Search for Handouts and Resources:

American Academy of Pediatrics Logo

Common Illnesses And Conditions

A Guide to Children's Dental Health
The road to a bright smile begins long before the first tooth appears. Parents play a big part in helping their children develop healthy teeth. Early monitoring by your child's doctor and dentist is important. (See "What is a pediatric dentist?")
A Guide to Your Child’s Medicines
Giving medicine in the right way can help your child feel better and get well. However, medicine information and labels can be confusing. Read on for information from the American Academy of Pediatrics about prescription and over-the-counter medicines, how to give medicine in the right way, and how to prevent medicine mistakes.
Acne—How to Treat and Control It
Almost all teens get zits at one time or another. It's called acne. Whether your case is mild or severe, there are things you can do to keep it under control. Read on to find out how.
Acute Ear Infections and Your Child
Next to the common cold, an ear infection is the most common childhood illness. In fact, most children have at least one ear infection by the time they are 3 years old. Many ear infections clear up without causing any lasting problems.
Allergic Skin Conditions
Estimates are that up to 20% of infants and young children may be affected by eczema at some point. There is no good data about how frequently hives and contact dermatitis occur.
Allergies in Children
Allergy describes a condition involving the immune system that causes sneezing and itching, chronic rashes, wheezing, or even life-threatening allergic reactions. Whether minor or serious, there are things you can do to prevent or control most allergic problems. The more you know about allergies—the symptoms, causes, and treatments—the more prepared you will be to help your child. Read on to find out more.
Allergies: An Overview
Allergies are very common. In a national study of children with special health care needs, 53% had allergies of some type.
Anaphylaxis
For anyone experiencing anaphylaxis, epinephrine should be given right away followed by a call to 911 for further treatment and transfer to a hospital. The main medicine to treat anaphylaxis is epinephrine. This is a medicine given by an injection. The best place to inject it is in the muscles of the outer part of the thigh. If the symptoms do not improve very quickly, the injection should be given again in 5 to 30 minutes.
Anaphylaxis
The key adaptation to avoiding anaphylaxis is to try to avoid the allergen. This may mean
Anemia and Your Young Child: Guidelines for Parents: Adapted from Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5
Anemia is a condition that is sometimes found in young children. It can make your child feel cranky, tired, and weak. Though these symptoms may worry you, most cases of anemia are easily treated. This brochure explains the different types of anemia and its causes, symptoms, and treatments.
Ankle Sprain Treatment (Care of the Young Athlete)
Acute ankle and foot injuries are common in athletes and other active young people. Sprains account for the greatest number of acute injuries.
Antibiotics and Your Child
Parents need to know that using antibiotics when they are not the right medicine will not help and may even cause harm to children.
Asthma
Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases in children, affecting between 5% and 10%.
Asthma
Asthma (AZZ-muh) is a disease of the breathing tubes that carry air to the lungs. The linings of the tubes swell, and they fill up with mucus (MYOO-kus). This is called inflammation (in-fluh-MAY-shun). It makes the tubes get narrow. This makes it hard to breathe.
Asthma and Exercise (Care of the Young Athlete)
Almost every child (and adult) with asthma can benefit from sports and physical activity. Also, asthma should not prevent young athletes from enjoying a full athletic career. The following is information from the American Academy of Pediatrics about asthma and exercise.
Asthma and Your Child
This publication was written by the American Academy of Pediatrics to inform parents about asthma. It includes information about asthma symptoms, triggers, treatments, medicines, and how to communicate with your child's school.
Asthma Triggers
Things that cause asthma (AZZ-muh) attacks or make asthma worse are called triggers. Asthma triggers can be found in your home, your child's school, child care, and other people's homes.
Asthma-Friendly Schools
A MINUTE FOR KIDS: There are a number of ways your child's school can be more asthma-friendly. Be sure to find out if your child's school maintains good indoor air quality, reduces indoor air irritants, and that a school nurse is on duty. Have your child carry their asthma medication with them during the day and have them receive an annual flu shot so classmates do not worsen their condition.
Bedwetting
Did you know that there are about 5 million children in the United States who wet the bed? If your child wets the bed, he or she is not alone.
Bedwetting
Most children learn to use the toilet between 2 and 4 years of age. Even after children are toilet-trained, they may wet the bed until they are older. It's even common for 6-year-olds to wet the bed once in a while. Some children still wet the bed at age 12.
Bipolar and Mood Disorders
A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Nearly 1 in every 100 kids suffers from bipolar disorder and may suffer extreme mood swings. In kids these swings can happen much more rapidly. If your child is diagnosed be sure to contact your pediatrician for advice on treatment.
Bites and Stings
A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Mosquitoes, biting bugs, and ticks can make children miserable and can also carry diseases. Make sure to use bug repellent in the summer months, but be sure to use it properly and read all labels prior to use.
Bronchiolitis and Your Young Child
Bronchiolitis is a common respiratory illness among infants. One of its symptoms is trouble breathing, which can be scary for parents and young children. Read on for more information from the American Academy of Pediatrics about bronchiolitis, causes, signs and symptoms, how to treat it, and how to prevent it.
Chickenpox Vaccine, The
(Please see the related Vaccine Information Statement, The Chickenpox Vaccine: What You Need to Know)
Chickenpox Vaccine, The: What You Need to Know (VIS)
Chickenpox (also called varicella) is a common childhood disease. It is usually mild, but it can be serious, especially in young infants and adults.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Chronic fatigue syndrome can affect teens as well as adults. The cause of the syndrome is unknown, but symptoms may include bouts of exhaustian, muscle ache, or sore throat. If these symptoms persist for 6 months or more your teen may have chronic fatigue syndrome.
Cold Sores
A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Cold sores—blisters that appear in and around the mouth—are caused by the herpes simplex virus. Once a child has become infected, cold sores may recur periodically. The virus is spread by saliva, and there is no cure. While your child has a cold sore, parents should not let him or her kiss others, share drinks or utensils, or other items to avoid spreading the infection.
Colds
Most children get 8 to 10 colds before they are 2 years old. Most colds come and go without any big problems.
Common Childhood Infections
Most infections are caused by germs called viruses and bacteria. While you may be able to keep germs from spreading, you can't always keep your child from getting sick. It is important for parents to know how to keep their children healthy and what to do when they get sick. Read on to learn more from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) about common childhood infections—signs and symptoms, treatments, and when to call your child's doctor.
Constipation
Constipation (kahn-sti-PAY-shun) is common. Children with constipation have stools (poops) that are hard, dry, and difficult or painful to get out. Constipation can be treated.
Constipation and Your Child
Bowel patterns vary from child to child just as they do in adults. What's normal for your child may be different from what's normal for another child. Most children have bowel movements 1 or 2 times a day. Other children may go 2 to 3 days or longer before passing a normal stool.
Croup
Croup is an infection that makes the inside of your child's throat swell up. This makes it hard for your child to breathe. It can be scary for both parents and children.
Croup and Your Young Child
Croup is a common illness in young children. It can be scary for parents as well as children. Read on for more information from the American Academy of Pediatrics about croup, including types, causes, symptoms, and treatments.
Croup: When Your Child Needs Hospital Care
Croup is a common illness that affects the airways, making it hard for a child to breathe. It's most common in toddlers but can affect children between 6 months and 12 years of age. Another symptom is a loud barking cough that is worse at night. Trouble breathing and the barking cough can be scary for parent and child. Most children with viral croup also have low fever.
Crying and Your Baby: How to Calm a Fussy or Colicky Baby
Babies cry for different reasons. Crying is one way babies try to tell us what they need. They may be hungry, have a soiled diaper, or just want a little attention. (See checklist at the bottom.) If a crying baby cannot be comforted, the cause may be colic. Read on about colic and ways to calm a crying baby.
Diaper Rash
Most babies get diaper rash, but it is usually not serious. Read on to find out more about what causes diaper rash and how to treat it.
Diarrhea
An illness in which someone develops more watery and frequent stools than is typical for that person. Diarrhea can be caused by changes in diet, such as drinking excessive amount of fruit juice, eating more than the usual amounts of certain foods, and the use of some medications. Diarrhea also can be the result of a problem with the intestines, such as inability to absorb nutrients or allergy to foods. Infections with some viruses, bacteria, and parasites can cause diarrhea.
Diarrhea and Your Child
Diarrhea is the passage of watery stools.
Diarrhea, Vomiting, and Water Loss (Dehydration)
Diarrhea (loose poop) and vomiting, or “throwing up,” are why many parents call the doctor. Your child's doctor may call this gastroenteritis (GAS- troh-en-tur-EYE-tis). These symptoms are often caused by a virus*.
Dry Winter Skin
A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Cold, dry winter air can cause dryness and irritation to skin. To prevent skin irritation in your child, bathe them less frequently and use moisturizers in cold weather.
Ear Infection
There are 2 common types of ear infections: otitis media (middle ear infection) and otitis externa (swimmer’s ear). Most ear infections of young children occur in the middle ear.
Ear Infections
Ear infections (in-FEK-shuns) in children are common. Most kids get at least one ear infection by the time they are 3 years old. Most ear infections clear up without any lasting problems. Your child's doctor may also call an ear infection otitis (oh-TYE-tis) media.
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
Eczema is a chronic skin problem that causes dry, red, itchy skin. It is also called atopic dermatitis or AD. Anyone can get eczema, but it is most common in babies to young adults.
Febrile Seizures
In some children, fevers can trigger seizures. Febrile seizures occur in 2% to 5% of all children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years. Seizures, sometimes called “fits” or “spells,” are frightening, but they usually are harmless. Read on for information from the American Academy of Pediatrics that will help you understand febrile seizures and what happens if your child has one.
Fever
Fever is a sign that your child is fighting an infection. It is usually harmless. Your child's fever should go away in about 3 days. If it doesn’t, call your child's doctor.
Fever and Your Child
A fever is usually a sign that the body is fighting an illness or infection. Fevers are generally harmless. In fact, they can be considered a good sign that your child's immune system is working and the body is trying to heal itself. While it is important to look for the cause of a fever, the main purpose for treating it is to help your child feel better if he is uncomfortable or has pain.
Fever Basics
A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Not all fevers should cause worry, and many don't need treatment. A fever is the body's way of activating your child's immune system. However, if other symptoms appear with the fever, call your pediatrician.
Fifth Disease
Fifth disease, also called erythema infectiosum, is usually not a serious infection. Its most notable symptom is a bright red patch or rash on your child's cheeks. It is caused by a virus called parvovirus B19 and can be spread from one person to another through droplets or secretions (eg, saliva, sputum). It can also be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus. The virus can cause serious illness in a fetus or in any child who has a certain type of anemia (low red blood cell count) such as sickle cell anemia.
Flu, The
The flu (influenza) is an illness caused by a virus. It affects the whole body. This is not the same as what we often call the “stomach flu.”
Food Allergies
A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Adults who suffer from food allergies are likely to have children who do as well. Breastfeeding and restricting solid foods from your baby until they are 4-6 months old are a few ways you can prevent the development of food allergies in your child.
Foot Aches and Pains
A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Foot and leg injuries such as tendonitis, sprains, and stress fractures are common in young athletes. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation can help alleviate most minor injuries.
Fun in the Sun: Keep Your Family Safe
Warm, sunny days are wonderful. It's great to exercise outside, and the sun feels good on your skin. But what feels good can harm you and your family. Read on for information from the American Academy of Pediatrics about how to keep your family safe from the sun’s harmful rays.
Gastroenteritis: When Your Child Needs Hospital Care
Gastroenteritis is a common childhood illness that causes diarrhea and vomiting that can lead to dehydration. It is usually caused by a virus but can also be caused by bacteria or a parasite. Most of the time mild diarrhea and vomiting last for just a few days. However, if symptoms don't go away or they get worse, your child may need to be treated in the hospital.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Babies with GERD can choke; a bulb syringe should be available to help clear the airway if necessary. If the baby is coughing, nothing should be done because the cough is the most effective way to clear the airway. If the baby stops breathing or making any sound, CPR techniques for infants should be used. These maneuvers are covered in pediatric first aid with CPR courses such as the American Academy of Pediatrics course, Pediatric First Aid for Caregivers and Teachers.
Geographic Tongue
A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Geographic tongue is a condition in which red patches with white borders appear on the tongue. This condition may be related to psoriasis or eczema.
Haemophilus influenzae Type b
(Please see the related Vaccine Information Statement, Haemophilus Influenzae Type b (Hib) Vaccine: What You Need to Know)
Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is a viral infection most often seen in infants and children younger than 10 years. It is most commonly caused by coxsackievirus A16. Coxsackieviruses are one type of enterovirus.
Head Lice
Each year millions of school-aged children in the United States get head lice. Though head lice may be a nuisance, they don’t cause serious illness or carry any diseases. Also, head lice can be treated at home.
Hepatitis B Vaccine: What Parents Need to Know
Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver. It is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Lifelong HBV infection can lead to liver cancer or scarring of the liver (cirrhosis). More than 1 million people in the United States are living with lifelong HBV infection. Anyone can get infected with HBV, including your child.
Hepatitis C
About 4 million Americans are infected with Hepatitis C virus (HCV), and many do not even know it. Anyone can get infected with HCV, including children.
Hives
A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Hives are a common skin reaction in children. Usually, hives are caused by allergic reactions triggered by foods. It is often hard to determine the exact cause of hives and most cases of hives do not require immediate treatment.
How to Measure Liquid Medicine for Your Child
use the dosing device (syringe or medicine cup) that comes with your child’s medicine. If there is no dosing device, ask your doctor or pharmacist for one that should be used.
How to Prevent Tooth Decay in Your Baby
Baby teeth are important. If baby teeth are lost too early, the teeth that are left may move and not leave any room for adult teeth to come in. Also, if tooth decay is not prevented, it can be costly to treat, cause pain, and lead to life-threatening infections.
How to Take Your Child's Temperature
Your temperature (TEM-pruh-chur) is how warm or cold your body is. Normal temperature for a child is 98°F to 99°F or 37°C. The small circle (°) means “degrees.” Anything over 100.4°F or 38°C is a fever. (See “Words to Know” for “F” and “C.”)
Imaging Tests: A Look Inside Your Child's Body
If your pediatrician isn't sure what the cause of your child's illness or injury is, imaging tests may be needed. Imaging tests are used to “look” inside the body. They can help diagnose injuries and illnesses from broken bones to cancer. Some tests can even find problems before symptoms appear. Read this handout to learn more about imaging tests.
Immunizations: What You Need To Know
Immunizations have helped children stay healthy for more than 50 years. They are safe and they work. In fact, serious side effects are no more common than those from other types of medication. Vaccinations have reduced the number of infections from vaccine-preventable diseases by more than 90%! Yet many parents still question their safety because of misinformation they've received. That's why it's important to turn to a reliable and trusted source, including your child's doctor, for information. The following are answers to common questions parents have about immunizations.
Impact of Headphones on Hearing
A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Many children like to turn up the volume when listening to music, but this can cause permanent ear damage when doing so with a pair of headphones. If someone else can hear music coming out of your headphones, then the music is too loud.
Important Information for Teens Who Get Headaches
A lot of teens do. In fact, 50% to 75% of all teens report having at least one headache per month!
Indoor Allergies
A MINUTE FOR KIDS: 1 in 6 kids suffers from indoor allergies, such as allergies to dust, mold, or animal dander. Replacing air duct filters once a month, sweeping and vacuuming regularly, and avoiding wall to wall carpeting can help reduce your child's reaction to these allergens.
Infants and Constipation
A MINUTE FOR KIDS: All babies are different and so are their bowel patterns. If you suspect constipation in your newborn, monitor their stools and never use a laxative without talking to your pediatrician first.
Inhaled and Intranasal Corticosteroids and Your Child
If your child has asthma or allergic rhinitis (hay fever), your pediatrician may prescribe a corticosteroid, also commonly referred to as a steroid. These medicines are the best available to decrease the swelling and irritation (inflammation) that occurs with persistent asthma or allergy. They are not the same as the anabolic steroids that are used illegally by some athletes to build muscles.
Iron Deficiency and Anemia
A MINUTE FOR KIDS: A diet low in iron can lead to anemia, which can make your child pale, irritable, or cause them to have a lack of energy. There are two types of iron, one found in meats and one found in beans and other vegetables. Citrus foods should be eaten in combination with vegetarian iron-rich foods to increase iron absorption.
Juvenile Diabetes
A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Type 1 diabetes is genetic and occurs when the pancreas stops producing insulin. Once diagnosed, children will have to manage their condition for the rest of their lives. If managed poorly type 1 diabetes can lead to kidney failure or circulation problems.
Know the Facts About HIV and AIDS
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). While there is no cure for HIV, early diagnosis and treatment are very effective at keeping people healthy. In addition, there are things you can do to prevent getting HIV. Read on to learn more about HIV and AIDS and how to keep you and your children healthy.
Lactose Intolerance and Your Child
After drinking milk or eating ice cream, does your child have stomach cramps or get diarrhea? If so, your child may have lactose intolerance.
Lazy Eye
A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Lazy eye is a fairly common eye problem in small children. It happens when a child has one eye with poorer vision or that has been injured. They then use the dominant eye almost exclusively. If lazy eye persists past the age of five, it can cause permanent eye damage in the unused eye.
Lightheaded and Dizziness
A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Dizziness and lightheadedness is usually no cause for alarm in healthy children, but vertigo or other symptoms such as buzzing in the ear may be the result of an inner ear disorder and a pediatrician should be consulted.
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is an important public health problem in some areas of the United States. Since its discovery in Lyme, CT, in 1975, thousands of cases of the disease have been reported across the United States and around the world. By knowing more about the disease and how to prevent it, you can help keep your family safe from the effects of Lyme disease.
Medications in School
A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Many children have an illness that requires daily medication. Parents, children, and school officials should work together to ensure that children with these conditions have proper access to their medications at all times.
Medicine and the Media: How to Make Sense of the Messages
Your child is sick or hurt and the first thought on your mind is, “How can I make my child better?” That's natural. No parent wants his or her child to suffer. So how do you decide what medicines to give or treatments to try?
Meningococcal Disease: Information for Teens and College Students
Certain teens and young adults have a higher risk of getting meningococcal disease. College students, especially freshmen who live in dorms and military recruits, are at an increased risk compared with others in this age group. It's important to know how to protect yourself because meningococcal disease can be deadly. Read on for more information from the American Academy of Pediatrics about this serious illness, safe and effective vaccines, and how to stay healthy.
Middle Ear Fluid and Your Child
The middle ear is the space behind the eardrum that is usually filled with air. When a child has middle ear fluid (otitis media with effusion), it means that a watery or mucus-like fluid has collected in the middle ear. Otitis media means middle ear inflammation, and effusion means fluid.
Minor Head Injuries in Children
Almost all children bump their heads every now and then. While these injuries can be upsetting, most head injuries are minor and do not cause serious problems. In very rare cases, problems can occur after a minor bump on the head. This publication was written by the American Academy of Pediatrics to help parents understand the difference between a head injury that needs only a comforting hug and one that requires immediate medical attention.
MMR (Measles, Mumps & Rubella) Vaccine: What You Need to Know (VIS)
Measles, mumps, and rubella are serious diseases. Before vaccines they were very common, especially among children.
Molluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a common skin infection in children that is caused by a poxviruse, named molluscum virus. It produces harmless, noncancerous growths in the skin's top layers. The disease is spread by direct contact with the skin of an infected person or sharing towels with someone who has the disease. Outbreaks have occasionally been reported in child care centers.
Obesity and High Blood Pressure
A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Obesity and resulting high blood pressure have been on the rise in children in the United States. These can cause damage to the heart and the circulatory system. Screening for high blood pressure should begin at age three. If a child is found to have high blood pressure, certain lifestyle changes can work to reduce this.
Pneumococcal Infections
Pneumococcus is a type of bacteria that can attack different parts of the body and cause many serious infections including
Preventing Obesity in Teens
A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Obesity is a serious problem for teens and, as a result, many suffer from low self esteem. Low calorie diets are not a good idea for growing teens. Instead they should work to combine healthy eating habits and increased physical activity.
Protect Your Child From Poison
Children can get very sick if they come in contact with medicines, household products, pesticides, chemicals, or cosmetics. This can happen at any age and can cause serious reactions. How­ever, most children who come in contact with these things are not perma­nently hurt if they are treated right away.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infects almost all children at least once before they are 2 years of age. Most of the time, this virus only causes minor cold-like symptoms. However, for some babies infection can be more dangerous.
Restless Leg Syndrome
A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Restless leg syndrome may interfere with a child's ability to fall asleep. RLS may be related to iron-deficiency anemia.
RSV Infection
A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of lower respiratory tract infections in children. The virus causes fever or cough and is highly contagious. If your child is at high risk for RSV complications, take care to prevent their exposure to the virus.
RSV, Bronchiolitis, and Your Baby
RSV is the short name for respiratory syncytial virus (RES-pruh-tor-ee sin-SISH-ul VYE-ris). Almost all children get RSV at least once before they are 2 years old. For most healthy children, RSV is like a cold. But some children get very sick with RSV.
Seasonal Influenza (Flu)
All flu viruses cause a respiratory illness that can last a week or more. Flu symptoms include
Sinusitis and Your Child
Sinusitis is an inflammation of the lining of the nose and sinuses. It is a very common infection in children.
Sleep Apnea and Your Child
Does your child snore a lot? Does he sleep restlessly? Does he have difficulty breathing, or does he gasp or choke, while he sleeps?
Sleep Problems in Children
Sleep problems are very common during the first few years of life. Problems may include waking up during the night, not wanting to go to sleep, nightmares, sleepwalking, and bedwetting. If frantic upset persists with no apparent cause, call your child's doctor.
Strep Throat
Strep throat is an infection caused by a specific type of bacteria, Streptococcus. When your child has a strep throat, the tonsils are usually very inflamed, and the inflammation may affect the surrounding part of the throat as well.
Stuttering
A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Stuttering at an early age is common as part of speech development and will usually disappear in a few months. If your child suffers from consistant stuttering they may have a more serious problem. In that case, see your pediatrician for help and advice.
Tonsils and the Adenoid
The hospital may have a special program to help you and your child get familiar with the hospital and the surgery. If the hospital allows, try to stay with your child during the entire hospital visit. Let your child know you'll be nearby during the entire operation. Your pediatrician can also help you and your child understand the operation and make it less frightening in the process. A little ice cream afterwards won't hurt either.
Treating Your Child's Pain: Medical Procedures
During certain medical procedures, your child may experience pain. These procedures can include having blood drawn, having breathing or feeding tubes put in, or lumbar punctures (spinal taps). Luckily, pain from these activities does not last long. Read on to find out how your child's pain from medical procedures can be managed.
Type 2 Diabetes: Tips for Healthy Living
Children with type 2 diabetes can live a healthy life. If your child has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, your child's doctor will talk with you about the importance of lifestyle and medication in keeping your child's blood glucose (blood sugar) levels under control.
Understanding Asthma
A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Nearly 9 million children in the United States suffer from asthma, and attacks can range from mild to life threatening. Many factors can trigger an attack, so be sure to talk with your pediatrician about a treatment plan.
Urinary Tract Infections
A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Urinary tract infections can be painful and are most common among girls. Home rememdies for UTIs include drinking lots of cranberry juice or water. Tight fitting pants, scented soaps, and caffeinated drinks may cause irritation and should be avoided.
Urinary Tract Infections in Young Children
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in young children. These infections can lead to serious health problems. UTIs may go untreated because the symptoms may not be obvious to the child or the parents. The following is information from the American Academy of Pediatrics about UTIs—what they are, how children get them, and how they are treated.
Using an Asthma Inhaler
A MINUTE FOR KIDS: Inhalers are an important part of an asthma treatment plan. Keep track of the number of doses used on the inhaler, and throw away the inhaler once you've reached its maximum number of doses, even if it still sprays.
What is ADHD? Questions from Teens
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition of the brain that makes it difficult for people to concentrate or pay attention in certain areas where it is easy for others, like school or homework. The following are quick answers to some common questions:
What is Clean Intermittent Catheterization?
If your child cannot empty his or her bladder completely, or has a problem with urine leakage, your child may need to start a catheterization program. These problems are commonly seen in children with spina bifida, spinal cord injuries, or some urinary tract defects.
Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
Pertussis, or whooping cough, is less common in young children than it used to be, as the pertussis vaccine has made most children immune. Before this vaccine was developed, there were several hundred thousand cases of whooping cough each year in the United States. Now there are approximately 1 million cases a year in the US, but these are mostly in adults and adolescents.