Health Library A to Z

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• Birth Injuries
Some babies have a more difficult trip through the birth canal than others, resulting in physical injuries. These injuries usually are not serious and clear up or improve within a few days or weeks after the birth.

• Cradle Cap
Cradle cap (infant seborrheic dermatitis) is scaly patches on a baby's scalp. Cradle cap isn’t serious, but it can cause thick crusting and white or yellow scales. Some babies can also have seborrheic dermatitis in the diaper area, and on the face, neck, and trunk. Cradle cap usually clears up within the first year.

• For Parents: Important Decisions to Be Made in the Dying Process
Detailed information on important decisions to be made when a child is dying, including the right to refuse treatment, to die at home versus the hospital, advanced directives, do not resuscitate, autopsy, organ donation, palliative hospice care, and funeral arrangements.

• Identification, Treatment, and Prevention of Birth Defects
Detailed information on the identification, treatment, and prevention of birth defects

• Immune Deficiencies
Detailed information on immune deficiency disorders in children, including Severe Combined Immunodeficiency, Common Variable Immunodeficiency, DiGeorge Syndrome, and X-linked Agammaglobulinemia

• Immune Disorders
Detailed information on the immune system and immune disorders

• Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura in Children
ITP is a blood disorder that causes a decrease in the number of platelets in the blood. Platelets help stop bleeding. So a decrease in platelets can result in easy bruising, bleeding gums, and bleeding inside the body. The lower the platelet count, the greater the risk of bleeding.

• Impetigo in Children
Impetigo is a skin infection. When it affects just the surface, it’s called superficial impetigo. Impetigo can also affect deeper parts of the skin. This is called ecthyma. It may occur on healthy skin. Or it may occur where the skin was injured by a cut, scrape, or insect bite.

• In a Nutshell: Understanding Peanut Allergies
If your child is allergic to peanuts, here's what you need to know.

• Infant
Detailed information on infant health

• Infant Nutrition
Choosing how to feed your baby is an important decision that has life-long effects for your baby and for you.

• Infant of a Mother with Diabetes
When a mother has diabetes, her baby is at risk for problems. Read on to learn more.

• Infant Play
Read on for helpful suggestions for activities and toys for your baby, according to their age.

• Infant Problems of the Teeth and Mouth
Detailed information on infant problems of the teeth and mouth

• Infection in Babies
Newborns are particularly susceptible to infections. One of the best ways to keep your baby infection-free is to wash your hands before and after handling him or her. Other preventive measures may also be necessary.

• Infectious Diseases
Detailed information on infectious diseases in children

• Infectious Mononucleosis (Mono) in Teens and Young Adults
Infectious mononucleosis is a contagious illness. It’s common in teens and young adults.

• Inflammatory and Infectious Digestive Disorders
Detailed information on digestive inflammatory and infectious disorders in children

• Inflammatory and Infectious Musculoskeletal Disorders
Detailed information on the most common types of inflammatory and infectious disorders in children

• Inflammatory and Infectious Neurological Disorders
Detailed information on the most common inflammatory and infectious disorders in children

• Influenza (Flu) in Children
Influenza (flu) is a very contagious viral infection that affects the air passages of the lungs. It causes a high fever, body aches, a cough, and other symptoms.

• Inguinal and Umbilical Hernias in Children
A hernia is when a part of the intestine pushes through a weak spot in the belly (abdominal) muscles. The hernia creates a soft lump or bulge under the skin.

• Inguinal Hernia in Children
A hernia occurs when a part of the intestine pushes through a weakness in the belly (abdominal) muscles. A hernia in the groin area is called an inguinal hernia.

• Insect Bites and Children
Detailed information on insect bites, including fleas, mites, chiggers, and ticks

• Insect Stings in Children
Insect stings can occur anywhere on the body and can be painful and frightening for a child. Most insect stings cause only minor discomfort. Most stings are from honeybees or yellow jackets, also called ground hornets.

• Insects in a Child's Ear
Read on for important tips on what to do if your child has an insect in their ear.

• Intestinal Malrotation and Volvulus in Children
Intestinal malrotation is a birth defect. It happens when your baby’s intestinal tract doesn’t form as it should during pregnancy. Malrotation happens when your baby’s intestine doesn’t turn like it should.

• Intraoperative Care for Children
Detailed information on intraoperative management

• Intravenous (IV) Line and Tubes
Because most babies in the NICU are too small or sick to take milk feedings, medicines and fluids are often given through their veins or arteries.

• Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Babies
Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is bleeding inside or around the ventricles in the brain. The ventricles are the spaces in the brain that contain the cerebral spinal fluid.

• Intussusception in Children
Intussusception is a serious problem in the intestine. It's the most common abdominal emergency in early childhood. Read on to learn more.

• Iron-Deficiency Anemia in Children
Anemia is a common health problem in children. The most not getting enough iron. A common cause of anemia is child who's anemic doesn't have enough red blood cells or enough hemoglobin. Read on to learn more.

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in Children
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a long-term (chronic) disorder that affects the large intestine or colon. IBS causes painful belly (abdominal) and bowel symptoms.

• Is It Time for Toilet Training?
Make a potty available, show your toddler how it works, then offer gentle encouragement.

• Is Your Child at Risk for Hepatitis B?
Hepatitis B is a highly contagious, sexually transmitted infection. It is caused by a virus that attacks the liver. It can possibly cause lifelong liver infection, cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver cancer, and death.

• Is Your Teen Abusing Drugs or Alcohol?
Besides having trouble with school and relationships, teens taking drugs may display emotional extremes with irritability, anger, and changes in sleep patterns.

• Put Peer Pressure in Its Place
During the teen years, peer pressure can be very strong. It can push kids to do things that they don't really want to do. This pressure can come from friends or other kids at school. But parents can counter it, if they're ready to help.

• Scleroderma in Children
Scleroderma is an ongoing (chronic) disease that causes abnormal growth of connective tissue. It can affect the joints, skin, and internal organs. It is degenerative and gets worse over time.

• Septic Arthritis (Infectious Arthritis) in Children
Septic arthritis is an infection in the joint fluid (synovial fluid) and joint tissues. It occurs more often in children than in adults.

• Slow or Poor Infant Weight Gain
Are you concerned that your little one has slow or poor weight gain? Unsure? This article will help you sort out your questions and concerns.

• Ulcerative Colitis in Children
Detailed information about ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

• Understanding Informed Consent
You will be asked to sign an informed consent form. It states in detail that you understand the risks and benefits of your child's surgery.