and swelling (inflammation) of a growth plate that has a muscle attached to it and can happen in many locations throughout the body. The growth plate is an area of weakness and is prone to injury.
Learn MorePelvic Inflammatory Disease
Pelvic inflammatory disease, also known as PID, is an infection in the uterus, the fallopian tubes or the ovaries. PID most commonly occurs in sexually active females, but may also occur in females who have never been sexually active.
Learn MorePelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection in the uterus, the fallopian tubes or the ovaries.
Learn MorePelvic Masses
Pelvic masses may be caused by adnexal cysts, ovarian masses and tumors and uterine abnormalities. The most common reason the uterus would become enlarged in a girl or young woman is due to build-up of menstrual blood, also known as an outflow tract obstruction.
Learn MorePelvic Pain
Pelvic pain is considered pain in the lowest part of your abdomen. Acute pelvic pain is pain that is present for less than three months. Chronic pelvic pain is persistent and presents for six months or greater.
Learn MorePericarditis in Children
Pericarditis is inflammation or infection of the pericardium. In children, pericarditis is most likely to happen after surgery to repair heart defects.
Learn MorePeriodontal Disease in Children
Periodontal disease is a serious bacterial infection. It destroys the gums and the nearby tissues of the mouth.
Learn MorePerioral Dermatitis
In this Helping Hand™ document, we discuss perioral dermatitis, which is a common dry or bumpy rash that can occur around the mouth, the nose and the eyes. To treat the rash, it is important to stop using any topical steroids. Instead, your child’s doctor may prescribe topical or oral antibiotics.
Learn MorePeriventricular Leukomalacia (PVL) in Children
Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is a softening of white brain tissue near the ventricles. The ventricles are fluid-filled chambers in the brain.
Learn MorePernicious Anemia
Learn MorePersistent Depressive Disorder in Children
Persistent depressive disorder is a type of depression. A child with this disorder has a low, sad, or irritable mood for at least 1 year.
Learn MorePersistent Diarrhea & Malabsorption
Diarrhea lasting more than seven days is considered persistent, while less than seven days is acute. Diarrhea that lasts more than 30 days is chronic. Toddler's diarrhea is caused by a diet low in fat and high in sugar and fluids. Malabsorption is the inability to use the food the body takes in.
Learn MorePersistent Pulmonary Hypertension in the Newborn
Persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) happens in newborn babies. It occurs when a newborn’s circulation continues to flow as it did while in the uterus. When this happens, too much blood flow bypasses the baby’s lungs. This is sometimes called persistent fetal circulation.
Learn MorePersistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN)
In this Helping Hand™ document, we discuss persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn. PPHN is a life-threatening condition. Another term for high blood pressure is hypertension. In PPHN, blood is forced away from the lungs due to high blood pressure in the arteries that go to the lungs.
Learn MorePersisting Symptoms After Concussion
Most children return to typical function in 3-4 weeks after a concussion. About one in four children can have symptoms that continue for a longer time. This is called Persisting Symptoms after Concussion, or Post-Concussion Syndrome.
Learn MorePertussis (Whooping Cough)
In this Helping Hand™ document, we discuss pertussis, also known as whooping cough. Pertussis is an infection of the respiratory tract caused by bacteria. The bacteria are easily spread by breathing in droplets from an infected person who coughs or sneezes. Call 911 if your child stops breathing.
Learn MorePes Planus
Pes planus, also known as flat feet, is when the foot’s arch is lowered or flattened out. Some people have an arch when their foot is not in contact with the ground, but when they put their foot on the ground with weight, their arch goes away.
Learn MorePets and Infectious Diseases in Children
One way to prevent the spread of disease from your pet: Feed your pet a balanced diet. Don't give your pet raw foods or allow it to drink out of the toilet.
Learn MorePeutz-Jeghers Syndrome (PJS)
Peutz-Jeghers syndrome is an inherited syndrome which typically results in hamartomatous polyps throughout the digestive tract, lifetime cancer risk and blue/black freckling or macules that can be seen on the lips, mouth, nostrils, hands, feet and genitalia.
Learn MorePFAPA Syndrome
PFAPA is a childhood syndrome that causes repeated episodes of fever, mouth sores, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes. PFAPA usually starts in early childhood between ages 2 and 5.
Learn MorePhalangeal Neck (Finger) Fracture
The hand is the most often injured body part in children. Finger fractures, especially phalangeal neck fractures, often happen because of a direct hit to a finger.
Learn MorePharyngitis and Tonsillitis in Children
Pharyngitis is redness, pain, and swelling of the throat, and tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils. Learn more about these conditions in children, including causes, symptoms, and treatment.
Learn MorePhenylketonuria (PKU) in Children
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare metabolic disorder. Children with PKU can't process an amino acid called phenylalanine. Phenylalanine is in many common foods.
Learn MorePheochromocytoma in Children
Pheochromocytoma is a tumor of the adrenal glands. The tumor makes hormones called epinephrine and norepinephrine. This leads to an excess of the hormones in the body. These hormones help manage heart rate and blood pressure, and they have other tasks. Too much of these hormones in the body causes problems.
Learn MorePhimosis
Phimosis is a condition of the male foreskin where the skin is tight and unable to retract back behind the head of the penis. This condition is completely normal and physiologic in most baby boys whose penis is otherwise without abnormalities.
Learn MorePhimosis and Paraphimosis in Children
Phimosis and paraphimosis are problems with the foreskin of the penis. Phimosis is when a foreskin can’t be pulled down (retracted) from the tip of the penis. Paraphimosis is when the foreskin is retracted but can’t move back up.
Learn MorePhobias in Children
A phobia is an excessive fear of a certain object or situation. It's a fear that lasts for at least 6 months. It is a type of anxiety disorder. Here's what you need to know.
Learn MorePhosphorus Restriction for Children
Detailed information on controlling phosphorus in your child's diet.
Learn MorePhysical Abnormalities
Detailed information on physical abnormalities of high-risk newborns
Learn MorePhysical Abuse
Physical abuse is any act that results in physical injury to a child or adolescent, even if the injury was unintentional.
Learn MorePhysical Exam for a Child with Congenital Heart Disease
Detailed information on what to expect when your child has a physical exam to help find possible heart conditions, or to find out how well your child is coping with existing heart problems.
Learn MorePhysical Exam of the Newborn
A complete physical exam is an important part of newborn care. Each body system is carefully checked for signs of health and normal function.
Learn MorePhysical Exam: Adolescent Male
Detailed information on what teen boys can expect during a physical exam.
Learn MorePhysical Needs of the Dying Child
A terminally ill child has many of the same needs as any seriously ill child, including a routine for sleep and rest, and for pain management. Here's what you should know.
Learn MorePierre Robin Sequence
Pierre Robin Sequence is a condition that affects a baby’s mouth. It usually involves a cleft palate and a small lower jaw. This can impact breathing and feeding.
Learn MorePilomatrixoma in Children
A pilomatrixoma is a slow-growing, noncancerous skin tumor of the hair follicle. It's most common on the face and neck, and it's more common in children and young adults. Read on to learn more.
Learn MorePilonidal Disease
This Helping Hand™ is about pilonidal disease, which is a common skin condition that happens between the buttocks.
Learn MorePinworms: Treatment and Prevention
Pinworms are small white worms that live in the large intestine. They are about 1/2 inch long and as thin as a thread. They can sometimes be seen in and around the child's bowel movements. The adult female pinworm lays her eggs on the skin around the anus. This causes itching and scratching.
Learn MorePiriformis Syndrome
Piriformis (pee-ruh-for-muhs) syndrome is a rare condition in the back of the hip, causing pain and sometimes loss of feeling in the back of the thigh. Pain often goes down to the bottom of the foot.
Learn MorePityriasis Rosea
Pityriasis rosea is a common skin problem in children and young adults. It often begins with a large scaly lesion called the “herald patch.”
Learn MorePityriasis Rosea in Children
Pityriasis rosea is a mild, common rash. Read on to learn more about diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment.
Learn MorePlacenta Previa
Bleeding can happen at any time during pregnancy. Placenta previa can cause bleeding late in pregnancy. This means after about 20 weeks.
Learn MorePlantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis (plan-taar fa-shee-ai-tus) occurs when there is pain and stiffness of the main fascia (a fibrous connective tissue) on the bottom of the foot. The plantar fascia connects the heel bone to the toes and gives the arch of the foot support.
Learn MorePlantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis occurs when a broad band of tissue located on the bottom of the foot becomes painful and irritated.
Learn MorePlasmaphoresis
Learn MorePlay Therapy for a Child in the Hospital
Play therapy is used to help children understand and cope with illness, surgery, hospitalization, treatments, and procedures.
Learn MorePlugged Milk Ducts
Some breastfeeding moms may be more likely to get plugged milk ducts than others. Read on for some quick tips on preventing and managing this condition.
Learn MorePneumococcal Infection in Children
Pneumococcus bacteria can cause serious illness in children, including pneumonia, infection in the blood, and meningitis.
Learn MorePneumomediastinum
In this Helping Hand™, we discuss the causes and treatment pneumomediastinum, which is a condition that happens when air escapes from the lungs, airways, or esophagus into the mediastinum.
Learn MorePneumonia
Pneumonia is a lung infection that is usually caused by a virus or bacteria. This makes the air sacs in the lungs fill with fluid (phlegm or mucus). Walking pneumonia is a non-medical word that describes a mild case of bacterial pneumonia. Pneumonia caused by bacteria is treated with an antibiotic.
Learn MorePneumonia in Children
Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs. It can be mild or serious. Pneumonia is generally more common in children younger than 5 years old.
Learn MorePneumothorax in Children
A pneumothorax is an air leak in the lungs. This is a rare condition that most often occurs in the first 24 to 36 hours after birth.
Learn MorePoison Ivy Rash in Children
Poison ivy rash is an allergic reaction to poison ivy. Poison ivy is very a common plant in the U.S. It is similar to two other plants called poison oak and poison sumac. The plants cause allergic dermatitis.
Learn MorePoison Ivy, Poison Oak and Poison Sumac: Treatment and Prevention
Poison Ivy, Poison Oak and Poison Sumac are plants that can cause a rash after contact with the sap of the plant.
Learn MorePoisons and Children
Detailed information on poisoning, preventing poisoning and how to respond in an emergency
Learn MorePolio Vaccine (Inactivated Polio Vaccine; IPV)
The poliovirus destroys the nervous system, causing paralysis. Today, polio is extremely rare in the United States because of the polio vaccine. It's still common in other countries, though, so children still need to be immunized.
Learn MorePoliomyelitis (Polio) in Children
Polio is a very contagious disease caused by a virus. The virus is most known for causing paralysis. But very few children with polio develop paralysis. Read on to learn more about this condition in children.
Learn MorePollen and Children
Learn about pollen, which is the most common cause of hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis). Also learn how to reduce the effects of hay fever on your child during pollen season.
Learn MorePolycystic Kidney Disease
Detailed information on the different types of polycystic kidney disease.
Learn MorePolycystic Kidney Disease
Learn about the two different types of Polycystic Kidney Disease.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
This Helping Hand™ about polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) explains how cysts on the ovaries can affect hormone balance, periods, and more.
Learn MorePolycythemia Vera in Children
Polycythemia vera is a serious, but very rare blood disorder in children. Learn about causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
Learn MorePolydactyly
Polydactyly refers to extra fingers or toes that are present at birth. Polydactyly usually is genetic. These extra digits can be made up of one or more of the following: Skin, soft tissue and bone with joint, ligament, and tendon.
Learn MorePolyps in the Digestive Tract
A polyp is an outgrowth of tissue that can extend out into the empty space within the stomach, small intestine, or colon. Colon polyps can be seen in healthy children. But when present in greater numbers, keep recurring or have bothersome features, other medical conditions that can be associated with lifetime risk should be considered. Polyps can generally be divided into two groups based on structure or appearance: hamartomas and adenomas.
Learn MorePositional Plagiocephaly (Flattened Head)
Positional plagiocephaly is a flat area on the back or on one side of your baby’s head that does not go away on its own.
Learn MorePosterior Urethral Valves
Posterior urethral valves (PUV) is when there are abnormal tissue flaps in the tube that lets urine flow from the bladder to outside the body (urethra). The tissue flaps cause a blockage that back urine up into the bladder.
Learn MorePosterior Urethral Valves in Children
Posterior urethral valves are a problem with the urethra in a boy. The valves partly block urine flow because not enough urine can get through them to leave the body. This can harm the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys.
Learn MorePostmaturity in the Newborn
The normal length of pregnancy is 37 to 41 weeks. Postmaturity is a word used to describe babies born after 42 weeks. Very few babies are born at 42 weeks or later. Other terms often used to describe these late births include post-term, postmaturity, prolonged pregnancy, and postdates pregnancy.
Learn MorePostpartum Hemorrhage
Postpartum hemorrhage is more bleeding than normal after the birth of a baby. About 1 in 100 to 5 in 100 women have postpartum hemorrhage. It is more likely with a cesarean birth. It most often happens after the placenta is delivered, but it can also happen later.
Learn MorePostterm Pregnancy
A pregnancy that lasts more than 42 weeks is called postterm. A pregnancy that is between 41 and 42 weeks is called late-term. Most women deliver between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy.
Learn MorePost-Thrombotic Syndrome (PTS)
Post-Thrombotic Syndrome or PTS can occur when there are changes in a blood vessel after a blood clot is formed.
Learn MorePosttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Children
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health problem. A child with PTSD has constant, scary thoughts and memories of a past event. The child finds the event terrifying, either physically or emotionally.
Learn MorePotassium Restriction for Children
Read on for detailed information to help your child limit or avoid high-potassium foods.
Learn MorePrecocious (Early) Puberty in Children
This Helping Hand™ is about early puberty in children. Sometimes, puberty can start earlier and before signs show.
Learn MorePrecocious Puberty
Puberty that happens early is called precocious puberty. This means a child's physical signs of sexual maturity develop too soon. This includes breast growth, pubic hair, and voice changes. These are known as secondary sexual characteristics. Precocious puberty happens before age 8 in girls, and before age 9 in boys.
Learn MorePregnancy and Medical Conditions
Detailed information on pregnancy and medical conditions
Learn MorePregnancy and Pre-existing Heart Disease
Pre-existing heart disease is a heart problem that you had before you got pregnant. This often means a heart condition that you were born with (congenital). These can include heart problems that may have been fixed. It can also include heart valve issues.
Learn MorePregnancy Complications
Detailed information on the most common complications during pregnancy
Learn MorePregnancy- How Your Digestion Changes
Digestion is the process of breaking down food and drink into smaller parts so that the body can use them to build and nourish cells, and to provide energy.
Learn MorePregnancy Loss
Detailed information on pregnancy loss, including types, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Learn MorePregnancy: Issues and Answers
Access basic information about what you may be feeling, your choices, and what you can expect from prenatal care.
Learn MorePrematurity
A baby born before 37 weeks of pregnancy is considered premature or born too early. Learn more about prematurity, including causes, risks, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
Learn MorePremenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a collection of behavioral and physical signs and symptoms that affects women a few days before their menses. These symptoms typically occur in a predictable pattern. Symptoms can include mood swings, anxiety, food cravings, bloating, fatigue and headaches.
Learn MorePrenatal Counseling
Detailed information on prenatal diagnosis to detect fetal abnormalities in the womb
Learn MorePreoperative Visit with Your Child's Surgeon
This is the time to ask questions: What are the expected results? What are the possible risks and complications? How long will the surgery take?
Learn MorePreparing Siblings for Surgery
When your child goes to the hospital, brothers and sisters may feel afraid, worried, or confused. They're often afraid simply because they don't know what to expect, and they may imagine the worst. Here's what you can do to help.
Learn MorePreparing the Family
Most families soon find ways to adjust to the changes that take place after a baby is born. But it's helpful to prepare family members for what's ahead.
Learn MorePreparing the Infant for Surgery
It's important to keep your baby's routine the same before the day of surgery. Make sure you, your baby, and your family are well rested.
Learn MorePreparing the Preschooler for Surgery
One of the major fears preschoolers have is fear of the unknown. Tell your child about the surgery several days before the procedure and perhaps even visit the hospital for a tour.
Learn MorePreparing the School-Aged Child for Surgery
Have your child explain back to you what is going to happen in the hospital. School-aged children sometimes will listen carefully but not understand all that was said.
Learn MorePreparing the Teen for Surgery
Allow your teen to be part of the decision-making process. Encourage them to make a list of questions to ask the healthcare providers.
Learn MorePreparing the Toddler for Surgery
Read books to your toddler about going to the hospital. Keep any explanations simple and be careful with the words you use.
Learn MorePrepubertal Vaginal Bleeding
There are several different reasons why a pediatric patient may experience vaginal bleeding. It is important to notify your health care provider if you notice your child is having vaginal bleeding.
Learn MorePreschool (4 to 5 Years)
Detailed information on preschool-aged children, ages 4 to 5 years
Learn MorePreschool and School-Aged Problems of the Teeth and Mouth
Detailed information on preschool and school-aged problems of the teeth and mouth
Learn MorePreschool Play
A preschooler needs space in which to run and explore. Take them on trips to the playground, park, or beach. Encourage them to play with other children.
Learn MorePreschooler Nutrition
Preschool children are still developing their eating habits and need encouragement to eat healthy meals and snacks.
Learn MorePreterm Labor
Preterm labor is labor that starts before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy. Labor is when the uterus regularly tightens and the cervix starts to thin and open. This lets the baby (fetus) enter the birth canal.
Learn MorePreterm Premature Rupture of Membranes (PPROM)
Preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM) is a pregnancy complication. In this condition, the sac (amniotic membrane) surrounding your baby breaks (ruptures) before week 37 of pregnancy. Once the sac breaks, you have an increased risk for infection. You also have a higher chance of having your baby born early.
Learn MorePreventing Burn Injuries in Children
Here are safety tips: Periodically, check electrical plugs and cords for dirt or fraying. When cooking with hot oil, keep your child a safe distance from the stove. Teach your child to stay away from lighters and matches.
Learn MorePreventing Burn Scars and Contractures in Children
Most second- and third-degree burns cause scarring. Physical therapists will work with your child to prevent or reduce scarring.
Learn MorePreventing Eye Injuries in Children
Children should wear protective eyewear during sports and recreational activities. In the classroom, they should wear eye protection when doing lab experiments.
Learn MorePreventing Falls
Falls are the most common cause of injury visits to the emergency room for young children. Falls cause more open wounds, fractures, and brain injuries than any other cause. Read on to learn about safety steps you can take to prevent a fall for your child.
Learn MorePreventing MRSA in Athletes
MRSA most often causes minor skin infections in young athletes. But if untreated, the bacteria may invade the bloodstream and become a life-threatening infection. Read on to learn more.
Learn MorePreventing Sports Injury in Children
Detailed information on sports safety for kids, including safety gear and equipment
Learn MorePrevention of Infectious Disease
Detailed information on prevention of infectious diseases
Learn MorePrevention of Oral Problems
Detailed information on the prevention of oral diseases and dental problems
Learn MorePrimary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD)
Learn MorePrimary Immune Deficiencies
Learn MorePrimary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)
Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a condition in which a woman’s ovaries do not make enough follicles or the follicles do not function properly. Because of this, there are not enough hormones produced and women stop having menses (their “period”) before the age of 40.
Learn MoreProblems Affecting the Coronary Arteries and Blood Vessels
Detailed information on problems affecting the coronary arteries and blood vessels of children
Learn MoreProblems Affecting the Lower Digestive Tract
Detailed information on problems affecting the lower digestive tract of children
Learn MoreProblems Affecting the Upper Digestive Tract
Detailed information on problems affecting the upper digestive tract of children
Learn MoreProblems in Prenatal Development of the Digestive Tract
Detailed information on problems in prenatal development of the digestive tract
Learn MoreProblems in Puberty
Detailed information on problems in puberty, including precocious puberty, gonadotropin-independent precocious puberty, and delayed puberty
Learn MoreProtecting Your Child with Vaccines
Vaccines are an important part of a healthy life for your child. Learn why they are beneficial, how they work, whether they are safe, and which ones your child needs.
Learn MoreProtein Losing Enteropathy (PLE)
Protein losing enteropathy (PLE) explains the condition when the body loses important proteins because they are leaking into the intestines.
Learn MoreProtein Restriction for Children
Detailed information on limiting protein in your child's diet, when your child has kidney failure.
Learn MorePrune Belly Syndrome
Prune belly syndrome (PBS) is a rare condition that affects about 1 in every 50,000 children. Children are born with it. The condition affects belly (abdominal) muscles, bladder and urinary tract, as well as testicles in males. PBS is often found during pregnancy.
Learn MorePrune Belly Syndrome in Children
A child with prune belly syndrome often can't fully empty their bladder. This can cause serious bladder, ureter, and kidney problems.
Learn MorePseudotumor Cerebri (PCT)
Pseudotumor cerebri (PTC) is also known as idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). It is a disease that causes increased pressure in the brain.
Learn MorePsoriasis
Psoriasis (sore-EYE-uh-sis) is a common skin problem that looks like pink or red areas of skin topped with white or silvery scaly patches.
Learn MorePsoriatic Arthritis in Children
Psoriatic arthritis is a rare form of arthritis or joint inflammation that affects skin and joints. Read on to learn about this condition in children.
Learn MorePsychiatric Treatment Team
Team members may include a child and adolescent psychiatrist, a psychologist, a social worker, and a psychiatric nurse. Read on to learn more.
Learn MorePsychogenic Non-Epileptic Events
This Helping Hand™ reviews what psychogenic non-epileptic events (PNEE) are, as well as signs, diagnosis, and treatment options.
Learn MorePsychological Complications of Chronic Illness
Adolescence is a stressful time of life even for physically healthy teens. Chronic illness further complicates adolescent development. Read on to learn more.
Learn MorePsychosis
Psychosis in children is rare but severe. Psychosis is a collection of significant symptoms that can impact thoughts, behaviors and emotions.
Learn MorePsychosocial Needs of the Dying Child
The child with a terminal illness has the same need for love, emotional support, and normal activities as any person facing death.
Learn MorePuberty: Adolescent Female
Girls experience puberty as a sequence of events, and their pubertal changes usually begin before boys of the same age. The first pubertal change in girls usually is breast development.
Learn MorePuberty: Teen Boy
During puberty, a teen boy will grow taller and heavier, and hormones will lead to sexual maturity. Read on to learn what to expect.
Learn MorePulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)
Pulmonary hypertension is a rare lung disease in which the blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries are high.
Learn MorePulmonary Atresia
Pulmonary atresia is a heart defect in children that affects blood flow to the lungs. It can be treated with surgery or catheterization
Learn MorePulmonary Embolism
A pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that travels to the blood vessels in the lungs. You may hear a pulmonary embolism referred to as a “PE.”
Learn MorePulmonary Hypertension
Pediatric pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a disease that affects the blood vessels in the lungs. These vessels, called the pulmonary arteries, carry blood to the lungs from the right side of the heart. The high blood pressure causes the pulmonary arteries to narrow.
Learn MorePulmonary Interstitial Emphysema
Pulmonary interstitial emphysema (PIE) is when air gets trapped in the tissue outside the tubes and air sacs of the lungs. It affects newborn babies. PIE is fairly common in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
Learn MorePulmonary Stenosis
Pulmonary stenosis is a heart defect in children that makes it harder for blood to flow. It can be treated with surgery or catheterization.
Learn MorePuncture Wounds in Children
A puncture wound is a deep wound made by a sharp object. This type of wound may become infected easily because dirt and germs are carried deep into the tissues.
Learn MorePyelectasis and Pelviectasis
Pyelectasis, or pelviectasis, is when urine gathers in the center of the kidney, called the pelvis. This makes the kidney larger than normal. This condition can affect one or both kidneys.
Learn MorePyelonephritis
Pyelonephritis is the medical term for a kidney infection. The most common cause of acute kidney infections in children is a bacterial urinary tract infection (UTI) that has spread from the bladder to the kidneys. Repeat acute kidney infections can lead to the need for a kidney transplant.
Learn MorePyloric Stenosis
Pyloric stenosis is a problem that causes forceful vomiting. It affects babies from birth to 6 months of age. It can lead to dehydration. This condition is the second most common reason why newborns have surgery.
Learn MorePyloric Stenosis
Pyloric stenosis is common in infants. It affects babies from birth to a few months of age. It is caused by the thickening of the muscle between the stomach and the small intestine.
Learn MorePyloric Stenosis
Pyloric stenosis is a problem that affects babies between birth and 6 months of age. In pyloric stenosis, the muscles in the lower part of the stomach enlarge, narrowing the opening of the pylorus and eventually preventing food from moving from the stomach to the intestine.
Learn MorePyogenic Granuloma
A pyogenic granuloma (pie uh JENN ik gran yuh LOH muh) or PG is a vascular (blood vessel) growth. It usually appears after an area of skin that has been injured.
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Helping Hands Patient Education Materials
Written and illustrated by medical, nursing and allied health professionals at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Helping Hand instructions are intended as a supplement to verbal instructions provided by a medical professional. The information is periodically reviewed and revised to reflect our current practice. However, Nationwide Children's Hospital is not responsible for any consequences resulting from the use or misuse of the information in the Helping Hands.