Acne in Children Acne in Children What is acne? Acne is a disorder of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. With acne, the sebaceous glands are clogged, which leads to pimples and cysts. Acne is very common - near...
Age-Appropriate Speech and Hearing Milestones Age-Appropriate Speech and Hearing Milestones Hearing develops early in fetal development and is fully functioning at birth. While children respond differently at different stages of growth and devel...
Age-Appropriate Speech and Language Milestones Age-Appropriate Speech and Language Milestones The ability to hear is essential for proper speech and language development. Hearing problems may be suspected in children who are not responding to sou...
Airway Obstruction Airway Obstruction Airway obstruction, which includes choking, suffocation, and strangulation, prevents oxygen from entering the lungs and brain. Lack of oxygen to the brain for more than four minute...
All About Asthma in Children All About Asthma in Children What is asthma? Asthma is a chronic, inflammatory disease in which the airways become sensitive to allergens (any substance that triggers an allergic reaction). Several t...
Allergic Rhinitis Allergic Rhinitis What is allergic rhinitis? Rhinitis is a reaction that occurs in the nose when airborne irritants (allergens) trigger the release of histamine. Histamine causes itching, inflammatio...
Allergies Allergies Allergies are among the most common heath problems, with more than 50 million people afflicted with asthma, seasonal hay fever, or other allergy-related conditions each year. Allergies can ...
Anatomy and Development of the Mouth and Teeth 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. The mother...
Anorexia Nervosa Anorexia Nervosa Anorexia nervosa (or simply anorexia) is an eating disorder that causes people to obsess about their weight and food. People who suffer with this behavior problem have a distorted bo...
Antibiotics Antibiotics What are antibiotics? Antibiotics are powerful drugs used to treat certain illnesses. However, antibiotics do not cure everything, and unnecessary antibiotics can even be harmful. There a...
Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children What is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)? ADHD, also called attention-deficit disorder, is a behavior disorder, usually fi...
Bedwetting (Enuresis) Bedwetting (Urinary Incontinence or Enuresis) What is urinary incontinence (enuresis)? Urinary incontinence (enuresis) is the medical term for bedwetting. Incontinence is accidental or intentional ur...
Birthmarks in Infants Birthmarks in Infants A baby's skin coloring can vary greatly, depending on the baby's age, race or ethnic group, temperature, and whether or not the baby is crying. Skin color in babies often change...
Bites and Stings Bites and Stings Regardless of how careful you are about animals in your home, or how many precautions you take when your child is outdoors playing, animal and insect bites and stings may occur. By r...
Bites and Stings: Animals Bites and Stings: Animals All animal bites require treatment based on the type and severity of the wound. Whether the bite is from a family pet or an animal in the wild, scratches and bites can becom...
Bites and Stings: Insects Bites and Stings: Insects Fleas, mites, and chiggers Fleas, mites, and chiggers often bite humans, but are not poisonous. It is sometimes difficult to assess which type of insect caused the bite, or ...
Blisters in Children Blisters in Children What is a blister? A blister is a bump on the skin containing fluid. Blisters are usually circular in shape. The fluid that forms underneath the skin can be bloody or clear. What...
Bottle-Feeding Bottle-Feeding Health considerations when bottle-feeding If you decide not to breastfeed, or are unable to breastfeed, commercial iron-fortified formulas can provide adequate nutrition for your infan...
Breastfeeding Breastfeeding Getting started with breastfeeding Nature designed human milk especially for human babies, and it has several advantages over any substitute ever developed. Your milk contains just the ...
Bulimia Nervosa in Adolescents Bulimia Nervosa in Adolescents What is bulimia nervosa? Bulimia nervosa, usually referred to as bulimia, is defined as uncontrolled episodes of overeating (bingeing), usually followed by purging (sel...
Burns in Children Burns in Children The latest data available from SAFE KIDS USA indicate the following: Accidental, or unintentional, injury is a leading cause of death among children, teens, and young adults. Leadin...
Care of the Mouth and Teeth Care of the Mouth and Teeth Most pediatric dentists will agree that regular dental care should begin by 1 year of age, with a dental check-up at least twice each consecutive year for most children. S...
Chickenpox Chickenpox What is chickenpox? Chickenpox is a highly infectious disease that usually occurs during childhood. By adulthood, more than 90 percent of Americans have had chickenpox. Since the mid-1990s...
Childhood Immunizations Childhood Immunizations The importance of immunizations Immunization is key to preventing disease among the general population. Vaccines benefit both the people who receive them, and the vulnerable, ...
Circumcision Circumcision What is circumcision? Circumcision is a surgical procedure to remove the skin covering the end of the penis, called the foreskin. In many cultures, circumcision is a religious rite or a ...
Colic Colic What is colic? Colic is a problem that affects some babies during the first three to four months of life. It is defined by the "rule of three": crying at least three hours per day, more than th...
Common Childhood Illness and Concerns Common Childhood Illness and Concerns As a child grows from infancy through adolescence, it is important to promote good health throughout some of the common problems that occur. These can range from...
Conjunctivitis Conjunctivitis What is conjunctivitis? Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye , is an inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye. The conjunctiva is the membrane that lines the inside of the eye and ...
Constipation in Children Constipation in Children Click Image to Enlarge What is constipation? Constipation is defined as: A decrease in frequency of bowel movements, compared to a child's usual pattern (some health care pro...
Croup Croup What is croup? Croup is a disease caused by a virus, bacteria, allergies, and inhaled irritants that leads to swelling in the airways and problems breathing. A child may have stridor, which is ...
Dental Health Dental Health With proper preventive care, such as regular checkups, brushing, flossing, fluoridation, and dental sealants, the risk of dental disease can greatly be reduced. Listed in the directory ...
Diaper Dermatitis Diaper Dermatitis What is diaper dermatitis? Diaper dermatitis, commonly known as diaper rash, is a term used to describe different skin rashes in the diapered area. The rash is usually red, scaling ...
Diarrhea in Children Diarrhea in Children What is diarrhea? Diarrhea is defined either as watery stool or increased frequency (or both) when compared to a normal amount. It is a common problem that may last a few days an...
Discipline Discipline One of the greatest challenges of raising a child is knowing how to properly provide discipline. Discipline is the way in which parents teach their children how they are expected to behave...
Ear, Nose, and Throat Conditions Ear, Nose, and Throat Conditions Children can have many problems with their ears, nose, and throat. In fact, ear infections alone account for millions of doctor's appointments each year. Listed in th...
Eating Disorders in Children Eating Disorders in Children The term eating disorders refers to a variety of disorders. The common feature of all the eating disorders is abnormal eating behaviors. Eating disorders are serious ment...
Eye Conditions Eye Conditions According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Optometric Association, early detection and treatment of many sight-threatening diseases may cure or slow the progre...
Eye Injury (Black Eye) Eye Injury (Black Eye) What is ecchymosis or bruising of the eye? Ecchymosis, or more commonly known as a “black eye," usually occurs from some type of trauma to the eye, causing the tissue around th...
Fevers Fevers What is a fever? A fever is defined by most doctors as a rectal temperature of 100.4 degrees and higher or an oral temperature of 99.6 degrees or higher. The body has several ways to maintain ...
Fifth Disease Fifth Disease What is fifth disease? Fifth disease is a viral illness that is associated with an exanthem. Exanthem is another name for a rash or skin eruption that occurs due to an infection or dise...
Firearm Safety for Parents Firearm Safety for Parents It is estimated that about 40 percent of all homes in the U.S. have some type of firearm, of which one in four is a handgun. Access to firearms in the home increases the ri...
First-Aid Kit First-Aid Kit Everyone should have a well-stocked first-aid kit at home, in the car, and in the workplace. You may also want to stock a portable kit (a box or small bag) that can be taken to the site...
Food Allergies in Children Food Allergies in Children What is food allergy? A food allergy is an abnormal response of the body to a certain food. It is important to know that this is different than a food intolerance, which do...
For Parents: Bicycle, In-Line Skating, Skateboard Safety For Parents: Bicycle, In-Line Skating, Skateboard Safety Safety statistics for bicycles, in-line skating, and skateboards Over 70 percent of children between the ages of five and 14 ride bicycles. In...
Fractures Fractures What is a fracture? A fracture is a partial or complete break in the bone. When a fracture occurs, it is classified as either open or closed: Open fracture (also called compound fracture). ...
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)/Heartburn in Children Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)/Heartburn in Children What is GERD? Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a chronic digestive disorder that is caused by the abnormal flow of gastric acid from the...
Gastrointestinal Conditions Gastrointestinal Conditions A healthy digestive system processes the foods and liquids that we eat, replenishing vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats that are vital for the body to f...
General Principles of Discipline General Principles of Discipline While every child is different, most children need to be given consistent, clear rules and expectations about behavior. The following are some general principles abou...
Genitourinary Conditions Genitourinary Conditions The urinary tract includes the organ system primarily responsible for cleaning and filtering excess fluid and waste material from the blood. The urinary system comprises the ...
Glossary - Pediatrics Glossary - Pediatrics | A | | B | | C | | D | | E | | F | | G | | H | | I | | J | | K | | L | | M | | N | | O | | P | | Q | | R | | S | | T | | U | | V | | W | | X | | Y | | Z | A [return to top] Acn...
Head Injury in Children Head Injury in Children What is a head injury? Head injuries are one of the most common causes of disability and death in children. The injury can be as mild as a bump, bruise (contusion), or cut on ...
Headaches in Children Headaches in Children What is a headache? A headache is pain or discomfort in the head or face area. Headaches can be single or recurrent in nature, and localized to one or more areas of the head and...
Healthy Child Lifestyles Healthy Child Lifestyles As a child grows from infancy through adolescence, it is important to promote good health through healthy lifestyles and habits. Lifestyles that are learned in childhood are ...
Healthy Eating During Adolescence Healthy Eating During Adolescence What is healthy eating? Eating healthy is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and is something that should be taught at a young age. The following are some gene...
Healthy Sleep Habits Healthy Sleep Habits What is normal sleep? The normal amount of sleep varies depending on the age of your child. Age Average nighttime sleep Average daytime sleep Newborns to 3 months eight to nine h...
Heat-Related Illnesses (Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion, Heat Stroke) Heat-Related Illnesses (Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion, Heat Stroke) What are heat-related illnesses? Exposure to abnormal or prolonged amounts of heat and humidity without relief or adequate fluid int...
Home Page - Dental and Oral Health Topic Index Anatomy and Physiology of the Mouth and Teeth Oral Health and Dental Specialists Prevention of Oral Problems Cleft Lip/Cleft Palate Infant Problems of the Teeth and Mouth Toddler Problems...
Home Page - Pediatrics Topic Index The Pediatrician Well-Care Visits Growth and Development Healthy Child Lifestyles Immunizations Common Childhood Illness and Concerns Glossary Children are not just miniature adults, but ...
Hordeolum (Stye) Hordeolum (Stye) What is a hordeolum (stye)? A hordeolum, also known as a stye, is an inflammation of part of the eyelash. This condition is seen more often in children than in adults. What causes a ...
Household Safety Checklist Household Safety Checklist In order to protect you and your family, a thorough safety check of every room in your home should be conducted on a regular basis. Unintentional accidents, injuries, and n...
Impetigo Impetigo What is impetigo? Impetigo is a superficial infection of the skin caused by bacteria. The lesions are often grouped and have a red base. The lesions open and become crusty and have a "honey ...
Infant Problems of the Teeth and Mouth Infant Problems of the Teeth and Mouth Many problems that may affect an infant's teeth and mouth require clinical care by a physician or other health care professional. Listed in the directory below ...
Infections Infections Some infectious conditions are fairly common in childhood and may require clinical care by a physician or other health care professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which ...
Infectious Mononucleosis Mononucleosis What is infectious mononucleosis? Infectious mononucleosis, also known as mononucleosis, "mono," or glandular fever, is characterized by swollen lymph glands, fever, sore throat, and ch...
Influenza (Flu) in Children Influenza (Flu) in Children What is influenza? Influenza (flu) is a highly contagious viral infection and is one of the most severe illnesses of the winter season. An estimated 5 to 20 percent of the...
Inguinal and Umbilical Hernia Inguinal and Umbilical Hernia What is a hernia? A hernia occurs when a section of intestine protrudes through a weakness in the abdominal muscles. A soft bulge is seen underneath the skin where the h...
Learning Disorders Learning Disorders What is a learning disorder? A learning disorder is defined as difficulty in an academic area (reading, mathematics, or written expression). The child's ability to achieve in the s...
Lying and Stealing Lying and Stealing Lying and stealing are common, but inappropriate, behaviors in school-aged children. While some severe forms of these behaviors can indicate a more serious psychological problem, m...
Measuring a Baby's Temperature Measuring a Baby's Temperature Where should a baby's temperature be taken? Today's digital thermometers make taking a baby's temperature simple, with quick results. For best results in babies and tod...
Mental Health Conditions Mental Health Conditions Many children and adolescents have mental health problems that interfere with their normal development and daily life activities. Some mental health problems are mild, while ...
Motor Vehicle Safety for Children Motor Vehicle Safety for Children For children between the ages of 3 and 14, unintentional injury-related deaths occur most often when riding in a car. Children are more likely to be injured, suffer ...
Neurological Conditions Neurological Conditions The nervous system is a complex, sophisticated system that regulates and coordinates body activities. It is made up of two major divisions, including the following: Central ne...
Nightmares and Night Terrors Nightmares and Night Terrors What are night terrors? A night terror is a partial waking from sleep with behaviors such as screaming, kicking, panic, sleep walking, thrashing, or mumbling. They are ha...
Nosebleeds Nosebleeds Nosebleeds can be a scary occurrence, but are usually not dangerous. The medical term for nosebleed is epistaxis. They are fairly common in children, especially in dry climates or during t...
Nutrition Index Nutrition Index Providing adequate and proper nutrition for your growing child is fundamental for normal growth and development. Listed in the directory below you will find additional information reg...
Online Resources - Pediatrics Online Resources - Pediatrics The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, or substitute the professional medic...
Orthodontics/Braces for Children Orthodontics/Braces for Children What is orthodontics? Orthodontics is the dental specialty that focuses on the development, prevention, and correction of irregularities of the teeth, bite, and jaws....
Orthopedic Conditions Orthopedic Conditions Orthopedics is the branch of medicine concerned with diseases, injuries, and other conditions of the musculoskeletal system. The musculoskeletal system consists of the body's bo...
Otitis Externa (Swimmer's Ear) Otitis Externa (Swimmer's Ear) What is otitis externa? Otitis externa, also called swimmer's ear, is an inflammation of the external ear canal. Swimmer's ear is caused by fungi or bacteria. Water tha...
Otitis Media Otitis Media What is otitis media? Otitis media is inflammation or infection located in the middle ear. Otitis media can occur as a result of a cold, sore throat, or respiratory infection. Facts abou...
Overuse Injuries Overuse Injuries An increasing number of boys and girls are playing recreational and organized sports. As a result, there is a rise in the number of overuse injuries seen among children and adolescent...
Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis in Children Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis in Children What are pharyngitis and tonsillitis? Pharyngitis and tonsillitis are infections in the throat that cause inflammation. If the tonsils are primarily affected, ...
Poison Ivy / Poison Oak and Children Poison Ivy / Poison Oak and Children What is poison ivy/poison oak? There are three native American plants that collectively may be called poison ivy: Poison ivy Poison oak Poison sumac These plants ...
Poisoning Poisoning Sometimes, accidental poisonings can be treated in the home following the direction of a poison control center or your child's physician. At other times, emergency medical care is necessary...
Preschooler Nutrition Preschooler Nutrition Helpful feeding information for your preschooler Preschool-age children (ages 4 to 5) are still developing their eating habits and need encouragement to eat healthy meals and sn...
Respiratory Conditions Respiratory Conditions Respiratory conditions can include a variety of problems, such as colds, flu, runny noses, and coughs. Many different respiratory disorders require clinical care of a physician...
Roseola Roseola What is roseola? Roseola is a viral illness that results in a viral exanthem. Exanthem is another name for a rash or skin eruption. Roseola is a contagious disease marked by a high fever and ...
Safety and Injury Prevention for Children Safety and Injury Prevention for Children Unintentional injury is the leading cause of death among children ages 14 and younger, according to the National SAFE KIDS campaign. Although this death rate...
School-Aged Child Nutrition Nutrition: School-Age Helpful feeding information for your school-age child School-age children (ages 6 to 12) continue to need healthy foods and nutritious snacks. They have a consistent but slow ra...
Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cradle Cap) Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cradle Cap) What is seborrheic dermatitis (cradle cap)? Also called cradle cap, seborrheic dermatitis in the infant is characterized by fine white scales. However, seborrheic d...
Seizures and Epilepsy in Children Seizures and Epilepsy in Children What is epilepsy? Epilepsy is a neurological condition involving the brain that makes people more susceptible to having recurrent unprovoked seizures. It is one of t...
Sinusitis in Children Sinusitis in Children What are sinuses? The sinuses are cavities, or air-filled pockets, near the nasal passage. Like the nasal passage, the sinuses are lined with mucous membranes. There are four di...
Skin Conditions Skin Conditions The skin is the largest organ of the body, covering the entire body. As the outer protective covering of the body, it is exposed to the environment, making it vulnerable to growths, r...
Sleep Sleep Sleep is an essential part of your growing child's health. The amount of sleep needed changes as the child grows older. Newborns sleep approximately 16 to 17 hours a day, while preschoolers nee...
Sports Injuries and Children Sports Injuries and Children Obviously, some sports are more dangerous than others. For example, contact sports such as football can be expected to result in a higher number of injuries than a noncon...
Sports Safety for Children Sports Safety for Children Participating in sports is great for children both physically and psychologically. Sports can increase a child's physical coordination, fitness, and self-esteem. In additio...
Sprains and Strains in Children Sprains and Strains in Children The majority of sports injuries are caused by minor trauma involving muscles, ligaments, and/or tendons, including: Contusions (bruises) Sprains Strains The most commo...
Sunburn Sunburn What is sunburn? Sunburn is a visible reaction of the skin's exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, the invisible rays that are part of sunlight. The signs of a sunburn may not appear for a ...
Teething Teething What is teething? A baby's first tooth usually appears between the ages of five and seven months. Some babies get their first tooth a little earlier and others a little later. Often, the two...
Television and Children Television and Children As children grow and develop, they can be easily influenced by what they see and hear, especially television. While television programs can be educational, many children watch...
Temper Tantrums Temper Tantrums What are temper tantrums? Temper tantrums are a way a young child lets out strong emotions before he or she is able to express them in socially acceptable ways. Although a child may s...
The Growing Child: 1 to 3 Months The Growing Child: 1 to 3 Months How much will my baby grow? While all babies may grow at a different rate, the following indicates the average for boys and girls 1 to 3 months of age: Weight: averag...
The Growing Child: 10 to 12 Months The Growing Child: 10 to 12 Months How much will my baby grow? While all babies may grow at a different rate, the following indicates the average for boys and girls 10 to 12 months of age: Weight: av...
The Growing Child: 1-Year-Olds The Growing Child: 1-Year-Olds After a baby's first birthday, the rate of growth begins to slow down. The baby is now a toddler and is very active. What can my baby do at this age? As your baby conti...
The Growing Child: 2-Year-Olds The Growing Child: 2-Year-Olds How much will my child grow? After a child's second birthday, the rate of growth continues to slow. Two-year-olds are very active and begin to lose the appearance of a ...
The Growing Child: 3-Year-Olds The Growing Child: 3-Year-Olds How much will my child grow? In 3-year-olds, growth is still slow compared to the first year. Most children have become slimmer and lost the rounded tummy of a toddler....
The Growing Child: 4 to 6 Months The Growing Child: 4 to 6 Months How much will my baby grow? While all babies may grow at a different rate, the following indicates the average for boys and girls 4 to 6 months of age: Weight: averag...
The Growing Child: 7 to 9 Months The Growing Child: 7 to 9 Months How much will my baby grow? While all babies may grow at a different rate, the following indicates the average for boys and girls 7 to 9 months of age: Weight: averag...
The Growing Child: Adolescent (13 to 18 Years) The Growing Child: Adolescent (13 to 18 Years) How much will my adolescent grow? The teenage years are also called adolescence. Adolescence is a time for growth spurts and puberty changes. An adolesc...
The Growing Child: Newborn The Growing Child: Newborn How much will my baby grow? In the first month of life, babies usually catch up and surpass their birthweight, then steadily continue to gain weight. A weight loss up to ab...
The Growing Child: Preschool (4 to 5 Years) The Growing Child: Preschool (4 to 5 Years) What can my child do at this age? As your child continues to grow, you will notice new and exciting abilities that your child develops. While children may ...
The Growing Child: School-Age (6 to 12 Years) The Growing Child: School-Age (6 to 12 Years) What can my child do at this age? As your child continues to grow, you will notice new and exciting abilities that your child develops. While children ma...
The Pediatrician The Pediatrician What is a pediatrician? A pediatrician is a child's doctor who provides: Preventive health maintenance for healthy children. Medical care for children who are acutely or chronically ...
Thumb Sucking Thumb Sucking Thumb sucking is one of the most common habits of children. The habit starts early in life, with 90 percent of newborns showing some form of hand sucking by two hours of age. Thumb suck...
Time-Out Time-Out Guidelines for time-out Time-out is a type of discipline that is used to stop a child from performing a bad behavior "isolating" the child for a period of time. Time-out helps establish that...
Toddler Nutrition Nutrition: Toddler Helpful feeding information for your toddler The toddler (ages 1 to 3) phase can often be challenging when it comes to feeding. Several developmental changes occur at this time. To...
Toilet-Training Toilet-Training What is toilet training? Toilet-training is teaching your child to recognize his or her body signals for urinating and having a bowel movement and using a potty chair or toilet correc...
Tooth Decay (Caries or Cavities) in Children Tooth Decay (Caries or Cavities) in Children What is tooth decay (caries or cavities)? Tooth decay (destruction of tooth structure) is the disease known as caries or cavities. Tooth decay is one of t...
Topic Index - Pediatrics Topic Index - Pediatrics Pediatrics Home The Pediatrician Well-Care Visits Growth and Development The Growing Child: Newborn The Growing Child: 1 to 3 Months The Growing Child: 4 to 6 Months The Grow...
Toy Safety Toy Safety Billions of toys to amuse children of all ages are sold each year in the U.S. Unfortunately, toys also are associated with thousands of injuries each year, some of which result in death. C...
Upper Respiratory Infection (URI or Common Cold) Upper Respiratory Infection (URI or Common Cold) What is an upper respiratory infection (URI)? An upper respiratory infection (URI), also known as the common cold, is one of the most common illnesses...
Urinary Tract Infection Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) What are urinary tract infections (UTIs)? Urinary tract infections describe a health problem that results from a bacterial infection along the urinary tract. Who is affe...
Vision Milestones Vision Milestones Vision normally sharpens as a baby matures into childhood. However, vision problems may be suspected in children who are not responding to their environment properly. The following ...
Vision, Hearing and Speech Overview Vision, Hearing, and Speech Overview Vision, hearing, and speech are an important part of your child's life. When an infant first emerges into the world, his/her eyesight is immature, later developin...
Vision, Hearing, and Speech Milestones Vision, Hearing, and Speech Milestones Listed in the directory below you will find additional information regarding your child's vision, hearing, speech, and language development, for which we have p...
Warts in Children Warts in Children What are warts? Warts are non-cancerous skin growths caused by the papillomavirus. Warts are more common in children than adults, although they can develop at any age. Warts can spr...
Well-Care Visits Well-Care Visits What is a well-care visit? In addition to taking your child to the physician when your child is ill, or needs an examination to participate in a particular activity, routine well-car...
Your Child's Growth and Development Your Child's Growth and Development Understanding your child's changing and emerging growth and development is an important part of parenting. As infants and children progress through a series of gro...