Remember how you and your parents saw different doctors when you were growing up? It took a while to click for me that there are doctors who specialize in treating kids. These doctors, known as pediatric doctors, are graduates of required programs and training in their field, just like every other medical professional. The difference
Children’s Health
Gingivostomatitis is a highly contagious infection of the mouth. Its main symptoms include pain, swollen gums, blisters, and sores. These sores can develop on the tongue, under the tongue, and on the cheeks inside the mouth, as well as on the lips and gums. In this article, learn more about the symptoms, as well as
Ulcerative colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation in the large intestine. The condition is more likely to affect people between 15 and 30 and over 60 years old, but it can develop at any age, including in childhood. Ulcerative colitis causes swelling, bleeding, diarrhea, and other uncomfortable symptoms. There is
Wryneck occurs when the neck muscles twist beyond their usual capacity, causing the head to tilt. The condition is also known as torticollis or loxia. Wryneck may develop over time. It can also occur after an injury to the area, or because of a reaction to medication. A person with wryneck may find it uncomfortable
I’m Lana Burgess, a 31-year-old freelance writer passionate about well-being. In this article, I explore why I disagree with my mom’s decision not to vaccinate me when I was a child — and how, as an adult, I decided to finally get vaccinated. ‘In a world of so many information sources, it’s easy to get
Newborn babies sometimes get dry skin, and their lips may appear chapped as their skin adjusts to the environment outside the womb. Several home remedies can help moisturize their lips and ease any discomfort. It is common for a newborn’s lips to appear more dry and red than an older baby’s, but this is unlikely
In babies, most facial rashes are harmless and tend to clear up without treatment. Causes can include eczema, acne, and infection. Sometimes, however, a rash on a baby’s face can indicate a more serious condition. Being able to distinguish between different rashes can help a parent or caregiver know when to seek professional advice. In
Pepto-Bismol helps relieve several digestive issues that pregnant and breastfeeding women often experience, including gas, heartburn, and nausea. Many women may be aware that they should avoid taking Pepto-Bismol during pregnancy, but what about while breastfeeding? It is unclear whether Pepto-Bismol is safe to take while breastfeeding, but most experts recommend avoiding it. Read on
NyQuil products are over-the-counter medications designed to relieve the nighttime symptoms of cold and flu. Women who are breastfeeding may wish to use NyQuil to alleviate their symptoms but may worry about the effects of NyQuil on the baby. Some NyQuil products are likely safe to use while breastfeeding, while others may not be, depending
Breastfeeding can be challenging on its own, but having psoriasis can make it more uncomfortable and difficult. With the right approach, a woman can relieve her psoriasis symptoms safely while breastfeeding. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommend exclusively breastfeeding infants for the first 6 months of life. They then suggest gradually introducing foods while continuing
Sometimes, an ear infection can come back again and again. These are called chronic or recurring ear infections. In this article, we look at the different types of ear infections and what makes them chronic. We also discuss the ways to treat and prevent a chronic ear infection. Chronic ear infections Viruses and bacteria can
A child’s adenoids can sometimes become swollen and, occasionally, infected. If enlarged adenoids cause sleeping or breathing difficulties, a doctor may recommend adenoid removal. In this article, we look at what adenoids are, symptoms of their enlargement, and reasons for having them removed. We also explain the adenoid removal procedure, risks and possible complications, and
Teething is a natural process that every infant goes through. It can be an uncomfortable experience, and it can be concerning for parents and caregivers to see the infant experiencing pain and discomfort. The symptoms of teething vary from one infant to another. Some babies do not have any symptoms at all when their teeth
Leukemia is a broad category of cancers that affect white blood cells. The chances of survival depend on a variety of factors, including a person’s age and response to treatment. The American Cancer Society estimate that there will be around 60,300 new cases of leukemia in the United States in 2018, resulting in 24,370 deaths.
Although it is a natural activity, breastfeeding is also a skill that takes time to learn. It tends to get easier with practice, as both a woman and baby master the breastfeeding strategies that work for them. The best breastfeeding positions enable a baby to latch on to the breast well and comfortably, do not
Some people believe that the rate of the fetus’ heartbeat, as heard during an ultrasound scan, can indicate its sex. Research shows no evidence for this, and similar beliefs tend to be myths. Many people claim that they can predict a baby’s sex using signs such as the size of the mother’s breasts or the
Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a viral infection that can cause significant symptoms in infants under the age of 2 years old. However, most infants who get the virus experience cold-like symptoms and recover without issue. RSV can have serious consequences in certain groups, however, including: babies younger than 6 months babies born prematurely
While minor bumps and bruises are common during childhood, experiencing neck pain as a child can be startling. A range of things can cause neck pain in children, and it is vital to identify the cause to determine the best course of treatment. Neck pain is often temporary and clears within 1 or 2 days
Drooling is common in young children, especially while their teeth are coming in. It is usually nothing to worry about. However, excessive saliva can sometimes irritate a baby’s skin and cause drool rash. Drool rash can be uncomfortable for a baby, but parents and caregivers can help them get relief with some simple home remedies.
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that can develop at any age. It often has a slow, gradual onset, which can make it difficult to detect and diagnose in children. In this article, we look at what type 2 diabetes is and describe its symptoms, causes, and risk factors in children. We also explore
MRSA is a potentially serious bacterial infection. Children can catch MRSA through contact with other kids, often when the bacteria enter a cut or scrape. MRSA, or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is a potentially severe or fatal bacterial infection. Years ago, MRSA mainly caused problems in hospitals and healthcare centers, but it has since spread into
Some women use marijuana to manage the side effects of pregnancy, to cope with anxiety, or to sleep better. Many also hope they can safely do so while breastfeeding. According to 2017 research carried out on a group of pregnant women in California, about 7 percent of the women surveyed used marijuana. Research suggests that
A healthful breastfeeding diet is essentially the same as a nutritious diet when not breastfeeding. The main difference is that people who are breastfeeding need more calories. When breastfeeding, a person requires around 450 to 500 extra calories per day. People who wish to lose weight after pregnancy may not need to increase their calorie
While breastfeeding offers numerous benefits, it also presents many challenges. Many women find that breastfeeding is most difficult in the first weeks of the baby’s life and during times of transition, which may include returning to work after maternity leave. With the right help, most women can breastfeed successfully. However, there are also some drawbacks
Breastfeeding can be exhausting, particularly in the early days period when a baby may sleep irregularly and wake up numerous times each night. A morning cup of coffee might help a person manage sleep deprivation, but many people worry about the effects of caffeine on their babies. However, caffeine is safe in moderation for people
Concussion is an injury to the brain caused by either a blow to the head or body. A child’s developing brain is more at risk than an adult’s, so parents and caregivers may want to know the signs of concussion in children. A survey published in 2017, looking at more than 13,000 adolescents in the
Pinworms are tiny, thin worms that can infect the colon and intestines of humans. People of all ages can get pinworm infections, but they tend to affect children or those who live in close quarters. Pinworm infection is the most common worm infection in the United States. It is highly contagious and spreads quickly from
People often believe that teething can cause symptoms such as a runny nose, fever, pain, irritability, and sleep problems. However, the scientific evidence behind these beliefs is not straightforward. Researchers have come to varied conclusions about the links between these symptoms and teething. While many experts agree that teething does not cause congestion or a
Baby colic causes uncontrollable crying that does not stop, even with comforting, and gets worse over time. At present, there is no evidence to prove that any treatment is an effective remedy for colic, and no cure is available. Colic is a common problem in young babies, with around one-fifth of babies developing the condition.
Toddlers can often get fevers when they are unwell, even when they have a cold or another minor illness. Several common childhood illnesses, including roseola and scarlet fever, can cause a rash to develop after the fever passes. A fever is not a disease but a sign that the body’s immune system is fighting an