Health Information

Pediatrics

  • Airway Obstruction

    Detailed information on airway obstruction and children, including choking, suffocation, and strangulation

  • Allergies

    Detailed information on allergies in children, including information on allergic rhinitis and food allergies

  • Bites and Stings: Animals

    Detailed information on animal bites and stings

  • Antibiotics

    Detailed information on the use of antibiotics and children

  • Bedwetting (Enuresis)

    Detailed information on bedwetting (enuresis) in children, including causes, diagnosis, and treatment of urinary incontinence

  • Birthmarks in Infants

    Your baby may not have been delivered by stork, but some infants are left with “stork bites” on the backs of their necks. These pink or red patches are just one type of birthmark or variation in skin color that are common in babies.

  • Breastfeeding

    Detailed information on breastfeeding and starting to breastfeeding

  • Care of the Mouth and Teeth

    Most children should begin regular dental care by the time they turn 1 year old.

  • Common Childhood Illness and Concerns

    Detailed information on common childhood illnesses and concerns

  • Dental Health

    Detailed information on dental health for children

  • Ear, Nose, and Throat Conditions

    Detailed information on ear, nose, and throat conditions in children

  • Eye Conditions

    Detailed information on eye conditions in children

  • Eye Injury (Black Eye)

    Detailed information on ecchymosis or bruising of the eye

  • Firearm Safety for Parents

    Detailed information on firearm safety and prevention

  • First-Aid Kit

    Detailed list of recommended items for a household first-aid kit

  • Gastrointestinal Conditions

    Detailed information on gastrointestinal conditions in children

  • Genitourinary Conditions

    Detailed information on genital and urinary conditions in children

  • Glossary - Pediatrics

    Glossary of terms relating to pediatrics

  • Your Child's Growth and Development

    Detailed information on growth and development of children

  • Healthy Child Lifestyles

    Detailed information on healthy child lifestyles, including information on dental health, nutrition, vision, speech, hearing, sleep, toilet-training, and discipline

  • Home Page - Pediatrics

    Detailed information on common childhood illnesses and concerns

  • Infections

    Detailed information on infections in children

  • Bites and Stings: Insects

    Detailed information on insect bites, including bee stings, flea bites, mite bites, chigger bites, spider bites, tick bites, and lyme disease

  • Mental Health Conditions

    Detailed information on mental health disorders in children

  • Motor Vehicle Safety for Children

    Detailed information on motor vehicle safety and children

  • Neurological Conditions

    Detailed information on neurological disorders in children, including headaches, head injury and seizures/epilepsy

  • Online Resources - Pediatrics

    List of online resources to find additional information on pediatrics

  • Orthopedic Conditions

    Detailed information on orthopedic disorders in children, including fractures, sports injuries, overuse injuries, sprains, strains, and heat-related illness

  • Otitis Media

    Detailed information on otitis media, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention

  • The Pediatrician

    You take your kids to the pediatrician for tummy aches and fevers, but a pediatrician does a lot more than care for sick children. This doc is responsible for your child’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being—in sickness and in health.

  • Poisoning

    Detailed information on poisoning, including poison on the skin, in the eye, and poisonous fumes and gas

  • Respiratory Conditions

    Detailed information on respiratory conditions in children, including asthma, croup, the common cold, and the flu

  • Safety and Injury Prevention for Children

    Detailed information on safety and injury prevention for children, including information on household safety, first-aid kit, airway obstruction, poisoning, bicycle safety, in-line skating safety, skateboarding safety, scooter safety, toy safety, sports sa

  • Topic Index - Pediatrics

    Detailed information on common childhood illnesses and concerns

  • Skin Conditions

    Detailed information on skin conditions in children, including acne, birthmarks, bites, stings, blisters, burns, contact dermatitis, cradle cap (seborrheic dermatitis), diaper rash, impetigo, lice, poison ivy, poison oak, sunburn, and warts

  • Hordeolum (Stye)

    Detailed information on stye, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

  • Urinary Tract Infections in Children

    Detailed information on urinary tract infections, including causes, symptom, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention

  • Vision, Hearing, and Speech Milestones

    Detailed information on a child's vision, hearing, and speech milestones

  • Vision Milestones

    Detailed information on a child's vision milestones

  • Well-Care Visits

    Detailed information on well-care visits and children, including when well-care visits should be scheduled

  • Vision, Hearing and Speech Overview
  • Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cradle Cap)

    Cradle cap can occur on the scalp, diaper area, face, neck, and trunk. Symptoms include dry or greasy scales.

  • Age-Appropriate Speech and Language Milestones

    Here are guidelines on speech and language development that may help you decide if your child is experiencing hearing problems.

  • Infant Problems of the Teeth and Mouth

    Detailed information on infant problems of the teeth and mouth

  • Otitis Externa (Swimmer's Ear)

    Swimmer's ear is caused by fungi or bacteria that are encouraged to grow because of water that remains trapped in the ear canal after swimming.

  • Temper Tantrums

    These fits of rage—the stomping, screaming, and falling on the floor—are a normal part of childhood development. Temper tantrums often occur only with a parent. They are a way for the child to communicate his or her feelings.

  • Measuring a Baby's Temperature

    Most physicians recommend taking a baby's temperature rectally, by placing a thermometer in the baby's anus. This method is accurate and gives a quick reading of the baby's internal temperature.

  • The Growing Child: 3-Year-Olds

    Most 3-year-olds have lost the rounded tummy of a toddler. Your child can use a spoon well and can wash and dry his or her hands.

  • Thumb Sucking

    Thumb sucking is normal in infants and young children. It shouldn't cause any permanent problems if your child stops by age 5.

  • Time-Out

    Detailed information on child discipline and time-out

  • Toilet-Training

    Detailed information on toilet-training your child

  • Warts in Children

    Detailed information on the most common types of warts, including foot warts, flat warts, genital warts, and filiform warts

  • Diaper Dermatitis

    Detailed information on diaper dermatitis, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

  • Colic

    Though the name sounds like a disease, colic is really just a term for excessive crying in an infant. Unfortunately, nobody knows for sure what causes colic, but there are several theories and possible risk factors for the condition.

  • Fevers

    When your child has a fever, the body resets its thermostat at a higher temperature. This helps the body fight off invading microorganisms.

  • General Principles of Discipline

    Most children need to be given consistent, clear rules and expectations about behavior. Discipline needs to begin as soon as the child is mobile—pulling up and crawling.

  • Headaches 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.

  • Age-Appropriate Speech and Hearing Milestones

    A hearing problem may be suspected in a child who is not responding to sounds or who is not developing language skills appropriately.

  • Inguinal and Umbilical Hernia

    Detailed information on hernia, including risks, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

  • Influenza (Flu) in Children

    Influenza is a highly contagious infection of the upper respiratory system. It's one of the most severe illnesses of the winter season, affecting up to 20 percent of Americans each year.

  • Home Page - Dental and Oral Health

    Detailed information on dental and oral health in children

  • Lying and Stealing

    Lying and stealing are common, but inappropriate, behaviors in school-aged children. Most of the time these behaviors will be outgrown.

  • Nightmares and Night Terrors

    A night terror is a partial waking from sleep with behaviors such as screaming, kicking, panic, sleep walking, thrashing, or mumbling.

  • Orthodontics/Braces for Children

    Orthodontics is the dental specialty that focuses on the development, prevention, and correction of irregularities of the teeth, bite, and jaws.

  • Overuse Injuries

    Detailed information on overuse injuries in children, including jumper's knee, patellar tendonitis, little leaguers' elbow, little leaguers' shoulder, osteochondritis dissecans, Sever's disease, shin splints, Sinding-Larsen-Johansson disease, spondylolisthesis, and spondylolysis

  • Poison Ivy and Children

    Detailed information on poison ivy/poison oak, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention

  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)/Heartburn in Children

    Detailed information on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

  • Allergic Rhinitis

    Pollen, dust mites, mold, and animal dander are the most common causes of allergic rhinitis.

  • 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.

  • All About Asthma in Children

    What causes asthma? It may be partially inherited, but many other environmental, infectious, and chemical factors are involved.

  • Chickenpox

    Detailed information on chickenpox, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, complications, and immunity

  • Circumcision

    Whether you decided to have your baby boy circumcised or not, it’s important to know how to care for his special needs. Find tips for caring for both circumcised and uncircumcised babies.

  • Diarrhea in Children

    Diarrhea is defined either as watery stool or increased frequency of stool—or both—when compared with a normal amount. It is a common problem that may last a few days and disappear on its own.

  • Blisters in Children

    Detailed information on blisters, including cause, first-aid, and treatment

  • Croup

    Croup is most common in children younger than 5, with the peak age around 2. Croup occurs most often in winter.

  • Acne in Children

    Acne is a disorder of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. With acne, the sebaceous glands are clogged, which leads to pimples and cysts.

  • Discipline

    Detailed information on disciplining a child, including information on time-out, temper tantrum, lying, stealing, and television and children

  • Eating Disorders in Children

    Detailed information on adolescents and eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, and obesity

  • Fifth Disease

    Fifth disease is caused by the human parvovirus. It is most prevalent in the winter and spring and is usually seen in school-aged children.

  • Constipation in Children

    Common causes of constipation in children: a low-fiber diet, not enough fluids, lack of exercise, and emotional issues.

  • Upper Respiratory Infection (URI or Common Cold)

    The common cold is one of the most common illnesses, leading to more doctor visits and absences from school each year than any other illness.

  • Childhood Immunizations

    Your little one will need several immunization shots to help protect her from several childhood diseases, some of which can be deadly. Knowing which shots she needs, when, and what to do in the event of a minor reaction is important.

  • Impetigo

    Detailed information on impetigo, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

  • Head 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.

  • Healthy Sleep Habits

    The normal amount of sleep varies depending on the age of your child. A 2-year-old needs 10 to 12 hours a night, plus naps during the day. By age 6, a child usually has dropped naps, but still needs 10 hours at night.

  • Heat-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 produce more heat with activity and sweat less.

  • Learning Disorders

    Learning disorders are sometimes called learning disabilities. Most children with learning disorders have normal intelligence, but they have difficulty with reading, math, or another academic area.

  • Nosebleeds

    Nosebleeds are fairly common in children, especially in dry climates or during the winter months, when dry heat inside homes and buildings can cause drying, cracking, or crusting inside the nose.

  • Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis in Children

    Detailed information on pharyngitis and tonsillitis, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

  • Conjunctivitis

    You had conjunctivitis as a child, now your baby has symptoms of it. Your first step should be a call to your doctor, who will make a diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

  • Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children

    ADHD is a behavior disorder marked by inattention, impulsivity, and, in some cases, hyperactivity.

  • Food Allergies in Children

    Detailed information on food allergy, including cause, symptoms, and treatment

  • Fractures

    A fracture is a partial or complete break in the bone. When a fracture occurs, it is classified as either open or closed.

  • Bites and Stings

    Detailed information on insect bites, including bee stings, flea bites, mite bites, chigger bites, spider bites, tick bites, and lyme disease

  • Burns in Children

    Detailed information on burns, burn types, classification of burns, and burn treatment

  • Roseola

    Detailed information on roseola, including cause, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

  • Seizures and Epilepsy in Children

    A seizure occurs when parts of the brain receive a burst of abnormal electrical signals that temporarily interrupts normal electrical brain function.

  • Sinusitis in Children

    Detailed information on sinusitis, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

  • Sleep

    Detailed information on healthy sleep habits of children, including information on nightmares and night terrors

  • Sports Injuries and Children

    Detailed information on sports injuries in children, including overuse injuries, sprains, strains, and heat-related illnesses

  • Sports Safety for Children

    Because they are still growing, children are more susceptible to sports injuries. Half of those injuries could be prevented with proper safety gear, safer playing environments, and established safety rules.

  • Sprains and Strains in Children

    Strains, sprains, and bruises make up the majority of sports injuries. Treatment for a strain or sprain depends on the child's age and the extent of the injury.

  • The Growing Child: 1 to 3 Months

    At this stage of growth, your baby will gain 1-1/2 to 2 pounds in weight and more than an inch in height each month.

  • The Growing Child: 10 to 12 Months

    Your child can now says da-da and ma-ma, and possibly two other words, as well. He or she can also make a simple gesture such as shaking the head.

  • The Growing Child: 1-Year-Olds

    Your child is a toddler now and very active! He or she can climb stairs while holding on and play with push and pull toys.

  • The Growing Child: 2-Year-Olds

    Speech at this age is becoming clearer. Your child has a vocabulary of 200 to 300 words and can tell his or her age and name.

  • The Growing Child: 4 to 6 Months

    This age is very social, and babies begin moving in much more purposeful ways.

  • The Growing Child: 7 to 9 Months

    A baby of this age rolls over easily from front to back and back to front, and bounces when supported to stand.

  • The Growing Child: Adolescent (13 to 18 Years)

    Adolescence is a time for growth spurts and puberty changes. Sexual maturation may occur gradually or several signs may become visible at the same time.

  • The Growing Child: Newborn

    In the first month of life, babies usually catch up and surpass their birthweight, then steadily continue to gain weight.

  • The Growing Child: Preschool (4 to 5 Years)

    Children at this age begin to understand concepts and can compare abstract ideas.

  • The Growing Child: School-Age (6 to 12 Years)

    Although friendships become more important at this age, children are still fond of their parents and like being part of a family.

  • Tooth Decay (Caries or Cavities) in Children

    Tooth decay first appears as white spots on the teeth. The cavity then turns a light brown color and progressively becomes darker.

  • Sunburn

    Detailed information sunburn, including symptoms and treatment

  • Toy Safety

    Detailed information on toy safety and injury prevention in children

  • Teething

    A baby's first tooth usually appears between 5 and 7 months of age. Often, the two middle bottom teeth come through the gums first, followed by the middle four upper teeth.

  • Television and Children

    Detailed information on television and children, including suggestions for helping set good television viewing habits

  • For Parents: Bicycle, In-Line Skating, Skateboard, and Scooter Safety

    Detailed information on bicycle, in-line skating, skateboarding, and scooter safety

  • Bulimia Nervosa in Adolescents

    Bulimia nervosa is defined as uncontrolled episodes of overeating (bingeing) usually followed by self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, enemas, or medications in an attempt to control weight.

  • Household Safety Checklist

    Use this list as part of a thorough safety check of your home. It can help prevent accidents and injuries.

  • Nutrition Index

    Detailed nutrition information for mothers who are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, and toddlers, preschool-aged children, school-aged children, and adolescents

  • Anorexia Nervosa

    Anorexia nervosa (or simply anorexia) is an eating disorder that causes people to obsess about their weight and food.

  • Infectious Mononucleosis

    Detailed information on infectious mononucleosis, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, and transmission

  • Preschooler Nutrition

    Preschool children are still developing their eating habits and need encouragement to eat healthy meals and snacks.

  • Healthy Eating During Adolescence

    Encourage your teen to eat three balanced meals a day, with fruits or vegetables as snacks.

  • School-Aged Child Nutrition

    Eating healthy after-school snacks is important at this age, as these snacks may contribute up to one-third of the total calorie intake for the day.

  • Toddler Nutrition

    Mealtime with a toddler can be challenging, because children at this age are striving for independence and control. It's best to provide structure and set limits.

  • Bottle-Feeding

    Detailed information on bottle-feeding, including information on the different types of baby formula