Health Library A to Z

A

• A Child's Concept of Death
From babies to teens, a look at how children understand death.

• A Child's First Dental Visit Fact Sheet
You can take your child at a younger age, but experts recommend taking your child by about 12 months at the latest. The dentist can provide or recommend preventative information regarding baby bottle tooth decay, infant feeding practices, mouth cleaning, teething, pacifier habits, and finger-sucking. habits.

• A Safety Checklist for Parents
You can help keep your children safe by following these precautions.

• About Cancer
Detailed information on cancer in children, including causes, diagnosis, treatment, and coping

• Abrasions
An abrasion is a superficial rub or wearing off of the skin, usually caused by a scrape or a brush burn. Abrasions are usually minor injuries that can be treated at home.

• Achondroplasia in Children
Achondroplasia is a group of rare genetic (inherited) bone disorders. Achondroplasia is the most common type of what was once called dwarfism, in which the child's arms and legs are short in proportion to body length.

• Acne in Children
Acne is a disorder of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Hair follicles are the areas around the base or root of each hair. Sebaceous glands are the tiny glands that release oil (sebum) into the hair follicles. The sebum moistens the skin and hair. The sebum and hair get to the skin surface through tiny holes called pores.

• Acute Bronchitis in Children
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the large breathing tubes (bronchi) in the lungs. Short-term (acute) bronchitis means that the symptoms often develop quickly and don't last long.

• Acute Respiratory Disorders
Detailed information on acute respiratory disorders in children

• Acute Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) in Children
Acute spinal cord injury (SCI) is when the spinal cord is damaged from an accident or other situation. An SCI may be a bruise (contusion), a partial tear, or a complete tear (transection) in the spinal cord.

• Adding to Mother's Milk
Your milk is best, but it's not always complete with the nutritional needs of very small premature babies or some very sick newborns.

• Addison Disease in Children
Addison disease is when the adrenal glands don't make enough of 2 steroid hormones. The hormones are cortisol and aldosterone. Cortisol controls the body's metabolism, blocks inflammatory reactions, and affects the immune system. Aldosterone manages sodium and potassium levels. Addison disease is fairly rare and may first appear at any age.

• Adenovirus Infection in Children
Adenoviruses are a group of viruses that cause a variety of infections. These include the common cold, conjunctivitis, and croup.

• Adjustment Disorders in Children
An adjustment disorder is an unhealthy emotional or behavioral reaction to a stressful event or change in a person's life. The response happens within 3 months of the stressful event.

• Adolescent (13 to 18 Years)
Detailed information on adolescence, ages 13 to 18 years

• Adolescent Growth and Development
Detailed information on adolescent growth and development

• Adolescent Health Problems and Injuries
Detailed information on adolescent health problems and injuries, including acne, asthma, breast conditions, breast self-examination, diabetes, eye care, eye safety, gynecological conditions, menstrual conditions, gynecologic problems, pap test, vaginitis, vulvitis, menstrual disorders, amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), high blood pressure, infectious mononucleosis, obesity, oral health, orthodontics, braces, wisdom teeth extraction, periodontal disease, orthopedic problems, osgood schlatter disease, scoliosis, slipped capital femoral epiphysis, sexually transmitted diseases, safer sex guidelines, sports safety, sports injuries, sprains, strains, tennis elbow, mouthguards, heat related illness, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke

• Adolescent Problems of the Teeth and Mouth
Detailed information on adolescent problems of the teeth and mouth

• Age-Appropriate Speech and Hearing Milestones
A helpful look at age-appropriate hearing milestones for babies and toddlers.

• Airway Obstruction Index
Infants and children under age 4 are particularly at risk for choking on food or small objects because their upper airways are smaller, and they tend to explore things with their mouths.

• Airway Obstruction: Prevention
Because most accidental child strangulations, chokings, and suffocations happen in the home, it's important to carefully childproof your residence.

• Airway Obstruction—Identifying High-Risk Situations
Choking hazards in the home: round, firm foods, such as grapes and popcorn, and small nonfood items, such as coins, balloons, and marbles.

• All About LSD
LSD, also called acid, is one of the most commonly used hallucinogens or psychedelic drugs.

• All Family Time Is Quality Time
Quality time should be woven into our lives. As our children get older and slip away, we need to stop worrying about the extraordinary and think more about the ordinary."

• Allergic Rhinitis in Children
Allergic rhinitis can happen on a seasonal basis or year-round. There is often a family history of allergic rhinitis, eczema, asthma, or food allergy. Read on to learn details about treating and managing this condition.

• Allergies in Children
Allergies are problems of the immune system. Most allergic reactions happen when the immune system reacts to a “false alarm.” Normally, the human body defends itself against harmful things, such as viruses or bacteria. But sometimes the defenses violently attack mostly mild things, such as dust, mold, or pollen.

• Allergy
Detailed information on allergy, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

• Alpha Thalassemia in Children
Alpha thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder. This means it is passed down through the parent’s genes. It causes anemia in affected children. Learn more about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

• Amenorrhea in Teens
Amenorrhea is when a girl's menstrual bleeding (period) doesn't occur.

• An Early Start to Good Nutrition
With childhood obesity on the rise, should parents worry about the weight of their babies?

• Anaphylaxis in Children
Anaphylaxis is a severe and sometimes life-threatening reaction to an allergen. An allergen is something that your child is allergic to. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. Your child can have a reaction within seconds or as long as an hour after contact.

• 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.

• Anatomy and Function of the Electrical System
Detailed anatomical description of the heart's electrical system, including simple definitions and a labeled, full-color illustration

• Anatomy and Function of the Heart Valves
Detailed anatomical description of the heart valves, including simple definitions and a labeled, full-color illustration.

• Anatomy and Physiology of the Ear
The main parts of the ear are the outer ear, the eardrum (tympanic membrane), the middle ear, and the inner ear.

• Anatomy and Physiology of the Nose and Throat
A helpful guide to the nose, the sinuses, and the throat.

• Anatomy of a Child's Brain
The brain can be divided into 3 main parts: the cerebrum, the brainstem, and the cerebellum.

• Anatomy of a Newborn Baby’s Skull
Detailed anatomical information on the newborn skull.

• Anatomy of the Endocrine System in Children
Detailed information on the endocrine system, its anatomy and function, including a full-color, labeled illustration.

• Anatomy of the Respiratory System in Children
A detailed anatomical description of the respiratory system, including simple definitions and labeled, full-color illustrations.

• Anemia in Children
Anemia is a common problem in children. A child who has anemia doesn't have enough red blood cells or hemoglobin. Read on to learn more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

• Anemia in Pregnancy
Anemia is when your blood has too few red blood cells. Having too few red blood cells makes it harder for your blood to carry oxygen or iron. This can affect how cells work in nerves and muscles. During pregnancy, your baby also needs your blood.

• Anencephaly in Children
Anencephaly is a birth defect that affects the brain and skull bones. With this condition, the brain isn't fully formed. It often lacks part or all of the cerebrum.

• Animal Bites
Detailed information on animal bites and rabies, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention

• Anomalous Coronary Artery in Children
An anomalous coronary artery (ACA) is a heart defect. This is something your baby is born with (congenital). In ACA, the blood vessels that supply blood to your child’s heart muscle aren’t normal.

• Anorectal Malformation in Children
Anorectal malformations are birth defects, or problems that happen as an unborn baby is developing during pregnancy. With this defect, the anus and rectum don’t develop properly. They are the lower part of the digestive tract.

• Anorexia Nervosa in Children
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder. It is a form of self-starvation. Children and teens with this health problem have a distorted body image. They think they weigh too much.

• Answers to Questions About Your Child's Mental Health
Children's mental health is as important as their physical health. Read on for helpful answers to common questions that can help you protect your child's mental health.

• Anterior Pituitary Disorders
Detailed information on anterior pituitary disorders, including hypopituitarism

• Anxiety Disorders in Children
Detailed information on the most common types of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and phobias

• Aortic Stenosis in Children
Aortic stenosis means that your child has a heart valve that is too narrow or is blocked.  The aortic valve is 1 of 4 heart valves that keep blood flowing through the heart. The valves make sure blood flows in only one direction. The aortic valve keeps blood flowing from the left ventricle to the aorta.

• Aplastic Anemia in Children
Aplastic anemia is a serious condition in which the bone marrow doesn’t make enough new blood cells. Read on for details about causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

• Apnea of Prematurity
Apnea is a term that means breathing has stopped for more than 20 seconds. It can happen in full-term babies, but it is more common in premature babies. The more premature the baby, the greater the chances that apnea will occur.

• Appendicitis in Children
Appendicitis is a painful swelling and infection of the appendix.  It is a medical emergency. The appendix can burst or rupture. This is serious and can lead to more infection. If not treated, it can be fatal.

• Arrhythmias in Children
An arrhythmia is an abnormal rhythm of the heart. In an arrhythmia, abnormal electrical signals through the heart muscle may cause the heart to beat too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or irregularly. Read on to learn more.

• Assessments for Newborn Babies
Each newborn baby is carefully checked at birth for signs of problems or complications.

• Asthma in Children
Asthma is a long-term (chronic) lung disease that causes your child's airways to become sensitive to certain things (triggers).

• Asthma in Children Index
Detailed information on asthma, including triggers of an asthma attack, symptoms, diagnosis, management, and treatment

• Atopic Dermatitis in Children
Atopic dermatitis is a long-term (chronic) skin condition. It causes dry, itchy skin. It’s a very common condition in babies and children. It often first appears between ages 3 and 6 months.

• Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) in Children
The atrial septum is the wall between the two upper chambers of the heart (right and left atria). An atrial septal defect (ASD) is an abnormal hole in this wall. ASD is a heart problem that is present at birth (congenital). Read on for details about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

• Atrioventricular (AV) Canal Defect in Children
An atrioventricular (AV) canal defect is a congenital heart defect. This means that your child is born with it. These defects may range from partial to complete. These conditions cause oxygen-rich (red) blood and oxygen-poor (blue) blood to mix. This sends extra blood to the child's lungs.

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a brain-based, or neurodevelopmental, disorder. It is often first diagnosed in childhood.

• Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children
Autism spectrum disorder is a problem that affects a child's nervous system and growth and development. It often shows up during a child's first 3 years of life.

• Autosomal Recessive: Cystic Fibrosis, Sickle Cell Anemia, Tay Sachs Disease
Overview of autosomal recessive inheritance, including cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and Tay Sachs disease.

• Cognitive Development in Adolescence
Cognitive development means the growth of a child's ability to think and reason. This growth happens differently from ages 6 to 12, and ages 12 to 18.

• Corneal Abrasions in Children
A corneal abrasion is a scratch on the cornea. This is the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. Learn details about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

• Diagnostic Tests for Allergy in Children
Detailed information on allergy testing, including blood tests and skin tests.

• Facts About Animal Bites and Scratches
Whether the bite is from a family pet or an animal in the wild, scratches and bites can become infected and cause scarring. Animals can also carry diseases that can be transmitted through a bite.

• Gestational Age Assessment
It's not always easy to tell a newborn's age by their size. Premature babies are usually small, but full-term and past-term babies can be small, too. That's when healthcare providers will do a gestational assessment to determine if a newborn needs special treatment.

• Healthy Eating During Adolescence
Encourage your teen to eat three balanced meals a day, with fruits or vegetables as snacks.

• Helping a Friend With an Addiction
When a friend shows signs of abusing alcohol or other drugs, it's hard to know what to do or say. Here's how to help.

• Insect Stings and Allergic Reactions in Children
For most children, the reaction to a sting is brief, with redness and swelling followed by pain and itching. Others may have an allergic reaction that is life-threatening. Read on for details.

• Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a form of arthritis in children. Arthritis causes joint swelling (inflammation) and joint stiffness. JIA is arthritis that affects 1 or more joints for at least 6 weeks in a child age 16 or younger.

• Mood Disorders in Teens
Anyone can feel sad or depressed at times. But mood disorders are more intense. They are harder to handle than normal feelings of sadness. Read on to learn more about these types of disorders in teens.

• Newborn Appearance
Newborns have many variations in normal appearance, from their skin color to the shape of their head. Here's a look at some of the normal variations you can expect.

• Pain Control After Your Child's Surgery
If your child has moderate to severe pain, they may receive narcotics during and after surgery. If your child is in the ICU after surgery, they may receive sedatives along with pain medicines.

• Phobias in Children
A phobia is an excessive fear of a certain object or situation. It's a fear that lasts for at least 6 months. It is a type of anxiety disorder. Here's what you need to know.

• Primer: A Parent's Guide to Inhalant Abuse
Inhalants are breathable chemical vapors that produce mind-altering effects. Knowing the facts about inhalants can help you protect your children.

• Psoriatic Arthritis in Children
Psoriatic arthritis is a rare form of arthritis or joint inflammation that affects both skin and joints. Read on to learn about this condition in children, from causes and symptoms to diagnosis and treatment.

• Puberty: Adolescent Female
Girls experience puberty as a sequence of events, and their pubertal changes usually begin before boys of the same age. The first pubertal change in girls usually is breast development.

• Recovery Room/Post-Anesthesia Care Unit
Once surgery is done, your child will be brought to the recovery room, also called the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU).

• Teens and Diabetes Mellitus
Detailed information on special considerations for teens with diabetes.

• Treatment for a Child's Allergy to Dust or Pollen
Detailed information on avoidance of allergens and treatment for allergy, including immunotherapy (allergy shots) and medicine.

• Types of Anesthesia for Children
During surgery, your child will be given some form of anesthesia - medicine given to relieve pain and sensation.

• Your Child's Asthma
How asthma will affect a child throughout their lifetime varies, depending on the child.

• Your Child's Asthma- Staying Away from Triggers
From bed coverings to air purifiers, from pets to secondhand smoke, here are ideas to keep your child's asthma triggers under control.

• Your Child's Asthma: Flare-ups
Learn about asthma flare-ups in your child, including symptoms to recognize.

• Your Child's Asthma: How Severe Is It?
A look at the 4 asthma severity levels.

• Your Child's Asthma: Nebulizer Treatments
Helpful instructions on giving your child nebulizer treatments.

• Your Child's Asthma: Peak Flow Meters, Oximeters, and Spirometers
These 3 types of tools are used to measure how well your child's asthma is under control.