Conditions We Treat

A Child Living with a Pacemaker or Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD)

Detailed information on living with a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator

A Child's Concept of Death

From babies to teens, a look at how children understand death.

Abdominal / 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.

Abdominal 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.

About Cancer

Detailed information on cancer in children, including causes, diagnosis, treatment, and coping

About the Heart and Blood Vessels

Detailed anatomical description of the heart's blood vessels, including simple definitions and a labeled, full-color illustration

Abrasions

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.

Acanthosis Nigricans

This Helping Hand™ discusses acanthosis nigricans (AN), which 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.

Achalasia

Achalasia happens when there are problems with the nerve cells in the muscles of the esophagus. It makes is hard to swallow foods and liquids.

Achondroplasia

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.

Achondroplasia 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.

Acne

In this Helping Hand™, we discuss the causes and treatment of acne. Acne is a skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. It causes whiteheads, blackheads or pimples.

Acne 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.

Acquired 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.

Active Tuberculosis Disease

In this Helping Hand™, we discuss Tuberculosis (TB). Active TB disease 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.

Acute 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.

Acute 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.

Acute 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.

Acute Flaccid Myelitis in Children

AFM is a rare condition that affects the nervous system.

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

Leukemia is cancer of the blood. It’s the most common form of cancer in childhood.

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML)

Leukemia is cancer of the blood. It’s the most common form of cancer in childhood.

Acute Renal Failure

Acute kidney disease starts suddenly. In some cases, it may be reversed and the kidneys can work normally again.

Acute Respiratory Disorders

Detailed information on acute respiratory disorders in children

Acute 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.

Adding 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.

Addison 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.

Adenovirus Infection in Children

Adenoviruses are a group of viruses that cause a variety of infections. These include the common cold, conjunctivitis, and croup.

Adjustment 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.

Adnexal Cysts

Adnexal cysts are fluid-filled structures that can develop in the fallopian tubes and ovaries. They are usually caused by hormonal stimulation or bleeding at the time of ovulation.

Adnexal Torsion

Adnexa is a term to describe the fallopian tubes and ovaries. Torsion is when the adnexa twist inside the pelvis. Adnexal torsion requires emergency surgery to untwist the adnexa.

Adolescent (13 to 18 Years)

Detailed information on adolescence, ages 13 to 18 years

Adolescent Growth and Development

Detailed information on adolescent growth and development

Adolescent 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

Adolescent 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

Adolescent Problems of the Teeth and Mouth

Detailed information on adolescent problems of the teeth and mouth

After a Burn: When to Call Your Child's Healthcare Provider

Details about when to call your child's healthcare provider after a burn.

Age-Appropriate Speech and Hearing Milestones

A helpful look at age-appropriate hearing milestones for babies and toddlers.

Agenesis 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.

AIDS-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.

Airway 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.

Airway Obstruction: Prevention

Because most accidental child strangulations, chokings, and suffocations happen in the home, it's important to carefully childproof your residence.

Airway 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.

Allergic 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.

Allergic 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.

Allergies 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.

Allergy

Detailed information on allergy, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Allergy to Dust Mites

This Helping Hand™ covers allergy to dust mites. 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.

Allergy to Mold

This Helping Hand™ covers mold, which 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.

Allergy 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.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is a form of hair loss that occurs in children and adults. It is considered an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation and loss of hair.

Alpha 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.

Alpha-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.

Alveolar 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.

Amenorrhea

Amenorrhea is when a girl or woman does not have her period. Primary amenorrhea is when periods have not started by age 16. Hormone levels and anatomical problems can cause amenorrhea.

Amenorrhea in Teens

Amenorrhea is when a girl's menstrual bleeding (period) doesn't occur.

Amniotic 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.

Anaphylaxis 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.

Anatomy 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.

Anatomy and Function of the Electrical System

Detailed anatomical description of the heart's electrical system, including simple definitions and a labeled, full-color illustration

Anatomy and Function of the Heart Valves

Detailed anatomical description of the heart valves, including simple definitions and a labeled, full-color illustration.

Anatomy 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.

Anatomy and Physiology of the Nose and Throat

A helpful guide to the nose, the sinuses, and the throat.

Anatomy of a Child's Brain

The brain can be divided into 3 main parts: the cerebrum, the brainstem, and the cerebellum.

Anatomy of a Newborn Baby’s Skull

Detailed anatomical information on the newborn skull.

Anatomy of the Endocrine System in Children

Detailed information on the endocrine system, its anatomy and function, including a full-color, labeled illustration.

Anatomy of the Respiratory System in Children

A detailed anatomical description of the respiratory system, including simple definitions and labeled, full-color illustrations.

Anemia

Detailed information on anemia, including symptoms, diagnosis, causes, types, and treatment

Anemia B12 Deficiency

Anemia 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.

Anemia: Iron Deficiency

This Helping Hand™ covers iron deficiency, which is a condition where the body lacks sufficient iron to produce hemoglobin, which can lead to anemia. Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and shortness of breath.

Anencephaly

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.

Anencephaly 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.

Aneurysmal Bone Cyst

Aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) occur more commonly in teens. The cysts are hollow and filled with blood. The tumors are not cancerous, but they damage bone and can affect surrounding tissue.

Anger 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.

Animal Bites

Detailed information on animal bites and rabies, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention

Ankyloglossia 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.

Anomalous 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.

Anorectal 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.

Anorectal Malformations or Imperforate Anus

Babies born with imperforate anus or anorectal malformation have a condition where the anal opening (where solid waste leaves the body) and rectum do not develop properly.

Anorexia 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.

Anorexia 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.

Anterior Pituitary Disorders

Detailed information on anterior pituitary disorders, including hypopituitarism

Anticipatory Grief

Anticipatory grief is similar to the normal process of mourning, but it happens before the actual death.

Antiphospholipid 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.

Anxiety 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.

Anxiety Disorders

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.

Anxiety 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

Aortic Stenosis

Aortic stenosis is a heart condition where the valve that controls blood flow from the heart to the body is too narrow. It can be treated with surgery or catheterization.

Apert 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.

APGAR Scoring

The Apgar score helps find breathing problems and other health issues.

Aplastic Anemia in Children

Detailed information on aplastic anemia, including cause, symptom, diagnosis, and treatment

Apnea

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.

Apnea 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.

Appendicitis 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.

Arrhythmias 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.

Arteriovenous Malformations

Arthrogryposis

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.

Asperger'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.

Aspiration 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.

Assessments for Newborn Babies

Each newborn baby is carefully checked at birth for signs of problems or complications.

Asthma

This Helping Hand™ covers asthma, which is a lung disease that can cause breathing problems. If your child has asthma, the airways in their lungs overreact to certain things, called triggers. 

Asthma and Reactive Airway Disease (RAD) (Wheezing)

This Helping Hand™ covers asthma, which 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 in Children

Asthma is a long-term (chronic) lung disease that causes your child's airways to become sensitive to certain things (triggers).

Asthma in Children Index

Detailed information on asthma, including triggers of an asthma attack, symptoms, diagnosis, management, and treatment

Asthma Triggers

Your child's asthma may be triggered by a number of things: pollen, molds, certain foods, strong odors, or even exercise.

Astrocytoma (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.

Astrocytoma in Children

Astrocytoma is the most common type of brain tumor in children. It is usually low grade, which means slow-growing.

Atopic 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.

Atrial 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.

Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) in Children

The atrial septum is the wall between the two 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.

Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD)

Atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD), also commonly known as endocardial cushion defect or atrioventricular canal defect (AVCD), is a heart condition where there are holes between the heart’s upper and lower chambers, and the valves controlling blood flow may not form correctly.

Attention 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.

Attention 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.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a brain-based, or neurodevelopmental, disorder. It is often first diagnosed in childhood.

Audiology

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.

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)

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.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

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.

Autism 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.

Autoimmune Diseases and Pregnancy

Detailed information on autoimmune diseases and pregnancy

Autoimmune Hepatitis

Autoimmune hepatitis 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.

Autosomal Recessive: Cystic Fibrosis, Sickle Cell Anemia, Tay Sachs Disease

Overview of autosomal recessive inheritance, including cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and Tay Sachs disease.

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is a mental health diagnosis that is characterized by extreme picky eating and little interest in, or fear of, food or eating.