In warm weather, the threat of Lyme disease might make you think that your kids would be safer in the comfort of a climate-controlled living room rather than the great outdoors. Though a child's risk of getting Lyme disease after being bitten by a tick is only about 1–3%, it's important ... more >>
Families of kids with allergies should use environmental control measures that reduce exposure to the child's allergy triggers. Some require few changes in the home, while others can be costly or fairly time-consuming.Talk with your doctor or health care provider about starting with ... more >>
For years, doctors have used height and weight measurements to assess a child's physical growth in relation to other kids the same age. Now they have another tool: body mass index (BMI). BMI is a calculation that uses height and weight to estimate how much body fat someone has. Doctors use it to ... more >>
Newborns often have temporary pimples or blotches that soon disappear as they adapt to life outside the womb. It's also quite common to see birthmarks on their skin at birth or shortly after. Birthmarks range from hardly noticeable to disfiguring, but no matter how large or small they are, they ... more >>
Lots of kids and teens have to cope with acne. It's a common part of puberty, but adults and preteens get it too. Because it's so common, acne is the subject of much discussion — and many myths. By clearing up some of the common tales about acne, you can help your son or ... more >>
The term "germs" refers to the microscopic bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa that can cause disease.It's a good idea to learn about the different types of germs, where they come from, and how to keep them from interfering with your child's health. Hand washing is the single most important ... more >>
Coughs are one of the most frequent symptoms of childhood illness, and although they can sound awful at times, aren't usually a sign of a serious condition. In fact, coughing is a healthy and important reflex that helps clear the airways in the throat and chest.Occasionally, though, your ... more >>
Doctors order urine tests for kids to make sure that the kidneys and other organs are functioning properly, or when they suspect that a child might have an infection in the kidneys, bladder, or urinary tract.The kidneys make urine as they filter wastes from the bloodstream while leaving ... more >>
A delicious mud pie, a good-luck rock, or a friendly frog are just a few of the presents kids love to bring home to Mom and Dad. But behind these adorable gifts, millions of germs could be lurking.Kids don't always listen when you tell them to wash their hands before eating, but it's a message ... more >>
It can be frightening whenever kids are in the hospital — maybe even more so when they're admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). But a basic understanding of the people and equipment in the PICU can help you feel less scared and better prepared to help your child ... more >>
We see happy images of and tend to hear about only healthy babies. But many babies are born with problems called birth defects. These are abnormalities of structure, function, or body chemistry that will require medical or surgical care or could have some effect on a child's development.About ... more >>
Every year, your family probably faces its share of colds, sore throats, and viruses. When you bring your child to the doctor for these illnesses, do you automatically expect a prescription for antibiotics?Many parents do. And they're surprised, maybe even angry, if they leave the doctor's office ... more >>
Although the flu season lasts from November until April, with most cases occurring between late December and early March, the flu vaccine is usually offered between September and mid-November. Getting the shot before the flu season is in full-force gives the body a chance to build up immunity to, ... more >>
Unlike some other infections, when the flu is uncomplicated, it doesn't usually require medical treatment. Your doctor may prescribe an antiviral medicine (if symptoms are reported within 48 hours of onset), but these usually only shorten the course of the infection by just 1 or 2 days, and most ... more >>
Taking a medical history and performing a physical examination usually provide the information a doctor needs to evaluate a child's health or to understand what's causing an illness. But sometimes, doctors need to order tests to find out more.Common Tests and What They Involve:Blood ... more >>
If your child is sick, you'll probably think of countless questions to ask your child's doctor. But how many times have you made a list of questions and concerns to share with your pharmacist?If you're like most parents, the answer is probably "very few" or "none." But today's pharmacists are ... more >>
Stool, also called feces, is usually thought of as nothing but waste — something to quickly flush away. But bowel movements can provide doctors with valuable information as to what's wrong when your child has a problem in the stomach, intestines, or another part of the gastrointestinal ... more >>
A sweat test may be ordered if a doctor thinks a child might have cystic fibrosis (CF). Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disease that causes sweat glands and other glands, especially those in the pancreas and the air passages of the lungs, to produce abnormally thick, clogging mucus. This clogging ... more >>
A child's throat can be sore for many reasons. If due to an infection, the most common cause is a virus. In most cases, the soreness goes away as the infection does and almost never leads to further problems. But in some cases, sore throats are caused by a more serious bacterial infection from ... more >>
Mumps is a disease caused by a virus that usually spreads through saliva and can infect many parts of the body, especially the parotid salivary glands. These glands, which produce saliva for the mouth, are found toward the back of each cheek, in the area between the ear and jaw. In cases of ... more >>
What do you know about your family tree? Have any of your relatives had health problems that tend to run in families? Which of these problems affected your parents or grandparents? Which ones affect you or your brothers or sisters now? Which problems might you pass on to your children?Thanks to ... more >>
The liver is located in the upper right corner of the abdomen, and it plays a variety of important roles in the body: It stores fuel gleaned from sugars, makes needed proteins, and helps remove poisons and toxins. The liver also makes bile, a substance that helps in digestion.Liver function tests ... more >>
If your child who has bowel movements (BMs) in places other than the toilet, you know how frustrating it can be. Many parents assume that kids who soil their pants are simply misbehaving or that they're too lazy to use the bathroom when they have the urge to go.The truth is that many kids ... more >>
New parents eagerly look forward to bringing their baby home, so it can be frightening if your newborn needs to be admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). At first it may seem like a foreign place, but understanding the NICU and what goes on there can help reduce your fears and let you ... more >>
By the time she was 8 years old, J.B. had been hospitalized 200 times and had undergone more than 40 operations, including the removal of most of her intestines.K.C., a 2-year-old boy, was hospitalized more than 20 times due to complications from asthma, severe pneumonia, mysterious infections, ... more >>