health_issue_x_health_issue_article.id,health_issue.id,health_issue.ts,health_issue.title,health_issue_article.id,health_issue_article.ts,health_issue_article.title,health_issue_article.content
201,9,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Developmental Disabilites",201,"2018-04-19 03:18:59","Speech-Language Therapy","Speech-Language Therapy Page Content Article BodyThe exact services your child requires is determined after evaluation by a speech-language pathologist, often called a speech therapist. Therapy itself may be done individually, in a small-group setting, or in a classroom. However, therapy is most effective when it involves everyone—teachers, support staff, families, and even the child’s peers—to encourage the child to use speech and language skills in a natural setting throughout the day. Speech-Language Therapy for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) Social Communication Because social communication difficulty is a core feature of ASD, most children with ASDs will benefit from some form of speech-language therapy to communicate more effectively in social situations. As stated earlier, some children with ASDs will have great difficulty communicating their wants and needs, while others may talk nearly constantly with advanced speech like “little professors.” Teaching children with ASDs to communicate with others in social situations involves comprehension and expression. The extent of therapy varies widely from one child to the next, but many children with ASDs can benefit from speech-language therapy. Augmentative Communication It’s important to think of language as being more than speech. Because some children with ASDs become frustrated about not being able to verbally communicate their wants and needs, they may benefit from augmentative communication—using gestures, sign language, and picture communication programs. In particular, your child may benefit from the Picture Exchange Communication System, a method that uses ABA principles to teach children with less developed verbal abilities to communicate with pictures. With guidance from a therapist, teacher, or parent, the child learns how to exchange a picture for an object and eventually learns to use pictures to express thoughts and desires. Eventually, the child learns to create sentences using more than one picture and to answer questions. Introducing augmentative communication to nonverbal children with ASDs does not keep them from learning to talk, and there is some evidence that they may be more stimulated to learn speech if they already understand something about symbolic communication. Augmentative communication may also include the use of electronic devices, some of which have synthesized speech output. Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source Autism Spectrum Disorders: What Every Parent Needs to Know (Copyright © American Academy of Pediatrics 2012)"
202,9,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Developmental Disabilites",202,"2018-04-19 03:19:07","Spina Bifida","Spina Bifida Page Content Article BodyWhat is Spina Bifida? Spina bifida occurs when the spinal bones fail to close properly during early formation. Spina bifida occurs less often than Down syndrome, or in about 1 in 1,000 births. It is, however, the most common of the physically disabling congenital abnormalities. A parent who has one child with spina bifida has a greater chance (1 out of a 100) of having another. This increased frequency appears to be due to some combined effect of heredity and environment. There are now tests available to screen for spina bifida early in pregnancy. A newborn with spina bifida appears at first glance to be normal, except for a small sac protruding from the spine. However, the sac contains spinal fluid and damaged nerves that lead to the lower body. Within the first few days, surgery must be performed to remove the sac and close the opening in the spine. Unfortunately, little can be done to repair the damaged nerves.  Most Babies with Spina Bifida Develop Further Problems Later On, Including: Hydrocephalus Up to nine out of ten children with spina bifida eventually develop hydrocephalus, caused by an excessive increase in the fluid that normally cushions the brain from injury. The increase occurs because the spina bifida abnormality blocks the path through which the fluid ordinarily flows. This condition is serious and, if not treated, may lead to death. The pediatrician should suspect hydrocephalus if the baby’s head is growing more rapidly than expected. The condition is confirmed by a computerized X-ray of the head, called a CT (computed tomography) scan or magnetic resonance imagery (MRI). If the condition exists, surgery will be necessary to relieve the fluid buildup. Latex Allergies People with spina bifida have an increased risk of developing an allergy to latex. You can reduce the chances that he will acquire the sensitivity by avoiding exposure to latex. But be aware that many infant products contain latex (bottle nipples, pacifiers, teething toys, changing pads, mattress covers, and some diapers) so they should be avoided. Muscle Weakness or Paralysis Because the nerves leading to the lower part of the body are damaged, the muscles in the legs may be very weak or even paralyzed in children with spina bifida. Their joints also tend to be very stiff, and many babies with this disorder are born with abnormalities of the hips, knees, and feet. Surgery can be performed to correct some of these problems, and the muscle weakness can be treated with physical therapy and special equipment, such as braces and walkers. Many children with spina bifida eventually can stand and some do walk, though the learning process is often long and extremely frustrating. Bowel & Bladder Problems Often the nerves that control bowel and bladder function are damaged in children with spina bifida. As a result, these children are more likely to develop urinary tract infections and damage to the kidneys due to abnormal urine flow. Special techniques are available to develop urinary control and minimize infections. Your pediatrician will advise you. Bowel control also is a problem, but usually children with this disorder can achieve it. It may, however, take a great deal of time, patience, careful dietary management (to keep the stools soft), and the occasional use of suppositories, bowel stimulants, or special enemas.   Infection Parents of children who have spina bifida and hydrocephalus or urinary tract problems must be ever alert for signs of infection. Fortunately, the types of infections that occur in these cases usually can be treated effectively with antibiotics. Educational & Social Problems Seven out of ten children with spina bifida have developmental and learning disabilities requiring some sort of special education. Many also need psychological counseling and tremendous emotional support in order to deal with their medical, educational, and social problems. Parents of a child with spina bifida need more than one physician to manage their child’s medical care. In addition to the basic care your pediatrician delivers, this disorder requires a team approach that involves neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, urologists, rehabilitation experts, physical therapists, psychologists, and social workers. Many medical centers run special spina bifida clinics, which offer the services of all these health professionals in one location. Having all members of the team together makes it easier for everyone to communicate and usually provides better access to information and assistance when parents need it.  Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5 (Copyright © 2009 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
203,9,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Developmental Disabilites",203,"2018-04-19 03:19:12","What is Asperger Syndrome?","What is Asperger Syndrome? Page Content Article Body​Until May 2013, the term “Asperger syndrome” was used to describe a child who had some shared characteristics as children diagnosed with autism​. Asperger syndrome was considered one type of autism. Changes in DSM-5Doctors use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to assist in diagnosing mental disorders. DSM lists definitions for behavioral, developmental, and psychiatric disorders. Several conditions used to be diagnosed separately under the term “pervasive developmental disorders” or “autism spectrum disorders” in the DSM. Those conditions were: Autistic disorder Pervasive developmental disorder—not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS)  Asperger syndromeWith publication of the fifth edition of the DSM in May 2013, these terms listed above are no longer used and these conditions are now grouped in the broader category of autism spectrum disorder or ASD.Additional Information:  Autism Spectrum Disorder Early Signs of Autism Spectrum Disorders Diagnosing Autism Inheriting Mental Disorders​ Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source Council on Children with Disabilities (COCWD) (Copyright © 2015 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
204,9,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Developmental Disabilites",204,"2018-04-19 03:19:19","What is Early Intervention?","What is Early Intervention? Page Content Article BodyEditor's note: Autism and ASD are used interchangeably in this article.If a screening or concern shows that a child is at risk for a developmental disorder, he should be referred to the state early intervention (EI) program.What is Early Intervention (EI)?The EI Program is a federal grant program run by individual states under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act that works with children ages 0-3. Also called the ""Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities,"" EI targets children who show a delay in cognitive, social, or communication skills. These children may also have a delay in physical or motor abilities or self-care skills.Who Can Refer a Child to EI?Anyone can refer a child to EI, including:PediatriciansParentsGrandparentsChild care providersThe child does not even need a diagnosis. The EI program's team of specialists will test and evaluate the child to see if he qualifies for the program.Individualized Family Service Program (IFSP)If, after the initial evaluation, a child is eligible for the EI program, you will receive an Individualized Family Service Program (IFSP), which explains the services recommended for your child and how EI will help you and your family support your child.The IFSP will:Describe your child's current developmental levelsWays to improve your child's developmentOutcomes you can expectOutline the specific services that you and your family will receiveGoal dates for starting and ending servicesIn addition, the IFSP will provide information on how EI will help the child and family transition to school services when the child turns three. The IFSP should be developed with the family's values in mind and be supportive of the family's routine and priorities.EI Service ProvidersService providers in an EI program include many types of professionals such as:Social workersSpeech therapistsOccupational therapists (Ots)Physical therapists (PTs)​Registered dietitiansDevelopmental therapistsPsychologistsServices may be provided in your home or in the community.Paying for EIPayment for EI services varies from state to state. Nevertheless, all states must provide at least some services free of charge.Experts agree that EI is an essential component in the early treatment of autism and other developmental problems. The program has shown to be beneficial to socially disadvantaged children who do not have an ASD and often leads to less need for special education services for those children later on. Early intervention also helps overall family function and improves outcomes for children who have a biologically based disorder such as an ASD.Additional InformationYou can get information about your state's EI program from your pediatrician, the state health department, or the local school district. You can also find information on the Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center Web site at http://ectacenter.org/families.asp. Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source Adapted from Autism Spectrum Disorders: What Every Parent Needs to Know (Copyright © American Academy of Pediatrics 2012)"
205,9,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Developmental Disabilites",205,"2018-04-19 03:19:24","What is Fragile X Syndrome: A Guide for Parents","What is Fragile X Syndrome: A Guide for Parents Page Content​​​Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is one of the more common known causes of intellectual disability that can run in families (inherited). FXS is caused by a change in the genetic material in each cell of the body. This change in genetic material makes it hard for cells to produce a protein that is necessary for normal brain development and normal brain function. As an inherited condition, FXS can be passed on to the next generation.FXS Symptoms:  People with FXS may have some or all of the following symptoms: Walking, talking, or toilet training later than other children of the same age Problems with learning Trouble making eye contact Frequent ear infections Trouble sleeping Seizures Autism Sensory difficulties (trouble with what a person sees, hears, smells, tastes, and touches)Currently there is no cure for FXS, but an early diagnosis can help a family get treatment and services for their child sooner, and having a diagnosis may provide valuable information for other family members.Myth Busters for Families:MYTH: I thought my child was tested for FXS when I was pregnant or after my child was born?FACT: FXS requires a special blood test that is not usually included in the genetic tests that a pregnant woman gets or in the tests done right after a baby is born. The only way to diagnose FXS is with a special blood test called the ""FMR1 DNA Test for Fragile X."" MYTH: I thought girls couldn't have FXS, and boys always have severe symptoms.FACT: Both boys and girls can have FXS. The symptoms are usually more severe in boys than in girls, but both boys and girls can have symptoms that range from mild to severe.MYTH: Does everyone with FXS have large ears or a long, narrow face?FACT: Many people with FXS do not have certain physical traits that textbooks attribute to FXS. However, some people with FXS do have some of these physical features. These features can be seen in younger children, but some may not show up until puberty.MYTH: If there is no cure for FXS, why does my child need a diagnosis?FACT: Even though there is no cure for FXS, there are educa­tional, behavioral, and therapeutic services which can help. A diagnosis may also help families with family planning and connecting with support groups of other families affected by FXS.MYTH: How can my child have FXS? We don't have a family history of FXS. FACT: FXS is caused by a change in genetic material that ranges in size, and can become bigger from one generation to the next. Small size changes typically do not cause FXS, but large size changes often do cause FXS. Therefore, a person can have FXS without a family history if that person inherits a large change in the size of the genetic material while everyone else in the family has small size changes. Families who do not have FXS but have small size changes can have other signs that FXS could occur in future genera­tions. These families have members that may have fragile X-associated disorder symptoms, such as tremors and early menopause, which could be identified through a more thorough evaluation of family history.What to Do If You Think Your Child Might Have FXS:Talk to your doctor about genetic testing if your child is not sitting, walking, or talking at the same time as other children the same age, has trouble learning new skills, or has social and behavioral problems like not making eye contact, anxiety, trouble paying attention, hand flapping, acting and speaking without thinking, and being very active. Talk to your family to see if anyone remembers a history of ""Parkinson-like"" tremors in older men on the mother's side of the family, or a history of early menopause or fertility problems in women on the mother's side of the family. These are symptoms of fragile X-associated disorders, which suggest that FXS could run in the family.What to Do If Your Child Has Been Diagnosed with FXS:Early intervention services in each state help children from birth to 3 years old learn important skills. You can ask to have your child evaluated, and these services may improve your child's development. Even if your child has not been diagnosed with FXS, he or she may still be eligible for services. Work with your child's pediatrician to get care and services for your child.Contact the organizations who work with FXS families and become familiar with FXS resources.Consider joining a local group of FXS families to share information and support each other.Additional Information & Resources: Fragile X Syndrome Myth Busters for Patients & Families​ (PDF)Children with Intellectual DisabilitiesEthical and Policy Issues in Genetic Testing and Screening of Children (AAP Policy Statement)Health Supervision for Children with Fragile X Syndrome (AAP Policy Statement) National Fragile X Foundation FRAXA Research Foundation Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  This document was supported by the Cooperative Agreement Number 5 U38 OT000183-02, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the Department of Health and Human Services.​ Article Body Last Updated 5/25/2016 Source American Academy of Pediatrics Fragile X Syndrome Expert Group"
206,10,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Ear, Nose & Throat",206,"2018-04-19 03:19:29","10 Tips to Preserve Your Child’s Hearing during the Holidays","10 Tips to Preserve Your Child’s Hearing during the Holidays Page Content Article Body​ ​Bells may be ringing, but your kids' ears shouldn't be! Hearing loss that results from exposure to loud noise, called noise-induced hearing loss, is of particular concern for today's children. One of the main reasons is the widespread use of personal audio technology and other smart devices. When not used safely, these devices, often used with ear buds or headphones, present a significant danger to a child's hearing. Of course, these devices and accessories also happen to top many holiday wish lists.Beyond tech gifts, other holiday hearing hazards include noisy toys for the youngest of children and noisy gatherings such as parties and concerts. It's easy to protect kids' hearing while enjoying the best of the holidays. Here's what you can do:Noisy TechnologySmart devices, state-of-the-art headphones, and other tech gifts are among the most coveted items for kids of almost all ages. The products aren't bad, but it's critical to use them safely: Teach safe listening. Help kids protect their ears by teaching them to turn the volume down (keep it to half level) and take listening breaks (ears benefit greatly from the rest). Model good listening habits. As a parent​, it is critical that you practice what you preach when it comes to safe listening. Little ears are listening. Choose wisely. Certain features or products may help with volume control. Noise-cancelling headphones are often a good idea, as kids won't need to turn the volume up to drown out outside noise. Look for ear buds or headphones that fit the child well, which will prevent sound leakage and again reduce the need to turn the volume up to hear. Noisy ToysToys designed for infants and toddlers may be noisy enough to cause hearing damage—especially since young children hold objects close to their face/ears. Check your list. Before heading to the toy store or shopping online, check the annual Sight & Hearing Association's Noisy Toys study to see if any of the products listed there are on your child's wish list. Listen up before purchasing. Pay attention to how loud a toy sounds, and consider a different option, if necessary. Make a minor do-it-yourself modification. An easy way to reduce the noise is to put a piece of tape over the speaker. Alternatively, you can remove the batteries. Instantly, you've made the toy a much safer product.Noisy EnvironmentsHoliday parties and concerts, sporting events, and other gatherings are part of the season. Make sure to be mindful of the noise level. Use hearing protection. Bring earplugs or ear muffs with you when there is potential for loud noise. This is a cheap, easy, and effective way to preserve kids' (and adults') hearing. Keep a distance from noise sources. Don't let kids stand near speakers or other noise emitters. Leave if noise is enough to cause discomfort. Ringing and pain are signs that ears need a break. If your child is complaining, covering his or her ears, or seems uncomfortable, consider an early exit.Concerned About Your Child's Hearing?Even minor hearing loss can significantly impact a child's development, academic success, and social interactions, among other things. It's important that you act early if you have concern. Learn the early signs of hearing loss and schedule a hearing evaluation. Visit http://IdentifytheSigns.org for more information about hearing loss. You can search for a certified audiologist to provide your child with a thorough hearing evaluation at www.asha.org/profind.Additional Information: Music: How Loud is Too Loud? Holiday Safety & Mental Health Tips Acoustic Trauma - Hearing Loss in Teenagers Hearing Loss: When to Call the Pediatrician Kids & Tech: 10 Tips for Parents in the Digital Age​ Author Lisa Cannon, AuD, CCC-A Last Updated 12/4/2015 Source Copyright © 2015 American Academy of Pediatrics and American Speech-Language-Hearing Association"
207,10,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Ear, Nose & Throat",207,"2018-04-19 03:19:33","Allergic Rhinitis","Allergic Rhinitis Page Content Article BodyIf your child is sneezing and has a clear nasal discharge and swollen nasal mem­branes, he may have hay fever. Also called seasonal allergic rhinitis, hay fever is an al­lergic condition affecting the upper respi­ratory tract. While the offending allergen may be hay or other pollen-producing plants, this disorder has nothing to do with fever, despite its name. A youngster with this condition may have dark circles under red, teary eyes, and he may itch in places he cannot easily scratch, like inside the nose and ears, or on the roof of the mouth. As a result, he might wrinkle or rub his nose a lot to try to re­lieve the discomfort. For each child there tends to be a hay fever season that depends on the geo­graphical location; usually it starts in the early spring and continues through the fall. Symptoms may appear when the air con­tains high levels of pollen from ragweed, grass, weeds, and trees, as well as from mold spores. Hay fever is actually the most common of all allergic conditions, and the tendency to develop it is frequently inherited. Since the allergens that cause hay fever are in the air, they are very difficult to avoid. Nonetheless, as with other types of aller­gies, the best defense against hay fever is for your child to stay away from the al­lergens that trigger the attacks. For exam­ple, if possible, your child should sleep with the windows closed and the air conditioner on. When symptoms occur, your doctor may recommend an antihistamine to help control the runny nose, sneezing, and itchiness. As a general rule, begin giving the antihistamine when symptoms first ap­pear; your doctor may recommend that it be taken preventively throughout the hay fever season. Your doctor should personal­ize and adjust the dosage of the antihista­mine and try different types to find the best one for your child. The newer prescription antihistamines on the market do not cause drowsiness. For more severe cases, special nasal sprays—such as cromolyn or cortico­steroid sprays—might be prescribed. Allergy shots can also help create an im­munity to the offending allergen. Hay fever—or seasonal allergic rhinitis— is a different condition than perennial aller­gic rhinitis. The perennial type occurs throughout the year in response to ever-present allergens such as the house mite, a microscopic insect that is present in dust. Mites may be more plentiful during some seasons and may thus also be a cause of seasonal allergies. The treatment options are the same for both symptom patterns but must be applied year-round for peren­nial allergies. Last Updated 9/1/2004 Source Caring for Your School-Age Child: Ages 5 to 12 (Copyright © 2004 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
208,10,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Ear, Nose & Throat",208,"2018-04-19 03:19:38","Avoiding Infection After Ear Piercing","Avoiding Infection After Ear Piercing Page Content Article BodyWhat is the best way to avoid infection after ear piercing? Ears may be pierced for cosmetic reasons at any age, and during the middle years of childhood, some youngsters will ask to have their ears pierced. If the piercing is performed carefully and cared for conscientiously, there is little risk, no matter what the age of the child. However, as a general guideline, postpone the piercing until your child is mature enough to take care of the pierced site herself. For the actual piercing procedure, have a doctor, nurse or experienced technician perform it. Rubbing alcohol or other disinfectants should be used to minimize the chances of an infection. At the time of the piercing, a round, gold-post earring should be inserted; in fact, some piercing instruments themselves can put the gold posts in place at the same time, thus avoiding any additional probing that can increase the chance of infection. The gold in the posts will reduce the risk of an allergic reaction and inflammation in the area. After the piercing, apply rubbing alcohol or an antibiotic ointment to the area two times a day for a few days; these applications will cut down the chances of infection and hasten the healing process. The earring should not be removed for four to six weeks, but should be gently rotated each day. If the area of piercing becomes red or tender, an infection may be developing, and you should seek medical attention promptly. Last Updated 6/1/2007 Source Caring for Your School-Age Child: Ages 5 to 12 (Copyright © 2004 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
209,10,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Ear, Nose & Throat",209,"2018-04-19 03:19:42","Children and Colds","Children and Colds Page ContentYour child probably will have more colds, or what are called “upper respiratory infections”, than any other illness. In the first two years of life alone, most children have eight to ten colds. And if there are older school-age children in your house, you may see even more, since colds easily pass from one child to another. That’s the bad news, but there is some good news, too: Most colds go away by themselves and do not lead to anything worse.How colds spreadColds are caused by viruses (these are much smaller than bacteria). A sneeze or a cough by someone with a virus can then be breathed in by another person, making them sick. The virus may also go from one person to another, in the following ways:Children or adults with the virus can cough, sneeze, or touch their nose and get some of the virus on their hands.They then touch the hand of a healthy person.The healthy person then touches their own nose, and the virus grows in the healthy person’s nose or throat. A cold can then develop.This can happen again and again, with the virus moving from that newly sick child or adult to another person.How to tell when a child has a cold (signs and symptoms)Once the virus gets into the body and grows more and more viruses, your child will get some of these symptoms:Runny nose (first, a clear liquid coming out; later, a thicker, often colored mucus)SneezingLow fever (101–102 degrees Fahrenheit [38.3–38.9 degrees Celsius]), particularly at nightNot wanting to eatSore throat and, perhaps, difficulty swallowingCoughFussiness on-and-off Slightly swollen glandsPus on the tonsils, especially in children three years and older, may mean your child has an infection called strep.If your child has a typical cold without major problems, the symptoms should go away slowly after seven to ten days.When to Call the PediatricianOlder children with a cold don't usually need to see a doctor unless they look very sick. If a child is three months or younger, however, call the pediatrician at the first sign of illness. With young babies, it may be hard to tell when they are very sick. Colds can quickly become dangerous problems, such as bronchiolitis, croup, or pneumonia. For a child older than three months, call the pediatrician if:The openings of the nose (nostrils) are get larger with each breath, the skin above or below the ribs sucks in with each breath (retractions), or your child is breathing fast or having any trouble breathing.The lips or nails turn blue.Nasal mucus lasts for longer than 10 to 14 days.The cough just won’t go away (it lasts more than one week).She has ear pain.Her temperature is over 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.9 degrees Celsius).She is too sleepy or cranky.Your child’s doctor may want to see your child, or may ask you to watch her closely and report back if she doesn’t get better each day and is not completely better within one week from the start of her illness.TreatmentUnfortunately, there’s no cure for the common cold. Antibiotics may be used to fight infections caused by bacteria, but they have no effect on viruses. The best thing you can do is to make your child comfortable, gets plenty of rest and drinks extra amounts of liquids. See Caring for Your Child's Cold or Flu for more information on treatment options.PreventionFor babies under three months old, the best prevention against the common cold is to keep them away from people who have one. This is especially true during the winter, when more people are sick with viruses. A virus that causes a mild illness in an older child or an adult can cause a more serious one in an infant.Children in child care and school should learn to cover their mouths and noses with a tissue when they cough or sneeze (and then put the tissue in the trash right away). Everyone should be encouraged to wash their hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. This can help stop colds and other viruses from spreading. Additional Information:Fever and Pain Medicine: How Much to Give Your ChildWinter Coughs and Colds: Medicines or Home Remedies? Article Body Last Updated 4/9/2018 Source Adapted from Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5, 6th Edition (Copyright © 2015 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
210,10,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Ear, Nose & Throat",210,"2018-04-19 03:19:54","Chronic Nosebleeds: What To Do","Chronic Nosebleeds: What To Do Page Content Article BodyMy child gets a lot of nosebleeds. What should we do? Your child is almost certain to have at least one nosebleed—and probably many—during these early years. Some preschoolers have several a week. This is neither abnormal nor dangerous, but it can be very frightening. If blood flows down from the back of the nose into the mouth and throat, your child may swallow a great deal of it, which in turn may cause vomiting. Causes of nosebleeds There are many causes of nosebleeds, most of which aren’t serious. Beginning with the most common, they include: Colds and allergies: A cold or allergy causes swelling and irritation inside the nose and may lead to spontaneous bleeding. Trauma: A child can get a nosebleed from picking his nose, or putting something into it, or just blowing it too hard. A nosebleed also can occur if he is hit in the nose by a ball or other object or falls and hits his nose. Low humidity or irritating fumes: If your house is very dry, or if you live in a dry climate, the lining of your child’s nose may dry out, making it more likely to bleed. If he is frequently exposed to toxic fumes (fortunately, an unusual occurrence), they may cause nosebleeds, too. Anatomical problems: Any abnormal structure inside the nose can lead to crusting and bleeding. Abnormal growths: Any abnormal tissue growing in the nose may cause bleeding. Although most of these growths (usually polyps) are benign (not cancerous), they still should be treated promptly. Abnormal blood clotting: Anything that interferes with blood clotting can lead to nosebleeds. Medications, even common ones like aspirin, can alter the blood-clotting mechanism just enough to cause bleeding. Blood diseases, such as hemophilia, also can provoke nosebleeds. Chronic illness: Any child with a long-term illness, or who may require extra oxygen or other medication that can dry out or affect the lining of the nose, is likely to have nosebleeds. Treatment There are many misconceptions and folktales about how to treat nosebleeds. Here’s a list of dos and don’ts. Do. . . Remain calm. A nosebleed can be frightening, but is rarely serious. Keep your child in a sitting or standing position. Tilt his head slightly forward. Have him gently blow his nose if he is old enough. Pinch the lower half of your child’s nose (the soft part) between your thumb and finger and hold it firmly for a full ten minutes. If your child is old enough, he can do this himself. Don’t release the nose during this time to see if it is still bleeding. Release the pressure after ten minutes and wait, keeping your child quiet. If the bleeding hasn’t stopped, repeat this step. If after ten more minutes of pressure the bleeding hasn’t stopped, call your pediatrician or go to the nearest emergency department. Don’t . . . Panic. You’ll just scare your child. Have him lie down or tilt back his head. Stuff tissues, gauze, or any other material into your child’s nose to stop the bleeding. Also call your pediatrician if: You think your child may have lost too much blood. (But keep in mind that the blood coming from the nose always looks like a lot.) The bleeding is coming only from your child’s mouth, or he’s coughing or vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds. Your child is unusually pale or sweaty, or is not responsive. Call your pediatrician immediately in this case, and arrange to take your child to the emergency room. He has a lot of nosebleeds, along with a chronically stuffy nose. This may mean he has a small, easily broken blood vessel in the nose or on the surface of the lining of the nose, or a growth in the nasal passages. If a blood vessel is causing the problem, the doctor may touch that point with a chemical substance (silver nitrate) to stop the bleeding. Prevention If your child gets a lot of nosebleeds, ask your pediatrician about using saltwater (saline) nose drops every day. Doing so may be particularly helpful if you live in a very dry climate, or when the furnace is on. In addition, a humidifier or vaporizer will help maintain your home’s humidity at a level high enough to prevent nasal drying. Also tell your child not to pick his nose. Last Updated 6/1/2009 Source Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5 (Copyright © 2009 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
211,10,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Ear, Nose & Throat",211,"2018-04-19 03:19:59","Could My Child Have a Hearing Problem?","Could My Child Have a Hearing Problem? Page Content​​​Any concerns about your child's hearing should be taken seriously. You know your child best. In this video, Carlton J. Zdanski, MD, FAAP, FACS, Chief of Pediatric Otolaryngology at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and Surgical Director at the North Carolina Children's Airway Center, describes the process for evaluation and treatment for hearing loss in infants and children. He reminds parents that regardless of the severity of hearing loss, interventions exist which can be very beneficial to the child. The ABR and the OAE evaluations are effective tests for infants and children who cannot cooperate for a traditional hearing evaluation. Additional Information: Listen Up About Why Newborn Hearing Screening is ImportantLanguage Delays in Toddlers: Information for Parents Hearing LossEar Infection Information Article Body Last Updated 5/5/2016 Source Copyright © 2016 American Academy of Pediatrics and American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology"
212,10,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Ear, Nose & Throat",212,"2018-04-19 03:20:04","Does Your Child Snore?","Does Your Child Snore? Page Content​​As a parent, you need to be aware of your child's sleep and snoring patterns. In this video, Romaine Johnson, MD, MPH, FACS, Assistant Professor of Pediatric Otolaryngology at UT Southwestern Medical Center Dallas, explains why it is important to talk with your child's doctor if your child snores. A sleep study may be needed to monitor your child while he or she sleeps to determine if a sleep disorder, such as obstructive sleep apnea, is present. Dr. Johnson also explains why enlarged tonsils and androids sometimes cause snoring.  Additional Information:Sleep Apnea DetectionApnea Monitors A Lullaby for Good Health Sleep and Mental HealthDiagnosis and Management of Childhood Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (AAP Clinical Practice Guideline)​ Article Body Last Updated 4/29/2016 Source Copyright © 2016 American Academy of Pediatrics and American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology"
213,10,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Ear, Nose & Throat",213,"2018-04-19 03:20:10","Ear Infection Information","Ear Infection Information Page Content Article BodyWhen is it an Ear Infection? A typical middle ear infection in a child begins with either a viral infection (such as a common cold) or unhealthy bacterial growth. Sometimes the middle ear becomes inflamed and causes fluid buildup behind the eardrum. In other cases, the eustachian tubes — the narrow passageways connecting the middle ear to the back of the nose — become swollen. Children are more prone to both of these problems for several reasons. The passages in their ears are narrower, shorter, and more horizontal than the adult versions. Because it’s easier for germs to reach the middle ear, it’s also easier for fluid to get trapped there. And just as children are still developing, so are their immune systems. Once the infection takes hold, it’s harder for a child’s body to fight it than it is for a healthy adult’s. The symptoms of an ear infection may be hard to detect. A child who constantly tugs or pulls at the ear could simply be exploring, or simply showing a self-soothing reflex — even though that tops the list of signals listed in many books and Web sites. Other symptoms can include: More crying than usual, especially when lying down Trouble sleeping or hearing Fever or headache Fluid coming out of the ears Doctors can use special instruments to see if an infection is present. Treatment: Less May Be More Perhaps the most surprising news is that common ear infections rarely require medication or any other action, except when severe or in young infants. “The body’s immune system can usually resolve them,” says Dr. Robert M. Jacobson, chair of the Mayo Clinic’s Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine. “More and more studies show that children treated or untreated are at the same place 10 days out. We are constantly amazed at how many ear infections resolve on their own.” It’s true: Fewer doctors are relying on antibiotics. As Dr. Jacobson points out, it’s important to understand that taking antibiotics might or might not speed recovery, and overusing them can lead to bacteria developing resistance to the drugs, as the germs mutate to defend themselves against medicine. As a result, many pediatricians have adopted a wait-and-see approach, rather than prescribing antibiotics at the first sign of infection. Asking the parents to observe the child for 48 to 72 hours is becoming the most common first step among pediatricians. That doesn’t mean that an office visit isn’t a good idea, however. Doctors can prescribe numbing drops and suggest over-the-counter pain relievers to treat symptoms, which can help the child feel better as she recovers.  Along with getting away from prescriptions, pediatricians are also shying away from ear tubes, a procedure in which a small tube is surgically inserted in the ear to drain fluid. According to Dr. Jacobson, tube placement is best used with those children who have recurring hearing problems caused by multiple infections. “Tubes don’t actually stop ear infections, just symptoms and fluid retention,” says Dr. Jacobson. “We don’t want to do it too often because there is an increased risk of damage to the eardrum.” According to Dr. Jacobson, diagnosis and treatment should be a three-step process: First, the pediatrician determines whether or not an ear infection is present. Second, the pediatrician and parent discuss risk factors and how to reduce them. Finally, observation and treatment of symptoms ensure the child is recovering without pain. Reducing the Risks for Ear Infection While parents can’t head off every germ that’s headed for their children, they can take steps to reduce their children’s risks. Avoid Secondhand Smoke Exposure Smoking is a huge contributor to childhood illness. Ear infections are no exception to that rule. Smoking is addictive and hard to quit, but not every smoker realizes the harmful effects that secondhand smoke could have on his or her child. Quitting is just as important for your child’s health as your own. Proper Hygiene Bad hygiene habits are another major problem. Children in child care are more exposed to widespread bacteria, as are those who drink from a bottle as opposed to a sippy cup, says Dr. Jacobson. That’s because bottles have more surface area for germs to live on. Teach children to wash their hands frequently to prevent the spread of germs that spread illness. Keep Your Child Up-To-Date with Vaccines Talk with your child’s doctor about the vaccines that protect against pneumonia and meningitis. Studies show that vaccinated children experience fewer ear infections. Breastfeed Your Baby Breastfeed infants for the first year. Breast milk has many substances that protect your baby from a variety of diseases and infections. Because of these protective substances, breastfed children are less likely to have bacterial or viral infections, such as ear infections. Get A Flu Shot Consider getting immunized against influenza. Aside from protecting against this yearly disease, it can help prevent ear infections. Last Updated 2/20/2013 Source Adapted from Healthy Children Magazine, Summer 2007"
214,10,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Ear, Nose & Throat",214,"2018-04-19 03:20:17","Ear Infection Symptoms","Ear Infection Symptoms Page Content Article BodyWhat are the symptoms of an ear infection? Your child may have many symptoms during an ear infection. Talk with your pediatrician about the best way to treat your child's symptoms. Pain. The most common symptom of an ear infection is pain. Older children can tell you that their ears hurt. Younger children may only seem irritable and cry. You may notice this more during feedings because sucking and swallowing may cause painful pressure changes in the middle ear. Loss of appetite. Your child may have less of an appetite because of the ear pain. Trouble sleeping. Your child may have trouble sleeping because of the ear pain. Fever. Your child may have a temperature ranging from 100°F (normal) to 104°F. Ear drainage. You might notice yellow or white fluid, possibly blood-tinged, draining from your child's ear. The fluid may have a foul odor and will look different from normal earwax (which is orange-yellow or reddish-brown). Pain and pressure often decrease after this drainage begins, but this doesn't always mean that the infection is going away. If this happens it's not an emergency, but your child will need to see your pediatrician. Trouble hearing. During and after an ear infection, your child may have trouble hearing for several weeks. This occurs because the fluid behind the eardrum gets in the way of sound transmission. This is usually temporary and clears up after the fluid from the middle ear drains away. Important: Your doctor cannot diagnose an ear infection over the phone; your child's eardrum must be examined by your doctor to confirm fluid buildup and signs of inflammation. Other causes of ear pain There are other reasons why your child's ears may hurt besides an ear infection. The following can cause ear pain: An infection of the skin of the ear canal, often called ""swimmer's ear"" Reduced pressure in the middle ear from colds or allergies A sore throat Teething or sore gums Inflammation of the eardrum alone during a cold (without fluid buildup) Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source Acute Ear Infections and Your Child (Copyright © 2004 American Academy of Pediatrics, Updated 12/2010)"
215,10,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Ear, Nose & Throat",215,"2018-04-19 03:20:20",Epiglottitis,"Epiglottitis Page Content Article BodyThe epiglottis is a tongue-like flap of tissue at the back of the throat. Ordinarily it prevents food and liquid from entering the windpipe when one swallows. In epiglottitis, a rare but serious condition, this structure becomes infected, usually by bacteria called Haemophilus influenzae type B. This condition is life-threatening, because when the epiglottis is swollen, it can block the trachea (windpipe) and interfere with normal breathing. Children between two and six years old are most susceptible to this problem. Fortunately, this condition is now uncommon thanks to the Hib vaccine, which prevents infections due to Haemophilus influenzae type B. The infection begins with a sore throat and a fever that usually is greater than 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3 degrees Celsius) and quickly makes your child feel very sick. Her throat will become extremely sore. With each breath, she may make a harsh or raspy noise, called stridor. She may have such difficulty swallowing that she begins to drool. She probably will refuse to lie down and will be most comfortable sitting and leaning forward. Treatment If your child has an unusually sore throat and is drooling and/or breathing with difficulty, call your physician immediately. Because epiglottitis progresses so rapidly and has such serious consequences, do not attempt to treat it at home. After contacting your pediatrician, try to keep your child calm. Don’t try to examine her throat or insist that she lie down. Also, avoid offering food or water, because that might cause vomiting, which often makes breathing even more difficult. If you take your child to the pediatrician during the early stages of epiglottitis, the doctor should be able to determine if your child has this condition without the need for X-rays. But if her condition has worsened, and she begins drooling or has hoarse breathing, your pediatrician will probably ask you to take your child directly to the hospital emergency room, and recommend that you call 911 so an ambulance can transport her. At the hospital, with the help of an anesthesiologist and an otolaryngologist (an ear, nose, and throat specialist; ENT), the doctor will X-ray your child’s epiglottis. If it is thought to be severely inflamed, your child will be taken to the operating room where an anesthetic will be given and a tube will be inserted into the trachea (windpipe), bypassing the swelling and allowing your child to breathe comfortably again. In very severe cases, a tracheostomy (a breathing tube placed into the trachea through a small incision in the neck) may be necessary, but this is done much less often now than in the past. Your child also will be given antibiotics. All these decisions are likely to be made very quickly, and you may feel shocked that your child needs such extreme treatment for what looks like a simple though severe sore throat. It’s important to remember that epiglottitis progresses very rapidly and can become life-threatening if it goes untreated. Prevention The Hib vaccine is available to combat the bacteria that cause epiglottitis. Your child should receive the full series of the Hib vaccine, according to your pediatrician’s recommendations. However, even if she has had the vaccine, consult your doctor if you know there has been an exposure to another child who has the infection. Your physician might want to take added precautions. Last Updated 8/1/2009 Source Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5 (Copyright © 2009 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
216,10,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Ear, Nose & Throat",216,"2018-04-19 03:20:29","Hearing Loss","Hearing Loss Page Content Article BodyAlthough loss can occur at any age, hearing difficulties at birth or that develop during infancy and the toddler years can have serious consequences.This is because normal hearing is initially needed to understand spoken language and then, later, to produce clear speech. Consequently, if your child experiences hearing loss during infancy and early childhood, it demands immediate attention. Even a temporary but severe hearing loss during this time can make it very difficult for the child to learn proper oral language.Most children experience mild hearing loss when fluid accumulates in the middle ear from allergies or colds. This hearing loss is usually only temporary; normal hearing commonly resumes once the cold and allergies subside and the Eustachian tube (which connects the middle ear to the throat) drains the remaining fluid into the back of the throat. In many children, perhaps 1 in 10, fluid stays in the middle ear following an ear infection because of problems with the Eustachian tube.These children don’t hear as well as they should, and sometimes have delays in talking. Much less common is the permanent kind of hearing loss that always endangers normal speech and language development. Permanent hearing loss varies from mild or partial to complete or total.There are two main kinds of hearing loss:Conductive hearing loss.When a child has a conductive hearing loss, there may be an abnormality in the structure of the outer ear canal or middle ear, or there may be fluid in the middle ear that interferes with the transfer of sound.Sensorineural hearing loss (also called nerve deafness).This type of hearing impairment is caused by an abnormality of the inner ear or the nerves that carry sound messages from the inner ear to the brain. The loss can be present at birth or occur shortly thereafter. If there is a family history of deafness, the cause is likely to be inherited (genetic). If the mother had rubella (German measles), cytomegalovirus (CMV), or another infectious illness that affects hearing during pregnancy, the fetus could have been infected and may lose hearing as a result. The problem also may be due to a malformation of the inner ear. Most often the cause of severe sensorineural hearing loss is inherited.Still, in most cases, no other family member on either side will have hearing loss because each parent is only a carrier for a hearing loss gene. This is called an “autosomal recessive pattern,” rather than “dominant” where it would be expected that other family members on one side would have hearing loss. Future brothers and sisters of the child have an increased risk of being hearing impaired, and the family should seek genetic counseling if the hearing loss is determined to be inherited.Hearing loss must be diagnosed as soon as possible, so that your child isn’t delayed in learning language—a process that begins the day she is born. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that before a newborn infant goes home from the hospital, she needs to undergo a hearing screening. Thirty-eight states, in fact, now have Early Hearing Detection Intervention (EHDI) programs, which mandate that all newborns be screened for hearing loss before they are discharged from the hospital. At any time during your child’s life, if you and/or your pediatrician suspect that she has a hearing loss, insist that a formal hearing evaluation be performed promptly. Although some family doctors, pediatricians, and well- baby clinics can test for fluid in the middle ear—a common cause of hearing loss—they cannot measure hearing precisely. Your child should go to an audiologist, who can perform this service. She may also be seen by an ear, nose, and throat doctor (ENT; an otolaryngologist).If your child is under age two, or is uncooperative during her hearing examination, she may be given one of two available screening tests, which are the same tests used for newborn screening. They are painless, take just five to ten minutes, and can be performed while your child is sleeping or lying still. They are: The auditory brainstem response test, which measures how the brain responds to sound. Clicks or tones are played into the baby’s ears through soft earphones, and electrodes placed on the baby’s head measure the brain’s response. This allows the doctor to test your child’s hearing without having to rely on her cooperation. The otoacoustic emissions test, which measures sound waves produced in the inner ear. A tiny probe is placed just inside the baby’s ear canal, which then measures the response when clicks or tones are played into the baby’s ear. These tests may not be available in your immediate area, but the consequences of undiagnosed hearing loss are so serious that your doctor may advise you to travel to where one of them can be done. Certainly, if these tests indicate that your baby may have a hearing problem, your doctor should recommend a more thorough hearing evaluation as soon as possible to confirm whether your child’s hearing is impaired.TreatmentTreating a hearing loss will depend on its cause. If it is a mild conductive hearing loss due to fluid in the middle ear, the doctor may simply recommend that your child be retested in a few weeks to see whether the fluid has cleared by itself. Medication such as antihistamines, decongestants, or antibiotics are ineffective in clearing up middle ear fluid.If there is no improvement in hearing over a three-month period, and there is still fluid behind the eardrum, the doctor may recommend referral to an ENT specialist. If the fluid persists and there is sufficient (even though temporary) conductive hearing impairment from the fluid, the specialist may recommend draining the fluid through ventilating tubes. These are surgically inserted through the eardrum. This is a minor operation and takes only a few minutes, but your child must receive a general anesthetic for it to be done properly, so he usually will spend part of the day in a hospital or an outpatient surgery center.Even with the tubes in place, future infections can occur, but the tubes help reduce the amount of fluid and decrease your child’s risk of repeated infection. They will also improve his hearing.If a conductive hearing loss is due to a malformation of the outer or middle ear, a hearing aid may restore hearing to normal or near-normal levels. However, a hearing aid will work only when it’s being worn. You must make sure it is on and functioning at all times, particularly in a very young child. Reconstructive surgery may be considered when the child is older.Hearing aids will not restore hearing completely to those with significant sensorineural hearing loss, but they will help your child develop spoken or oral language if the hearing impairment is mild or moderate. Should your child have severe or profound hearing impairment in both ears and receives no benefit from hearing aids, she will become a candidate for a cochlear implant. Cochlear implants have been approved by the government for children over one year old since 1990. There is now enough experience with them to say that cochlear implants work well for the vast majority of children who have normal brain function. If your family is considering an implant for your child, results for developing useful speech are better with early (less than three years old) rather than late (over seven years old) implantation. At best, these “cochlear implants” help a person to become aware of sounds. They do not restore hearing nearly well enough for the child to learn spoken language without additional help, including hearing aids to amplify sounds, as well as special education and parent counseling. Recently there have been a number of cases of serious infections complicating cochlear implants even months after surgery. Many are being removed. Because of this, if your child has a cochlear implant, contact your ENT surgeon or pediatrician immediately for the best next step.Parents of children with sensorineural hearing loss usually are most concerned about whether their child will learn to talk. The answer is that all children with a hearing impairment can be taught to speak, but not all will learn to speak clearly. Some children learn to lip-read well, while others never fully master the skill. But speech is only one form of language. Most children learn a combination of spoken and sign language. Written language also is very important because it is the key to educational and vocational success. Learning excellent oral language is highly desirable, but not all people who are born deaf can master this. Sign language is the primary way deaf people communicate with one another and the way many express themselves best.If your child is learning sign language, you and your immediate family also must learn it. This way you will be able to teach her, discipline her, praise her, comfort her, and laugh with her. You should encourage friends and relatives to learn signing, too. Although some advocates in the deaf community prefer separate schools for deaf children, there is no reason for children with severe hearing impairment to be separated from other people because of their hearing loss. With proper treatment, education, and support, these children will grow to be full participants in the world around them.When to Call the Pediatrician Hearing Loss: What to Look ForHere are the signs and symptoms that should make you suspect that your child has a hearing loss and alert you to call your pediatrician.Your child doesn’t startle at loud noises by one month or turn to the source of a sound by three to four months of age.He doesn’t notice you until he sees you.He concentrates on gargling and other vibrating noises that he can feel, rather than experimenting with a wide variety of vowel sounds and consonants. His speech is delayed or hard to understand, or he doesn’t say single words such as “dada” or “mama” by twelve to fifteen months of age. He doesn’t always respond when called. (This is usually mistaken for inattention or resistance, but could be the result of a partial hearing loss.) He seems to hear some sounds but not others. (Some hearing loss affects only high-pitched sounds; some children have hearing loss in only one ear.)He seems not only to hear poorly but also has trouble holding his head steady, or is slow to sit or walk unsupported. (In some children with sensorineural hearing loss, the part of the inner ear that provides information about balance and movement of the head is also damaged.) Last Updated 8/1/2009 Source Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5 (Copyright © 2009 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
217,10,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Ear, Nose & Throat",217,"2018-04-19 03:20:36","Hearing Loss: When to Call the Pediatrician","Hearing Loss: When to Call the Pediatrician Page Content Article BodyHere are the signs and symptoms that should make you suspect that your child has a hearing loss and alert you to call your pediatrician. Your child doesn’t startle at loud noises by one month or turn to the source of a sound by three to four months of age.  He doesn’t notice you until he sees you. He concentrates on gargling and other vibrating noises that he can feel, rather than experimenting with a wide variety of vowel sounds and consonants.  His speech is delayed or hard to understand, or he doesn’t say single words such as “dada” or “mama” by twelve to fifteen months of age.  He doesn’t always respond when called. (This is usually mistaken for inattention or resistance, but could be the result of a partial hearing loss.) He seems to hear some sounds but not others. (Some hearing loss affects only high-pitched sounds; some children have hearing loss in only one ear.)  He seems not only to hear poorly but also has trouble holding his head steady, or is slow to sit or walk unsupported. (In some children with sensorineural hearing loss, the part of the inner ear that provides information about balance and movement of the head is also damaged.) Last Updated 8/1/2009 Source Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5 (Copyright © 2009 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
218,10,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Ear, Nose & Throat",218,"2018-04-19 03:20:40","Hearing Screening for Preschoolers: Conditioned Play Audiometry","Hearing Screening for Preschoolers: Conditioned Play Audiometry Page ContentThere are a number of different techniques used to test hearing in children. In this video, Catherine Moyer, AuD., a pediatric audiologist at Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, administers a hearing screening to a four-year-old child using a technique called conditioned play audiometry (CPA). CPA is essentially a fun and interactive ""Listen and Drop"" game commonly used to test hearing in preschoolers (ages 3-5). A child is trained to perform an activity each time he or she hears a sound. The activity may involve putting a block in a box, placing pegs in a hole, or putting a ring on a cone. The game is taught before a child puts on headphones. Because CPA requires cooperation from the child, parents are often asked to practice this ""listening game"" at home. ​Additional Information from HealthyChildren.org: Hearing LossCould My Child Have a Hearing Problem?Language Delays in Toddlers: Information for ParentsUsing Their Words: Helping Preschoolers Get a Good Start in Reading & LearningEar Infection Symptoms Article Body Last Updated 12/19/2016 Source Copyright © 2016 American Academy of Pediatrics and American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology"
219,10,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Ear, Nose & Throat",219,"2018-04-19 03:20:47","If I Can Hear It, It's Too Loud: Earbuds & Teen Hearing Loss","If I Can Hear It, It's Too Loud: Earbuds & Teen Hearing Loss Page Content​Many parents will agree that their teens just don't listen. But what if it is because they can't hear?Pediatricians have noticed that using earbuds or headphones might be damaging teens' hearing. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) wants to prevent this type of hearing loss and is recommending screening teens for hearing damage at higher tones to find out if they have high frequency hearing loss.Kids expose themselves to noise through electronic media that often is louder than what is allowed by law in a workplace, according to Joseph F. Hagan Jr., M.D., FAAP, co-editor of the AAP Bright Futur​es Guidelines. ""We know that does cause problems with high frequency hearing loss.""Recommended Hearing Screenings for Older Children & Teens Kids should be screened at three ages: 11-14 years15-17 years18-21 yearsThe test includes having a patient listen for a series of beeps through headphones to determine whether the patient can hear a range of pitches.One in six adolescents has high frequency hearing loss, according to a study. This type of hearing loss is caused by exposure to loud noises, such as music played through headphones.The authors of another study were surprised to find that the sound of a balloon popping is louder than a shotgun being fired. Both are loud enough to cause hearing loss. They warned that hearing damage is similar to sun damage. Too much can cause harm over time.What More Can Parents Do? Parents can help prevent hearing loss by teaching safe listening habits. Kids should take breaks after an hour of listening and turn the volume down to about 60% on their audio players. Youths should be able to hear conversations going on around them while listening to the music, according to the AAP. See Music: How Loud Is Too Loud? for more information. ""What I tell my own patients is, 'If it hurts, there's a reason it hurts. Turn it down. If your ears feel funny afterwards, you had it on too loud,'"" Dr. Hagan said. ""As a dad, I used to say to my own kids, 'If I can hear it, it's too loud.'""Find more hearing loss prevention tips here.   Article Body Last Updated 3/16/2017 Source AAP News (Copyright © 2017 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
220,10,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Ear, Nose & Throat",220,"2018-04-19 03:20:54","Middle Ear Infections","Middle Ear Infections Page Content What are the new guidelines? The guidelines define acute otitis media (AOM), or middle ear infections, and outline appropriate diagnosis and treatment standards - including pain management - based on a child's age and other factors. Why were these new guidelines developed? Acute otitis media (AOM) is the most common bacterial illness in children and the one most commonly treated with antibiotics. There has been a significant increase in, and concern about antibacterial resistance of the organisms that cause AOM. These factors suggested the need for a detailed evaluation of AOM and its management. While the number of office visits for otitis media with effusion - middle ear fluid - (OME) have decreased over the past decade from 25 million in 1990 to just 16 million in 2000, the number of antibiotic prescriptions to treat AOM has remained constant. At the same time, concerns about the rising rate of antibiotic - or antibacterial - use and resistance have emerged. What do th​​e new guidelines recommend? Accurately diagnose AOM and differentiate it from OME, which requires different management. Relieve pain, especially in the first 24 hours, with ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Minimize antibiotic side effects by giving parents of select children the option of fighting the infection on their own for 48-72 hours, then starting antibiotics if they do not improve. Prescribe initial antibiotics for children who are likely to benefit the most from treatment. Encourage families to prevent AOM by reducing risk factors. For babies and infants these include breastfeeding for at least six months, avoiding ""bottle propping,"" and eliminating exposure to passive tobacco smoke. If antibiotic treatment is agreed upon, the clinician should prescribe amoxicillin for most children. Do the guidelines apply to all children? No. The guidelines apply only to an otherwise healthy child without underlying conditions that may alter the natural course of AOM. These conditions include, but are not limited to, anatomic abnormalities such as cleft palate, genetic conditions such as Down syndrome, immune system disorders, and cochlear implants. Also excluded are children with a clinical recurrence of AOM within 30 days or AOM with underlying chronic OME. What is acute otitis media? The new definition of AOM is the presence of a bulging tympanic membrane and the presence of middle ear effusion. Symptoms are no longer included in the definition. Over 5 million AOM cases occur annually in US children, resulting in more than 10 million annual antibiotic prescriptions and about 30 million annual visits to doctor's offices. Fifty percent of antibiotics for preschoolers in the US are prescribed for ear infections. Using an observation option could reduce antibiotic prescriptions annually by up to 3 million and would significantly reduce the prevalence of resistant bacteria. What are the harmful effects of antibiotics? Each course of antibiotic given to a child can make future infections more difficult to treat. The result is an increase in the use of a larger range of - and generally more expensive - antibiotics. In addition, the benefit of antibiotics for AOM is small on average, and must be balanced against potential harm of therapy. About 15 percent of children who take antibiotics suffer from diarrhea or vomiting and up to 5 percent have allergic reactions, which can be serious or life threatening. The average preschooler carries around 1 to 2 pounds of bacteria - about 5 percent of his or her body weight. These bacteria have 3.5 billion years of experience in resisting and surviving environmental challenges. Resistant bacteria in a child can be passed to siblings, other family members, neighbors, and peers in group-care or school settings. When should antibiotics be prescribed? For children age 6 months and younger - for AOM. Children age 6 months to 2 years - for AOM with severe symptoms; observation is an option for AOM if non-severe. Children age 2 to 12 years - antibiotic treatment for AOM with severe symptoms; observation is an option for non-severe AOM. The guideline provides an option to observe select children and only start antibiotic treatment if symptoms have not improved in 48-72 hours. Approximately 80 percent of children with AOM get better without antibiotics. And children whose ear infections are not treated immediately with antibiotics are not likely to develop a serious illness. What if a child with a middle ear infection is in great pain and discomfort? The mainstay of pain management for AOM is medications such as acetominophen and ibuprofen, not antibiotics. Most children with AOM have significant ear pain, which may manifest in young children as ear rubbing, sleep disruption, or temper tantrums. Analgesics are most important in the first 24 hours after diagnosis, especially before the child's bedtime. Fortunately, by 24 hours about 60 percent of children feel better, rising to 80-90 percent within a few days. Antibiotics do not relieve pain in the first 24 hours, and have only a small effect after that. Is my child at risk for developing other infections if she is not treated with antibiotics? Published trials of observation, placebo, or non-antibiotic AOM therapy have shown no increased rate of complications, provided that children are followed carefully and receive antibiotics if symptoms persist or worsen. These studies vary in the age of children studied and the severity of illness, factors taken into consideration in determining which children are suitable for the observation option. Article Body Last Updated 2/22/2013 Source American Academy of Pediatrics (Copyright © 2013)"
221,10,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Ear, Nose & Throat",221,"2018-04-19 03:20:59","Noisy Breathing in Children","Noisy Breathing in Children Page Content​Noisy breathing can develop at any time throughout childhood. Most cases are not dangerous and will resolve. Others, however, could be the result of a serious problem.In this video, Matthew T. Brigger, MD, MPH, a pediatric otolaryngologist at Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, explains the symptoms of noisy breathing and why it generally warrants evaluation by your child's pediatrician.  Additional Information: Diagnosing Asthma in Babies & Toddlers Responding to a Choking EmergencyDiagnosis and Management of Childhood Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (AAP Clinical Practice Guideline) ​ Article Body Last Updated 5/5/2016 Source Copyright © 2016 American Academy of Pediatrics and American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology"
222,10,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Ear, Nose & Throat",222,"2018-04-19 03:21:02","Reasons Why Your Child Has a Runny Nose","Reasons Why Your Child Has a Runny Nose Page Content​Are you constantly running after your child with tissues? Is the drainage clear, green, or yellow? The clear drainage everyone has in their nose actually serves an important purpose, and a small amount is normal. Too much, however, can clog the nose and lead to infection. Viruses can cause the mucus to be green or yellow.   In this video, William Collins, MD, FACS, FAAP, Chief of the Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology at the University of Florida, explains the anatomy of the nose, the many reasons a child will have runny nose, and when to see your doctor. Dr. Collins also discusses nasal injuries and the signs your child may have put something in his or her nose.   Additional Information from HealthyChildren.org: Why Most Sore Throats, Coughs & Runny Noses Don't Need AntibioticsRhinovirus Infections Coughs and Colds: Medicines or Home Remedies?The Difference Between Sinusitis and a Cold ​ Article Body Last Updated 2/7/2017 Source Copyright © 2016 American Academy of Pediatrics and American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology"
223,10,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Ear, Nose & Throat",223,"2018-04-19 03:21:09","Rhinovirus Infections","Rhinovirus Infections Page Content Article BodyMore than any other illness, rhinoviruses (rhin means “nose”) are associated with the common cold. Rhinoviruses may also cause some sore throats, ear infections, sinus infections, and to a lesser degree, pneumonia and bronchiolitis (infection of the small breathing passages of the lungs). The average child has 8 to 10 colds during the first 2 years of her life. If she spends time in child care settings where she’ll be exposed to other children with colds, she may catch even more colds. Rhinoviruses are spread easily through person-to-person contact. When a child with a rhinovirus infection has a runny nose, nasal secretions get onto her hands and from there onto tables, toys, and other surfaces. Your child might touch the hands or skin of another youngster or toys that have been contaminated by the virus and then touch her own eyes or nose, infecting herself. She might breathe in airborne viruses spread by a sneeze or cough. Although your child can develop a cold at any time of the year, these infections are most common during autumn and spring. Signs and Symptoms The signs and symptoms of the common cold are familiar to everyone. Your child’s cold may start with a watery, runny nose that has a clear discharge. Later, the discharge becomes thicker and is often colored brownish, gray, or greenish. This colored nasal discharge is normal as the child begins to get over the cold. Children may also develop symptoms such as Sneezing A mild fever (101°F–102°F or 38.3°C–38.9°C) Headaches Sore throat Cough Muscle aches A decrease in appetite In some children, pus will appear on the tonsils, which could be a sign of a streptococcal infection The incubation period for a rhinovirus infection is usually 2 to 3 days. Symptoms generally persist for 10 to 14 days, sometimes less. What You Can Do When your child has a cold, make sure she gets enough rest. She should drink extra fluid if she has fever. If she is uncomfortable, talk to your pediatrician about giving her acetaminophen to reduce her fever. Don’t give her over-the-counter cold remedies or cough medicines without first checking with your doctor. These over-the-counter medicines do not kill the virus and, in most circumstances, do not help with the symptoms. When to Call Your Pediatrician If your infant is 3 months or younger and develops cold symptoms, contact your pediatrician. Complications ranging from pneumonia to bronchiolitis are much more likely to develop in very young children. Older youngsters generally don’t need to be seen by a pediatrician when they have a cold. Nevertheless, contact your doctor if your older youngster has symptoms such as Lips or nails that turn blue Noisy or difficult breathing A persistent cough Excessive tiredness Ear pain, which may indicate an ear infection How Is the Diagnosis Made? Colds are typically diagnosed by observing your child’s symptoms. In general, it is impractical to conduct laboratory tests to identify the organism that may be infecting a child with cold symptoms. Treatment Most rhinovirus infections are mild and do not require any specific treatment. Antibiotics are not effective against the common cold and other viral infections. What Is the Prognosis? Most colds go away on their own without complications. Prevention Keep an infant younger than 3 months from having close contact with children or adults who have colds. Make sure your child washes her hands frequently, which will reduce the chances of getting the virus. Last Updated 1/1/2006 Source Immunizations ＆Infectious Diseases: An Informed Parent's Guide (Copyright © 2006 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
224,10,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Ear, Nose & Throat",224,"2018-04-19 03:21:12","Swimmer's Ear in Children","Swimmer's Ear in Children Page Content Article BodySwimmer's ear, which doctors call otitis externa, is an inflammation of the external ear canal. It occurs when water gets into the ear—usually during swimming or bathing—and does not properly drain. When that happens, the canal can become irritated and infected. Youngsters with this condition will com­plain of itching or pain in the ear, the latter particularly when the head or the ear itself is moved. As the canal swells, hearing will decrease. The infected ear may ooze yel­lowish pus. Your doctor will diagnose otitis externa after examining the ear canal with an oto­scope. He or she may treat it with prescrip­tion eardrops. Sometimes you will need to insert a gauze wick into your child's ear to make sure the drops reach the site of the swelling. If it is needed, your physician will demonstrate this procedure. Also, try keep­ing your child's ear canal as dry as possible during the healing process; that means de­laying washing and shampooing until the inflammation has disappeared. Once a child has had a swimmer's ear in­fection, you should try to prevent future episodes. To help avoid them, your young­ster should place drops in the ears after swimming—either a 70 percent alcohol solu­tion or a mixture of one-half alcohol, one-half white vinegar. Also, dry the ears with a towel immediately after swimming or bathing. Last Updated 9/1/2004 Source Caring for Your School-Age Child: Ages 5 to 12 (Copyright © 2004 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
225,10,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Ear, Nose & Throat",225,"2018-04-19 03:21:17","Swimmer's Ear in Teens","Swimmer's Ear in Teens Page Content​​Infancy and early childhood are the peak years for middle-ear infections (otitis media). Adolescents are more prone to infections of the outer ear (otitis externa). They may contract the bacteria or fungus while swimming in polluted lakes and ponds—although frequent dips in chlorinated swimming pools can also lead to external otitis. Teens who don’t swim can also develop swimmer’s ear by cleaning their ears too roughly.Symptoms That Suggest Swimmer's Ear May Include:Severe ear pain that worsens whenever the ear is touched or tuggedItching in the ear canalGreenish-yellowish dischargeTemporary hearing loss in the affected ear, due to the canal’s becoming swollen or filled with pusRedness around the canal openingHow Swimmer's Ear is Diagnosed:A thorough medical history and physical examination, including an ear exam using an otoscope Laboratory analysis of the ear drainage may also sometimes be of helpHow Swimmer's Ear is Treated:Drug therapy: After cleaning the infected ear, your doctor will begin treatment with eardrops. These drops contain medicines that kill certain bacteria and fungus, as well as treat inflammation. The average course of treatment runs approximately one week. Occasionally, the external otitis is severe enough to warrant the additional use of an oral antibiotic. Most cases of swimmer’s ear are caused by either of two bacteria: Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus or a fungal infection called  “Aspergillus.” Be forewarned that it is not uncommon for the ear pain from external otitis to intensify for a day or two before the drops take effect.Additional therapy: Teenagers must keep their ears dry and continue taking their medication for two to three weeks after the symptoms fade. When showering or washing their hair, they should cover their head with a plastic cap or protect their ear canals with a soft earplug such as a cotton ball covered with vaseline or commercially available ear putty. Placing a warm compress or heating pad against the ear will help reduce pain. Analgesics such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs will also help. Article Body Last Updated 5/1/2003 Source Caring for Your Teenager (Copyright © 2003 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
226,10,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Ear, Nose & Throat",226,"2018-04-19 03:21:22","Swollen Glands","Swollen Glands Page Content Article BodyLymph glands (or lymph nodes) are an important part of the body’s defense system against infection and illness. These glands normally contain groups of cells, called lymphocytes, which act as barriers to infection. The lymphocytes produce substances called antibodies that destroy or immobilize infecting cells or poisons. When lymph glands become enlarged or swollen, it usually means that the lymphocytes have increased in number due to an infection or other illness and that they are being called into action to produce extra antibodies. Rarely, swollen glands, particularly if long-lasting and without other signs of inflammation, such as redness or tenderness, may indicate a tumor. If your child has swollen glands, you’ll be able to feel them or actually see the swelling. They also may be tender to the touch. Often, if you look near the gland, you can find the infection or injury that has caused it to swell. For example, a sore throat often will cause glands in the neck to swell, or an infection on the arm will produce swollen glands under the arm. Sometimes the illness may be a generalized one, such as those caused by a virus, in which case many glands might be slightly swollen. In general, because children have more viral infections than adults, lymph nodes, particularly in the neck, are more likely to be enlarged. Swollen glands at the base of the neck and just above the collarbone may be an infection or even a tumor within the chest, and should be examined by a physician as soon as possible. Treatment In the vast majority of cases, swollen glands are not serious. Lymph node swelling usually disappears after the illness that caused it is gone. The glands gradually return to normal over a period of weeks. You should call the pediatrician if your child shows any of the following: Lymph glands swollen and tender for more than five days Fever higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3 degrees Celsius) Glands that appear to be swollen throughout the body Tiredness, lethargy, or loss of appetite Glands that enlarge rapidly, or the skin overlying them turning red or purple As with any infection, if your child has a fever or is in pain, you can give her acetaminophen in the appropriate dosage for her weight and age until you can see the pediatrician. When you call, your doctor probably will ask you some questions to try to determine the cause of the swelling, so it will help if you do a little investigating beforehand. For instance, if the swollen glands are in the jaw or neck area, check if your child’s teeth are tender or her gums are inflamed, and ask her if there is any soreness in her mouth or throat. Mention to your doctor any exposure your child has had to animals (especially cats) or wooded areas. Also check for any recent animal scratches, tick bites, or insect bites or stings that may have become infected. The treatment for swollen glands will depend on the cause. If there’s a specific bacterial infection in nearby skin or tissue, antibiotics will clear it, allowing the glands gradually to return to their normal size. If the gland itself has an infection, it may require not only antibiotics but also warm compresses to localize the infection, followed by surgical drainage. If this is done, the material obtained from the wound will be cultured to determine the exact cause of the infection. Doing this will help the doctor choose the most appropriate antibiotic. If your pediatrician cannot find the cause of the swelling, or if the swollen glands don’t improve after antibiotic treatment, further tests will be needed. For example, infectious mononucleosis might be the problem if your child has a fever and a bad sore throat (but not strep), is very weak, and has swollen (but not red, hot, or tender) glands, although mononucleosis occurs more often in older children. Special tests can confirm this diagnosis. In cases where the cause of a swollen gland is unclear, the pediatrician also may want to do a tuberculosis skin test. If the cause of prolonged swelling of lymph nodes cannot be found in any other way, it may be necessary to perform a biopsy (remove a piece of tissue from the gland) and examine it under a microscope. In rare cases this may reveal a tumor or fungus infection, which would require special treatment. Prevention The only swollen glands that are preventable are those that are caused by bacterial infections in the surrounding tissue. In cases of suspected infection, you can avoid involving the lymph nodes by properly cleaning all wounds and receiving early antibiotic treatment. Last Updated 8/1/2009 Source Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5 (Copyright © 2009 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
227,10,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Ear, Nose & Throat",227,"2018-04-19 03:21:30","The Difference Between Sinusitis and a Cold","The Difference Between Sinusitis and a Cold Page Content Article BodySinusitis is an inflammation of the lining of the nose and sinuses. It is a very common infection in children. Viral sinusitis usually accompanies a cold. Allergic sinusitis may accompany allergies such as hay fever. Bacterial sinusitis is a secondary infection caused by the trapping of bacteria in the sinuses during the course of a cold or allergy. General Characteristics of Viral Colds It is often difficult to tell if an illness is just a viral cold or if it is complicated by a bacterial infection of the sinuses. Colds usually last only 5 to 10 days. Colds typically start with clear, watery nasal discharge. After a day or 2, it is normal for the nasal discharge to become thicker and white, yellow, or green. After several days, the discharge becomes clear again and dries. Colds include a daytime cough that often gets worse at night. If a fever is present, it is usually at the beginning of the cold and is generally low grade, lasting for 1 or 2 days. Cold symptoms usually peak in severity at 3 or 5 days, then improve and disappear over the next 7 to 10 days. Signs and Symptoms of Bacterial Sinusitis: Cold symptoms (nasal discharge, daytime cough, or both) lasting more than 10 days without improving Thick yellow nasal discharge and a fever for at least 3 or 4 days in a row A severe headache behind or around the eyes that gets worse when bending over Swelling and dark circles around the eyes, especially in the morning Persistent bad breath along with cold symptoms (However, this also could be from a sore throat or a sign that your child is not brushing his teeth!) In very rare cases, a bacterial sinus infection may spread to the eye or the central nervous system (the brain). If your child has the following symptoms, call your pediatrician immediately: Swelling and/or redness around the eyes, not just in the morning but all day Severe headache and/or pain in the back of the neck Persistent vomiting Sensitivity to light Increasing irritability Diagnosing bacterial sinusitis It may be difficult to tell a sinus infection from an uncomplicated cold, especially in the first few days of the illness. Your pediatrician will most likely be able to tell if your child has bacterial sinusitis after examining your child and hearing about the progression of symptoms. In older children, when the diagnosis is uncertain, your pediatrician may order computed tomographic (CT) scans to confirm the diagnosis.  Treating Bacterial Sinusitis If your child has bacterial sinusitis, your pediatrician may prescribe an antibiotic for at least 10 days. Once your child is on the medication, symptoms should start to go away over the next 2 to 3 days—the nasal discharge will clear and the cough will improve. Even though your child may seem better, continue to give the antibiotics for the prescribed length of time. Ending the medications too early could cause the infection to return. When a diagnosis of sinusitis is made in children with cold symptoms lasting more than 10 days without improving, some doctors may choose to continue observation for another few days. If your child's symptoms worsen during this time or do not improve after 3 days, antibiotics should be started. If your child's symptoms show no improvement 2 to 3 days after starting the antibiotics, talk with your pediatrician. Your child might need a different medication or need to be re-examined. Treating Related Symptoms of Bacterial Sinusitis Headache or sinus pain. To treat headache or sinus pain, try placing a warm washcloth on your child's face for a few minutes at a time. Pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may also help. (However, do not give your child aspirin. It has been associated with a rare but potentially fatal disease called Reye syndrome.) Nasal congestion. If the secretions in your child's nose are especially thick, your pediatrician may recommend that you help drain them with saline nose drops. These are available without a prescription or can be made at home by adding 1/4 teaspoon of table salt to an 8-ounce cup of water. Unless advised by your pediatrician, do not use nose drops that contain medications because they can be absorbed in amounts that can cause side effects. Placing a cool-mist humidifier in your child's room may help keep your child more comfortable. Clean and dry the humidifier daily to prevent bacteria or mold from growing in it (follow the instructions that came with the humidifier). Hot water vaporizers are not recommended because they can cause scalds or burns. Remember If your child has symptoms of a bacterial sinus infection, see your pediatrician. Your pediatrician can properly diagnose and treat the infection and recommend ways to help alleviate the discomfort from some of the symptoms.  Additional Information Clinical Practice Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Acute Bacterial Sinusitis in Children Aged 1 to 18 Years (AAP Clinical Practice Guideline) Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source Sinusitis and Your Child (Copyright © 2003 American Academy of Pediatrics, Updated 07/2013)"
228,10,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Ear, Nose & Throat",228,"2018-04-19 03:21:33","The Difference between a Sore Throat, Strep & Tonsillitis","The Difference between a Sore Throat, Strep & Tonsillitis Page Content​The terms sore throat, strep throat, and tonsillitis often are used interchangeably, but they don't mean the same thing. Tonsillitis refers to tonsils that are inflamed. 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. Other causes of sore throats are viruses and may only cause inflammation of the throat around the tonsils and not the tonsils themselves.Sore ThroatIn infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, the most frequent cause of sore throats is a viral infection. No specific medicine is required when a virus is responsible, and the child should get better over a seven to ten day period. Often children who have sore throats due to viruses also have a cold at the same time. They may develop a mild fever, too, but they generally aren't very sick.One particular virus (called Coxsackie), seen most often during the summer and fall, may cause the child to have a somewhat higher fever, more difficulty swallowing, and a sicker overall feeling. If your child has a Coxsackie infection, she also may have one or more blisters in her throat and on her hands and feet (often called Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease). Infectious mononucleosis (often called ""Mono"") can produce a sore throat, often with marked tonsillitis; however, most young children who are infected with the mononucleosis virus have few or no symptoms.Strep Throat Strep throat is caused by a bacterium called Streptococcus pyogenes. To some extent, the symptoms of strep throat depend on the child's age. Infants: May have only a low fever and a thickened or bloody nasal discharge. Toddlers: May also have a thickened or bloody nasal discharge with a fever. Such children are usually quite cranky, have no appetite, and often have swollen glands in the neck. Sometimes toddlers will complain of tummy pain instead of a sore throat. Children over age three: They are often more ill and may have an extremely painful throat, fever over 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.9 degrees Celsius), swollen glands in the neck, and pus on the tonsils. It's important to be able to distinguish a strep throat from a viral sore throat, because strep infections are treated with antibiotics.Diagnosis & TreatmentIf your child has a sore throat that persists (not one that goes away after her first drink in the morning), whether or not it is accompanied by fever, headache, stomachache, or extreme fatigue, you should call your pediatrician. That call should be made even more urgently if your child seems extremely ill, or if she has difficulty breathing or extreme trouble swallowing (causing her to drool).Throat culture This may indicate a more serious infection. The doctor will examine your child and may perform a throat culture to determine the nature of the infection. To do this, he will touch the back of the throat and tonsils with a cotton-tipped applicator and then smear the tip onto a special culture dish that allows strep bacteria to grow if they are present. The culture dish usually is examined twenty-four hours later for the presence of the bacteria.Rapid strep testMost pediatric offices perform rapid strep tests that provide findings within minutes. If the rapid strep test is negative, your doctor may confirm the result with a culture. A negative test means that the infection is presumed to be due to a virus. In that case, antibiotics (which are antibacterial) will not help and need not be prescribed. Antibiotics If the test shows that your child does have strep throat, your pediatrician will prescribe an antibiotic to be taken by mouth or by injection. If your child is given the oral medication, it's very important that she take it for the full course, as prescribed, even if the symptoms get better or go away.If a child's strep throat is not treated with antibiotics, or if she doesn't complete the treatment, the infection may worsen or spread to other parts of her body, leading to conditions such as abscesses of the tonsils or kidney problems. Untreated strep infections also can lead to rheumatic fever, a disease that affects the heart. However, rheumatic fever is rare in the United States and in children under five years old.PreventionMost types of throat infections are contagious, being passed primarily through the air on droplets of moisture or on the hands of infected children or adults. For that reason, it makes sense to keep your child away from people who have symptoms of this condition. However, most people are contagious before their first symptoms appear, so often there's really no practical way to prevent your child from contracting the disease.In the past when a child had several sore throats, her tonsils might have been removed in an attempt to prevent further infections. But this operation, called a tonsillectomy, is recommended today only for the most severely affected children. Even in difficult cases, where there is repeated strep throat, antibiotic treatment is usually the best solution.Additional Information: Group A Streptococcal Infections Tonsillitis Caring for a Child with a Viral InfectionWhen a Sore Throat is a More Serious Infection Article Body Last Updated 2/26/2016 Source Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5, 6th Edition (Copyright © 2015 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
229,10,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Ear, Nose & Throat",229,"2018-04-19 03:21:40",Tonsillitis,"Tonsillitis Page Content Article BodyMy child has tonsillitis. Will he need to have his tonsils removed? In years past, it was very common for children to have their tonsils and the adenoid taken out. Today, doctors know much more about tonsils and the adenoid and are more careful about recommending removal. The tonsils are oval-shaped, pink masses of tissue on both sides of the throat. The adenoid is similar to the tonsils and is located in the very upper part of the throat, above the uvula and behind the nose. Both the tonsils and the adenoid are part of your body's defense against infections. Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils usually due to infection. There are several signs of tonsillitis, including: Red and swollen tonsils White or yellow coating over the tonsils A ""throaty"" voice Sore throat Uncomfortable or painful swallowing Swollen lymph nodes (""glands"") in the neck Fever Symptoms of enlarged adenoid It is not always easy to tell when your child's adenoid is enlarged. Some children are born with a larger adenoid. Others may have temporary enlargement of their adenoid due to colds or other infections. This is especially common among young children. Constant swelling or enlargement can cause other health problems such as ear and sinus infections. Some signs of adenoid enlargement are: Breathing through the mouth instead of the nose most of the time Nose sounds ""blocked"" when the child talks Noisy breathing during the day Snoring at night Both the tonsils and the adenoid may be enlarged if your child has the symptoms mentioned above, along with any of the following: Breathing stops for a short period of time at night during snoring or loud breathing (this is called ""sleep apnea""). Choking or gasping during sleep. Difficulty swallowing, especially solid foods. A constant ""throaty voice,"" even when there is no tonsillitis. Treatment If your child shows any of these signs or symptoms of enlargement of the tonsils or the adenoid, and doesn't seem to be getting better over a period of weeks, talk to your pediatrician. In many children, the tonsils and adenoid become enlarged without obvious infection. They often shrink without treatment. According to the guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics, your pediatrician may recommend surgery for the following conditions: Tonsil or adenoid swelling that makes normal breathing difficult (this may or may not include sleep apnea). Tonsils that are so swollen that your child has a problem swallowing. An enlarged adenoid that makes breathing uncomfortable, severely alters speech and possibly affects normal growth of the face. In this case, surgery to remove only the adenoid may be recommended. Your child has repeated ear or sinus infections despite treatment. In this case, surgery to remove only the adenoid may be recommended. Your child has an excessive number of severe sore throats each year. Your child's lymph nodes beneath the lower jaw are swollen or tender for at least six months, even with antibiotic treatment. Though it is not as common as it once was, some children need to have their tonsils and/or adenoid taken out. If your child needs surgery, make sure he or she knows what will happen before, during, and after surgery. Your pediatrician can help you and your child understand the operation and make it less frightening in the process. Last Updated 3/1/2007 Source Tonsils and the Adenoid (Copyright © 1997 American Academy of Pediatrics, Updated 3/1999)"
230,10,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Ear, Nose & Throat",230,"2018-04-19 03:21:44","Treating Ear Infections in Children","Treating Ear Infections in Children Page Content​​Did you know not all ear infections are treated with antibiotics? In this video, Soham Roy, MD, FAAP, FACS, Director of Pediatric Otolaryngology at Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital and Associate Professor and Director of Quality and Saf​ety at University of Texas Medical Center at Houston, explains how and why children get ear infections and discusses new treatment guidelines​. Additional Information: Ear Infection InformationYour Child and Ear InfectionsAntibiotic Prescriptions for Children: 10 Common Questions AnsweredHow to Give Ear Drops​Guidelines for Antibiotic Use​ Article Body Last Updated 4/29/2016 Source Copyright © 2016 American Academy of Pediatrics and American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology"
231,10,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Ear, Nose & Throat",231,"2018-04-19 03:21:49","Treating Middle Ear Fluid","Treating Middle Ear Fluid Page Content Article BodyMy child has middle ear fluid. How is that treated? Treatment options include observation and tube surgery or adenoid surgery. Because a treatment that works for one child may not work for another, your child's doctor can help you decide which treatment is best for your child and when you should see an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. If one treatment doesn't work, another treatment can be tried. Ask your child's doctor or ENT specialist about the costs, advantages, and disadvantages of each treatment. When should middle ear fluid be treated? Your child is more likely to need treatment for middle ear fluid if she has any of the following: Conditions placing her at risk for developmental delays Fluid in both ears, especially if present more than 3 months Hearing loss or other significant symptoms What treatments are not recommended? A number of treatments are not recommended for young children with middle ear fluid. Medicines not recommended include antibiotics, decongestants, antihistamines, and steroids (by mouth or in nasal sprays). All of these have side effects and do not cure middle ear fluid. Surgical treatments not recommended include myringotomy (draining of fluid without placing a tube) and tonsillectomy (removal of the tonsils). If your child's doctor or ENT specialist suggests one of these surgeries, it may be for another medical reason. Ask your doctor why your child needs the surgery. Other treatment options There is no evidence that complementary and alternative medicine treatments or that treatment for allergies works to decrease middle ear fluid. Some of these treatments may be harmful and many are expensive. Last Updated 12/1/2010 Source Middle Ear Fluid and Your Child (Copyright © 2004 American Academy of Pediatrics, Updated 12/2010)"
232,10,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Ear, Nose & Throat",232,"2018-04-19 03:21:56","When a Sore Throat is a More Serious Infection","When a Sore Throat is a More Serious Infection Page Content Article BodyHow can I tell if a sore throat is a virus or a more serious infection? The terms sore throat, strep throat, and tonsillitis often are used interchangeably, but they don’t mean the same thing. Tonsillitis refers to tonsils that are inflamed. 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. Other causes of sore throats are viruses and may only cause inflammation of the throat around the tonsils and not the tonsils themselves. In infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, the most frequent cause of sore throats is a viral infection. No specific medicine is required when a virus is responsible, and the child should get better over a seven- to ten-day period. Often children who have sore throats due to viruses also have a cold at the same time. They may develop a mild fever, too, but they generally aren’t very sick. One particular virus (called Coxsackie), seen most often during the summer and fall, may cause the child to have a somewhat higher fever, more difficulty swallowing, and a sicker overall feeling. If your child has a Coxsackie infection, she also may have one or more blisters in her throat and on her hands and feet (often called Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease). Infectious mononucleosis can produce a sore throat, often with marked tonsillitis; however, most young children who are infected with the mononucleosis virus have few or no symptoms. Strep throat is caused by a bacterium called Streptococcus pyogenes. To some extent, the symptoms of strep throat depend on the child’s age. Infants with strep infections may have only a low fever and a thickened or bloody nasal discharge. Toddlers (ages one to three) also may have a thickened or bloody nasal discharge with a fever. Such children are usually quite cranky, have no appetite, and often have swollen glands in the neck. Sometimes toddlers will complain of tummy pain instead of a sore throat. Children over three years of age with strep are often more ill; they may have an extremely painful throat, fever over 102 degrees Fahrenheit (38.9 degrees Celsius), swollen glands in the neck, and pus on the tonsils. It’s important to be able to distinguish a strep throat from a viral sore throat, because strep infections are treated with antibiotics. Diagnosis and Treatment If your child has a sore throat that persists (not one that goes away after her first drink in the morning), whether or not it is accompanied by fever, headache, stomachache, or extreme fatigue, you should call your pediatrician. That call should be made even more urgently if your child seems extremely ill, or if she has difficulty breathing or extreme trouble swallowing (causing her to drool). This may indicate a more serious infection. The doctor will examine your child and may perform a throat culture to determine the nature of the infection. To do this, he will touch the back of the throat and tonsils with a cotton-tipped applicator and then smear the tip onto a special culture dish that allows strep bacteria to grow if they are present. The culture dish usually is examined twenty-four hours later for the presence of the bacteria. Most pediatric offices perform rapid strep tests that provide findings within minutes. If the rapid strep test is negative, your doctor may confirm the result with a culture. A negative test means that the infection is presumed to be due to a virus. In that case, antibiotics (which are antibacterial) will not help and need not be prescribed. If the test shows that your child does have strep throat, your pediatrician will prescribe an antibiotic to be taken by mouth or by injection. If your child is given the oral medication, it’s very important that she take it for the full course, as prescribed, even if the symptoms get better or go away. If a child’s strep throat is not treated with antibiotics, or if she doesn’t complete the treatment, the infection may worsen or spread to other parts of her body, leading to conditions such as abscesses of the tonsils or kidney problems. Untreated strep infections also can lead to rheumatic fever, a disease that affects the heart. However, rheumatic fever is rare in the United States and in children under five years old. Prevention Most types of throat infections are contagious, being passed primarily through the air on droplets of moisture or on the hands of infected children or adults. For that reason, it makes sense to keep your child away from people who have symptoms of this condition. However, most people are contagious before their first symptoms appear, so often there’s really no practical way to prevent your child from contracting the disease. In the past when a child had several sore throats, her tonsils might have been removed in an attempt to prevent further infections. But this operation, called a tonsillectomy, is recommended today only for the most severely affected children. Even in difficult cases, where there is repeated strep throat, antibiotic treatment is usually the best solution. Last Updated 2/8/2010 Source Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5 (Copyright © 2009 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
233,10,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Ear, Nose & Throat",233,"2018-04-19 03:22:05","Your Child and Ear Infections","Your Child and Ear Infections Page Content Article BodyMiddle-ear infections, which doctors call otitis media, are less common during mid­dle childhood than at younger ages. When the Ear is Infected... When an ear is infected, the eustachian tube—the narrow passage connecting the middle ear (the small chamber behind the eardrum) to the back of the throat—becomes blocked. During healthy periods this tube is filled with air and keeps the space behind the eardrum free of fluid; dur­ing a cold or other respiratory infection, or in children with allergies, this tube can become blocked, fluid begins to accumulate in the middle ear, and bacteria start to grow there. As this occurs, pressure on the eardrum increases and it can no longer vi­brate properly. Hearing is temporarily reduced, and at the same time the pressure on the eardrum can cause pain. Your pediatrician should examine your youngster's ears with an instrument called an otoscope, with which inflammation and fluid behind the eardrums can be detected. If an infection is present, your physician may prescribe antibiotics to destroy the bacteria and diminish the buildup of fluids. Antibiotics are not always necessary. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help ease the pain. About Ear Tubes Occasionally, when a child has repeated ear infections, and when fluid in the ears tends to persist despite medication, the doctor may suggest inserting small drainage tubes through the eardrum to help remove the trapped fluid. To date, however, the research examining the poten­tial benefits of these tubes is inconclusive, and there are clearly some drawbacks to them—namely, anesthesia is required for insertion, and the tubes can sometimes come out by themselves. Treatment for Recurrent Ear Infections If your child has recurrent ear infections (4 or more ear infections in the past 12 months with at least 1 in the past 6 months), your doctor may decide to place your child on low doses of antibiotics on a long-term basis to prevent infections. This therapy has been shown to decrease the frequency of ear infections. However, this therapy can increase the risk of resistant infections. Some doctors may also suggest surgical removal of the adenoids (adenoidectomy) if they are blocking the child's eustachian tube. When to Return to Child Care or School Ear infections are not contagious. Your child can safely return to child care or school after the pain and fever subside. However, he should continue taking the antibiotics as pre­scribed until the pills or liquid are used up. Last Updated 2/20/2013 Source Adapted from Caring for your School-Age Child: Ages 5 to 12 (Copyright © 2004 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
234,11,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Emotional Problems",234,"2018-04-19 03:22:09","10 Things Parents Can Do to Prevent Suicide","10 Things Parents Can Do to Prevent Suicide Page Content​As children grow into teenagers, it becomes more challenging for parents to know what they are thinking and feeling. When do the normal ups and downs of adolescence become something to worry about? It's important to learn about the factors that can put a teen at risk for suicide. Spend some time reading these ten ways you can help prevent a tragedy from occurring. The more you know, the better you'll be prepared for understanding what can put your child at risk.1. Don't let your teen's depression or anxiety snowball.Maybe your child is merely having a bad day, but maybe it's something more if this mood has been going on for a couple of weeks. Fact: 9 in 10 teens who take their own lives were previously diagnosed with a psychiatric or mental health condition or disorder—more than half of them with a mood disorder such as depression or anxiety. Depressed people often retreat into themselves, when secretly they're crying out to be rescued. Many times they're too embarrassed to reveal their unhappiness to others, including Mom and Dad. Boys in particular may try to hide their emotions, in the misguided belief that displaying the feeling is a fifty-foot-high neon sign of weakness.Let's not wait for children or youth to come to us with their problems or concerns. Knock on the door, park yourself on the bed, and say, ""You seem sad. Would you like to talk about it? Maybe I can help.""2. Listen—even when your teen is not talking. Not all, but most kids who are thinking about suicide (this is called suicidal ideation) tip off their troubled state of mind through troubled behaviors and actions. Studies have found that one trait common to families affected by a son's or daughter's suicide is poor communication between parents and child. However, there are usually three or more issues or factors going on all at once in a child's life at the time when he or she is thinking about taking his or her life. These include but are not limited to:Major loss (i.e., break up or death)Substance usePeer or social pressure Access to weaponsPublic humiliation Severe chronic painChronic medical conditionImpulsiveness/aggressivenessFamily history of suicideIf your instinct tells you that a teenager might be a danger to himself, heed your instincts and don't allow him to be left alone. In this situation, it is better to overreact than to underreact. See How to Communicate With and Listen to Your Teen.  3. Never shrug off threats of suicide as typical teenage melodrama.Any written or verbal statement of ""I want to die"" or ""I don't care anymore"" should be treated seriously. Often, children who attempt suicide had been telling their parents repeatedly that they intended to kill themselves. Most research supports that people who openly threaten suicide don't really intend to take their own lives; and that the threat is a desperate plea for help. While that is true much of the time, what mother or father would want to risk being wrong?Any of these other red flags warrants your immediate attention and action by seeking professional help right away:""Nothing matters.""""I wonder how many people would come to my funeral?""""Sometimes I wish I could just go to sleep and never wake up.""""Everyone would be better off without me.""""You won't have to worry about me much longer.""When a teenager starts dropping comments like the ones above or comes right out and admits to feeling suicidal, try not to react with shock (""What are you, crazy?!"") or scorn (""That's a ridiculous thing to say!""). Above all, don't tell him or her, ""You don't mean that!."" Be willing to listen nonjudgmentally to what he or she is really saying, which is: ""I need your love and attention because I'm in tremendous pain, and I can't seem to stop it on my own.""To see your child so troubled is hard for any parent. Nevertheless, the immediate focus has to be on consoling; you'll tend to your feelings later. In a calm voice, you might say, ""I see. You must really, really be hurting inside.""​4. Seek professional help right away.If your teenager's behavior has you concerned, don't wait to contact your pediatrician. Contact a local mental health provider who works with children to have your child or youth evaluated as soon as possible so that your son or daughter can start therapy or counseling if he or she is not in danger of self-harm.  However, call your local mental health crisis support team or go to your local emergency room if you think your child is actively suicidal and in danger of self-harm.5. Share your feelings.Let your teen know he or she is not alone and that everyone feels sad or depressed or anxious now and then, including moms and dads. Without minimizing his anguish, be reassuring that these bad times won't last forever. Things truly will get better and you will help get your child through counseling and other treatment to help make things better for him or her..6. Encourage your teen not isolate himself or herself from family and friends.It's usually better to be around other people than to be alone. But don't push if he says no.7. Recommend exercise.Physical activity as simple as walking or as vigorous as pumping iron can put the brakes on mild to moderate depression. There are several theories why: Working out causes a gland in the brain to release endorphins, a substance believed to improve mood and ease pain. Endorphins also lower the amount of cortisol in the circulation. Cortisol, a hormone, has been linked to depression.Exercise distracts people from their problems and makes them feel better about themselves. Experts recommend working out for thirty to forty minutes a day, two to five times per week. Any form of exercise will do; what matters most is that children and youth enjoy the activity and continue to do it on a regular basis.8. Urge your teen not to demand too much of himself or herself.Until therapy begins to take effect, this is probably not the time to assume responsibilities that could prove overwhelming. Suggest that he or she divide large tasks into smaller, more manageable ones whenever possible and participate in favorite, low-stress activities. The goal is to rebuild confidence and self-esteem.9. Remind your teen who is undergoing treatment not to expect immediate results.Talk therapy and/or medication usually take time to improve mood. Your child shouldn't become discouraged if he or she doesn't feel better right away.10. If you keep guns at home, store them safely or move all firearms elsewhere until the crisis has passed.Fact: Suicide by firearm among American youth topped a 12-year high in 2013, with most of the deaths involving a gun belonging to a family member, according to a report from the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence. Any of these deaths may have been prevented if a gun wasn't available. If you suspect your child might be suicidal, it is extremely important to keep all firearms, alcohol, and medications under lock and key.Additional Information: Mental Health and Teens: Watch for Danger SignsTeen Suicide StatisticsAdolescent Depression: What Parents Can Do To Help   Article Body Last Updated 2/3/2016 Source Committee on Psychosocial Aspects of Child and Family Health (Copyright © 2015 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
235,11,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Emotional Problems",235,"2018-04-19 03:22:15","Adolescent Depression: What Parents Can Do To Help","Adolescent Depression: What Parents Can Do To Help Page ContentWhat is adolescent depression?Depression may be present when your teenager has:A sad or irritable mood for most of the day. Your teen may say they feel sad or angry or may look more tearful or cranky.Not enjoying things that used to make your child happy.A marked change in weight or eating, either up or down.Sleeping too little at night or too much during the day.No longer wanting to be with family or friends.A lack of energy or feeling unable to do simple tasks.Feelings of worthlessness or guilt. Low self-esteem.Trouble focusing or making choices. School grades may drop.Not caring about what happens in the future.Aches and pains when nothing is really wrong.Frequent thoughts of death or suicide.Any of these signs can occur in children who are not depressed, but when seen together, nearly every day, they are red flags for depression.What should I do if I think my teen is depressed?Talk to your child about his/her feelings and the things happening at home and at school that may be bothering him/her.Tell your teen's doctor. Some medical problems can cause depression. Your doctor may recommend psychotherapy (counseling to help with emotions and behavior) or medicine for depression.Your child's doctor may now screen your teen for depression every year from ages 12 through 21, with suicide now a leading cause of death among adolescents. Treat any thoughts of suicide as an emergency. What can I do to help?Promote healthThe basics for good mental health include a healthy diet, enough sleep, exercise, and positive connections with other people at home and at school.  Limit screen time and encourage physical activity and fun activities with friends or family to help develop positive connections with others.One-on-one time with parents, praise for good behavior, encouragement for seeking care and pointing out strengths build the parent-child bond. Provide safety and securityTalk with your child about bullying. Being the victim of bullying is a major cause of mental health problems.Look for grief or loss issues. Seek help if problems with grief do not get better. If you as a parent are grieving a loss, get help and find additional support for your teen.Reduce stress as most teens have low stress tolerance. Accommodations in schoolwork is critical as well as lowered expectations at home regarding chores and school achievements.  Guns, knives, long ropes/cables and medicines (including those you buy without a prescription), and alcohol should be locked up.Educate othersYour teen is not making the symptoms up.What looks like laziness or crankiness can be symptoms of depression.Talk about any family history of depression to increase understanding.Help your teen learn thinking and coping skillsHelp your teen relax with physical and creative activities. Focus on the his/her strengths.Talk to and listen to your child with love and support. Encourage teens to share their feelings including thoughts of death or suicide. Reassure them that this is very common with depression.  Help your teen look at problems in a different more positive way.Break down problems or tasks into smaller steps so your teen can be successful.Make a safety planFollow the treatment plan. Make sure your teen attends therapy and takes any medicine as directed.Treatment works, but it may take a few weeks. The depressed teen may not recognize changes in mood right away and may become discouraged with initial side effects of treatments (such as antidepressants).Develop a list of people to call when feelings get worse.Watch for risk factors for suicide. These include talking about suicide in person or on the internet, giving away belongings, increased thoughts about death, and substance abuse.Locate telephone numbers for your teen's doctor and therapist, and the local mental health crisis response team. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 1 800-273-8255 or online at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.  ​Additional Information: Mental Health and Teens: Watch for Danger Signs Signs of Low Self-Esteem Sleep and Mental Health Healthy Children Radio: Children and Depression (Audio) Article Body Last Updated 2/26/2018 Source Adapted from Addressing Mental Health Concerns in Primary Care: A Clinician?s Toolkit (Copyright © 2010 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
236,11,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Emotional Problems",236,"2018-04-19 03:22:22","Antisocial Personality Disorder","Antisocial Personality Disorder Page Content Article Body Description: pervasive indifference toward other people’s rights and needs. Teenagers with true antisocial personality disorder usually have exhibited this pattern of behavior from before the age of fifteen, although the diagnosis cannot be officially made until age eighteen. Without professional help and a supportive family, they may grow up to become immature, irresponsible adults with an alarming lack of conscience. Signs of Antisocial Personality Disorder irritability and aggressiveness frequent fighting lying, cheating and other deceitful behavior impulsivity reckless disregard for personal safety or the safety of others lack of remorse for hurtful acts failure to apply oneself in school history of truancy, delinquency, vandalism, theft, unlawful acts Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source Caring for Your Teenager (Copyright © 2003 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
237,11,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Emotional Problems",237,"2018-04-19 03:22:27","Anxiety Disorders","Anxiety Disorders Page Content Article BodyFeeling anxious is as much a part of adolescence as first dates, final exams and acne, to name just three perennial sources of teenage anxiety. In a 1999 survey of eight thousand young people, conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan, two-thirds claimed they felt stressed out at least once a week; one-third reported being on edge at least once a day. Anxiety is a normal reaction to the stresses of life. A case of the jitters isn’t necessarily harmful; in fact, it can spur us to be at our best. Ordinarily, stressful situations prompt a flurry of brain and hormonal activities, in what is called the fight-or-flight response. Body systems mobilize to meet the challenge, and a person feels more alert, focused and energetic. An anxiety disorder, by contrast, can be incapacitating. It is an illness, one that frequently runs in families. The anxiety may be overwhelming—and at times terrifying—or it may be relatively mild but incessant, often with no apparent cause. A young person has nearly a one-in-seven chance of developing an anxiety disorder, which is the most common mental health condition among all age groups. Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source Caring for Your Teenager (Copyright © 2003 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
238,11,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Emotional Problems",238,"2018-04-19 03:22:33","Anxiety Disorders and ADHD","Anxiety Disorders and ADHD Page Content Article BodyAs with disruptive behavior disorders, there is a great deal of overlap between anxiety disorders and ADHD. About one fourth of children with ADHD also have an anxiety disorder. Likewise, about one fourth of children with anxiety disorders have ADHD. This includes all types of anxiety disorders—generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, separation anxiety, and phobia (including social anxiety). Younger children with overanxious disorder or separation anxiety are especially likely to also have ADHD. Anxiety disorders are often more difficult to recognize than disruptive behavior disorders because the former’s symptoms are internalized—that is, they often exist within the mind of the child rather than in such outward behavior as verbal outbursts or pushing others to be first in line. An anxious child may be experiencing guilt, fear, or even irritability and yet escape notice by a parent, teacher, or pediatrician. Only when her symptoms are expressed in actual behavior, such as weight loss, sleeplessness, or refusal to attend school, will she attract the attention she needs. It is important to ask your child’s pediatrician or psychologist to talk with your child directly if you suspect the presence of persistent anxiety in addition to her ADHD. What to Look For Identifying an anxiety disorder in your child can be difficult not only because her symptoms may be internal, but because certain signs of anxiety—particularly restlessness and poor concentration—may be misinterpreted as symptoms of ADHD. Children with an anxiety disorder, however, experience more than a general lack of focus or a restless response to boredom. Their anxiety and worry are clear-cut, often focusing on specific situations or thoughts. They may seem tense, irritable, tired, or stressed out. They may not sleep well, and may even experience brief panic attacks—involving pounding heart, difficulty breathing, nausea, shaking, and intense fears—that occur for no apparent reason.While their school performance may be equivalent to that of children with ADHD alone, they tend to experience a wider variety of social difficulties and have more problems at school than children with ADHD alone. At the same time, they may behave in less disruptive ways than children with ADHD alone because their anxiety inhibits spontaneous or impulsive behavior. Instead they may tend to seem inefficient or distracted—having a great deal of difficulty remembering facts or processing concepts or ideas. Your child can be an important source of information that may lead to a diagnosis of anxiety disorder, although some children are reluctant to admit to any symptoms even if they are quite significant. If the possibility of an anxiety disorder concerns you, be sure to discuss any fears or worries she has and listen carefully to her response. Report her comments to her pediatrician and/or psychologist, and encourage her to speak directly with these professionals. In the meantime, ask yourself Does she seem excessively worried or anxious about a number of situations or activities (such as peer relationships or school performance)? Are her fears largely irrational—that is, overly exaggerated or unrealistic—rather than realistic worries about punishment for negative behavior? Does she find it difficult to control her worrying? Does her anxiety lead to restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability,muscle tension, and/or sleep disturbance? Does her anxiety or its outward symptoms significantly impair her social, academic, or other functioning? Does her anxiety occur more days than not, and continue for a significant duration? Have her anxiety symptoms lasted for at least 6 months? Do her bouts of anxiety occur at least 3 to 5 times per week and last for at least an hour? Is her anxiety unrelated to another disorder, substance abuse, or other identifiable cause? A child who is distressed over a life event, who is abusing drugs, or whose family is in conflict may exhibit some of the symptoms of anxiety disorder. It is important to consider these other causes as the reason for anxiety instead of a formal anxiety disorder. As a young child, did she experience developmental delays or severe anxiety at being separated froma parent, express frequent or numerous fears, or experience unusual stress? Children with ADHD and a coexisting anxiety disorder are more likely to have experienced developmental delays in early childhood and more stressful life events such as parental divorce or separation. Have others in her family been diagnosed with anxiety disorders? Anxiety disorders tend to run in families. A careful review of your family’s medical history may provide insight into your child’s condition. These are some symptoms of anxiety disorders, and their presence may indicate a need to have your child evaluated by her pediatrician or mental health provider. The sooner your child is properly treated for anxiety, the sooner she can improve her functioning and balance in her daily life. Treatment Treatment for children with ADHD and an anxiety disorder relies on a combination of approaches geared to each child’s specific situation—including educating the child and her family about the condition, encouraging ongoing input from school personnel, initiating behavior therapy including cognitive behavioral techniques, as well as traditional psychotherapy, family therapy, and medication management. Behavior therapies are among the most proven and effective non-medication treatments for anxiety disorders. (The effectiveness of traditional psychotherapy has been less well studied.) Behavior therapies target changing the child’s behaviors caused by the anxiety rather than focusing on the child’s internal conflicts. Cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques help children restructure their thoughts into a more positive framework so that they can become more assertive and increase their level of positive functioning. For example, a child can learn to identify anxious feelings and thoughts, recognize how her body responds to anxiety, and devise a plan to cut down on these symptoms when they appear. Other behavioral techniques that can be used for treating anxiety include modeling appropriate behaviors, role-playing, relaxation techniques, and gradual desensitization to the specific experiences that make a given child anxious. Decisions about medication treatment of ADHD and a coexisting anxiety disorder depend largely on the relative strength of each condition. In the Multimodal Treatment Study of Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (MTA) study of large numbers of children with ADHD and various coexisting conditions, behavioral treatments were equally as effective as medication treatment for children with ADHD and parent-reported anxiety symptoms. It was not known, however, how many of these children had true anxiety disorders. In general, if your child’s ADHD symptoms impede her functioning more than the anxiety does, and a medication approach is recommended, her pediatrician may choose to begin treating her with stimulants first. As he adjusts her dosage for maximal effect, he will monitor her for side effects such as jitteriness or overfocusing—possible responses to stimulants among children with ADHD and an anxiety disorder. If your child’s ADHD symptoms improve with stimulant medication and her anxiety diminishes as well, her pediatrician may want to review her diagnosis to discern whether the anxiety stemmed from the ADHD-related behavior and was not a sign of an anxiety disorder. If the ADHD symptoms improve but your child’s anxiety remains, her pediatrician may decide to add another type of medication. These medications can include a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA). Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source ADHD: A Complete and Authoritative Guide (Copyright © 2004 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
239,11,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Emotional Problems",239,"2018-04-19 03:22:38","Binge-Eating Disorder (Compulsive Overeating)","Binge-Eating Disorder (Compulsive Overeating) Page Content Article BodyLike bulimics, binge eaters polish off enormous quantities of food in a short amount of time, then regret having done so. However, they do not purge themselves afterward, or fast, or exercise or attempt in any way to compensate for the thousands of calories they’ve just ingested. Roughly one in three obese adolescent girls who seek treatment for their weight are compulsive overeaters. Compared to other overly heavy teens, those diagnosed with binge-eating disorder are more concerned about their weight and figure. Yet they are more likely to fail at diets. Low-calorie meals leave them hungry, and they are prone to overeating when angry, sad, bored, anxious or depressed. Binge-eating disorder affects far more boys than either anorexia or bulimia; more than one-third of compulsive overeaters are men. Behavioral Signs Preoccupation with food Depression Feelings of failure Spends less time with family and friends; becomes more isolated, withdrawn, secretive Physical Signs Typically overweight or obese Following binges: indigestion, bloating, diarrhea, gas pains, abdominal cramps Often sleeps for many hours after binge-eating The compulsive overeater faces fewer immediate health consequences than do anorexics and bulimics, but unless he seeks treatment for his obesity, he may be setting himself up for a future of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, gallbladder disease and certain cancers. A diagnosis of possible binge-eating disorder is based on these seven criteria: Recurrent food-bingeing at least twice a week for six months or more. During binges, the teen feels unable to control her overeating. Eats despite not feeling hungry. Often eats until uncomfortably full. Tends to eat alone out of embarrassment over the amount of food in front of her. After bingeing, the teen feels guilty, depressed or upset with herself. The teen is distressed by her behavior, but unable to stop it. Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source Caring for Your Teenager (Copyright © 2003 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
240,11,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Emotional Problems",240,"2018-04-19 03:22:49","Bipolar Disorder in Children & Teens","Bipolar Disorder in Children & Teens Page ContentDoes your child go through intense mood changes? Does your child have extreme behavior changes? Does your child get much more excited and active than other kids his or her age? Do other people say your child is too excited or too moody? Do you notice he or she has highs and lows much more often than other children? Do these mood changes affect how your child acts at school or at home?Some children and teens with these symptoms may have bipolar disorder, a serious mental illness. This article will give you more information.What is bipolar disorder?Bipolar disorder is a serious brain illness. It is also called manic-depressive illness or manic depression. Children with bipolar disorder go through unusual mood changes. Sometimes they feel very happy or ""up,"" and are much more energetic and active than usual, or than other kids their age. This is called a manic episode. Sometimes children with bipolar disorder feel very sad and ""down,"" and are much less active than usual. This is called depression or a depressive episode.Bipolar disorder is not the same as the normal ups and downs every kid goes through. Bipolar symptoms are more powerful than that. The mood swings are more extreme and are accompanied by changes in sleep, energy level, and the ability to think clearly. Bipolar symptoms are so strong, they can make it hard for a child to do well in school or get along with friends and family members. The illness can also be dangerous. Some young people with bipolar disorder try to hurt themselves or attempt suicide.Children and teens with bipolar disorder should get treatment. With help, they can manage their symptoms and lead successful lives.Who develops bipolar disorder?Anyone can develop bipolar disorder, including children and teens. However, most people with bipolar disorder develop it in their late teen or early adult years. The illness usually lasts a lifetime.Why does someone develop bipolar disorder?Doctors do not know what causes bipolar disorder, but several things may contribute to the illness. Family genes may be one factor because bipolar disorder sometimes runs in families. However, it is important to know that just because someone in your family has bipolar disorder, it does not mean other members of the family will have it as well.Another factor that may lead to bipolar disorder is the brain structure or the brain function of the person with the disorder. Scientists are finding out more about the disorder by studying it. This research may help doctors do a better job of treating people. Also, this research may help doctors to predict whether a person will get bipolar disorder. One day, doctors may be able to prevent the illness in some people.What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder?Bipolar ""mood episodes"" include unusual mood changes along with unusual sleep habits, activity levels, thoughts, or behavior. In a child, these mood and activity changes must be very different from their usual behavior and from the behavior of other children. A person with bipolar disorder may have manic episodes, depressive episodes, or ""mixed"" episodes. A mixed episode has both manic and depressive symptoms. These mood episodes cause symptoms that last a week or two or sometimes longer. During an episode, the symptoms last every day for most of the day.Children and teens having a manic episode may:Feel very happy or act silly in a way that's unusual for them and for other people their ageHave a very short temperTalk really fast about a lot of different thingsHave trouble sleeping but not feel tiredHave trouble staying focusedTalk and think about sex more oftenDo risky thingsChildren and teens having a depressive episode may:Feel very sadComplain about pain a lot, such as stomachaches and headachesSleep too little or too muchFeel guilty and worthlessEat too little or too muchHave little energy and no interest in fun activitiesThink about death or suicideCan children and teens with bipolar disorder have other problems?Young people with bipolar disorder can have several problems at the same time. These include:Substance abuse. Both adults and kids with bipolar disorder are at risk of drinking or taking drugs.Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Children who have both bipolar disorder and ADHD may have trouble staying focused.Anxiety disorders, like separation anxiety.Sometimes behavior problems go along with mood episodes. Young people may take a lot of risks, such as driving too fast or spending too much money. Some young people with bipolar disorder think about suicide. Watch for any signs of suicidal thinking. Take these signs seriously and call your child's doctor.How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?An experienced doctor will carefully examine your child. There are no blood tests or brain scans that can diagnose bipolar disorder. Instead, the doctor will ask questions about your child's mood and sleeping patterns. The doctor will also ask about your child's energy and behavior. Sometimes doctors need to know about medical problems in your family, such as depression or alcoholism. The doctor may use tests to see if something other than bipolar disorder is causing your child's symptoms.How is bipolar disorder treated?Right now, there is no cure for bipolar disorder. Doctors often treat children who have the illness in much the same way they treat adults. Treatment can help control symptoms. Steady, dependable treatment works better than treatment that starts and stops. Treatment options include:Medication. There are several types of medication that can help. Children respond to medications in different ways, so the right type of medication depends on the child. Some children may need more than one type of medication because their symptoms are so complex. Sometimes they need to try different types of medicine to see which are best for them. Children should take the fewest number of medications and the smallest doses possible to help their symptoms. A good way to remember this is ""start low, go slow."" Medications can cause side effects. Always tell your child's doctor about any problems with side effects. Do not stop giving your child medication without a doctor's help. Stopping medication suddenly can be dangerous, and it can make bipolar symptoms worse.Therapy. Different kinds of psychotherapy, or ""talk"" therapy, can help children with bipolar disorder. Therapy can help children change their behavior and manage their routines. It can also help young people get along better with family and friends. Sometimes therapy includes family members.What can children and teens expect from treatment?With treatment, children and teens with bipolar disorder can get better over time. It helps when doctors, parents, and young people work together.Sometimes a child's bipolar disorder changes. When this happens, treatment needs to change too. For example, your child may need to try a different medication. The doctor may also recommend other treatment changes. Symptoms may come back after a while, and more adjustments may be needed. Treatment can take time, but sticking with it helps many children and teens have fewer bipolar symptoms.You can help treatment be more effective. Try keeping a chart of your child's moods, behaviors, and sleep patterns. This is called a ""daily life chart"" or ""mood chart."" It can help you and your child understand and track the illness. A chart can also help the doctor see whether treatment is working.How can I help my child or teen?Help begins with the right diagnosis and treatment. If you think your child may have bipolar disorder, make an appointment with your child's doctor to talk about the symptoms you notice.If your child has bipolar disorder, here are some basic things you can do:Be patient.Encourage your child to talk, and listen to your child carefully.Be understanding about mood e​pisodes.Help your child have fun.Help your child understand that treatment can make life better.How does bipolar disorder affect parents and family?Taking care of a child or teenager with bipolar disorder can be stressful for you, too. You have to cope with the mood swings and other problems, such as short tempers and risky activities. This can challenge any parent. Sometimes the stress can strain your relationships with other people, and you may miss work or lose free time.If you are taking care of a child with bipolar disorder, take care of yourself too. Find someone you can talk to about your feelings. Talk with the doctor about support groups for caregivers. If you keep your stress level down, you will do a better job. It might help your child get better too.Where do I go for help?If you're not sure where to get help, ask your child's doctor about mental health professionals near you. Hospital doctors can help in an emergency. Finally, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has an online tool to help you find mental health services in your area. Find it here.I know someone who is in crisis. What do I do?If you know someone who might be thinking about hurting himself or herself or someone else, get help quickly.Do not leave the person alone.Call your doctor.Call 911 or go to the emergency room.Call National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, toll-free: 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The TTY number is 1-800-799-4TTY (4889).Additional Information & Resources: Common Medications for Psychiatric DisordersInheriting Mental Disorders Childhood Depression: What Parents Can Do to HelpMental Health and Teens: Watch for Danger SignsCollaborative Role of the Pediatrician in the Diagnosis and Management of Bipolar Disorder in Adolescents (AAP Clinical Report) MentalHealth.gov​  Article Body Last Updated 5/12/2017 Source U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health-National Institute of Mental Health, NIH Publication No. QF 15-6380, Revised 2015"
241,11,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Emotional Problems",241,"2018-04-19 03:22:54","Disruptive Behavior Disorders","Disruptive Behavior Disorders Page Content Article BodyDisruptive behavior disorders are among the easiest to identify of all coexisting conditions because they involve behaviors that are readily seen such as temper tantrums, physical aggression such as attacking other children, excessive argumentativeness, stealing, and other forms of defiance or resistance to authority. These disorders, which include ODD and CD, often first attract notice when they interfere with school performance or family and peer relationships, and frequently intensify over time. Behaviors typical of disruptive behavior disorders can closely resemble ADHD—particularly where impulsivity and hyperactivity are involved—but ADHD, ODD, and CD are considered separate conditions that can occur independently. About one third of all children with ADHD have coexisting ODD, and up to one quarter have coexisting CD. Children with both conditions tend to have more difficult lives than those with ADHD alone because their defiant behavior leads to so many conflicts with adults and others with whom they interact. Early identification and treatment may, however, increase the chances that your child can learn to control these behaviors. Oppositional Defiant Disorder Many children with ADHD display oppositional behaviors at times. Oppositional defiant disorder is defined in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) as including persistent symptoms of “negativistic, defiant, disobedient, and hostile behaviors toward authority figures.” A child with ODD may argue frequently with adults; lose his temper easily; refuse to follow rules; blame others for his own mistakes; deliberately annoy others; and otherwise behave in angry, resentful, and vindictive ways. He is likely to encounter frequent social conflicts and disciplinary situations at school. In many cases, particularly without early diagnosis and treatment, these symptoms worsen over time—sometimes becoming severe enough to eventually lead to a diagnosis of conduct disorder. Conduct Disorder Conduct disorder is a more extreme condition than ODD. Defined in the DSM-IV as “a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior in which the basic rights of others or major age appropriate social rules are violated,” CD may involve serious aggression toward people or the hurting of animals, deliberate destruction of property (vandalism), stealing, running away from home, skipping school, or otherwise trying to break some of the major rules of society without getting caught. Many children with CD were or could have been diagnosed with ODD at an earlier age—particularly those who were physically aggressive when they were younger. As the CD symptoms become evident, these children usually retain their ODD symptoms (argumentativeness, resistance, etc) as well. This cluster of behaviors, combined with the impulsiveness and hyperactivity of ADHD, sometimes causes these children to be viewed as delinquents, and they are likely to be suspended from school and have more police contact than children with ADHD alone or ADHD with ODD. Children with ADHD whose CD symptoms started at an early age also tend to fare more poorly in adulthood than those with ADHD alone or ADHD with ODD—particularly in the areas of delinquency, illegal behavior, and substance abuse. ODD and CD: What to Look For A child with ADHD and a coexisting disruptive behavior disorder is likely to be similar to children with ADHD alone in terms of intelligence, medical history, and neurological development. He is probably no more impulsive than children with ADHD alone, although if he has conduct disorder, his teachers or other adults may misinterpret his aggressive behavior as ADHD-type impulsiveness. (Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder behavior without CD, however, does not typically involve this level of aggression.) A child with ADHD and CD does have a greater chance of experiencing learning disabilities such as reading disorders and verbal impairment. But what distinguishes children with ODD and CD most from children with ADHD alone is their defiant, resistant, even (in the case of CD) aggressive, cruel, or delinquent, behavior. Other indicators to look for include Relatives with ADHD/ODD, ADHD/CD, depressive disorder or anxiety disorder. A child with family members with ADHD/ODD or ADHD/CD should be watched for ADHD/CD as well. Chances of developing CD are also greater if family members have experienced depressive, anxiety, or learning disorders. Stress or conflict in the family. Divorce, separation, substance abuse, parental criminal activity, or serious conflicts within the family are quite common among children with ADHD and coexisting ODD or CD. Poor or no positive response to the behavior therapy techniques at home and at school. If your child defies your instructions, violates time-out procedures, and otherwise refuses to cooperate with your use of appropriate behavior therapy techniques, and his aggressive behavior continues unabated, he should be evaluated for coexisting ODD or CD. Treatment Children with ADHD and disruptive behavior disorders often benefit from special behavioral techniques that can be implemented at home and at school. These approaches typically include methods for training your child to become more aware of his own anger cues, use these cues as signals to initiate various coping strategies (“Take five deep breaths and think about the three best choices for how to respond before lashing out at a teacher.”), and provide himself with positive reinforcement (telling himself, “Good job, you caught the signal and used your strategies!”) for successful self-control. You and your child’s teachers, meanwhile, can learn to better manage ODD or CD-type behavior through negotiating, compromising, problem-solving with your child, anticipating and avoiding potentially explosive situations, and prioritizing goals so that less important problems are ignored until more pressing issues have been successfully addressed. These highly specific techniques can be taught by professional behavior therapists or other mental health professionals recommended by your child’s pediatrician or school psychologist, or other professionals involved with your family. If your child has a diagnosis of coexisting ODD or CD, and well-planned classroom behavioral techniques in his mainstream classroom have been ineffective, this may lead to a decision to place him in a special classroom at school that is set up for more intensive behavior management. However, schools are mandated to educate your child in a mainstream classroom if possible, and to regularly review your child’s education plan and reassess the appropriateness of his placement. There is growing evidence that the same stimulant medications that improve the core ADHD symptoms may also help coexisting ODD and CD. Stimulants have been shown to help decrease verbal and physical aggression, negative peer interactions, stealing, and vandalism. Although stimulant medications do not teach children new skills, such as helping them identify and respond appropriately to others’ social signals, they may decrease the aggression that stands in the way of forming relationships with others their age. For this reason, stimulants are usually the first choice in a medication treatment approach for children with ADHD and a coexisting disruptive behavior disorder. The earlier stimulants are introduced to treat coexisting ODD or CD, the better. A child with a disruptive behavior disorder whose aggressive behavior continues untreated may start to identify with others who experience discipline problems. By adolescence, he may resist treatment that could help him change his behavior and make him less popular among these friends. He will have grown accustomed to his defiant “self” and feel uncomfortable and “unreal” when stimulants help check his reckless, authority-flaunting style. By treating these behaviors in elementary school or even earlier, you may have a better chance of preventing your child from creating a negative self-identity. If your child has been treated with 2 or more types of stimulants and his aggressive symptoms are the same or worse, his pediatrician may choose to reevaluate the situation and replace the stimulant with other medications. If stimulant medication alone led to some but not enough improvement, his pediatrician may continue to prescribe stimulants in combination with one of these other agents. Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source ADHD: A Complete and Authoritative Guide (Copyright © 2004 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
242,11,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Emotional Problems",242,"2018-04-19 03:23:06","Eating Disorders in Men & Boys","Eating Disorders in Men & Boys Page Content Article Body​Males get eating disorders as well, with increasing prevalence now than in years past. They are actually more likely than females to get binge-eating disorder, and, by the latest estimates, they account for about 15% of cases of anorexia nervosa. What to Look For: It is important to keep a heightened sense of suspicion for these illnesses when adolescent males present with weight loss, vomiting, or other related concerns. Otherwise, these illnesses can go undetected and unchecked longer in males because they are not recognized as quickly and referred for good care.Cultural Stigma: It is also very important to reassure males that eating disorders are not “female” illnesses and to reinforce that there is no shame in acknowledging that they struggle with eating issues.Additional Information: Is Your Teen at Risk for Developing an Eating Disorder? Identification and Management of Eating Disorders in Children and Adolescents (AAP Clinical Report) Author Edited by Kenneth R. Ginsburg, MD, MS Ed, FAAP, FSAHM and Sara B. Kinsman, MD, PhD Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source Reaching Teens: Strength-based Communication Strategies to Build Resilience and Support Healthy Adolescent Development (Copyright © 2014 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
243,11,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Emotional Problems",243,"2018-04-19 03:23:12","Eating Disorders: Anorexia","Eating Disorders: Anorexia Page Content Article BodyAnorexia nervosa affects 0.5% to 1% of women in the United States during their lifetime. Apart from drastic weight loss, the effects of anorexia include failure to menstruate, a slowdown of the body’s metabolism, and other physical and psychological changes described in starvation victims. Body temperature drops and skin is cool to the touch. Hands and feet look purple from changes in circulation. The face and body may have an orange tinge from changes in the way the liver handles vitamin A and related compounds found in yellow and orange foods. Despite a woefully inadequate intake of calories, those with anorexia are often remarkably animated and energetic. They may exercise for hours on end to burn off the calories from something they’ve eaten. Many have trouble sleeping. Most are severely constipated because the body’s metabolism slows down and the intake of food, fluid, and fiber is not enough to keep the bowel moving. Some people with anorexia drink large amounts of water or find ways to add weight with hidden metal objects under clothing before medical examinations to try to hide weight loss. Without treatment, a person with anorexia develops severe nutritional deficiencies. In extreme cases (up to 5 out of every 100) the final result is death due to abnormal heart rhythm causing a massive heart attack or other effects of starvation. Concerned Parents If you suspect that your child is starving herself, or if someone brings it to your attention, quickly seek professional help. You might be wrong or overly worried, but you might be right, and early identification and treatment improve outcomes. Anorexia is a life-threatening condition, and one of its signs is the inability to acknowledge the problem and its seriousness. Anorexia hinders a person’s ability to make rational decisions concerning her own health. One of the most promising approaches to treatment is a method that puts parents in charge of refeeding their child, with education, therapy, and support provided by a specially trained team. Inpatient therapy may be required for more severe cases. However, outpatient behavioral management that focuses on nutritional rehabilitation and normalizing eating behavior with the help of a multidisciplinary team is generally regarded as the best approach after the patient is medically and nutritionally stable. Other psychiatric problems may be identified and should be evaluated and treated by an experienced mental health professional. Phases to Recovery A person under treatment for anorexia nervosa often passes through 3 phases. First, the eating disorder itself is the focus of attention. Second, an improvement in dietary intake is offset by a shift in attitude; the anorexic becomes hostile and sullen. Finally, the anorexic begins to eat more normally and is more pleasant and cooperative. A successful transition from the second to third phase indicates the best chance of long-term recovery; in other words, eating normally and maintaining an appropriate weight. At this stage there is restoration of physical and psychological health. About one third of anorexics have long term problems coping with food and accepting a normal weight. The younger the child is when anorexia develops, the poorer the chances of recovery. Early intervention has a better prognosis. The disease and treatment are relatively long lasting and long term, but most individuals will get better. Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source Nutrition: What Every Parent Needs to Know (Copyright © American Academy of Pediatrics 2011)"
244,11,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Emotional Problems",244,"2018-04-19 03:23:15","Eating Disorders: Bulimia","Eating Disorders: Bulimia Page Content Article BodyIn a survey of approximately three thousand five hundred girls, one in five ninth graders and two in five high-school seniors admitted to stuffing themselves with food and then forcing themselves to vomit at least once. Up to one in four U.S. teenagers binge and purge regularly. If the practice continues for three months, the young person is said to be bulimic. Half of all anorexics have episodes of bulimia at one time or another. Like the girl who starves herself, the bulimic is dissatisfied with her body and obsessed with slimming down. She starts to diet and may also go on an exercise campaign, but eventually surrenders to her cravings for food. Stress or strong emotions can set off a binge, in which a bulimic will devour whatever food she can lay her hands on, often starchy junk foods. It is not unheard of for girls with this eating disorder to put away three thousand to seven thousand calories in a couple of hours, stopping only after they’re too full to take another bite. In a cruel irony, bulimics barely derive any pleasure from eating; as if possessed, they chew and swallow almost mechanically. Afterward, feeling guilty and ashamed, the teenager attempts to rid her body of the food before it is digested. Inducing vomiting by sticking her fingers down the throat is one method. Girls have also been known to take excessive doses of laxatives, diuretics or emetics, drugs that promote bowel movements, urination or vomiting, respectively. Bulimics plan their secret binges in advance—usually for times when nobody else will be home. Behavioral Signs Preoccupation with food and weight Distorted body image Long periods of time spent in the bathroom—sometimes with the faucet running, to mask the sound of vomiting Depression Anxious about eating, especially dining out in public Abuse of laxatives, enemas, emetics, diuretics Spends less time with family and friends; becomes more isolated, withdrawn, secretive  Stealing food and hoarding it in unusual places, such as in the closet or under the bed  Excitability, difficulty sitting still, easily distracted   Physical Signs Dramatic fluctuations in weight, from alternately dieting and bingeing Puffy face and throat from swollen salivary glands Burst blood vessels in the face Bags under the eyes Indigestion, bloating, constipation, gas pains, abdominal cramps Dehydration Eroded tooth enamel from the gastric acid in vomit; discolored teeth Cavities Inflamed, bleeding gums (gingivitis) Calluses on fingers and knuckles, from self-induced vomiting Swelling (edema) of the feet or hands Sore throat Tremors Dizziness, light-headedness, fainting spells Stiff, achy muscles Muscle weakness Muscle cramps Irregular menstruation Extreme thirst, frequent urination A constant sensation of coldness, especially in the hands and feet, because the body has lost its “overcoat” of fat and muscle (if underweight)  Hair loss Blurred vision Because a bulimic’s weight generally hovers around average or aboveaverage, she can often hide her condition for years. Despite her outwardly healthy appearance, bingeing and purging exacts a heavy toll on vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, intestines and heart. Potassium deficiency can bring about an irregular heart rhythm and possibly cardiac arrest. As in anorexia, the other major cause of death is suicide. A diagnosis of bulimia is based on these four criteria: Recurrent episodes of binge eating. Regularly purging in order to control weight, through self-induced vomiting; abuse of laxatives, diuretics, enemas, ipecac or other medications; fasting; or exercising obsessively. Bingeing and purging at least twice a week for three months. Excessive concern over weight and figure. Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source Caring for Your Teenager (Copyright © 2003 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
245,11,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Emotional Problems",245,"2018-04-19 03:23:21","Emotional Eating","Emotional Eating Page Content Article BodyChildren (as well as adults) use food for reasons other than to satisfy their hunger and nutritional needs. In fact, obese youngsters often eat in response to their emotions and feelings. Consider whether your own parents used food for comfort in your household. This is a common phenomenon, beginning at birth. A baby’s crying or irritability is typically met with breast milk or infant formula, and feeding becomes a way of calming and quieting him. At birthdays and holidays, when children are surrounded by family and are feeling loved, they’re often given cookies or other desserts that become a symbol of this love and caring. These days, whenever your own child is feeling anxious, perhaps related to an upcoming math test or because he’s being teased at school, he may turn back to food as one way of making him feel better. At the same time, however, there are many other reasons beyond comfort that may prompt children to eat. Does your youngster sometimes reach for food when he’s experiencing any of the following? Boredom Insecurity Anger Depression Loneliness Happiness Stress Fatigue Frustration Resentment Even though food can become a welcome companion for your child, the outcome may not be quite what he expected. Ironically, if he overeats as a way to soften feelings of insecurity or depression, for instance, or perhaps because of stress over an oral report he needs to give at school, he may feel even worse after a food binge, knowing that it can aggravate his weight problem. Before the food is even digested, he might be feeling guilt or shame. In fact, one of your biggest parenting challenges is for you and your child to determine whether he’s eating for the right reasons. Ask yourself questions like, does he eat at times other than regular mealtimes and snacks? Is he munching at every opportunity? What factors might be contributing to his overeating that call for you to intervene? Avoid rewarding children with food Some parents inadvertently contribute to their children’s obesity by rewarding their youngsters with food (does an A on a test sometimes lead to a trip to the ice cream shop?). There are other, healthier ways to offer praise and rewards. For a young child, how about giving him a few stickers as a reward, or perhaps schedule a shopping trip to buy a toy or new pair of shoes? Don’t overlook the importance of verbal praise. When your child is doing things right, tell him. Notice how words of approval can boost his self-esteem and help keep him motivated to continue making the right decisions for his health and weight. Even when he’s having difficulties staying on course with his diet, look for other ways to offer praise (“You walked more than half a mile today, that’s so great!”).When he backslides, don’t nag him or make him feel like he has failed. Encourage him to keep moving forward, and even if he complains from time to time (“I want a soft drink, not ice water”), encourage him to stay the course. Offer him all the support he needs and deserves. Watch your words It’s important for parents to listen to how they’re speaking to their children. Is it mostly negative? Is it often critical? It’s hard for anyone, including children, to make changes in that kind of environment. Some parents actually try to embarrass their overweight children into making changes (“Billy, you’re getting fatter again!”), figuring that if he sees himself as unsightly, he’ll be motivated to lose weight. Don’t count on that strategy working. Even if your child is able to make changes under these circumstances, those improvements are not likely to last without some parental praise and positive reinforcement along the way. Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source A Parent's Guide to Childhood Obesity: A Road Map to Health (Copyright © 2006 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
246,11,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Emotional Problems",246,"2018-04-19 03:23:25","Fecal Soiling","Fecal Soiling Page Content Article BodyFecal soiling, referred to medically as encopresis in children over four years of age, affects about 1.5 percent of young school children, with boys outnumbering girls by a ratio of six to one. While much rarer than accidental urination or minor leaks, it can be more upsetting to both parent and child. Not only is the odor more noticeable and disturbing, but children as young as two are expected in our culture to “know better” than to soil their pants. In most cases, however, fecal soiling is not voluntary, but occurs when emotional stress, resistance to toilet training, or physical pain during bowel movements causes a child to resist having bowel movements. This resistance, or stool retention, leads to constipation, which in turn leads to involuntary leakage or soiling when the pressure becomes too great. If this continues to happen, the muscles involved in stool ejection may begin to stretch, and nerve sensations in the area diminish, making it more difficult for the child to feel the need to defecate. The intestines may lose their ability to contract, making bowel movements even more of a challenge and fecal soiling more likely. In most cases, the best way to approach the problem of fecal soiling due to constipation is to address the underlying issue that is causing your child to resist having a bowel movement. He may stop retaining stool if you ease the pressure to use the potty, for example, or if you stay with him while he defecates—and as his bowel movements become more regular, his fecal soiling may disappear. If the problem continues beyond one or two accidents, however, be sure to make an appointment with your child’s pediatrician. He will review your child’s medical history to determine whether a physical condition rather than stool retention may be causing the soiling. Congenital megacolon or Hirschsprung’s disease (a congenital condition that prevents a child from feeling the sensation of having a full bowel), ulcerative colitis, allergies, or even a diet containing too many dairy products or high-fat foods can sometimes lead to accidental soiling. If these physical causes have also been eliminated, emotional or psychological causes should be considered. Fecal soiling can occur when a child is anxious or emotionally distraught over some aspect of his life over which he has little control, such as family conflicts, academic difficulties, or problems with social relationships. Physical and sexual abuse may also need to be considered if soiling continues. Of course, it is quite possible for any young child to have even this kind of accident once or twice. No matter what the cause, your child needs to know—and needs to know that you know—that what has happened is not his fault. As with bedwetting, the situation is best corrected by quickly cleaning up, avoiding shame and embarrassment as much as possible, and providing him with the information he needs to better control his bowel movements and keep his clothes clean. Once your child’s feelings are protected, you can take action to identify the underlying cause, with the understanding that a remedy may take some time. Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source Guide to Toilet Training (Copyright © 2003 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
247,11,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Emotional Problems",247,"2018-04-19 03:23:32","Healthy Children Radio: Children and Depression","Healthy Children Radio: Children and Depression Page Content Article Body​Would you be able to recognize signs your child may be depressed? Thomas K. McInerny, MD, FAAP, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, comes on the Healthy Children radio show to talk about the signs of depression, treatment options and the health impact of untreated depression. Segment 1: Recognizing Signs of Childhood and Teen Depression Segment 2: Childhood Depression: What Parents Can Do to Help Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source American Academy of Pediatrics (Copyright © 2013)"
248,11,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Emotional Problems",248,"2018-04-19 03:23:35","Healthy Children Radio: Disordered Eating","Healthy Children Radio: Disordered Eating Page Content Article BodyConcerns about being overweight begin as early as preschool age, and the drive for thinness intensifies with age. The results can have both physical and psychological repercussions, including potentially serious disordered eating. Because teens with eating disorders rarely seek help on their own, it is important that parents act on their concerns.Pediatrician Yolanda Reid Chassiakos, MD, FAAP, joins the Healthy Children show on RadioMD to offer guidance for prevention and treatment of disordered eating in children.Segment 1: Disordered Eating: Do You Think Your Children Are Immune?  Additional Information:Is Your Preschooler Overweight?Eating Disorders in ChildrenIs Your Teen at Risk for Developing an Eating Disorder?​  Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source American Academy of Pediatrics (Copyright © 2014)"
249,11,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Emotional Problems",249,"2018-04-19 03:23:40","Help Stop Teen Suicide","Help Stop Teen Suicide Page Content Article BodyWhat are the warning signs of depression or suicide? The following may be signs of a mental health problem, such as a mood disorder, or they may relate directly to suicidal thoughts or behavior. Changes in activities, such as: A drop in grades or school performance Neglect of personal appearance Neglect of responsibilities Changes in emotions, such as: Appearing or talking about feeling sad, hopeless, bored, or overwhelmed Having outbursts, severe anger, or irritability Appearing or talking about feeling more anxious or worried Changes in behavior, such as: Getting in trouble, being rebellious, aggressive, or impulsive Running away or threatening to run away Withdrawing from friends or family or having a change in friends Eating or sleeping less or more Losing interest in activities Using of drugs or alcohol Hurting oneself, such as cutting or severe dieting Talking or writing of suicide or death Any suicidal behavior, even if it could not have been lethal, such as taking a small amount of pills. Myths and facts Myth: Teens who kill themselves are obviously depressed. Fact: It's not always obvious. Parents are sometimes ""the last to know"" their teens are so depressed and desperate. Teens are often very good at hiding their problems. While depressed adults sometimes seem deeply sad and hopeless for quite a while, depressed teens may seem ""not unhappy"" some of the time as they swing in and out of depression. Some teens don't ever seem extremely depressed, but they never are ""not unhappy""—these teens are also at increased risk of suicide. Myth: People who talk about suicide do not do it. Fact: Teens who talk about suicide or wanting to ""run away,"" ""get away,"" ""disappear,"" ""end it,"" or ""die"" are much more likely to kill themselves than those who do not. Talk of suicide or death should be responded to right away. Asking about suicide thoughts will not cause a suicide. Myth: Low lethality suicide attempts may be dismissed as ""a cry for help"" or ""if he really wanted to kill himself, he would have done something more lethal."" Fact: A low lethality attempt, such as taking a small number of pills or making scratches on the wrist, may be followed by more lethal behavior at a later time. In addition, the low lethality attempt may indicate deep emotional problems not obvious otherwise. Suicide attempts, even those that could not have caused death, should be taken very seriously with prompt safeguarding and intervention. Myth: ""She's just doing it to get attention."" Fact: This is true at times, but the behavior can still be lethal. A teen not intending to die may still take too many pills or miscalculate when someone will rescue her. What you can do Get help right away. Bring your teen to a hospital emergency department if you are worried he may hurt himself or others. Listen to your teen. This is harder than it sounds. Try not to offer suggestions on how to ""fix"" her problems. Ask your teen what is bothering her and whether she has been feeling sad or down. Ask whether she has ever thought of suicide or not wanting to live anymore. Use words other than suicide, such as ""hurt yourself,"" ""end it all,"" ""escape,"" ""get away forever,"" or ""go to sleep and never wake up."" Express understanding and support. While it's often easier to point out faults than to give praise, avoid being overly critical. Try to be understanding if your teen is ""in trouble"" or feels very negative about himself. Let him know that however he feels at the moment, you have an overall positive view of who he is and his future. Talk with your teen's doctor about treatment, including an evaluation by a child and adolescent psychiatrist or other mental health professional. Remove firearms from the home. Studies show that even when firearms in the home are locked up, teens are more likely to kill themselves than those in homes without firearms. A home is safest without firearms. If you must have a gun, make sure the gun is stored unloaded and locked in a safe or with a trigger lock, and bullets are locked in another place. Remember Family support and professional treatment can help teens who are at risk of suicide deal with their difficulties and feel better. Current treatments for mood disorders and other mental health problems, such as individual and family counseling, medications, and other therapies, along with long-term follow-up, can be very helpful. Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source Teen Suicide, Mood Disorder, and Depression (Copyright © 2007 American Academy of Pediatrics, Updated 7/2011)"
250,11,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Emotional Problems",250,"2018-04-19 03:23:47","How Emotional and Behavioral Disorders are Treated","How Emotional and Behavioral Disorders are Treated Page Content Article Body​Parental cooperation is crucial to the success of treatment. You’ll want to communicate regularly with the therapist to keep abreast of what progress is being made. If you and your youngster are just starting down this road, take heart in the fact that the prognosis is usually bright. As many as 60 to 80 percent of patients with severe disorders such as schizophrenia, major depression and bipolar disorder demonstrate a positive response to treatment.Talk TherapyThe most widely practiced one-to-one talk therapies for children are cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy. Both are results-oriented, short-term interventions, consisting of anywhere from ten to thirty-five weekly sessions. Many times the two approaches are merged into cognitive-behavioral therapy.Briefly, cognitive therapy seeks to free patients from the negative thought patterns that often weigh them down when they’re feeling low, like the tendency to overgeneralize (“I can’t do anything right!”), catastrophize (“My new perm looks gross! I can’t let anybody see me until it grows out!”) or to view each unhappy experience as further proof of a preordained conspiracy to thwart their enjoyment of life (“Nothing good ever happens to me!”). It’s not as simple as exhorting youngsters to “think positive!” In fact, studies show that the power of positive thinking is a rather feeble weapon against depression. Cognitive therapy teaches patients not to dwell in negativity and to exercise mind control over how they perceive situations.The goal of behavioral therapy is to “unlearn” self-defeating attitudes and behavior. With young children, behavior modification often incorporates a reward system, like gold stars in school. With teenagers and adults, desirable behaviors are reinforced through the general improvement in the patient’s mental outlook.Cognitive-behavioral therapy may include social-skills training, because youngsters who are anxious or despondent frequently feel awkward in social situations. They’re probably not nearly as inept as they believe themselves to be, but their self-consciousness gets in the way of making eye contact, initiating conversation and so on. Socialization training allows them to practice being more self-assertive, approachable and communicative.Individual therapy is usually complemented by family counseling and possibly group therapy. Dr. Pratt, director of behavioral and developmental pediatrics at Michigan State University’s Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies, highly recommends a combination of all three.“The whole family should always be treated along with the child,” she asserts. “The child in therapy obviously is unable to handle what is going on in his or her environment, and that environment includes home and school.” In family therapy, the counselor guides the members in airing their feelings and helps them work toward resolving household conflicts.Group therapy, attended by five to ten children and led by a trained counselor, provides opportunities to learn with and from one another. Youngsters realize that they are not alone. What’s more, sometimes examining other people’s behavioral patterns can shed light on our own problems. The group doubles as a socialization group, helping kids to refine their social skills.Making Therapy WorkIf you find that you have conflicted feelings about your child’s starting therapy, you’re not alone. But why do mothers and fathers sometimes regard a youngster’s need for counseling as a mark against their competence as parents? You wouldn’t fault yourself for not being able to fix a broken bone! Confronting a serious problem also requires professional help and you should take pride in having the courage to deal with it. Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source Adapted from Caring for Your Teenager (Copyright © 2003 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
251,11,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Emotional Problems",251,"2018-04-19 03:23:50","Inheriting Mental Disorders","Inheriting Mental Disorders Page Content Article Body​ If you have a mental disorder and are considering having children or already have children, one of the questions you are probably asking yourself is whether you could pass your mental disorder on to your child.Incidence According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 25% of US adults (ages 18 and older) and about 13% of US children (ages 8 to 15) are diagnosed with a mental disorder each year. Examples of mental disorders include: Depression – Affects 10% of the population. Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – Affects 5%-11% of the population. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) – Affects 1 in 68 children.Substance use disorders (addiction) – Affects 10% of the population. Schizophrenia – Affects 1% of the population. Bipolar Disorder – Affects 2%-3% of the population. Diagnosing Mental Disorders Doctors diagnose mental disorders based on the signs and symptoms of the individual patient. Doctors use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to assist in diagnosing mental disorders. There are no genetic tests to confirm a diagnosis of mental disorder. Because experiences and environment play an important role in the development of a mental disorder, no genetic test will ever be able to tell with absolute certainty who will and who will not develop a mental disorder. What does it mean if a mental disorder seems to run in my family? The chance of an individual having a specific mental disorder is higher if other family members have that same mental disorder. Even though a mental disorder may run in a family, there may be considerable differences in the severity of symptoms among family members. This means that one person in the family may have a mild case, while someone else has a more se​vere case of the mental disorder. Mental disorders, however, do not follow typical patterns of inheritance. Causes of Mental DisordersMost mental disorders are caused by a combination of multiple genetic and environmental factors. This is called multifactorial inheritance. Many other common medical problems such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and asthma also undergo multifactorial inheritance. Environmental factorsEnvironmental factors contributing to the development of mental disorders include: Trauma: Sexual, physical, and emotional abuse during childhood all lead to an increase in the likelihood of developing a mental disorder. Highly stressful home environments, loss of a loved one, and natural disasters are also major contributors. Emotional harm: Negative school experiences and bullying can also result in severe long-term emotional damage. The realization of these issues has led to anti-bullying campaigns nationwide, and the implementation of these campaigns has placed a larger importance on the overall mental health of school-aged children and teens. Substance Abuse: Exposure tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs either prenatally or in childhood has been associated with the development of mental disorders beyond just substance use disorders or addiction. Environmental factors alone do not cause mental disorders. Genetic factors also play a part in developing a mental disorder. Genetic factors Genetic factors contributing to the development of mental disorders include: Epigenetic regulation: Epigenetics affect how a person reacts to environmental factors and may affect whether that person develops a mental disorder as a result. Epigenetics is not constant over time. This means a gene is not always ""on"" or ""off."" There must be the right combination of environmental factors and epigenetic regulation for a mental disorder to develop. Genetic polymorphisms: These changes in our DNA make us unique as individuals. A polymorphism alone will not lead to the development of a mental disorder. However, the combination of one or more specific polymorphisms and certain environmental factors may lead to the development of a mental disorder.  Single gene changes: Rare.Remember… Mental disorders are the result of both genetic and environmental factors. There is no single genetic switch that when flipped causes a mental disorder. Consequently, it is difficult for doctors to determine a person's risk of inheriting a mental disorder or passing on the disorder to their children. The causes of mental disorders are complex, requiring many interacting genes and environmental factors.Additional Information: Mental Health and Teens: Watch for Danger Signs Your Family Health History & Genetics Is Your Child Vulnerable to Substance Abuse? Genetics Home Reference (US National Library of Medicine) - Provides consumer-friendly summaries of genetic conditions.  The Genetic Science Learning Center (University of Utah) - Offers interactive tools about disorders that run in families. Frequently Asked Questions About Genetic Disorders (The National Human Genome Research Institute) ​​ Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source Section on Genetics and Birth Defects (Copyright © 2014 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
252,11,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Emotional Problems",252,"2018-04-19 03:23:57","Is Your Teen at Risk for Developing an Eating Disorder?","Is Your Teen at Risk for Developing an Eating Disorder? Page Content Article BodyIn the United States, as many as 10 million females and 1 million males are fighting a life-and-death battle with an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia. Millions more are struggling with binge-eating disorder. The true number is difficult to know because many people manage to hide their eating problems even from those closest to them. Once thought to be restricted to middle- and upper-income families, eating disorders are increasingly found at every social and economic level. Eating disorders most commonly start in girls between ages 14 and 17 years but are also seen in adolescent boys and younger children. Overall, girls with eating disorders outnumber boys by about 10 to 1. The roots of the problem appear to be complex. Outside influences are one contributor to eating disorders; for example, magazines, movies, and television promote thinness. Most young people can deal with the message, but those who develop an eating disorder are more susceptible and cannot keep the media images in perspective. Young people are rarely aware of the extent to which images are altered to make models or actresses appear perfect, and they aspire to what they perceive as perfect beauty. However, there are invariably more complex and deep-seated psychological issues and genetic vulnerabilities that influence who is susceptible, including low self-esteem. No age group is immune. Eating disorders in children younger than 14 years are described as childhood onset. Some women secretly persist in eating disorders from their teens into their 20s, 30s, and beyond. Others develop abnormal eating and exercise behaviors in response to stress long after adolescence is over. This type of eating and overconcern with body shape and image is an occupational hazard for those whose jobs or activities rely on appearance, such as fashion models, dancers and other performers, and competitive athletes like gymnasts. Types of Eating Disorders The principal eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, or self-starvation, and bulimia nervosa, or binge eating followed by purging through induced vomiting or laxative abuse to prevent weight gain. Another less “formal” but common eating disorder is bulimorexia—starvation alternating with gorging and induced purging. Whatever the specific behavior and diagnosis, those with eating disorders share a preoccupation with their food, weight, and shape; have a severely erratic or inadequate food intake; and can’t regulate their eating and related emotions. They often have other symptoms of anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive thoughts and symptoms. Some develop substance use problems over time. Girls who start menstruating earlier than their peers tend to have more problems with body image and a somewhat higher risk of eating disorders. Children from families with eating disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorders are also more vulnerable. Eating Disorder Risk Factors* Family history of eating disorder or obesity Affective illness or alcoholism in first-degree relatives Ballet, gymnastics, modeling, “visual sports” Personality traits (eg, perfectionism) Parental eating behavior and weight Physical or sexual abuse Low self-esteem Body-image dissatisfaction History of excessive dieting, frequently skipped meals, compulsive exercise *Source: Rome ES, Ammerman S, Rosen DS, et al. Children and adolescents with eating disorders: the state of the art. Pediatrics. 2003;111:e98–e108 Risks for Adolescent Athletes High school and college athletes are particularly susceptible to eating disorders. For example, some coaches encourage wrestlers to develop strength by training above their weight limits but competing at a lower weight, just under the limit. Wrestlers may be pressured to lose several pounds in the few days before a competition. Adolescent athletes are often urged to follow drastic and unbalanced weight-loss regimens (eg, eating only bananas or oranges for days). In the past, several college wrestlers died when trying to make a weight class by going without food and water and working out while wearing special clothing to promote sweating. These practices are unsafe. The American College of Sports Medicine and some states have released guidelines for weight control and monitoring high school and collegiate wrestlers (www.acsm.org). Coaches should be responsible for encouraging healthful eating and exercise. Parents who suspect that their children are subjected to dangerous or abusive practices should stop their children’s involvement and bring their concerns to the attention of school or college authorities. Common Forerunners for Eating Disorders Be on the lookout for diet fads, especially with adolescent girls. Some, such as high-protein, very low-carbohydrate regimens, require medical supervision when used in adolescents. They’ve been around for decades and resurface periodically under new names. The more extreme diet routines are never intended for long-term adoption. Prescription and nonprescription over-the-counter and over-the-Internet preparations and supplements are poorly regulated and have contributed to serious and deadly problems. Ephedra-containing over-the-counter diet aids illustrate the hazards of these products. In 2004, after compounds containing ephedra or the related compound ephedrine were found to be associated with a number of deaths, they were banned by the Food and Drug Administration. Fenphen combination prescription diet pills led to fatal heart complications in some users in the 1990s. Ipecac abuse by people with eating disorders caused permanent damage to hearts. Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source Nutrition: What Every Parent Needs to Know (Copyright © American Academy of Pediatrics 2011)"
253,11,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Emotional Problems",253,"2018-04-19 03:24:00","Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders in Children","Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders in Children Page Content Article BodyA small number of children are preoccupied with repetitive thoughts, or actions that, to the outsider, seem foolish and illogical. These recurring ideas (obsessions) and repeated actions (com­pulsions) are uncontrollable, and can upset their lives and ultimately disrupt the nor­mal functioning of their families. In about one-third to one-half of all affected individ­uals, obsessive-compulsive disorder be­gins in childhood and adolescence. Children with obsessive-compulsive be­havior may excessively wash their hands or brush their teeth. They may be driven to check things repeatedly, making sure they have packed their homework assignments or their lunch in the morning. They may repeat certain rituals, perhaps entering and exiting a room a particular number of times. They may arrange and rearrange a table setting meticulously, or become concerned with germs, dirt, crime, violence, disease, or death in an overly dramatic manner. One doctor treated an obsessive-compul­sive child who was preoccupied with thoughts of a devastating tornado. From the age of six, this youngster would check radar weather maps on television and con­tinuously ask his mother about whether she had heard of any tornado warnings. An eight-year-old boy's obsessive-com­pulsive behavior began with frequent hand-washing and soon escalated to constant anxiety about fires and accidents. He would spend six to eight hours a day mon­itoring the electrical outlets and the light switches in his house, as well as scrubbing his hands and indulging in other compul­sive behavior. Even at their young ages, these children often recognize that their behavior is bizarre. However, if they attempt to control it, they are usually overcome with anxiety and revert to their peculiar rituals for re­lief. Knowing that their behavior is not nor­mal, they often try to hide it from family and friends. Many children have these unusual behaviors for many months before they are discovered. Why do these youngsters go through such rituals? Most children say they simply do not know. Researchers investigating the causes of obsessive-compulsive disorder describe it as a neurobiological distur­bance that seems to run in families. Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source Caring for Your School-Age Child: Ages 5 to 12 (Copyright © 2004 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
254,11,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Emotional Problems",254,"2018-04-19 03:25:15","Out-of-Control Teens: PINS Petitions & the Juvenile Justice System","Out-of-Control Teens: PINS Petitions & the Juvenile Justice System Page Content​No crisis has a simple solution. When teenagers engage in extreme behaviors, parents should seek help from their pediatrician and local mental health professionals. These behaviors could include but are not limited to:Drug dealingViolence towards family members or othersRepeatedly running awayStealing money and possessionsSometimes, though, a teen's misconduct is so extreme or has been an ongoing problem for so long that his or her parents can no longer manage and feel they have no recourse but to order him or her out of the home.No parent takes a step like that without a good deal of agonizing and soul searching. Most do so out of the sincere belief that it is in the best interest of the family, particularly siblings, and ultimately may serve as an incentive for their child to receive the professional help he or she needs—be it psychiatric care, a drug-rehabilitation program or some other form of treatment—and turn around his or her life.What Is a PINS Petition?A minor cannot simply be ""thrown out of the house."" His or her parents would have to go to their state's family court to file what is called a PINS (Persons in Need of Supervision) petition. In some states, it may be known as a CHINS (Children in Need of Supervision) petition. The process may vary somewhat from one state to another. Typically, before filing, the parents and child must meet with a representative of a government social-service agency, who attempts to resolve the family crisis and keep the case out of court. This step, called diversion, can last ninety days. If reconciliation proves unsuccessful, the parents may then file the petition asking the court to order supervision or treatment for the child. (Legal guardians, school districts or social-service agencies charged with looking after a child may also file a PINS petition.)The court will appoint an attorney for the young person and for the parents as well, if they cannot afford one. While the case is under consideration, the teen will continue to live with his or her parents, unless the court decides that is an unwise arrangement. In that event, the teen may be released to the temporary care of a relative, foster care, or possibly a group home. A hearing is then held. The family may place the teen in either a treatment facility or in foster care.What Is Emancipation?Teenagers are not without legal rights. A teen who wishes to live on his or her own legally, without running away from home, can appeal to the family court for a declaration of emancipation. Emancipation grants many rights of adulthood to teens who are approved by the court. The criteria for emancipation varies according to jurisdiction. Most states do not allow those under eighteen to initiate such a contract, but in some, children as young as age fourteen may seek legal independence. Having graduated from high school may qualify a minor for emancipation, depending upon where he or she lives. Other criteria frequently includes marriage, parenthood or enlistment in the armed forces. Emancipation is also sometimes granted if the parents give their permission. Parents can remain involved with emancipated teens pending court approval. Teenagers and the Juvenile Justice SystemIn order to be prosecuted for a crime, a person has to be deemed an independent adult. If a person commits a crime while still a dependent minor, then it is considered not a criminal act but a delinquent act. Accordingly, the case is heard in family court or juvenile court rather than in criminal court. Exceptions may be made, however, for minors who have perpetrated particularly serious or violent crimes, called designated felonies. They may be treated as juvenile offenders in a criminal court, although the criminal court may return the case to family court.The process is similar to that of filing for a PINS petition. The teen is entitled to legal representation, and if he or she cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed by the court. An initial hearing is held to determine whether or not the teenager should be released to his or her parents' custody and allowed to go home. With minor or first-time offenses, that's usually what happens. But if the teen is felt to be a danger to the community or unlikely to return to court, he or she can be detained in a locked or unlocked facility until his or her day in court.A minor found guilty of a delinquent act may be sent to a detention center, a shelter, even a boot camp. But the growing trend is to place teenagers in the least restrictive environment possible, such as a non-secured group home. Ideally, the teen can eventually come back home and return to school. The goal of the court is not to punish, it's to rehabilitate and create a productive adult capable of functioning in society. A delinquent act does not become part of a minor's criminal record; a designated felony, however, does.Additional Information from HealthyChildren.org: Home Drug Testing: Information for Parents Intervention Strategies for Concerned Parents How Emotional and Behavioral Disorders are TreatedWhen Things Aren't Perfect: Caring for Yourself & Your Children​​​ Article Body Last Updated 2/26/2016 Source Mental Health Leadership Work Group (Copyright © 2016 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
255,11,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Emotional Problems",255,"2018-04-19 03:25:21","Panic Disorder","Panic Disorder Page Content Article BodyDescription: a condition marked by recurrent episodes of paralyzing fear, known as panic attacks. Panic disorder, which affects three million to six million Americans, typically surfaces between ages fifteen and nineteen. Panic attacks may be precipitated by specific events, but they can also come crashing down without warning, even during sleep. The average attack lasts about five to ten minutes. “It can be very scary for kids,” says Dr. Charles Irwin. “They usually come into the emergency room terrified that either they’re going crazy or they’re having a heart attack.” Some of the features of a panic attack do in fact mimic those of a heart attack: palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness and nausea. A child having these symptoms should be evaluated carefully to determine the underlying cause. Many youngsters never have another panic attack, which tells us they don’t suffer from panic disorder. However, those afflicted with the condition usually develop deep-seated anxieties about when and where the next one will occur. They avoid so many places and situations, their world often becomes progressively smaller. For instance, if they were driving during their last panic attack, they may become phobic about being in a car. Signs of Panic Disorder At least four of the following symptoms: palpitations sweating trembling and shaking shortness of breath choking sensation chest pain or discomfort nausea or abdominal distress dizziness, lightheadedness feeling detached from oneself (depersonalization) feeling unreal (derealization) fear of losing control or going crazy fear of dying sensation of numbness or tingling chills or hot flashes worrying about future panic attacks Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source Caring for Your Teenager (Copyright © 2003 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
256,11,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Emotional Problems",256,"2018-04-19 03:25:26",Phobias,"Phobias Page Content Article BodyDescription: persistent, irrational fears about certain objects or situations. Teenagers suffering from a phobia are usually mature enough to recognize that their intense fear defies logic, but they are unable to control it. The phobias seen most frequently during adolescence are agoraphobia, fear of leaving a familiar setting, such as one’s home, social phobia, a painful fear of humiliating oneself in public; and specific phobia, a chronic fear of a single thing or event. Among the more common phobias to prey upon teens are fears of snakes, heights, needle injections, flying in airplanes and getting low grades. As long as the object of the phobia can generally be avoided and not disrupt a child’s day-to-day life, treatment may not be necessary. Social phobia, though, almost always gets in the way of normal functioning. Young people with social phobia may be too intimidated to speak up in the classroom or present a speech. (Fear of speaking in public is the most common manifestation of social phobia.) This is not the same thing as shyness. Plenty of people with social phobia are outgoing and completely at ease around others much of the time. But the thought of attending a party, walking into class late or any number of situations can send them into a panic. With some teens, social phobia takes the form of school avoidance. They wake up in the morning complaining of various physical ailments, which not-so-mysteriously vanish once they’re pardoned from having to attend school. Signs of a Phobia One or more of the following symptoms when exposed to or thinking about the source of the phobia: palpitations sweating trembling and shaking nausea diarrhea flushed face disturbing thoughts and images Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source Caring for Your Teenager (Copyright © 2003 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
257,11,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Emotional Problems",257,"2018-04-19 03:25:38","Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)","Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Page Content Article Body Description: recurrent disturbing memories of a traumatic experience. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) forces people to relive ordeals such as murder, rape, war, accidents and natural disasters. The recollections come in the form of persistent memories and nightmares, as well as flashbacks—memories so vivid that the person feels transported back to the horrific event for a matter of seconds or hours. Some patients become so immersed in the scene that they lose touch with reality; the imaginary sights, sounds, smells and emotions seem real to them. Afterward, they usually display phobic reactions to whatever situations or activities triggered the awful memories. Not every victim or witness to a crime, accident or other form of disaster develops PTSD. In those that do, the symptoms typically appear within three months and linger for a period of several months. Researchers at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia studied approximately one hundred children and teenagers who’d been injured in car crashes. One in four met the diagnostic criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder, including youngsters with only minor injuries. Signs of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Two or more of the following symptoms when reminded of the traumatic experience: insomnia irritability or angry outbursts poor concentration memory impairment startles easily feeling of detachment, numbness always seems to be watching out for danger Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source Caring for Your Teenager (Copyright © 2003 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
258,11,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Emotional Problems",258,"2018-04-19 03:25:42",Schizophrenia,"Schizophrenia Page Content Article BodyDescription: the most chronic and debilitating of all psychiatric conditions, and the most widespread form of psychosis.the most chronic and debilitating of all psychiatric conditions, and the most widespread form of psychosis.“Schizophrenia,” which literally means “split mind,” is frequently confused with a separate disorder, “split personality or multiple personality disorder.” Schizophrenia causes people to waver between reality and their own distorted perception of reality. Early intervention may improve a youngster’s prognosis. Unfortunately, the subtle warning signs are apt to be attributed to the normal growing pains of adolescence. Signs of Schizophrenia impaired concentration bizarre thoughts, ideas, statements (delusions) seeing imaginary objects or people; hearing voices that do not exist (hallucinations)  severe depression  jumbled thinking and incoherent speech lack of emotion, or “flat affect” withdrawing socially from others paralyzing anxiety and fear immature behavior Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source Caring for Your Teenager (Copyright © 2003 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
259,11,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Emotional Problems",259,"2018-04-19 03:25:51","School Avoidance: Tips for Concerned Parents","School Avoidance: Tips for Concerned Parents Page Content​School avoidance – sometimes called school refusal or school phobia – is not uncommon and occurs in as many as 5% of children. These children may outright refuse to attend school or create reasons why they should not go. They may miss a lot of school, complaining of not feeling well, with vague, unexplainable symptoms. Many of these children have anxiety-related symptoms over which they have no conscious control. Perhaps they have headaches, stomachaches, hyperventilation, nausea or dizziness. In general, more clear-cut symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, fever or weight loss, which are likely to have a physical basis, are uncommon. School refusal symptoms occur most often on school days, and are usually absent on weekends. When these children are examined by a doctor, no true illnesses are detected or diagnosed. However, since the type of symptoms these children complain of can be caused by a physical illness, a medical examination should usually be part of their evaluation.School-Related Anxiety:Most often, school-avoiding children do not know precisely why they feel ill, and they may have difficulty communicating what is causing their discomfort or upset. When school-related anxiety is causing school avoidance, the symptoms may be ways to communicate emotional ​struggle with issues like:Fear of failureProblems with other children (for instance, teasing because they are ""fat"" or ""short"")Anxieties over toileting in a public bathroomA perceived ""meanness"" of the teacherThreats of physical harm (as from a school bully)Actual physical harmTips for Concerned Parents:As a first step, the management of school avoidance involves an examination by a doctor who can rule out physical illness and assist the parents in designing a plan of treatment. Once physical illness has been eliminated as a cause of the child's symptoms, the parents' efforts should be directed not only at understanding the pressures the child is experiencing but also at getting him or her back in school.Here are some guidelines for helping your child overcome this problem:Talk with your child about the reasons why he or she does not want to go to school. Consider all the possibilities and state them. Be sympathetic, supportive, and understanding of why he or she is upset. Try to resolve any stressful situations the two of you identify as causing his worries or symptoms.Acknowledge that you understand your child's concerns, but insist on his or her immediate return to school. The longer your child stays home, the more difficult his or her eventual return will be. Explain that he or she is in good health and his or her physical symptoms are probably due to concerns other things – perhaps about grades, homework, relationships with teachers, anxieties over social pressure or legitimate fears of violence at school. Let your child know that school attendance is required by law. He or she will continue to exert some pressure upon you to stay home, but you must remain determined to get your child back in school.Discuss your child's school avoidance with the school staff, including his or her teacher, the principal, and the school nurse. Share with them your plans for your child's return to school and enlist their support and assistance.Make a commitment to be extra firm on school mornings, when children complain most about their symptoms. Keep discussions about physical symptoms or anxieties to a minimum. For example, do not ask your child how he or she feels. If he ior she is well enough to be up and around the house, then he or she is well enough to attend school. If your child's anxieties are severe, he or she might benefit from a step-wise return to school. For example: On day one, he or she might get up in the morning and get dressed, and then you might drive him or her by the school so he or she can get some feel for it before you finally return home together. On day two, your child might go to school for just half a day, or for only a favorite class or two. On day three, your child can finally return for a full day of school.Your pediatrician might help ease your child's transition back to school by writing a note verifying that he or she had some symptoms keeping him or her from attending school, but though the symptoms might persist, he or she is now able to return to class. This can keep your child from feeling embarrassed or humiliated.Request help from the school staff for assistance with your child while he or she is at school. A school nurse or secretary can care for your child should he or she become symptomatic, and encourage his or her return to the classroom.If a problem like a school bully or an unreasonable teacher is the cause of your child's anxiety, become an advocate for your child and discuss these problems with the school staff. The teacher or principal may need to make some adjustments to relieve the pressure on your child in the classroom or on the playground.If your child stays home, be sure he or she is safe and comfortable, but do not give him or her any special treatment. Your child's symptoms should be treated with consideration and understanding. If your child's complaints warrant it, he or she should stay in bed. However, your child's day should not be a holiday. There should be no special snacks and no visitors, and he or she should be supervised.Your child may need to see a doctor when he or she stays home because of a physical illness. Reasons to remain home might include not just complaints of discomfort but recognizable symptoms: a temperature greater than 101 degrees, vomiting, diarrhea, a rash, a hacking cough, an earache or a toothache. Help your child develop independence by encouraging activities with other children outside the home. These can include clubs, sports activities, and overnights with friends.When to Seek Help:While you might try to manage school refusal on your own, if your child's school avoidance lasts more than one week, you and your child may need professional assistance to deal with it. First, your child should be examined by your pediatrician. If his or her school refusal persists, or if he or she has chronic or intermittent signs of separation difficulties when going to school – in combination with physical symptoms that are interfering with her functioning – your doctor may recommend a consultation with a child psychiatrist or psychologist.Even if your child denies having negative experiences at school or with other children, his or her unexplainable physical symptoms should motivate you to schedule a medical evaluation.​Additional Information & Resources: Signs of Bullying: Important Questions for Parents to AskUnderstanding Childhood Fears and AnxietiesHow to Ease Your Child's Separation AnxietyWhat to Know about Child AbuseWhat Parents Can Do to Support FriendshipsUnderstanding the Behavioral and Emotional Consequences of Child Abuse (AAP Policy Statement)AttendanceWorks.org ​ Article Body Last Updated 9/5/2017 Source Adapted from Caring for your School-Age Child: Ages 5 to 12 (Copyright © 2004 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
260,11,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Emotional Problems",260,"2018-04-19 03:25:57","Soiling (Encopresis)","Soiling (Encopresis) Page Content Article BodyMy child is way past toilet training, but he still soils his underwear. What should I do? Encopresis is one of the more frustrating disorders of middle childhood. It is the passing of stools into the underwear or pajamas, far past the time of normal toilet training. Encopresis affects about 1.5 percent of young school children and can create tremendous anxiety and embarrassment for children and their families. Encopresis is not a disease but rather a symptom of a complex relationship between the body and psychological/environmental stresses. Boys with encopresis outnumber girls by a ratio of six to one, although the reasons for this greater prevalence among males is not known. The condition is not related to social class, family size, the child's position in the family or the age of the parents. Two types Doctors divide cases of encopresis into two categories: primary and secondary. Children with the primary disorder have had continuous soiling throughout their lives, without any period in which they were successfully toilet trained. By contrast, children with the secondary form may develop this condition after they have been toilet trained, such as upon entering school or encountering other experiences that might be stressful. A frustrating condition Children, parents, grandparents, teachers and friends alike are often baffled by this problem. Adults sometimes assume that the child is soiling himself on purpose. While this may not be the case, children can play an active role in managing the processes involved in this disorder. The physical aspects of encopresis When encopresis occurs, it begins with stool retention in the colon. Many of these youngsters simply may not respond to the urge to defecate and thus withhold their stools. As the intestinal walls and the nerves within them stretch, nerve sensations in the area diminish. Also, the intestines progressively lose their ability to contract and squeeze the stools out of the body. Therefore, these children find it increasingly difficult to have a normal bowel movement. Most of these children are chronically constipated. With time, these retained stools become harder, larger and much more difficult to pass. Bowel movements then can be painful, which further discourages these children from passing the stools. Eventually, the sphincters (the muscular valves that normally keep stools inside the rectum) are no longer able to hold back all the stool. Large, hard feces may be retained in the colon (large intestine) and rectum, but liquid stool can begin to seep around this impacted mass, passing through the anus and staining the underwear. At other times, semiformed or partial bowel movements may pass into the underwear, and because of the decreased sensation, the child may not be aware of it. Possible causes Some youngsters are predisposed from birth to early colonic inertia - that is, a tendency toward constipation because their intestinal tracts lack full mobility. Early in life these children might have experienced constipation that required dietary and medical management. Some children develop constipation and encopresis because of unsuccessful toilet training as toddlers. They may have fought the toilet training process, been pushed too fast, or were punished for having accidents. Struggling with their parents for control, they may have voluntarily withheld their stools, straining to hold them as long as they could. Some children may actually have had a fear of the toilet, even thinking that they themselves might be flushed away. A number of other factors can also contribute to the eventual development of encopresis. Sometimes children may have pain when they have a bowel movement due to an infection or a tear near their rectum. Emotional causes can include limited access to a toilet or shyness over its use (at school, for example), or stressful life events (marital discord between parents, moves to a new neighborhood, family physical or mental illnesses or new siblings). While most children with encopresis are also constipated, some are not. These children may refuse to use the toilet and simply have normal bowel movements in their underwear or other inappropriate places. In general, these children are demonstrating their attempts to control some difficult aspects of their lives. Professional help is advisable for these children and their families. Many parents are astonished that their child with encopresis may not even be conscious of the odor emanating from the stool in his pants. When this odor is constant, the smelling centers of the brain may become accustomed to it, and thus the child actually is no longer aware of it. As a result, these youngsters often are surprised when a parent or someone else tells them that they have an odor. While the youngster himself may not be bothered by the smell, the people around him may not be sympathetic to his problem. Psychological effects Exasperated parents often place great pressure on their child to change this behavior – something the youngster may be incapable of without help from a pediatrician. While family members may have ideas on how to solve the problem, their efforts generally will fail when they do not understand the physiological mechanisms at work. Encopresis can lead to a struggle within the family. As parents and siblings become increasingly frustrated and angry, family activities may be curtailed or the child with encopresis may be ostracized from them. By this stage, the problem often has become a family preoccupation. As the child and family fruitlessly battle over the child's bowel control, the conflict may extend to other areas of the child's life. His schoolwork may suffer; his responsibilities and chores around the home may be ignored. He may also become angry, withdrawn, anxious, and depressed, often as a result of being teased and feeling humiliated. Management of encopresis Encopresis is a chronic, complex – but solvable – problem. However, the longer it exists, the more difficult it is to treat. The child should be taught how the bowel works, and that he can strengthen the muscles and nerves that control bowel function. Parents should not blame the child and make him feel guilty, since that contributes to lower self-esteem and makes him feel less competent to solve the problem. Parents often use a behavior modification or reward system that encourages the child's proper toilet habits. He might receive a star or sticker on a chart for each day he goes without soiling and a special small toy, for example, after a week. This approach works best for a child who truly wishes to solve the problem and is fully cooperative in that effort. Some youngsters have significant behavioral and emotional difficulties that interfere with the treatment program. Psychological counseling for these children helps them deal with issues like peer conflicts, academic difficulties, and low self-esteem, all of which can contribute to encopresis. Throughout this treatment process, parents should remind the child that there are other youngsters who have the same problem. In fact, children with the same difficulty probably attend his own school. Children with encopresis may have occasional relapses and failures during and after treatment; these are actually quite normal, particularly in the early phases. Ultimate success may take months or even years. One of the most important tasks of parents is to seek early treatment for this problem. Many mothers and fathers feel ashamed and unsupported when their child has encopresis. But parents should not just wait for it to go away. They should consult their doctor and make a persistent effort to solve the problem. If the symptoms are allowed to linger, the child's self-esteem and social confidence may be damaged even more. Treatment When encopresis is occurring in a school-age child, a physician experienced in encopresis treatment and interested in working with the child and the family should be involved. The treatment goals will probably be four fold: To establish regular bowel habits in the child To reduce stool retention To restore normal physiological control over bowel function To defuse conflicts and reduce concerns within the family brought on by the child's symptoms To accomplish these goals, attention will be focused not only on the physical basis of encopresis but also on its behavioral and psychological components and consequences. In the initial phase of medical care, the intestinal tract often has to be cleansed with medications. For the first week or two the child may need enemas, strong laxatives or suppositories to empty the intestinal tract so it can shrink to a more normal size. The maintenance phase of management involves scheduling regular times to use the toilet in conjunction with daily laxatives like mineral oil or milk of magnesia. Proper diet is important, too, with sufficient fluids and high-fiber foods. These steps will keep the stool soft and prevent constipation. When improperly supervised, these interventions have potential dangers for the health of the child and so should be done only under the supervision of the child's physician. The maintenance phase will usually last two to three months or longer. Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source Caring for Your School-Age Child: Ages 5 to 12 (Copyright © 2004 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
261,11,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Emotional Problems",261,"2018-04-19 03:26:05","Teen Suicide Statistics","Teen Suicide Statistics Page Content Article BodyThousands of teens commit suicide each year in the United States. In fact, suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15- to 24-year-olds. Suicide does not just happen. Studies show that at least 90% of teens who kill themselves have some type of mental health problem, such as depression, anxiety, drug or alcohol abuse, or a behavior problem. They may also have problems at school or with friends or family, or a combination of all these things. Some teens may have been victims of sexual or physical abuse. Others may be struggling with issues related to sexual identity. Usually they have had problems for some time. Most teens do not spend a long time planning to kill themselves. They may have thought about it or tried it in the past but only decide to do it after an event that produces feelings of failure or loss, such as getting in trouble, having an argument, breaking up with a partner, or receiving a bad grade on a test. Most teens who kill themselves have a mood disorder (bipolar disorder or depression). A mood disorder is an illness of the brain. A mood disorder can come on suddenly or can be present on and off for most of a teen's life. A teen with a mood disorder may be in one mood for weeks or months or may flip rapidly from one feeling to another. Teens with bipolar disorder, also called manic depression, may change between mania (angry or very happy), depression (sad or crabby), and euthymia (normal mood). Some teens have more mania, some have more depression, and some seem normal much of the time. Mania and depression can happen at the same time. This is called a mixed state. Teens in a manic or a mixed state may: Strongly overreact when things do not go their way Become hyper, agitated, or aggressive Be overwhelmed with thoughts or feelings Sleep less Talk a lot more Act in impulsive or dangerous ways Feel they can do things they really can't Spend money they do not have or give things away Insist on unrealistic plans for themselves or others Teens with depression may: Feel sad, down, or irritable, or not feel like doing things Have a change in sleeping or eating habits Feel guilty, worthless, or hopeless Have less energy, or have more difficulty paying attention Feel lonely, get easily upset, or talk about wanting to be dead Lose interest in things they used to enjoy Mood disorders can be treated. Ask your teen's doctor about treatment resources. Recent declines in teen suicide may be due to an increase in early detection, evaluation, and effective treatment of mood disorders. Last Updated 10/18/2016 Source Teen Suicide, Mood Disorder, and Depression (Copyright © 2007 American Academy of Pediatrics, Updated 7/2011)"
262,11,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Emotional Problems",262,"2018-04-19 03:26:11","Teen Suicide and Guns","Teen Suicide and Guns Page Content Article BodyProtect Your Teenager Many teens attempt suicide on impulse, and there’s no second chance with a gun. Counting on a teen’s ability to resist strong emotional impulses when there is a gun is not a good idea. Young people need safe environments that protect them from deadly harm. Many teens who attempt suicide do so because of a temporary problem, like the end of a romance. When guns are involved, teens can waste their lives and destroy the happiness of their friends and families in an instant. They are thinking of a passing problem, not the outcome! Teen Suicide—A Big Problem Suicide is one of the 3 leading causes of death for 13- to 19-year-olds in the United States. An average of 4 American teenagers commit suicide every day. Does a gun in the home increase the chance of suicide? YES! In states where there are more guns, more people commit suicide. Studies have shown that the risk of suicide is 4 to 10 times higher in homes with guns than in those without. If the gun is a handgun or is stored loaded or unlocked, the risk of suicide is even higher. Does it matter how a person tries to commit suicide? YES! Suicide attempts with a gun are very likely to be deadly. Suicide attempts with drugs or methods other than guns have a greater chance of survival. Protect Young People From Killing Themselves Teens often see any change as a major life event. Adults and teens need to talk about things, like budding sexuality and taking responsibility for one’s own actions, as they occur. It is best to not have any guns in homes where children or teenagers live. If there is a gun: Keep it unloaded and locked up or with a trigger lock. Store the bullets in a different place that is also locked. Do not let teens have a key to the places where guns and bullets are stored. If a teen becomes depressed or has severe mood swings, store the gun outside the home for the time being. Many communities have laws that prevent teenagers from getting their own weapons. Find out what the laws are in your community and ask that they be enforced. Most young survivors of a serious suicide attempt do not commit suicide later, and most survivors of suicide attempts are glad they were saved. Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source Connected Kids: Safe, Strong, Secure (Copyright © 2006 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
263,11,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Emotional Problems",263,"2018-04-19 03:26:17","Tics, Tourette Syndrome, and OCD","Tics, Tourette Syndrome, and OCD Page Content Article BodyTics are rapid, repetitive movements or vocal utterances. They may be motor (like excessive eye blinking) or vocal (such as a habitual cough or chronic repetitive throat clearing noises), chronic (continuing throughout childhood), or transient (lasting less than 1–2 years). In children who eventually develop tic disorders and ADHD, the ADHD usually develops 2 to 3 years before the tics. Tourette syndrome, which is quite rare, is a more severe form of tic disorder involving motor and vocal tics that occur many times per day. The average age at which it appears is 7 years. While children with Tourette syndrome may develop ADHD, the 2 disorders are separate and independent conditions. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is not a variant of Tourette syndrome, and Tourette syndrome is not just a variety of ADHD. Research has shown that chronic tic disorders, Tourette syndrome, and OCD may stem from some common factors, and a child with any of these conditions is quite likely to also have ADHD. Obsessive-compulsive disorder involves such symptoms as obsessive thoughts (such as a highly exaggerated fear of germs) and compulsive behaviors (for example, excessive hand-washing in an attempt to reduce the fear of germs) that the child is unable to control or limit. In this sense, OCD is similar to tic disorders and Tourette syndrome, and creates additional functioning problems for children with ADHD. What to Look For Tics tend to resemble certain ADHD-related symptoms— fidgeting and making random noises in particular—and may occasionally are mistaken for signs of ADHD. True tics, however, differ from ADHD-type fidgetiness or hyperactivity in that they almost always involve rapid, repeated, identical movements of the face or shoulders or vocal sounds or phrases—they may cause a child to become socially isolated. To receive a diagnosis of Tourette syndrome, the tics need to have developed before 18 years of age, include motor and vocal tics, occur many times each day, and continue for at least a year. Though the intensity of the tics may increase or decrease periodically, a child with active Tourette syndrome is rarely completely tic-free for more than 3 months at a time. While tic disorders and Tourette syndrome involve outbursts of simple movements or vocalizations, OCD consists of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. In contrast to the common childhood “obsessions” with computer games or television, OCD-type obsessive thoughts and behaviors provide no pleasure and stem from no rational desire or motivation. Rather they occur because the child is unable to stop them, even when he realizes that they are inappropriate—and they can interfere with a child’s functioning for literally hours a day. Treatment Mild or transient tics may not need to be treated with any medication. Until recently, stimulant medication was not recommended for children with ADHD and a coexisting tic disorder because the stimulants were thought to be a possible cause of Tourette syndrome. It is now known that starting stimulants does not cause Tourette syndrome or even increase tics in most children with ADHD. Stimulants may actually result in improvements in the tics in some cases. However, stimulants at high doses may bring out or exaggerate tics in a child with ADHD, who would have eventually developed them even without stimulants. The potential disadvantage of mildly increased tics is often outweighed by stimulants’ effectiveness in treating the symptoms of ADHD. Meanwhile, lowering the stimulant dose or switching to a different medication can sometimes decrease or eliminate some tics altogether. If your child’s tics are especially severe or socially disruptive, a combination of stimulants and clonidine, guanfacine, or other medications (including TCAs, pimozide, and haloperidol) or newer medications (such as risperidone) may also be considered. Possible side effects must be taken into account when using these medications. Children with ADHD and coexisting OCD are generally prescribed an SSRI or the tricyclic medication clomipramine. Stimulants and SSRIs or clomipramine can be combined to treat OCD and ADHD. Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source ADHD: A Complete and Authoritative Guide (Copyright © 2004 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
264,11,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Emotional Problems",264,"2018-04-19 03:26:24","Treating Eating Disorders","Treating Eating Disorders Page Content​Eating disorders are real, treatable diseases. They frequently coexist with other illnesses such as depression, substance use, or anxiety disorders. Psychological and medicinal treatments are effective for many eating disorders. The earlier eating disorders are diagnosed and treated, the better the chances are for recovery.How are eating disorders treated?Typical treatment goals include restoring adequate nutrition, bringing weight to a healthy level, reducing excessive exercise, and stopping binging and purging behaviors. Treatment plans often are tailored to individual needs and may include one or more of the following:PsychotherapyMedical care and monitoringNutritional counselingMedications Some patients also may need to be hospitalized to treat problems caused by malnutrition or to ensure they eat enough if they are very underweight. Complete recovery is possible.About psychotherapies:Specific forms of psychotherapy, or talk therapy—including a family-based therapy and cognitive behavioral approaches—have been shown to be useful for treating specific eating disorders. The Maudsley approach, for example, where parents of teens with anorexia nervosa assume responsibility for feeding their child, appears to be very effective in helping teens gain weight and improve eating habits and moods.Others may undergo cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to reduce or eliminate binge-eating and purging behaviors. CBT helps a child learn how to identify distorted or unhelpful thinking patterns and recognize and change inaccurate beliefs.About medications:Medications such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, or mood stabilizers approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may also be helpful for treating eating disorders and other co-occurring illnesses such as anxiety or depression. Check the FDA website for the latest information on warnings, patient medication guides, or newly approved medications.What is being done to better understand and treat eating disorders?Researchers are finding that eating disorders are caused by a complex interaction of genetic, biological, psychological, and social factors. But many questions still need answers. Researchers are studying questions about genetics, brain function, and behavior to better understand and control eating disorders. Neuroimaging and genetic studies may also provide clues for how each person may respond to specific treatments.Genetics: Mental health researchers are studying the various combinations of genes to determine if any DNA variations are associated with the risk of developing a mental disorder. Neuroimaging: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), for example, may also lead to a better understanding of eating disorders. Neuroimaging already is used to identify abnormal brain activity in patients with schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression. It may help researchers better understand how people with eating disorders process information, regardless of whether they have recovered or are still in the throes of their illness. Behavioral or psychological research: Few studies of treatments for eating disorders have been conducted in the past due to the difficulty of this research. New studies currently underway, however, are aiming to remedy the lack of information available about treatment.Additional Information & Resources: How Emotional and Behavioral Disorders are Treated​Eating Disorders: AnorexiaEating Disorders: BulimiaIdentification and Management of Eating Disorders in Children and Adolescents (AAP Clinical Report) Preventing Obesity and Eating Disorders in Adolescents (AAP Clinical Report) Eating Disorders Clinical Trials (ClinicalTrials.gov) - A listing of clinical trials on eating disorders at the National Institutes of Health and across the country.​ Article Body Last Updated 11/1/2016 Source National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)"
265,11,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Emotional Problems",265,"2018-04-19 03:26:32","Understanding Childhood Fears and Anxieties","Understanding Childhood Fears and Anxieties Page Content My child seems to be afraid of a lot of things. Should I be worried? From time to time, every child experiences fear. As youngsters explore the world around them, having new experiences and confronting new challenges, anxieties are almost an unavoidable part of growing up. Fears are Common:According to one study, 43% of children between ages 6 and 12 had many fears and concerns. A fear of darkness, particularly being left alone in the dark, is one of the most common fears in this age group. So is a fear of animals, such as large barking dogs. Some children are afraid of fires, high places or thunderstorms. Others, conscious of news reports on TV and in the newspapers, are concerned about burglars, kidnappers or nuclear war. If there has been a recent serious illness or death in the family, they may become anxious about the health of those around them. In middle childhood, fears wax and wane. Most are mild, but even when they intensify, they generally subside on their own after a while. About Phobias:Sometimes fears can become so extreme, persistent and focused that they develop into phobias. Phobias – which are strong and irrational fears – can become persistent and debilitating, significantly influencing and interfering with a child's usual daily activities. For instance, a 6-year-old's phobia about dogs might make him so panicky that he refuses to go outdoors at all because there could be a dog there. A 10-year-old child might become so terrified about news reports of a serial killer that he insists on sleeping with his parents at night. Some children in this age group develop phobias about the people they meet in their everyday lives. This severe shyness can keep them from making friends at school and relating to most adults, especially strangers. They might consciously avoid social situations like birthday parties or Scout meetings, and they often find it difficult to converse comfortably with anyone except their immediate family. Separation anxiety is also common in this age group. Sometimes this fear can intensify when the family moves to a new neighborhood or children are placed in a childcare setting where they feel uncomfortable. These youngsters might become afraid of going to summer camp or even attending school. Their phobias can cause physical symptoms like headaches or stomach pains and eventually lead the children to withdraw into their own world, becoming clinically depressed. At about age 6 or 7, as children develop an understanding about death, another fear can arise. With the recognition that death will eventually affect everyone, and that it is permanent and irreversible, the normal worry about the possible death of family members – or even their own death – can intensify. In some cases, this preoccupation with death can become disabling. Treating Fears & Phobias:Fortunately, most phobias are quite treatable. In general, they are not a sign of serious mental illness requiring many months or years of therapy. However, if your child's anxieties persist and interfere with her enjoyment of day-to-day life, she might benefit from some professional help from a psychiatrist or psychologist who specializes in treating phobias. As part of the treatment plan for phobias, many therapists suggest exposing your child to the source of her anxiety in small, nonthreatening doses. Under a therapist's guidance a child who is afraid of dogs might begin by talking about this fear and by looking at photographs or a videotape of dogs. Next, she might observe a live dog from behind the safety of a window. Then, with a parent or a therapist at her side, she might spend a few minutes in the same room with a friendly, gentle puppy. Eventually she will find himself able to pet the dog, then expose herself to situations with larger, unfamiliar dogs. This gradual process is called desensitization, meaning that your child will become a little less sensitive to the source of her fear each time she confronts it. Ultimately, the child will no longer feel the need to avoid the situation that has been the basis of her phobia. While this process sounds like common sense and easy to carry out, it should be done only under the supervision of a professional. Sometimes psychotherapy can also help children become more self-assured and less fearful. Breathing and relaxation exercises can assist youngsters in stressful circumstances too. Occasionally, your doctor may recommend medications as a component of the treatment program, although never as the sole therapeutic tool. These drugs may include antidepressants, which are designed to ease the anxiety and panic that often underlie these problems. What Parents Can Do:Here are some suggestions that many parents find useful for their children with fears and phobias. Talk with your child about his anxieties, and be sympathetic. Explain to him that many children have fears, but with your support he can learn to put them behind him. Do not belittle or ridicule your child's fears, particularly in front of his peers. Do not try to coerce your youngster into being brave. It will take time for him to confront and gradually overcome his anxieties. You can, however, encourage (but not force) him to progressively come face-to-face with whatever he fears. Since fears are a normal part of life and often are a response to a real or at least perceived threat in the child's environment, parents should be reassuring and supportive. Talking with their children, parents should acknowledge, though not increase or reinforce, their children's concerns. Point out what is already being done to protect the child, and involve the child in identifying additional steps that could be taken. Such simple, sensitive and straightforward parenting can resolve or at least manage most childhood fears. When realistic reassurances are not successful, the child's fear may be a phobia. Article Body Last Updated 6/1/2007 Source Caring for Your School-Age Child: Ages 5 to 12 (Copyright © 2004 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
266,11,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Emotional Problems",266,"2018-04-19 03:26:37","Warning Signs of Anorexia","Warning Signs of Anorexia Page Content Article BodyIf you answer “Yes” to several of these questions, talk with your child and pediatrician. Does your child skip family meals and prepare her own food instead? Is she following her own diet? Are certain food groups or nutrients categorically excluded? Are no- or low-calorie foods and drinks a major part of daily intake? Has she adopted a “healthy” vegetarian diet suddenly and obsessively? Are diet pills or preparations in her possession? Is she overly concerned with losing or gaining weight? Have you found laxatives that you did not give her? Does she hide food in her room? Does she visit the bathroom after eating? Does she flush the toilet, run water, or turn on the shower while in the bathroom? Has your plumbing repeatedly and inexplicably become clogged? Does she have an unusual number of scratches or cuts over her knuckles? Does she have swollen cheeks or lymph nodes around her face, or broken blood vessels in the whites of her eyes? Has she lost a lot of weight in a short time? Does she look gaunt? Does she get dizzy or is she easily fatigued? Does she have frequent headaches, heartburn, or constipation? Have her periods stopped? Does she play with her food without actually eating it? Has she developed downy hair on her face, arms, and back? Can you see the bones of her back and collarbones clearly outlined? Does she have bruises along her backbone? Does she wear loose, bulky clothing? Does she exercise for hours on end with a routine that can’t be interrupted or changed? Has she become withdrawn from her friends or family? Does she seem more secretive? Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source Nutrition: What Every Parent Needs to Know (Copyright © American Academy of Pediatrics 2011)"
267,11,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Emotional Problems",267,"2018-04-19 03:26:44","Which Kids are at Highest Risk for Suicide?","Which Kids are at Highest Risk for Suicide? Page Content Article BodyNo child is immune, but statistics tell us that some adolescents are more vulnerable than others and may require closer parental attention: Teenage boys suffering from an emotional or behavioral disorder. Although girls are more prone to depression, the suicide rate among teenage boys is four times higher. One theory as to why is that girls generally have more intimate friendships than boys do. In times of stress, girls can often lean on one another for emotional support, whereas boys tend to internalize their feelings. Gay or lesbian youth. Many adolescents who take their own lives are homosexual. Depression and substance abuse are prevalent among these young men and women, who often face rejection and ridicule due to their sexuality identity. Teenagers with substance-abuse problems. “Many suicides occur on the spur of the moment in association with alcohol or other drugs,” explains Dr. Robert W. Blum, director of the division of pediatrics and adolescent health at University Hospitals in Minneapolis. “The drugs are disinhibiting and allow the person’s underlying distress to surface.” Teenagers with easy access to potentially lethal medications. Another scenario involving substances is when a young person underestimates the toxic effects of medications found at home. A girl desperately seeking to numb her unhappiness, not end her life, accidentally overdoses on just a few pills. The reverse can happen to a boy intent on going to sleep and never waking up swallowing a smorgasbord of drugs, only to regain consciousness in the hospital. “Teenagers aren’t pharmacologists,” notes Dr. John Kulig, director of adolescent medicine at Boston’s New England Medical Center. “So they can look in the medicine cabinet and think that taking two antibiotics, three acetaminophen and four vitamin C tablets would be lethal [highly unlikely] but not understand that as few as three or four tricyclic antidepressants could very well prove deadly.” Youngsters with a history of suicidal behavior. One in three suicide victims has tried to kill themselves in the past. A history of violence may be seen. Boys and girls who have lost a friend or relative to suicide. Studies show that a considerable number of youth suicides and suicide attempts occur in the wake of the self-inflicted death or injury of someone else. The person may be known to them, or he may be a stranger whose suicide was reported by the media. Plano, Texas, is one of several towns plagued by a “suicide cluster,” where one youngster’s death touches off a chain reaction among teenagers. According to Dr. William Lord Coleman of the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, “Anytime there is a suicide in the community, parents need to be extra vigilant about how that may be affecting their child.” Don’t be afraid to raise the subject with a teenager, for fear that by bringing it out into the open you’re planting thoughts that will one day be acted upon. To the contrary, you can use this opportunity to point out that the victim probably didn’t realize that there were many people and resources available to help him overcome his mental illness. Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source Caring for Your Teenager (Copyright © 2003 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
268,11,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","Emotional Problems",268,"2018-04-19 03:26:51","Winter Blues - Seasonal Affective Disorder and Depression","Winter Blues - Seasonal Affective Disorder and Depression Page Content Article BodyFor some children, the change in season brings with it a shift in mood. Is it a passing phase, or something more serious? Here’s what you need to know about depression, SAD, and your child. Depression can be a serious problem for adults and children alike. Regardless of the season, shifts in a child’s mood and/or attitude are not something to ignore or dismiss. What appears to be a teenager’s newly developed bad attitude could actually be a case of depression or, in some instances, Seasonal Affective Disorder. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) — often referred to as “winter depression” — is a subtype of depression that follows a seasonal pattern. The most common form of SAD occurs in winter, although some people do experience symptoms during spring and summer. While SAD is almost always talked about in terms of adults, children and adolescents are not necessarily immune. “SAD might exist among children, but it has not been well studied,” says Eve Spratt, M.D., MSCR, associate professor of pediatrics and psychiatry at the Medical University of South Carolina. “I am not aware of any evidence-based studies that have examined SAD rates or treatment in children.” A Season’s Symptoms SAD usually develops in a person’s early 20s, and the risk for the disorder decreases as you get older. SAD is diagnosed most often in young women, but men who have SAD may suffer more severe symptoms. People with a family history of SAD or those who live in northern latitudes where daylight hours during winter are shorter are at a higher risk for developing SAD. As winter approaches, 10 to 20 percent of us begin to suffer mild symptoms of SAD. We are saddened by the shortening days, climb into bed earlier and resent waking up when the morning light grows dim. For 14 million Americans, these symptoms grow considerably worse as winter progresses. People with SAD may crave comfort foods, including simple carbs such as pasta, breads, and sugar. With excess unhealthy calories and a lack of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, fatigue often sets in. They may become depressed and irritable. Eventually, they are no longer able to maintain their regular lifestyle. They may withdrawal socially and no longer enjoy things that used to be fun. It’s as if a person’s batteries have just run down. For parents, SAD can obviously have a sharp impact on the ability to be an effective parent. Children and adolescents can also suffer these symptoms. They may experience feelings of low self-worth and hopelessness. Children with depression struggle to concentrate on their schoolwork. Their grades may drop, worsening feelings of low self-esteem. Symptoms that last more than two weeks are cause for concern. Spring and summer SAD is characterized by anxiety, insomnia, irritability, and weight loss. The symptoms more closely resemble mania than depression. No Known Cause Researchers have not pinpointed what causes SAD. There is some evidence pointing to a disruption of a person’s “circadian rhythm” — the body’s natural cycle of sleeping and waking. As the days shorten, the decreasing amount of light can throw off the body’s natural clock, triggering depression. Sunlight also plays a role in the brain’s production of melatonin and serotonin. During winter, your body produces more melatonin (which encourages sleep) and less serotonin (which fights depression). Researchers do not know why some people are more susceptible to SAD than others. “In general, SAD is a better-recognized disorder in adults because so many children’s mental health disorders emerge over time,” says Dr. Spratt. “Diagnosing SAD in a child is not easy, because determining the pattern of depression takes time. A doctor will typically attempt to determine whether a child is suffering from depression or anxiety first, then look at the pattern over time.” In order to diagnose SAD, doctors need to perform a medical exam to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms, such as hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, or mononucleosis. Doctors can administer questionnaires to determine mood and also to look for a seasonal pattern. “It’s difficult to diagnose children with depression in the first place, because it often presents as irritability, and they have a hard time understanding terms like ‘sad mood’ or ‘feeling blue,’” says Dr. Spratt. She points out that one of the most telling markers of depression in children is anhedonia — which means “absence of pleasure.” “So a good screening question to ask children is, ‘When was the last time you had a really good time?’” Treating SAD Several effective treatments can help adult sufferers of SAD. Simply bringing more sunlight into your life can treat mild cases. Spend time outdoors everyday, even on cloudy days. Open window shades in your home. Exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet, one low in simple carbohydrates and high in vegetables, fruit, and whole grains. Researchers at the New York State Psychiatric Institute at Columbia University suggest using a “dawn simulator,” which gradually turns on the bedroom light, tricking the body into thinking its an earlier sunrise. People with SAD sometimes find that their symptoms go away when they travel in or move to more Southern latitudes. If possible, plan a mid-winter family vacation in a sunny climate. As with adults, depression in children can be addressed effectively. “Depression is very treatable with medication and therapy,” says Dr. Spratt. “There are several evidence-based studies showing that cognitive behavioral therapy is effective in treating depression in kids.” For severe cases of SAD in adults, several treatment options exist. The most common treatment is light therapy. Patients sit for up to three hours in front of strong light boxes or wear light visors, with UV rays filtered out. However, light therapy is not recommended for children, says Dr. Spratt. “I know of no evidence-based studies showing light therapy to work for children, and I have never recommended it for children,” she says. When to Medicate? Left untreated, SAD can lead to serious complications for adults, including suicidal behavior, problems at school and work, and substance abuse. If other treatments prove ineffective, prescription antidepressants may help regulate the balance of serotonin and other neurotransmitters that affect mood. Antidepressants, however, come with a “black box” warning about the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. Parents with children on antidepressants need to be vigilant in watching for agitation, anxiety, or insomnia and make sure they continue to see their physician on a regular basis. Dr. Spratt points out that a recent analysis of 27 studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that the benefits of using antidepressant medication to treat major depressive disorder outweighed the risks. But the benefits were more limited in younger patients. “In children younger than 12, only fluoxetine (Prozac) showed benefit over placebo,” she says. Working Through It Together Parents of children with depression should participate in their child’s treatment and recovery. Learn about the disorder and share what you learn with your child. Make sure your child completes his treatment everyday, no matter what form your doctor prescribes. Plan low-key quality time together. Your child won’t have the energy for an arcade, but reading a book or playing a family board game can be fun. Encourage your child to get exercise and spend time outdoors. Plan daily walks together. Fix healthy meals for your family, and establish a set bedtime to ensure he gets enough sleep and the same amount of sleep every night. Your fatigued child will probably need help with his homework. Take time to work through schoolwork together, and communicate your child’s situation to his teachers. Be patient with your child and reassure him that these issues will get better. Whether noticing symptoms of SAD in yourself or depression in your child, take it seriously. Treating this disorder early and diligently can turn the dark days of winter into a pleasant time of togetherness for your family. Helpful Resources American Academy of Pediatrics: Tips on Preventing Teen Suicide This article was featured in Healthy Children Magazine. To view the full issue, click here. Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source Healthy Children Magazine, Winter 2008"
269,12,"2018-04-19 02:48:19",Eyes,269,"2018-04-19 03:26:58","Amblyopia-Lazy Eye","Amblyopia-Lazy Eye Page Content Article BodyAmblyopia, or lazy eye, is a fairly common eye problem (affecting about 2 out of 100 children) that develops when a child has one eye that doesn’t see well or is injured, and he begins to use the other eye almost exclusively. The idle eye then relaxes and becomes even weaker. In general, the problem must be detected by the age of three in order to treat and restore normal vision in the affected eye by age six. If this situation persists for too long (past seven to nine years of age), vision may be lost permanently in the unused eye. Once an ophthalmologist diagnoses the problems in the unused eye, your child may need to wear a patch over the “good” eye for periods of time. This forces her to use and strengthen the eye that has become “lazy.” Patching therapy will be continued for as long as necessary to bring the weaker eye up to its full potential. This could take weeks, months, or even up to age ten or older. As an alternative to the patch, the ophthalmologist might prescribe eye drops or ointment to blur the vision in the good eye, thereby forcing your child to use the amblyopic eye. Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5 (Copyright © 2009 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
270,12,"2018-04-19 02:48:19",Eyes,270,"2018-04-19 03:27:01",Cataracts,"Cataracts Page Content Article BodyAlthough we usually think of cataracts as affecting elderly people, they also may be found in infants and young children, and are sometimes present at birth. A cataract is a clouding of the lens (the transparent tissue inside the eye that helps bring light rays to focus on the retina). While rare, congenital cataracts are nonetheless a leading cause of visual loss and blindness in children. Cataracts in children need to be detected and treated early so their vision can develop normally. A cataract usually shows up as a white reflection in the center of the child’s pupil. If a baby is born with a cataract that blocks most of the light entering the eye, the affected lens has to be removed surgically to permit the baby’s vision to develop. Most pediatric ophthalmologists recommend that this procedure be performed during the first month of life. After the clouded lens is removed, the baby must be fitted with a contact lens or with an eyeglass correction. At the age of about one year, the placement of a lens within the eye is recommended. In addition, visual rehabilitation of the affected eye will almost always involve use of a patch until the child’s eyes are fully mature (at age ten or older). Occasionally a child will be born with a small cataract that will not initially impede visual development. These cataracts often do not require treatment; however, they need to be monitored carefully to ensure that they do not become large enough to interfere with normal vision. In addition, even if too small to pose a direct threat to visual development, cataracts may cause secondary amblyopia (loss of vision), which will need to be treated by your ophthalmologist. In most cases, the cause of cataracts in infants cannot be determined. Cataracts may be attributed to a tendency inherited from parents; they may result from trauma to the eye; or they may occur as a result of viral infections such as German measles and chickenpox or an infection from other microorganisms, such as those that cause toxoplasmosis. To protect the unborn child from cataracts and from other serious disorders, pregnant women should take care to avoid unnecessary exposure to infectious diseases. In addition, as a precaution against toxoplasmosis (a disease caused by parasites), pregnant women should avoid handling cat litter or eating raw meat, both of which may contain the organism that causes this disease. Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5 (Copyright © 2009 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
271,12,"2018-04-19 02:48:19",Eyes,271,"2018-04-19 03:27:05","Children & Contact Lenses: Tips for Parents","Children & Contact Lenses: Tips for Parents Page Content Article Body​​​​Children can safely and successfully wear contact lenses if they care for them properly. This often means having the support of a parent or other adult to help encourage healthy wear and care behaviors and reduce the risk of eye infections and other complications.Children Can Successfully Wear Contact LensesContact lenses can provide improved vision and other benefits for a wide spectrum of ages—including children. Children may experience benefits of contact lens wear beyond seeing better. Wearing contact lenses may improve children's perceptions of their physical appearance compared with wearing glasses, and increase their confidence both in social interactions and in their ability to participate in athletic activities.Contact Lenses are Not Risk-FreeRegardless of the wearer's age, contact lenses are medical devices and are not risk-free. Contact lenses have been linked to serious eye infections and other types of complications. Contact lenses are a safe and effective form of vision correction for children, teenagers, and adults, as long as they are worn and cared for properly.Parents Play an Important RoleChildren often depend on their parents or other adults for medical care. Parents play an active role in the day-to-day safety and health of their children, which includes vision and eye health—especially when it comes to the use of contact lenses. In addition to parental supervision, a child's level of maturity, motivation to wear contact lenses, and personal hygiene are all things to consider. It is important for both parents and children to understand that they share in the responsibility to wear and care for contact lenses successfully.Contact lenses are not the only option for vision correction, and parents who are considering contact lenses for their children should consult with an eye doctor to decide which option is most appropriate. Healthy Contact Lens Tips Enjoy the comfort and benefits of contact lenses while lowering your chance of complications. Failure to wear, clean, and store your lenses as directed by your eye doctor raises the risk of developing serious infections. Your habits, supplies, and eye doctor are all essential to keeping your eyes healthy. Follow these tips. Habits Wash your hands with soap and water. Dry them well with a clean cloth before touching your contact lenses every time.Don't sleep in your contact lenses unless prescribed by your eye doctor.Keep water away from your contact lenses. Avoid showering in contact lenses, and remove them before using a hot tub or swimming.Contact lensesRub and rinse your contact lenses with contact lens disinfecting solution—never water or saliva—to clean them each time you remove them.Never store your contact lenses in water.Replace your contact lenses as often as recommended by your eye doctor.Contact lens caseRub and rinse your contact lens case with contact lens solution—never water—and then empty and dry with a clean tissue. Store upside down with the caps off after each use.Replace your contact lens case at least once every three months.Contact lens solutionDon't ""top off"" solution. Use only fresh contact lens disinfecting solution in your case—never mix fresh solution with old or used solution.Use only the contact lens solution recommended by your eye doctor.Eye doctorVisit your eye doctor yearly or as often as he or she recommends.Ask your eye doctor if you have questions about how to care for your contact lenses and case or if you are having any difficulties.Remove your contact lenses immediately and call your eye doctor if you have eye pain, discomfort, redness, or blurred vision.Be preparedCarry a backup pair of glasses with a current prescription—just in case you have to take out your contact lenses.Additional Information Decorative Contact Lenses: What Teens and Parents Need to Know Eye Infections What is a Pediatric Ophthalmologist?​ Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention"
272,12,"2018-04-19 02:48:19",Eyes,272,"2018-04-19 03:27:08","Decorative Contact Lenses: What Teens and Parents Need to Know","Decorative Contact Lenses: What Teens and Parents Need to Know Page Content Article BodyYou may want to look like your favorite movie star or singer or have the perfect look for Halloween, but changing the look of your eyes with decorative contact lenses could cause a lot of damage to your eyesight.Read more from the American Academy of Pediatrics about how to protect your eyes from harm.What are decorative contact lenses? Decorative contact lenses are considered medical devices. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees their safety and effectiveness, just like regular contact lenses. Though they only change the look of your eyes and do not correct your vision, an exam, a prescription, and proper lens care are important.Decorative contact lenses are sometimes called: Fashion contact lenses Halloween contact lenses Color contact lenses Cosmetic contact lenses Theatrical contact lenses How can decorative contact lenses harm my eyes? Wearing decorative contact lenses can be risky, just like the contact lenses that correct your vision.The risks of not using contact lenses correctly include: A cut or scratch on the top layer of your eyeball (corneal abrasion) Allergic reactions like itchy, watery red eyes Decreased vision Infection Blindness Also, if you are wearing any contact lenses you got without a prescription, even if they feel fine, they still could be causing damage to your eyes.What you need to know before putting on decorative contact lenses: If you plan on wearing decorative contact lenses, even if only for a special event, you need to make sure that you:Get an eye exam. The fit of your contact lenses is very important. A wrong fit can cause damage to your eyes. Be sure to always go for follow-up eye exams. Get a prescription. Your eye doctor will write you a prescription for all contact lenses, including decorative lenses. The prescription should include the brand name, correct lens measurements, and expiration date. Know how to care for your contact lenses. Follow the instructions for wearing, cleaning, and disinfecting that come with your contact lenses. If you do not receive instructions, ask your eye doctor for them. Only buy contact lenses from a company that sells FDA-cleared or approved contact lenses and requires you to provide a prescription. Anyone selling you contact lenses must get your prescription and verify it with your doctor. They should request not only the prescription but the name of your doctor and a phone number. If they don’t ask for this information, they are breaking federal law and could be selling you illegal contact lenses. Call your eye doctor right away and remove your contact lenses if your eyes are red or have ongoing pain or discharge! Redness of, pain in, and discharge from the eyes are signs of an eye infection. If you think you have an eye infection from your contact lenses, remove them and see a licensed eye doctor (optometrist or ophthalmologist) right away! An eye infection could become serious and cause you to become blind if it is not treated. Remember—buying contact lenses without a prescription is dangerous! There are a lot of products that you can buy without a prescription, but they may not be safe or legal. Never buy contact lenses from a street vendor, beauty supply store, flea market, novelty store, or Halloween store. Also, never share contacts with anyone else.Protect your eyes by having an eye exam, getting a prescription, and buying contact lenses from a legal source. Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source Decorative Contact Lenses: What Teens and Parents Need to Know (Copyright © 2013. American Academy of Pediatrics)"
273,12,"2018-04-19 02:48:19",Eyes,273,"2018-04-19 03:27:11","Eye Infections in Infants & Children","Eye Infections in Infants & Children Page Content​​​If the white of your child's eye and the inside of his lower lid become red, he probably has a condition called conjunctivitis. Also known as pinkeye, this inflammation, which can be painful and itchy, usually signals an infection, but may be due to other causes, such as an irritation, an allergic reaction, or (rarely) a more serious condition. It's often accompanied by tearing and discharge, which is the body's way of trying to heal or remedy the situation.If your child has a red eye, he needs to see the pediatrician ​as soon as possible. Eye infections typically last seven to ten days. The doctor will make the diagnosis and prescribe necessary medication if it is indicated. Never put previously opened medication or someone else's eye medication into your child's eye. It could cause serious damage.In a newborn baby:Serious eye infections may result from exposure to bacteria during passage through the birth canal—which is why all infants are treated with antibiotic eye ointment or drops in the delivery room. Such infections must be treated early to prevent serious complications. Eye infections that occur after the newborn period:These infections may be unsightly, because of the redness of the eye and the yellow discharge that usually accompanies them, and they may make your child uncomfortable, but they are rarely serious. Several different viruses, or bacteria, may cause them. If your pediatrician feels the problem is caused by bacteria, antibiotic eye drops are the usual treatment. Conjunctivitis caused by viruses should not be treated with antibiotics.Eye infections are very contagious! Except to administer drops or ointment, you should avoid direct contact with your child's eyes or drainage from them until the medication has been used for several days and there is evidence of clearing of the redness. Carefully wash your hands before and after touching the area around the infected eye. See How to Give Eye Drops and Eye Ointment.Additional Information: Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis) Children & Contact Lenses: Tips for Parents Sties Eyelid Problems ​ Article Body Last Updated 2/2/2016 Source Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5, 6th Edition (Copyright © 2015 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
274,12,"2018-04-19 02:48:19",Eyes,274,"2018-04-19 03:27:18","Eyelid Problems","Eyelid Problems Page Content Article BodyDroopy eyelid (ptosis) may appear as an enlarged or heavy upper lid; or, if it is very slight, it may be noticed only because the affected eye appears somewhat smaller than the other eye. Ptosis usually involves only one eyelid, but both may be affected. Your baby may be born with a ptosis, or it may develop later. The ptosis may be partial, causing your baby’s eyes to appear slightly asymmetrical; or it may be total, causing the affected lid to cover the eye completely. If the ptotic eyelid covers the entire pupillary opening of your child’s eye, or if the weight of the lid causes the cornea to assume an irregular shape (astigmatism), it will threaten normal vision development and must be corrected as early as possible. If vision is not threatened, surgical intervention, if necessary, is usually delayed until the child is four or five years of age or older, when the eyelid and surrounding tissue are more fully developed and a better cosmetic result can be obtained. Most birthmarks and growths involving the eyelids of the newborn or young child are benign; however, because they may increase in size during the first year of life, they sometimes cause parents to become concerned. Most of these birthmarks and growths are not serious and will not affect your child’s vision. Many decrease in size after the first year of life and eventually disappear entirely without treatment. However, any irregularity should be brought to the attention of your child’s pediatrician so that it can be evaluated and monitored. Some children will develop lumps and bumps on their lids that can impair development of good eyesight. In particular, a blood vessel tumor called a capillary or strawberry hemangioma can start out as a small swelling, and rapidly enlarge. They will enlarge over the first year of life, and then start to spontaneously resolve over the next few years of life. If they become large enough, they can interfere with your baby’s development of good vision in the affected eye and will need to be treated. Because of their potential to cause vision problems, any child who starts to show any lumps or bumps around either eye should be examined by an ophthalmologist. A child might also be born with a flat, purple colored lesion on their face called a port wine stain, because of its resemblance to a dark red wine. If this birthmark involves the eye, especially the upper lid, the child may be at risk for development of glaucoma (a condition where pressure increases inside the eyeball) or amblyopia (a weak eye muscle). Any child born with this birthmark needs to be examined by an ophthalmologist shortly after birth. Small dark moles, called nevi, on the eyelids or on the white part of the eye itself rarely cause any problems or need to be removed. Once they have been evaluated by your pediatrician, these marks should cause concern only if they change in size, shape, or color. Small, firm, flesh-colored bulges on your child’s eyelids or underneath the eyebrows are usually dermoid cysts. These are noncancerous tumors that usually are present from birth. Dermoids will not become cancerous if not removed; however, because they tend to increase in size during puberty, their removal during preschool years is preferred in most cases. Two other eyelid problems—chalazia and hordeola or sties—are common, but not serious. A chalazion is a cyst resulting from a blockage of an oil gland. A sty, or hordeolum, is a bacterial infection of the cells surrounding the sweat glands or hair follicles on the edge of the lid. Call your pediatrician regarding treatment of these conditions. He probably will tell you to apply warm compresses directly to the eyelid for twenty or thirty minutes three or four times a day until the chalazion or sty clears. The doctor may want to examine your child before prescribing additional treatment, such as an antibiotic ointment or drops. Once your child has had a sty or chalazion, she may be more likely to get them again. When chalazia occur repeatedly, it’s sometimes necessary to perform lid scrubs to reduce the bacterial colonization of the eyelids and open the oil gland pores. Impetigo is a very contagious bacterial infection that may occur on the eyelid. Your pediatrician will advise you on how to remove the crust from the lid and then prescribe an eye ointment and oral antibiotics. Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5 (Copyright © 2009 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
275,12,"2018-04-19 02:48:19",Eyes,275,"2018-04-19 03:27:22","Give Your Child's Eyes a Screen-Time Break: Here's Why","Give Your Child's Eyes a Screen-Time Break: Here's Why Page Content​​Children spend more time than ever staring at digital screens—on computers, tablets, TVs, smartphones, and other devices. All that screen time can take a toll on children's wellbeing, including how their eyes may feel. What We Know Now:Research shows children begin zooming in on digital media devices, such as their parents' tablets or smartphones, as young as 6 months old. By their teens, kids spend nearly 7 hours a day using screened-based media, watching TV, playing video games, and using social media; this doesn't include additional time spent using screens at school or for homework. Especially if they're having fun, children might keep playing and watching to the point of eye-rubbing exhaustion.Staring at a screen for long stretches without taking breaks can cause symptoms such as:Eye fatigue. Muscles around the eye, like any others, can get tired from continued use. Concentrating on a screen for extended periods can cause concentration difficulties and headaches centered around the temple and eyes. Children may also use screen devices where lighting is less than ideal, causing fatigue from squinting.Blurry vision. Gazing at the same distance for an extended time can cause the eye's focusing system to spasm or temporarily ""lock up."" This condition, called an accommodation spasm, causes a child's vision to blur when he or she looks away from the screen. Some studies also suggest computer use and other indoor activities may fuel rising rates of myopia (nearsightedness) among children, although this is not yet proven. More time playing outside may result in healthier vision development in children.  Dry eyes. Studies show that people blink significantly less often when concentrating on a digital screen, which can leave eyes dry and irritated. Desktop and laptop computer use can be especially tough on children's eyes, because they're usually situated higher up in the visual field than a book, for example. As a result, the upper eyelids tend to be open wider—speeding up evaporation of the eye's tear film. What Parents Can Do:Monitor screen time. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) family media use plan and related reports target issues ranging from obesity to sleep problems linked with too much screen time. Guidance offered can help keep kids' eyes and vision healthy by encouraging balance between the digital and real world. Two especially important aspects of this are making sure screens don't cut into:Sleep. Not getting enough shut-eye leads to tired, sore eyes. The AAP recommends children not sleep with devices in their bedrooms, including TVs, computers and smartphones. In addition, the AAP recommends avoiding exposure to screens for 1 hour before going to bed. Using devices past bedtime, especially for violent video games or shows, can interfere with sleep. Studies also suggest the blue light given off by screens might also make it difficult to sleep. Exercise. Putting down the device or stepping away from the computer or TV can help avoid eye and vision problems from too much screen time. The AAP recommends children age 6 years and older get at 60 minutes of physical activity each day. Active play is the best exercise for young children. Outside play can also be a great ""workout"" for children's vision—giving them a chance to focus at different distances and getting exposure to natural sunlight. Take frequent breaks. Children frequently get so absorbed in what they're doing that they don't notice symptoms of eye strain. Remind them to take breaks. The American Optometric Association recommends the 20/20/20 rule: look away from the screen every 20 minutes, focus on an object at least 20 feet away, for at least 20 seconds. In addition, children should walk away from the screen for at least 10 minutes every hour. A simple timer can help your child remember, and there are even software programs can help by turning off the screen in regular intervals.Remember to blink. Research published in The New England Journal of Medicine says staring at a computer can cut blinking rates by half and cause dry eyes. Encourage your child to try to blink extra, especially when they take breaks. Your pediatrician or eye doctor may recommend moisturizing eye drops or a room humidifier if your child continues to be bothered by dry eyes. Screen positioning. Make sure the screen on your child's desktop or laptop computer is slightly below eye level. Looking up at a screen opens eyes wider and dries them out quicker. Some experts suggest positioning device screens based on the 1/2/10 rule: mobile phones ideally at one foot, desktop devices and laptops at two feet, and roughly 10 feet for TV screens (depending on how big the screen is). Adjusting the font size—especially on smaller screens—so it's twice as big as your child can comfortably read may also help reduce eye fatigue.Spotlight on lighting. To cut down on glare and eye fatigue, a study published in the Journal of Ophthalmology & Research says the level of lighting in a room when using a computer or other screen should be roughly half what it would be for other activities such as writing on paper or working on crafts. Try to position computers so that light from uncovered windows, lamps and overhead light fixtures aren't shining directly on screens. Decrease the brightness of the screen to a more comfortable level for viewing. Some optometrists recommend special computer glasses with orange lenses that may also help reduce glare. Children who wear prescription eyeglasses may have an anti-reflective coating added, as well. Computer monitor hoods or shades that attach to the screen may also be an option.Get regular vision screenings. If your child is having blurry vision or similar eye problems, he or she may not speak up. That's why regular vision screenings are important. The American Academy of Ophthalmology and the AAP recommend children have their eyes checked by a pediatrician at well-child visits beginning at birth. If a problem is found during one of these routine eye exams, your pediatrician may refer you to a pediatric ophthalmologist.Remember…Children, especially younger ones, will likely need help and reminders to use digital screen devices in an eye-friendly way. If you have any questions about keeping your child's eyes and vision healthy, talk with your pediatrician.Additional Information & Resources: Why to Limit Your Child's Media UseHealthy Sleep Habits: How Many Hours Does Your Child Need?Warning Signs of Vision Problems in Infants & ChildrenHow to Make a Family Media Use Plan Visual System Assessment in Infants, Children, and Young Adults by Ped​iatricians (AAP Policy Statement)​ ""Computer Vision Syndrome"" and Children (American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus) – States that children with normal eyes do not develop ""computer vision syndrome"" that can, infrequently, be associated with the aging eye Article Body Last Updated 8/28/2017 Source American Academy of Pediatrics (Copyright © 2017)"
276,12,"2018-04-19 02:48:19",Eyes,276,"2018-04-19 03:27:28",Glaucoma,"Glaucoma Page Content Article Body​Glaucoma is a serious eye disorder caused by increased pressure within the eye. It may be due to either overproduction or inadequate drainage of the fluid within the eye. If this increased pressure persists too long, it can damage the optic nerve, resulting in loss of vision.Although a child can be born with glaucoma, this is quite rare. More often it develops later in life. The earlier it is detected and treated, the better the chance of preventing permanent loss of vision. If any of the following warning signs occur, call your pediatrician promptly.   Excessive tearing Extreme sensitivity to light (The child will turn her head into the mattress or blankets to avoid light.) Blinking tightly Hazy or overly prominent-appearing eyes Increased irritability Eyelid spasms Persistent pain Glaucoma must be treated surgically to create an alternate route for fluid to leave the eye. Any child who has this disease must be watched very carefully throughout her life so that the pressure is kept under control and the optic nerve and cornea are not harmed. Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5 (Copyright © 2009 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
277,12,"2018-04-19 02:48:19",Eyes,277,"2018-04-19 03:27:35","Myopia (Nearsightedness)","Myopia (Nearsightedness) Page Content Article BodyAdolescence is the time of life when millions of boys and girls are found to be nearsighted. ""Myopia is the most common eye problem of the teen years,"" says Dr. Harold P. Koller, a pediatric ophthalmologist from Meadowbrook, Pennsylvania, and clinical professor of ophthalmology at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. “In kids who are genetically programmed to be nearsighted,” he explains, “the eyeball grows too long from front to back, usually during the growth spurt.” Consequently, the rays of light that make up optical images converge just short of the retina, the “movie screen” at the back of the eye. A myopic person can see clearly up close, but distant objects appear blurry. Farsighted youngsters have the opposite problem: normal vision for things that are far away, difficulties seeing what may be right in front of them. That’s because their eyeballs are abnormally short, causing the image to focus behind the retina. It is not unusual for children to develop before age five or six. As they grow, the eyeball “catches up” with the rest of the body. If they’d required corrective lenses for farsightedness, they may be able to set them aside for several years—perhaps permanently. A small amount of farsightedness is considered normal in childhood. Myopia typically becomes more severe throughout adolescence, then starts to stabilize when a young person reaches her twenties.youngsters have the opposite problem: normal vision for things that are far away, difficulties seeing what may be right in front of them. That’s because their eyeballs are abnormally short, causing the image to focus behind the retina. It is not unusual for children to develop hyperopia before age five or six. As they grow, the eyeball “catches up” with the rest of the body. If they’d required corrective lenses for farsightedness, they may be able to set them aside for several years—perhaps permanently. A small amount of farsightedness is considered normal in childhood. Myopia typically becomes more severe throughout adolescence, then starts to stabilize when a young person reaches her twenties.Symptoms That Suggest Myopia May Include: Recurrent headaches Incessant eye-rubbing Squinting in an attempt to help vision Unexplained drop in school performance How Myopia is Diagnosed Myopia is diagnosed with an eye examination and vision screening conducted by an ophthalmologist or an optometrist. An ophthalmologist holds a degree in medicine (M.D. or D.O.) and has received an additional three to five years training in the diagnosis and treatment of all eye disorders. That includes performing surgery. An optometrist has a degree in optometry (O.D.) and is qualified to prescribe and fit glasses and contacts, and to screen for, and treat, certain vision problems. An optician is trained to fit glasses and contacts, although the prescription must have been written by either an M.D., D.O. or O.D. How Myopia is Treated Corrective lenses: Eyeglass frames, once merely functional, are now stylish enough to serve as fashion statements. Nevertheless, some teens are selfconscious about wearing glasses—and so they don’t, ditching them at every opportunity. For them, contact lenses might be the preferable selection. But only on three conditions, advises Dr. Koller: “Number one: The young person has no medical condition that would preclude him from wearing contacts, such as dry eye, severe allergies and frequent eye infections. Numbers two and three: The young person has to be sufficiently mature and motivated to handle and care for the lenses properly.” Soft contact lenses are relatively problem free, but they do need to be cleaned and disinfected each time they’re taken out. Failure to practice adequate hygiene can lead to nasty eye infections. Here are some other precautions for teens to remember: Never put in contact lenses when the eyes are red and inflamed. After inserting the lenses in the eyes, rinse the plastic case with warm water and allow it to dry. Don’t forget to take the lenses out at night. Keep a backup pair of contacts and a backup pair of eyeglasses, for emergencies. Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source Caring for Your Teenager (Copyright © 2003 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
278,12,"2018-04-19 02:48:19",Eyes,278,"2018-04-19 03:27:43","Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis)","Pinkeye (Conjunctivitis) Page Content Article BodyPinkeye (Conjunctivitis) is the inflammation (ie, redness, swelling) of the thin tissue covering the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. What are the signs or symptoms? There are several kinds of pinkeye, including:Bacterial Red or pink, itchy, painful eye(s). More than a tiny amount of green or yellow discharge. Infected eyes may be crusted shut in the morning. May affect one or both eyes. Viral Pink, swollen, watering eye(s) sensitive to light. May affect only one eye. Allergic Itching, redness, and excessive tearing, usually of both eyes. Chemical Red, watery eyes, especially after swimming in chlorinated water. Immune mediated, such as that related to a systemic disease like Kawasaki disease. What are the incubation and contagious periods? Depending on the type of pinkeye, the incubation period (the time between being exposed to the disease and when the symptoms start) varies:Bacterial The incubation period is unknown because the bacteria that cause it are commonly present in most people and do not usually cause infection. The contagious period ends when the course of medication is started or when the symptoms are no longer present. Viral Sometimes occurs early in the course of a viral respiratory tract disease that has other signs or symptoms. One type of viral conjunctivitis, adenovirus, may be contagious for weeks after the appearance of signs or symptoms. Children with adenovirus infection are often ill with fever, sore throat, and other respiratory tract symptoms. This virus may uncommonly cause outbreaks in child care and school settings. Antibiotics for this condition do not help the patient or reduce spread. The contagious period continues while the signs or symptoms are present. Allergic Occurs in response to contact with the agent that causes the allergic reaction. The reaction may be immediate or delayed for many hours or days after the contact. No contagious period. Chemical Usually appears shortly after contact with the irritating substance. No contagious period.   How is it spread? Hands become contaminated by direct contact with discharge from an infected eye, or by touching other surfaces that have been contaminated by respiratory tract secretions, and gets into the child’s eyes.How do you control it? Consult a health professional for diagnosis and possible treatment. The role of antibiotics in preventing spread is unclear. Antibiotics shorten the course of illness a very small amount. Most children with pinkeye get better after 5 or 6 days without antibiotics. Careful hand hygiene before and after touching the eyes, nose, and mouth. Careful sanitation of objects that are commonly touched by hands or faces, such as tables, doorknobs, telephones, cots, cuddle blankets, and toys. It is helpful to think of pinkeye like the common cold. Both conditions may be passed on to other children but resolve without treatment. Pinkeye generally results in less symptoms of illness than the common cold. The best method for preventing spread is good hand hygiene. Additional Resources: Hand Washing: A Powerful Antidote to Illness Eye Infections Specific Eye Problems Preventing the Spread of Illness in Child Care and School Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source Managing Infectious Diseases in Child Care and Schools, 3rd Edition (Copyright © 2013 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
279,12,"2018-04-19 02:48:19",Eyes,279,"2018-04-19 03:27:46","Specific Eye Problems in Children","Specific Eye Problems in Children Page ContentThere are many different eye conditions and diseases that can affect a child's vision. If an eye condition is suspected or if a child fails a vision screening, he or she should be referred to a pediatric ophthalmologist to further evaluation and diagnosis. Early detection and treatment is so important to avoid lifelong visual impairments.Some of the more common eye disorders and eye diseases are listed in the table below.  ​Note: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends eye exams for all children beginning in the newborn period and at all well-child visits. See the AAP policy statement, Visual System Assessment in Infants, Children, and Young Adults by Pediatricians, and the AAP clinical report, Procedures for the Evaluation of the Visual System by Pediatricians, for more information.  Article Body Last Updated 1/10/2017 Source Your Child’s Eyes (Copyright © 2011 American Academy of Pediatrics, Updated 05/2016)"
280,12,"2018-04-19 02:48:19",Eyes,280,"2018-04-19 03:27:52",Sties,"Sties Page Content Article Body​A sty is a painful, red bump on the eyelid caused by an infected oil or sweat gland. Sties are not very contagious. However, once your child gets a sty, she is more likely to get one again. Signs and Symptoms Red, tender bump on the eyelid Tenderness around the eye Swelling around the eye Redness on the eyelid Sty Treatment To ease the pain and discomfort of a sty, place a warm cloth on the eyelid 3 to 4 times a day until signs of the infection are gone. Antibiotics are generally not helpful with a sty. When to Call Your Child's Doctor Call your child's doctor if the warm cloth treatments don't work. In some cases, you may be referred to an eye doctor who can drain the sty surgically. Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source Common Childhood Infections (Copyright © 2005 American Academy of Pediatrics, updated 10/2012)"
281,12,"2018-04-19 02:48:19",Eyes,281,"2018-04-19 03:28:00","Treating Lazy Eye","Treating Lazy Eye Page Content Article BodyLazy eye is a fairly common eye problem in children. It develops when a child has one eye that doesn’t see well and the child starts using the good eye almost exclusively. If lazy eye persists and is left untreated past the age of five or six, vision may be lost permanently in that eye. Click here to listen  Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source A Minute for Kids"
282,12,"2018-04-19 02:48:19",Eyes,282,"2018-04-19 03:28:06","Vision Screenings","Vision Screenings Page Content​​Vision screening is a very important way to identify vision problems. During an exam, the doctor looks for eye disease and checks to see if the eyes are working properly. Children with a family history of childhood vision problems are more likely to have eye problems. When should my child's eyes be checked?The American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that children have their eyes checked by a pediatrician at the following ages:  Newborn. All babies should have their eyes checked for infections, defects, cataracts, or glaucoma before leaving the hospital. This is especially true for premature babies, babies who were given oxygen for an extended period, and babies with multiple medical problems.By 6 months of age. As part of each well-child visit, eye health, vision development, and alignment of the eyes should be checked.Starting at 1 to 2 years. Photo screening devices can be used to start detecting potential eyes problems.At 3 to 4 years. Eyes and vision should be checked for any abnormalities that may cause problems with later development.At 5 years and older. Vision in each eye should be checked separately every year. If a problem is found during routine eye exams, your child's doctor may have your child see a pediatric ophthalmologist. A pediatric ophthalmologist is an eye doctor trained and experienced in the care of children's eye problems.Additional Information & Resources​: Warning Signs of Vision Problems in Infants & Children Infant Vision Development: What Can Babies See?AAP Schedule of Well-Child Care VisitsSpecific Eye Problems in Children Visual System Assessment in Infants, Children, and Young Adults by Pediatricians (AAP Policy Statement)Procedures for the Evaluation of the Visual System by Pediatricians (AAP Clinical Report)​ Article Body Last Updated 7/19/2016 Source Your Child’s Eyes (Copyright © 2011 American Academy of Pediatrics, Updated 05/2016)"
283,12,"2018-04-19 02:48:19",Eyes,283,"2018-04-19 03:28:12","Warning Signs of Vision Problems in Infants & Children","Warning Signs of Vision Problems in Infants & Children Page Content​Eye exams by your child's doctor are an important way to identify problems with your child's vision. Problems that are found early have a better chance of being treated successfully. What are warning signs of a vision problem?Babies up to 1 year of age:Babies older than 3 months should be able to follow or track an object, like a toy or ball, with their eyes as it moves across their field of vision. If your baby can't make steady eye contact by this time or seems unable to see, let your child's doctor know. See Infant Vision Development: What Can Babies See? for more information.Before 4 months, most babies' eyes occasionally look misaligned (strabismus). However, after 4 months, inward crossing or outward drifting that occurs regularly is usually abnormal. If one of these is present, let your child's doctor know.Preschool age:If your child's eyes become misaligned, let your child's doctor know right away. However, vision problems such as a lazy eye (amblyopia) may have no warning signs, and your child may not report vision problems. That is why it's important at this time to have your child's vision checked. There are special tests to check your child's vision even if he cannot yet read.All children: If you notice any of the following signs or symptoms, let your child's doctor know:Eyes that are misaligned (look crossed, turn out, or don't focus together)White or grayish white color in the pupilEyes that flutter quickly from side to side or up and downEye pain, itchiness, or discomfort reported by your child.Redness in either eye that doesn't go away in a few daysPus or crust in either eyeEyes that are always wateryDrooping eyelidsEyes that often appear overly sensitive to lightAdditional Information:Vision Screenings ​Specific Eye Problems in ChildrenVisual System Assessment in Infants, Children, and Young Adults by Pediatricians (AAP Policy Statement)Procedures for the Evaluation of the Visual System by Pediatricians (AAP Clinical Report) Article Body Last Updated 7/19/2016 Source Your Child’s Eyes (Copyright © 2011 American Academy of Pediatrics, Updated 05/2016)"
284,13,"2018-04-19 02:48:19",Fever,284,"2018-04-19 03:28:15","Fever and Your Baby","Fever and Your Baby Page Content​​Your child's normal temperature will vary with his or her age, activity, and the time of day. Infants tend to have higher temperatures than older children, and everyone's temperature is highest between late afternoon and early evening and lowest between midnight and early morning. Ordinarily, the following are considered normal, while higher readings indicate fever.Rectal reading of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or lessOral reading of 99 degrees Fahrenheit (37.2 degrees Celsius) or lessFever: A Sign or Symptom of Sickness By itself, fever is not an illness. Rather, it is a sign or symptom of sickness. In fact, usually it is a positive sign that the body is fighting infection. Fever stimulates certain defenses, such as the white blood cells, which attack and destroy invading bacteria.The fever may actually be important in helping your child fight his or her infection. However, fever can make your child uncomfortable. It increases his or her need for fluids and makes his or her heart rate and breathing rate faster. Fever most commonly accompanies respiratory illnesses such as:CroupPneumoniaEar infectionsInfluenza (flu)Severe coldsSore throatsIt also may occur with infections of the bowel, blood, or urinary tract, inflammation of brain and spinal cord (meningitis), and with a wide variety of viral illnesses. Febrile Convulsions In children between six months and five years, fever can trigger seizures, called febrile convulsions. These convulsions tend to run in families, and usually happen during the first few hours of a febrile illness. Children may look ""peculiar"" for a few moments, then stiffen, twitch, and roll their eyes. They will be unresponsive for a short time, and their skin may appear to be a little darker than usual during the episode. The entire convulsion usually lasts less than one minute, and may be over in a few seconds, but it can seem like a lifetime to a frightened parent. Although uncommon, convulsions can last for up to fifteen minutes or longer. It is reassuring to know that febrile convulsions almost always are harmless—they do not cause brain damage, nervous system problems, paralysis, intellectual disabilities, or death—although they should be reported promptly to your pediatrician. If your child is having trouble breathing or the convulsion (also referred to as a seizure) does not stop within fifteen minutes, call 911. Children younger than one year at the time of their first simple febrile convulsion have approximately a 50 percent chance of having another such seizure, while children over one year of age when they have their first seizure have about a 30 percent chance of having a second one. Nevertheless, febrile convulsions rarely happen more than once within a twenty-four-hour (one-day) period. Although many parents worry that a febrile convulsion will lead to epilepsy, keep in mind that epileptic seizures are not caused by a fever, and children with a history of fever related convulsions have only a slightly higher likelihood of developing epilepsy by age seven. Don't Confuse Fever with HeatstrokeA rare but serious problem that is easily confused with fever is heat-related illness, or heatstroke. This is not caused by infection or internal conditions, but by surrounding heat. It can occur when a child is in a very hot place—for example, a hot beach in midsummer or an overheated closed car on a summer day. Leaving children unattended in closed cars is the cause of several deaths a year; never leave an infant or child unattended in a closed car, even for a few minutes. Heatstroke also can occur if a baby is overdressed in hot, humid weather. Under these circumstances, the body temperature can rise to dangerous levels (above 105 degrees Fahrenheit [40.5 degrees Celsius]), which must be reduced quickly by cool-water sponging, fanning, and removal to a cool place. After the child has been cooled, he or she should be taken immediately to a pediatrician or emergency room. Heatstroke is an emergency condition.Use a Thermometer Whenever you think your child has a fever, take his or her temperature with a thermometer. Feeling the skin (or using temperature sensitive tape) is not accurate, especially when the child is experiencing a chill. Additional Information from HealthyChildren.org: Fever without Fear: Information for ParentsHow to Take a Child's Temperature Acetaminophen Dosage Table for Fever and PainFever and Pain Medicine: How Much to Give Your ChildIbuprofen Dosage Table for Fever and PainProtecting Children from Extreme Heat: Information for Parents​ Article Body Last Updated 8/3/2016 Source Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5, 6th Edition (Copyright © 2015 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
285,13,"2018-04-19 02:48:19",Fever,285,"2018-04-19 03:28:24","Fever without Fear: Information for Parents","Fever without Fear: Information for Parents Page Content​Let's face it, fevers can be scary for parents. When your child is burning up, it can be hard to think straight and make important decisions. Learning what causes fevers and how to treat them will ease your anxiety and help you take control of the situation.What Causes a Fever?Everyone has his or her own internal ""thermostat"" that regulates body temperature, and normal body temperature is around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit plus or minus about one degree (37 degrees Celsius, plus or minus about 0.6 degrees). When the body detects an infection or other illness, the brain responds by raising the body temperature to help fight the condition.A rectal temperature over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit is considered a fever. It is not always necessary for a child with a fever to see their doctor.  It depends on the age of the child (see Fever and Your Baby) and the other symptoms they have. Managing the FeverA fever can't always be detected by feeling your child's forehead. It's usually necessary to take his temperature as well. Although there are numerous thermometers on the market that measure temperature in different areas, parents should use rectal thermometers with their babies for the most accurate reading. See How to Take a Child's Temperature for more information. Once you've identified a fever, the most important things you can do is to improve your child's comfort and make sure they get enough fluid, so they do not get dehydrated.  While you may instinctively want to bring your child to the doctor's office, it may not be necessary, especially if the child seems fine once their discomfort is treated. Keeping Fever at BayAlthough not every fever needs to be treated, there are some things you can do to help make your child more comfortable. Giving a child acetaminophen or ibuprofen will usually reduce a fever. It is important to make sure you give the right dose to your child.  If your child is under two years of age, contact your pediatrician or pharmacist for the correct dose. For older children, follow the recommended dose on the label.  Do not overdress your child. Other practices to reduce fevers such as an alcohol bath, ice packs, etc. are no longer recommended and can actually have adverse effects on your child.A fever will also cause a child to lose fluids more quickly, so offer plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Signs of dehydration include crying without tears, a dry mouth, and fewer wet diapers.Keep your digital thermometer ready and accessible so you don't have to search for it once your child is ill. Have children's acetaminophen or ibuprofen on hand. Make sure your pediatrician's phone number is handy.When to Call the DoctorCall your child's doctor right away if your child has a fever and:Looks very ill, is unusually drowsy, or is very fussyHas been in a very hot place, such as an overheated carHas other symptoms, such as a stiff neck, severe headache, severe sore throat, severe ear pain, an unexplained rash, or repeated vomiting or diarrheaHas signs of dehydration, such as a dry mouth, sunken soft spot or significantly fewer wet diapers and is not able to take in fluidsHas immune system problems, such as sickle cell disease or cancer, or is taking steroidsHas had a seizureIs younger than 3 months (12 weeks) and has a temperature of 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higherFever rises above 104°F (40°C) repeatedly for a child of any ageAlso call your child's doctor if:Your child still ""acts sick"" once his fever is brought down.Your child seems to be getting worse. The fever persists for more than 24 hours in a child younger than 2 years.The fever persists for more than 3 days (72 hours) in a child 2 years of age or older.Additional Information on HealthyChildren.org: How to Take a Child's Temperature Fever and Pain Medicine: How Much To Give Your ChildSigns and Symptoms of FeverThe Healthy Children Show: Fever (Video) The Healthy Children Show: Giving Liquid Medicine Safely (Video) Article Body Last Updated 4/22/2016 Source American Academy of Pediatrics (Copyright © 2016)"
286,13,"2018-04-19 02:48:19",Fever,286,"2018-04-19 03:28:28","Healthy Children Radio: Fevers in Children","Healthy Children Radio: Fevers in Children Page Content Article Body​The flu, colds, croup, strep throat, ear infections and other common childhood illnesses have one thing in common: they can cause fevers. It is often the fever, itself, that prompts parents to call their child's pediatrician or head to the emergency room. In a segment on the Healthy Children show on RadioMD, pediatrician Melissa Arca explains when to take action and when to let the fever run its course.  Segment 1:  Fever Education: What Every Parent Should KnowAdditional Information: The Healthy Children Show: Fever (Video)Medications Used to Treat FeverWhen to Call the Pediatrician: FeverHow to Take a Child's Temperature Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source American Academy of Pediatrics (Copyright © 2014)"
287,13,"2018-04-19 02:48:19",Fever,287,"2018-04-19 03:28:31","How to Take a Child's Temperature","How to Take a Child's Temperature Page Content Article BodyTaking Your Child's Temperature While you often can tell if your child is warmer than usual by feeling his forehead, only a thermometer can tell how high the temperature is. Even if your child feels warmer than usual, you do not necessarily need to check this temperature unless he has other signs of illness. Always use a digital thermometer to check your child’s temperature (see “Types of digital thermometers” chart below fore more information, including guidelines on what type of thermometer to use by age). Mercury thermometers should not be used. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) encourages parents to remove mercury thermometers from their homes to prevent accidental exposure and poisoning. Note: Temperature readings may be affected by how the temperature is measured and other factors. Your child’s temperature and other signs of illness will help your doctor recommend treatment that is best for your child.   Types of Digital Thermometers The following are 3 types of digital thermometers. While other methods for taking your child’s temperature are available, such as pacifier thermometers or fever strips, they are not recommended at this time. Ask your child’s doctor for advice. Type* How it works Where to take the temperature Age Notes   Digital multiuse thermometer     Reads body temperature when the sensor located on the tip of the thermometer touches that part of the body.   Can be used rectally, orally, or axillary.   Rectal (in the bottom   Oral (in the mouth)   Axillary (under the arm) Birth to 3 years   4 to 5 years and older   Least reliable, technique, but useful for screening at any age   100.4 °F fever guideline is based on taking rectal reading. Label thermometer ""oral"" or ""rectal"". Don't use the same thermometer in both places. Taking an axillary temperature is less reliable. However, this methoid may be used in schools and child care centers to check (screen) a child's temperature when a child has other signs of illness. the temperature is used as a general guide.   Temporal artery       Reads the infared heat waves released by the temporal artery, which runs across the forehead just below the skin. On the side of the forehead   3 months and older   Before 3 months, better as a screening device than armpit temperatures   May be reliable in newborns and infants younger than 3 months according to new research.   Tympanic   Reads the infrared heat waves released by the eardrum   In the ear   6 months and older   Not reliable for babies younger than 6 months. When used in older children it needs to be placed correctly in your child's ear canal to be accurate. Too much earwax can cause the reading to be incorrect.    *Style and instructions may vary depending on the product. How to Use a Digital Multiuse Thermometer Rectal temperature If your child is younger than 3 years, taking a rectal temperature gives the best reading. The following is how to take a rectal temperature: Clean the end of the thermometer with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. Rinse it with cool water. Do not rinse it with hot water. Put a small amount of lubricant, such as petroleum jelly, on the end. Place your child belly down across your lap or on a firm surface. Hold him by placing your palm against his lower back, just above his bottom. Or place your child face up and bend his legs to his chest. Rest your free hand against the back of the thighs.   With the other hand, turn the thermometer on and insert it 1/2 inch to 1 inch into the anal opening. Do not insert it too far. Hold the thermometer in place loosely with 2 fingers, keeping your hand cupped around your child’s bottom. Keep it there for about 1 minute, until you hear the “beep.” Then remove and check the digital reading.   Be sure to label the rectal thermometer so it's not accidentally used in the mouth. Oral temperature Once your child is 4 or 5 years of age, you can take his temperature by mouth. The following is how to take an oral temperature: Clean the thermometer with lukewarm soapy water or rubbing alcohol. Rinse with cool water. Turn the thermometer on and place the tip under your child’s tongue toward the back of his mouth. Hold in place for about 1 minute, until you hear the “beep.” Check the digital reading. For a correct reading, wait at least 15 minutes after your child has had a hot or cold drink before putting the thermometer in his mouth.   Digital thermometer drawings by Anthony Alex LeTourneau. Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source Fever and Your Child (Copyright © 2007 American Academy of Pediatrics, updated 5/2012)"
288,13,"2018-04-19 02:48:19",Fever,288,"2018-04-19 03:28:37","Medications Used to Treat Fever","Medications Used to Treat Fever Page Content Article BodyTreating your child’s fever If your child is older than 6 months and has a fever, she probably does not need to be treated for the fever unless she is uncomfortable. Watch her behavior. If she is drinking, eating, sleeping normally, and is able to play, you should wait to see if the fever improves by itself and do not need to treat the fever. What you can do Keep her room comfortably cool. Make sure that she is dressed in light clothing. Encourage her to drink fluids such as water, diluted juices, or a store-bought electrolyte solution. Be sure that she does not overexert herself. Check with your doctor before giving medicine How to improve your child’s comfort with medicine Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are safe and effective medicines if used as directed for improving your child’s comfort, and they may also decrease the fever. They do not need a prescription and are available at grocery stores and drugstores. However, keep the following in mind:   Ibuprofen should only be used for children older than 6 months. It should not be given to children who are vomiting constantly or are dehydrated. Do not use aspirin to treat your child’s fever or discomfort. Aspirin has been linked with side effects such as an upset stomach, intestinal bleeding and, most seriously, Reye syndrome. If your child is vomiting and cannot take anything by mouth, a rectal suppository may be needed. Acetaminophen comes in suppository form and can help reduce discomfort in a vomiting child. Before giving your child any medicine, read the label to make sure that you are giving the right dose for his age and weight. Also, if your child is taking other medicines check the ingredients. If they include acetaminophen or ibuprofen, let your child’s doctor know. If your child is younger than 2 years, you should discuss any medications with your child's doctor to be safe.  Note: In 2011 manufacturers began replacing infant acetaminophen drops 80 mg/0.8 mL with infant or children acetaminophen liquid 160 mg/5 mL. See Fever and Pain Medicines: How Much to Give Your Child for more information on the change in dosing amounts. If giving acetaminophen, be sure to tell your child’s doctor if you are using infant drops 80 mg/0.8 mL or infant or children’s liquid 160 mg/5 mL.  Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source Fever and Your Child (Copyright © 2007 American Academy of Pediatrics, updated 5/2012)"
289,13,"2018-04-19 02:48:19",Fever,289,"2018-04-19 03:28:41","Signs and Symptoms of Fever","Signs and Symptoms of Fever Page Content Article BodyA 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. What is a Fever Normal body temperature varies with age, general health, activity level, and time of day. Infants tend to have higher temperatures than older children. Everyone’s temperature is highest between late afternoon and early evening, and lowest between midnight and early morning. Even how much clothing a person wears can affect body temperature. A fever is a body temperature that is higher than normal. While the average normal body temperature is 98.6°F (37°C), a normal temperature range is between 97.5°F (36.4°C) and 99.5°F (37.5°C). Most pediatricians consider a temperature above 100.4°F (38°C) as a sign of a fever. Signs and Symptoms of a Fever If your child has a fever, she may feel warm, appear flushed, or sweat more than usual. She may also be more thirsty than usual. Some children feel fine when they have a fever. However, most will have symptoms of the illness that is causing the fever. Your child may have an earache, a sore throat, a rash, or a stomach ache. These signs can provide important clues as to the cause of the fever. Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source Fever and Your Child (Copyright © 2007 American Academy of Pediatrics, updated 5/2012)"
290,13,"2018-04-19 02:48:19",Fever,290,"2018-04-19 03:28:47","The Healthy Children Show: Fever","The Healthy Children Show: Fever Page Content Article Body​This cool little episode is on the HOT topic of fever! Little Laura walks parents through taking their child’s temperature and gives important info about fever medicine. Watch video As always, you can get more information from our website, HealthyChildren.org, and of course from your pediatrician.   Want to see more of Little Laura’s videos? Check out the other episodes below: The Healthy Children Show: Choosing a Pediatrician (Video) The Healthy Children Show: Sleep (Video) The Healthy Children Show: Energy Balance for School-Age Kids (Video) The Healthy Children Show: Safe Storage and Preparation of Breast Milk and Formula Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source American Academy of Pediatrics (Copyright © 2013)"
291,13,"2018-04-19 02:48:19",Fever,291,"2018-04-19 03:28:55","Treating a Fever Without Medicine","Treating a Fever Without Medicine Page Content Article BodyFevers generally do not need to be treated with medication unless your child is uncomfortable or has a history of febrile convulsions. The fever may be important in helping your child fight the infection. Even higher temperatures are not in themselves dangerous or significant unless your child has a history of seizures or a chronic disease. Even if your child has a history of a fever-related convulsion and you treat the fever with medication, they may still have this kind of seizure. It is more important to watch how your child is behaving. If he is eating and sleeping well and has periods of playfulness, he probably doesn’t need any treatment. You should also talk with your pediatrician about when to treat your child’s fever. Treatment Suggestions for Fever Keep your child’s room and your home comfortably cool, and dress him lightly. Encourage him to drink extra fluid or other liquids (water, diluted fruit juices, commercially prepared oral electrolyte solutions, gelatin [Jell-O], Popsicles, etc.). If the room is warm or stuffy, place a fan nearby to keep cool air moving.  Your child does not have to stay in his room or in bed when he has a fever. He can be up and about the house, but should not run around and overexert himself.  If the fever is a symptom of a highly contagious disease (e.g., chickenpox or the flu), keep your child away from other children, elderly people, or people who may not be able to fight infection well, such as those with cancer. Sponging In most cases, using oral acetaminophen or ibuprofen is the most convenient way to make your feverish child more comfortable. However, sometimes you may want to combine this with tepid sponging, or just use sponging alone. Sponging is preferred over acetaminophen or ibuprofen if: Your child is known to be allergic to, or is unable to tolerate, antipyretic (anti-fever) drugs (a rare case). It is advisable to combine sponging with acetaminophen or ibuprofen if: Fever is making your child extremely uncomfortable.  He is vomiting and may not be able to keep the medication in his stomach. To sponge your child, place him in his regular bath (tub or baby bath), but put only 1 to 2 inches of tepid water (85–90 degrees Fahrenheit, or 29.4–32.2 degrees Celsius) in the basin. If you do not have a bath thermometer, test the water with the back of your hand or wrist. It should feel just slightly warm. Do not use cold water, since that will be uncomfortable and may cause shivering, which can raise his temperature. If your child starts to shiver, then the water is too cold. Shivering can make a fever worse; take your child out of the bath if he shivers. Seat your child in the water—it is more comfortable than lying down. Then, using a clean washcloth or sponge, spread a film of water over his trunk, arms, and legs. The water will evaporate and cool the body. Keep the room at about 75 degrees Fahrenheit (23.9 degrees Celsius), and continue sponging him until his temperature has reached an acceptable level. Never put rubbing alcohol in the water; it can be absorbed into the skin or inhaled, which can cause serious problems, such as coma. Usually sponging will bring down the fever by one to two degrees in thirty to forty-five minutes. However, if your child is resisting actively, stop and let him just sit and play in the water. If being in the tub makes him more upset and uncomfortable, it is best to take him out even if his fever is unchanged. Remember, a fever less than 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40.5 degrees Celsius) is in itself not harmful. Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5 (Copyright © 2009 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
292,13,"2018-04-19 02:48:19",Fever,292,"2018-04-19 03:28:58","When to Call the Pediatrician: Fever","When to Call the Pediatrician: Fever Page Content Article BodyWhen to call the doctor The most important things you can do when your child has a fever are to improve your child’s comfort by making sure they drink enough fluids to stay hydrated and monitor for signs and symptoms of a serious illness. It is a good sign if your child plays and interacts with you after receiving medicine for discomfort.Call your child’s doctor right away if your child has a fever and Looks very ill, is unusually drowsy, or is very fussy Has been in a very hot place, such as an overheated car Has other symptoms, such as a stiff neck, severe headache, severe sore throat, severe ear pain, an unexplained rash, or repeated vomiting or diarrhea Has immune system problems, such as sickle cell disease or cancer, or is taking steroids Has had a seizure Is younger than 3 months (12 weeks) and has a temperature of 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher Fever rises above 104°F (40°C) repeatedly for a child of any age Also call your child’s doctor if Your child still “acts sick” once his fever is brought down. Your child seems to be getting worse. The fever persists for more than 24 hours in a child younger than 2 years. The fever persists for more than 3 days (72 hours) in a child 2 years of age or older. Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source Fever and Your Child (Copyright © 2007 American Academy of Pediatrics, updated 5/2012)"
293,14,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","From Insects or Animals",293,"2018-04-19 03:29:03","Avian Flu: Information for Parents","Avian Flu: Information for Parents Page Content Article BodyChildren may hear about avian flu at school or on TV and may have questions. This information will help parents and caregivers talk to children about the situation while helping to calm any of their fears. About Avian Flu: Avian influenza, or bird flu, refers to a form of flu that affects birds as the primary target rather than people. Influenza viruses occur naturally among wild birds (especially wild water fowl such as ducks and geese), and can infect domestic poultry and other birds and animals. How Avian Flu is Spread:Infected birds shed flu virus in their saliva, nasal secretions, and feces. The virus spreads when susceptible birds make contact with contaminated secretions or surfaces. Avian flu viruses do not normally infect people. However, human infections with avian flu viruses have occurred, generally following direct or close contact with sick chickens, ducks, or turkeys. You cannot get bird flu from eating fully cooked poultry products such as chicken, turkey, or duck.The Current Situation:Several new strains of avian influenza were detected in Canada and the United States in 2014. So far, no human infections with these viruses have been detected. These strains are different from the bird flu strains that have infected and killed hundreds of people in South East Asia over the past 15 years. Like all forms of avian influenza, none of these viruses are easily spread from person to person. Learn more about the current situation here.Precautions to Prevent Infection: The best way to prevent infection with avian flu viruses is to avoid sources of exposure. What you can do: Wash your hands. In general, birds carry a lot of diseases besides bird flu, so it is always a good idea to wash your hands with soap and water after being around birds or bird feces. Don't rub your eyes or touch your nose or mouth while handling birds or bird feces.If you or your child finds a sick or dead bird, check with your state health department, state veterinary diagnostic laboratory, or state wildlife agency for information about reporting dead birds in your area. If you are told to get rid of the dead bird, use gloves or an inverted plastic bag to place the bird in a garbage bag. This bag can be placed in your regular trash. Encourage children to avoid handling or moving sick or dead birds. Tell them to notify an adult if they come upon a sick or dead bird.Do not touch birds at a farm or a market, or wild birds in parks or forests. This point is especially important to stress to curious young children!If you have a pet bird, make sure to keep your pet and its food and water inside, away from a place where they could be exposed to any infected birds. Make sure to keep your bird cage clean and wash your hands after playing with or petting your bird.  Cook all poultry (domestic or wild) prepared for meals thoroughly in order to eliminate the risk of infection. Don't underestimate existing flu strains! As previously mentioned the risk of getting avian flu is very rare, but the risk of getting seasonal influenza is greater. Don't forget to get your child's and your own seasonal flu vaccination. This will not prevent infection with avian flu viruses, but can reduce the risk that a person would become infected simultaneously with both human and avian flu viruses. Simultaneous infections can theoretically lead to more dangerous mixed strains. How Avian Flu is Diagnosed:Avian flu virus infection in humans cannot be diagnosed by clinical signs and symptoms alone; laboratory testing is required. Avian flu virus infection is usually diagnosed by collecting a swab from the nose or throat of the sick person during the first few days of illness. However, tests to identify avian flu viruses are not generally available in doctor's offices or commercial laboratories.Signs and Symptoms of Avian Flu:The reported signs and symptoms of avian flu can include:FeverCoughSore throatMuscle achesPneumoniaShortness of breathDifficulty breathingAcute respiratory distressRespiratory failureNauseaAbdominal painDiarrheaVomitingSometimes neurologic changes (altered mental status, seizures)Treatment Options for an Avian Flu Infection:The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently recommends oseltamivir, peramivir, or zanamivir for treatment of human infection with avian flu viruses.Additional Information & ResourcesGerm Prevention Strategies Hand Washing: A Powerful Antidote to IllnessPreventing the Flu: Resources for Parents & Child Care Providers Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source Disaster Preparedness Advisory Council (DPAC) ＆ Section on Infectious Diseases (SOID) (Copyright © 2015 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
294,14,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","From Insects or Animals",294,"2018-04-19 03:29:15","Bedbug Bites","Bedbug Bites Page Content Article Body​Bedbugs are small insects that feed on human blood by biting through the skin. They are most active between 2:00 and 5:00 am. They can travel 10 to 15 feet to feed and go without feeding for up to 6 months. They cause itchy bites. Bedbugs are not known to spread disease. Signs or Symptoms of Bedbugs Itchy insect bites, which often occur in a row, on areas of skin that are exposed during the night.Bites often have a red dot where the bite occurred in the middle of a raised red bump. Bites typically occur on face, neck, arms, and hands. Look for specks of blood, rusty spots from crushed bugs, or dung spots the size of a pen point on bed sheets and mattresses or behind loose wallpaper. Look for reddish/brown live bugs, about 1/8 of an inch, in crevices or seems of bedding. Incubation and Contagious Periods Bedbugs do not reproduce on humans like scabies or lice. They bite humans at night, then hide in cracks or crevices on mattresses, cushions, or bed frames during the day.How Bedbugs are Spread Bedbugs are not spread on people. They are not a sign that people are dirty. They do need to feed on people and may hide in belongings or clothing that allow them to spread to others in group care settings. They crawl at the speed of a ladybug.How to Control Bedbugs Avoid overreacting. One bedbug is not an infestation. For example, it is not necessary to send a child home from child care. An inspection and any pesticide application should be done by a trained pest control operator. Educate your family about bedbugs. Reduce clutter and limit items that travel back and forth between home and school, child care facility, etc. Seal cracks. Clean up any bedbug debris with detergent and water. Extermination involves vacuuming and one of the following approaches: Application of the least toxic (preferably “bio-based”) products, heating the living area to 122°F (50°C) for about 90 minutes, freezing infested articles, or (if necessary) use of synthetic chemical insecticides. Use Integrated Pest Management, which involves a combination of nonchemical strategies such as maintenance and sanitation followed by pesticides, if other methods are not effective. Wash bedding and clothing (hot water and hot drying cycle for 30–60 minutes), vacuum cracks and crevices, and freeze articles that may have been used as hiding places for bedbugs may reduce infestation until extermination can be performed. Vacuum with special attention to cracks and crevices in furniture, equipment, walls, and floors. Vacuuming some talcum powder will reduce the chance that the bugs will crawl out of the vacuum cleaner. Dispose of the vacuum cleaner filter and bags in a tightly sealed plastic bag. Use mattress, box spring, and pillow encasements to trap bedbugs. These encasements are readily available by searching the Internet for “mattress or pillow encasement.” They are marketed for bedbug or allergy control.   Additional Resources: Preventing the Spread of Illness in Child Care and School Cleaners, Sanitizers and Disinfectants www.epa.gov/bedbugs (Environmental Protection Agency) - good resource for identifying and controlling bedbugs.  Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source Managing Infectious Diseases in Child Care and Schools, 3rd Edition (Copyright © 2013 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
295,14,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","From Insects or Animals",295,"2018-04-19 03:29:18","Cat Scratch Disease","Cat Scratch Disease Page Content Article BodyYou may find it hard to believe that a small household pet like a cat can cause your child to become ill for a long period of time. A common bacterial infection called cat-scratch disease (CSD) can make your youngster sick for weeks or even months, all because, as the name suggests, a cat has bitten or scratched him. Most cases occur in people younger than 20 years. Cat-scratch disease is caused by an organism called Bartonella henselae, which is transmitted to humans by cats (usually kittens) that appear healthy, but are infected with this bacteria. The disease spreads from cat to cat by fleas, but cannot be transmitted from person to person. It takes a week or more from the time a person is scratched for the first symptoms to appear, sometimes as long as a month and a half.  Signs and Symptoms The most common sign of CSD is one or more swollen lymph nodes or glands, a condition called lymphadenopathy. The affected lymph nodes may be in your child’s armpit, on his neck, or in the area of the groin. In most cases, children have a small sore on the skin where the cat scratch or bite occurred. This bump usually appears 1 to 2 weeks before the lymph nodes become swollen and can last for many weeks. The skin over the swollen lymph nodes is warm, reddened, hardened, and tender to the touch. Children may also have a fever, headaches, tiredness, and a decreased appetite. In a small number of cases, children with CSD—typically those who also have a weak immune system because of cancer, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or an organ transplantation—may develop infections in other parts of the body. Some children with normal immune systems develop infections in the liver and spleen. These children have prolonged fever, which is called fever of unknown origin. Rarely, a child with CSD develops brain inflammation (encephalitis), inflammation of the retina of the eye, a bone infection, pneumonia, or tender purple-red bumps on the skin (erythema nodosum). An unusual complication called Parinaud oculoglandular syndrome occurs when the bacteria enters the body through the eyelid. In this case, the eyelid lining, the white of the eye (conjunctiva), or both are red. The lymph node in front of the ear on the same side of the infected eye will be swollen. What You Can Do If a cat scratches or bites your child, immediately wash the area with soap and water. When to Call Your Pediatrician? Contact your pediatrician if your child develops swollen lymph nodes. This swelling can have a number of causes, including CSD. How is the Diagnosis Made? Your pediatrician will ask whether your child has had exposure to cats and kittens. The pediatrician will look for a small bump where the cat scratch has occurred and evaluate any swollen lymph nodes that may be present. Laboratory tests are available to detect antibodies in the blood related to CSD, but many commercial tests are considered unreliable. In most cases, your pediatrician will not use this test.  Treatment Your pediatrician may recommend treatments aimed at easing the symptoms of CSD in your child. For example, if your youngster has a painful, pus-filled lymph node, the doctor may drain the pus with a needle to make your child more comfortable. Antibiotics may speed recovery. What is the Prognosis? Cat-scratch disease is self-limited, meaning that the infection and the lymph node swelling will usually go away on their own in 2 to 4 months, even without treatment. Prevention Do not allow your child to play roughly with cats and kittens. This kind of play can increase the chances of a scratch or bite. Teach your child how to interact with animals. A child should never try to take food away from a cat and should avoid teasing, petting, or trying to capture stray cats.   Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source Adapted from Immunizations and Infectious Diseases: An Informed Parents Guide (Copyright © 2006 American Academy of Pediatrics) and updated 2011"
296,14,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","From Insects or Animals",296,"2018-04-19 03:29:23","Cats and Toxoplasmosis","Cats and Toxoplasmosis Page Content Article BodyThe infection toxoplasmosis is caused by the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. Cats are the usual host for these parasites, but children, adults, and other animals can also be infected. Humans and animals can become infected if they swallow the microscopic eggs of the parasite or eat cysts in undercooked meats from cattle, sheep, pigs, or wild animals such as deer. The T gondii parasite can only mature to an adult in the body of a cat. The adult parasite lives in the gut of cats, and the eggs enter the environment through the cat feces. The eggs must mature in the soil for 1 to 5 days before they become contagious for people or other animals. When a person or an animal other than a cat eats the mature egg, it hatches within the bowel and burrows through the bowel wall. When the parasite is in a human (the non-preferred host), it cannot mature to an adult, but instead becomes a cyst in a muscle or organ. These cysts can become reactivated later in life, especially if a person’s immune system is weakened by illness or medicines. Humans can get the parasite by: Eating raw or undercooked meat that contains cysts Drinking untreated water contaminated with mature eggs Eating unwashed fruits and vegetables grown in contaminated soil Touching your mouth with your hand after handling soil or sand that contains mature eggs If a pregnant woman becomes infected with T gondii, she can pass the infection to her unborn fetus. Signs and Symptoms When the parasite is passed from the pregnant mother to the unborn fetus, the infections are less frequent but more severe early in pregnancy, and more frequent but less severe in the later months. Most infants born with toxoplasmosis have no signs or symptoms at birth. Some babies will have signs and symptoms that include: Rash Swollen lymph glands Jaundice Low number of blood platelets Enlargement of the liver and spleen Tiredness Although 70% to 90% of the infants born with toxoplasmosis do not have any signs or symptoms at birth, serious complications caused by inflammation of the eye and brain often appear in the ensuing months and years. These can include vision problems, varying levels of developmental delay, seizures, deafness, and blockage of cerebrospinal fluid pathways in the brain leading to hydrocephalus. Some infected fetuses may die in the uterus or within the first few days after birth. When children or adults develop toxoplasmosis, illness is uncommon. When it does occur, it may look similar to infectious mononucleosis and include: Fever Swollen lymph glands, particularly in the region of the neck Headache Muscle aches and pains Sore throat Enlargement of the liver and spleen General feelings of being ill A pregnant woman with toxoplasmosis may be symptom free, but she can still pass the infection to her unborn baby. This is most common when the infection occurs near the end of the pregnancy. People with weakened immune systems can develop blindness because of cysts within the retina (the part of the eye involved in vision). Meningitis or encephalitis may be caused by cysts within the brain. Other complications include pneumonia or, less often, widespread infection involving many organs in the body. How Is the Diagnosis Made? The diagnosis of toxoplasmosis is made by blood tests that can detect antibodies to the parasite. These tests can be difficult to perform and interpret and should be done with the guidance of specialists in this field. If you are pregnant and believe you may have become infected with T gondii, ask your doctor to test you for the presence of this parasite. Treatment Older children and teenagers with a normal immune system do not require specific medical treatment for toxoplasmosis unless they are pregnant. All infected newborns should be treated to avoid eye problems and inflammation of the brain. Patients with a weakened immune system usually require treatment. Your pediatrician will often call in a specialist in infectious diseases to help decide on management. The most common medicines used are a combination of pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine or clindamycin. Treatment continues for several months. Newborns may require treatment for a year. Pyrimethamine is always given with folinic acid (leucovorin) to prevent damage to the liver and bone marrow. In certain patients, corticosteroids may be prescribed for eye problems caused by the infection. What Is the Prognosis? Early treatment can be very successful for babies who are infected before birth, although many will develop eye or brain problems despite treatment. Toxoplasmosis acquired after birth generally goes away on its own without any lasting complications. However, if your child has a weakened immune system because of, for example, a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or cancer chemotherapy, she is more likely to develop a severe form of the disease that can damage the brain, eyes, or other organs. Prevention Pregnant women should not change cat litter boxes or do any gardening and landscaping to avoid being exposed to cat feces, which may contain these parasites. If these activities are unavoidable, wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. If you do catch toxoplasmosis, early treatment can prevent many of the complications to the fetus. To reduce the chances of ingesting foods with T gondii, cook all meat— beef, pork, lamb, and wild game—to an internal temperature of 150°F to 170°F until the meat is no longer pink. Also, follow these recommendations: Wash or peel all fruits and vegetables. Take steps to prevent contaminating other foods with raw or undercooked meat. Wash your hands, cutting boards, other kitchen surfaces, and kitchen cutlery and utensils after handling and preparing raw meat, fruits, and vegetables. Wash your hands after gardening or having other contact with soil or sand in sandboxes. To reduce the chances that your pet cats will become infected, feed them only commercially made cat food. Keep them from eating undercooked kitchen meat scraps or hunting wild rodents. Cats who go outdoors may be exposed to soil contaminated by eggs from infected cats’ feces. Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source Adapted from Immunizations and Infectious Diseases: An Informed Parents Guide (Copyright © 2006 American Academy of Pediatrics) and updated 2011"
297,14,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","From Insects or Animals",297,"2018-04-19 03:29:29","Diseases Spread by Insects","Diseases Spread by Insects Page Content Article BodyDiseases spread by insects are a major cause of illness to children and adults worldwide. The following is information about West Nile virus, Lyme disease, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. West Nile VirusIn the United States, West Nile virus and outbreaks of various types of encephalitis get plenty of media coverage. These illnesses are carried by mosquitoes and transmitted to humans when the insects bite. Symptoms:  ​Most cases of West Nile virus are mild, with people showing no symptoms or having a fever, headache, and body aches.Less commonly and occurring mostly in older adults, the nervous system is affected and symptoms may include a severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, confusion, seizures, sensitivity to light, muscle weakness, and loss of consciousness. Lyme DiseaseIn some areas of the United States, Lyme disease is an important health concern. Deer ticks are one of the insects that spread the disease. Deer ticks are tiny, black-brown, biting insects about the size of a poppy seed. Symptoms: The first and most obvious symptom of Lyme disease is a rash. It is a red spot surrounded by a light red ring that looks like a target and typically enlarges day by day.In addition to the ring-like rash, some children have additional symptoms such as fever, fatigue, headache, aches and pain in muscles or joints, and swollen glands. Occasionally, children develop a droop of an eyelid and/or the corner of the mouth (facial nerve palsy) or severe headache, vomiting, and stiff neck (meningitis). Weeks to months later (without antibiotic treatment), some children develop swelling of the knee or other joints (arthritis). Rocky Mountain Spotted FeverDespite the name, Rocky Mountain spotted fever currently occurs mostly in other regions of the United States, including North and South Carolina, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. Ticks spread this bacterial infection. Symptoms: Fever Severe headache Confusion Nausea Vomiting Rash—Most also get a rash that starts as flat red spots that become purple over time. It begins on the ankles and wrists and spreads to the palms and soles and then to the arms and legs and the trunk. If your child has been bitten by an insect and shows any of the above symptoms of West Nile virus infection, Lyme disease, or Rocky Mountain spotted fever, call your child’s doctor. Remember Children need and love to be outdoors. The chance of your children becoming infected with West Nile virus, Lyme disease, or Rocky Mountain spotted fever is quite low. The best way to protect yourself and your children is to follow the guidelines in this article and also see our additional information on insect repellents. If you have any concerns about insect bites, talk with your child’s doctor.​ Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source A Parent's Guide to Insect Repellents (Copyright © 2009 American Academy of Pediatrics, Updated 6/2012)"
298,14,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","From Insects or Animals",298,"2018-04-19 03:29:38","Hamsters and Mice Can Cause Illness","Hamsters and Mice Can Cause Illness Page Content Article BodyLymphocytic choriomeningitis is a viral infection of the brain or the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. It mostly affects young adults, though it is uncommon. It is caused by the lymphocytic choriomeningitis (LCM) virus. The LCM organism is carried by common house mice or pet hamsters. Humans become infected by breathing in dried particles of the animal’s urine, feces, or saliva that have become airborne or ingesting food or dust contaminated by the rodent’s urine. The incubation time is around a week, but can take as long as 3 weeks. Signs and Symptoms Once infected, some children remain symptom free, but many others may have a flu-like illness with Fever Headaches Cough Nausea and vomiting Muscle aches Joint pain Chest pain After a few days of this initial phase of the infection, symptoms may go away, only to be followed by the appearance of additional symptoms associated with meningitis or encephalitis, including a stiff neck, drowsiness, and confusion. When to Call Your Pediatrician If your child has a persistent and severe flu-like illness following contact with a mouse or hamster, its cage, or its urine or feces, you should call your pediatrician for advice. How Is the Diagnosis Made? The infection can be diagnosed by blood tests for antibodies to the LCM virus. Treatment Although there is no antiviral medication with proven effectiveness for this condition, some patients will need supportive care. Patients with more severe cases may need to be hospitalized. What Is the Prognosis? Most children with LCM infections recover completely. Prevention To prevent this disease, keep your child from having direct contact with mice or hamsters and their feces. Cages should be cleaned regularly to prevent a buildup of dried feces, which can be blown into the air. Prevent rodent infestation, especially in areas where food is stored. If you notice rodent droppings, use a liquid disinfectant to clean the area. Last Updated 11/21/2015 Source Immunizations ＆ Infectious Diseases: An Informed Parent's Guide (Copyright © 2006 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
299,14,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","From Insects or Animals",299,"2018-04-19 03:29:41","Head Lice Treatment Myths & Realities","Head Lice Treatment Myths & Realities Page Content Article Body​​What Do You Know About Head Lice Treatments? When your child has been diagnosed with head lice, you want to get rid of them quickly—and effectively. But, you may not be aware of all available treatments. Find out what's true—and false—about current treatment options.True or FalseOver-the-counter (OTC) head lice treatments  sometimes are not the most effective.True. Here's why: Head lice can be resistant to the active ingredients in over the counter (OTC)  treatments in some communities. These are the ones you can buy in the store without a prescription. If head lice are resistant it means the treatments may not kill them. The likelihood of resistance varies across the country. Your pediatrician can assist in helping you choose an appropriate treatment option before you do so on your own.Prescription treatments always cost more than OTC treatments.                False. Here's why: Parents sometimes treat their children with OTC treatments up to 5 times before seeking help from their pediatrician. You should consider the cost of potential multiple treatments, plus the cost of other infestation-related activities when choosing a treatment option. That having been said, prescription medications are usually moreexpensive to purchase and may not always be covered by health insurance. So, it is a good idea to check your coverage when you are making your decision.All head lice treatments call for 2 applications.False. Here's why: Several prescription treatments suggest using only 1 application. Sometimes, a third treatment is needed if live lice persist following the second treatment.Prescription head lice treatments involve being left on the scalp and hair for 8 to 12 hours.         False. Here's why: Some prescription products have application times as short as 10 minutes followed by a simple rinse with water. That is why it is essential for parents to read and follow manufacturer instructions exactly as written.All head lice treatments instruct users to nit comb.  False. Here's why: There are some prescription products that don't call for nit combing. Nits are lice eggs. Even when nit combing is not required to get rid of an infestation, you may choose to comb out nits while hair is wet with a fine tooth comb. Removing nits may help to decrease embarrassment to your child or adolescent, as well as eliminate potential conflicts with school officials that you have not treated your child.Due to stronger ingredients, prescription head lice treatments should only be used as a last resort.False. Here's why: Prescription medications have different active ingredients than the OTC products and may need to be used in the initial treatment of head lice in some communities based upon local resistance patterns. Many newer prescription treatments can be used safely when prescribed by a pediatrician and carefully applied according to instructions. Several prescription treatments are safe to use on children as young as 6 months of age.Home remedies to treat head lice are safe and effective.False. Here's why: Mayonnaise, olive oil, margarine, butter, and similar substances have not been proven as effective head lice treatments. Substances like gasoline or kerosene have not been clinically proven and are flammable and carry substantial risk. When your child has head lice, it is best to call your pediatrician before treatment. Like any other health concerns you have about your child, consulting your pediatrician first can help you decide whether an OTC or prescription treatment is best for your child.Once I apply lice treatment, it is ok to place a shower cap or plastic bag on my child's head and leave my child alone until the treatment is complete.False. Here's why: It is dangerous to place anything made of plastic on a child's head because it sends a message that it is ok for them to do when you may not be around. If left unattended a child might fall asleep with the plastic bag on his or her head and it could slip over his or her nose or mouth and suffocate. While treating for head lice can be an annoyance, it can also be a close time for a parent and child to spend quiet time together and bond during a close and caring encounter. Similarly, a child should never be left unattended with any wet chemicals on his/her head to avoid drippage of the chemical into the eye.​Additional Information:Head Lice: What Parents Need to KnowHead Lice (AAP Clinical Report)National Association of School Nurses​ Last Updated 9/24/2015 Source Council on School Health (Copyright © 2015 American Academy of Pediatrics)"
300,14,"2018-04-19 02:48:19","From Insects or Animals",300,"2018-04-19 03:29:48","Head Lice: What Parents Need to Know","Head Lice: What Parents Need to Know Page Content​​Head lice are a common problem that usually affects school-aged children and their families. They can attach to the hair of anyone's head. It doesn't matter if the hair is clean or dirty. Head lice are also found worldwide in all different places, such as in homes or schools or the country or city. And it doesn't matter how clean, dirty, rich, or poor the place or person is. Though head lice may be a nuisance, they don't cause serious illness or carry any diseases. Head lice can be treated at home, but it's important to check with the doctor first. Here is information from the American Academy of Pediatrics to help parents and caregivers check for, treat, and prevent the spread of head lice.  What are head lice?Head lice are tiny bugs about the size of a sesame seed (2–3 mm long [mm stands for millimeter]). Their bodies are usually pale and gray, but their color may vary. One of these tiny bugs is called a louse.  Head lice feed on small amounts of blood from the scalp. They can usually live 1 to 2 days without blood meal.  Lice lay and attach their eggs to hair close to the scalp. The eggs and their shell casings are called nits. They are oval and about the size of a knot in thread (0.8 mm long and 0.3 mm wide) and usually yellow to white. Some nits may blend in with some people's hair color, making them hard to see, and are often confused for dandruff or hair spray droplets. Nits attach to the hair with a sticky substance that holds them firmly in place. After the eggs hatch, the empty nits stay on the hair shaft.  ​What is the life cycle of head lice?Head lice live about 28 days. They develop in 3 phases: egg (also called a nit), nymph, and adult louse.  Egg or nit. Eggs or nits hatch in 6 to 9 days. Eggs are usually found within 4 to 6 mm of the scalp and do not survive if they are farther away.Nymph. The nymph looks like an adult head louse but is much smaller (about the size of a pinhead [1.5 mm]). Nymphs become adults about 7 days after hatching.Adult louse. An adult louse can multiply fast and lay up to 10 eggs a day. It takes only about 12 to 14 days for newly hatched eggs to reach adulthood.This cycle can repeat itself every 3 weeks if head lice are left untreated. How common are head lice?Head lice are most common in preschool- and elementary school–aged children. Each year millions of school-aged children in the United States get head lice. However, anyone can get head lice. Head lice are found worldwide.  How do head lice spread?Head lice are crawling insects. They cannot jump, hop, or fly. The main way head lice spread is from close, prolonged head-to-head contact. There is a very small chance that head lice will spread by sharing items such as combs, brushes, and hats.  What are symptoms of head lice?Itching on the areas where head lice are present is the most common symptom. However, it may take up to 4 to 6 weeks after lice get on the scalp before the scalp becomes sensitive to the lice saliva and begins to itch. Most of the itching happens behind the ears or at the back of the neck. Also, itching caused by head lice can last for weeks, even after the lice are gone.  How do you check for head lice?Regular checks for head lice are a good way to spot head lice before they have time to multiply and infest (are present in large numbers) your child's head.  Seat your child in a brightly lit room.Part the hair.Look for crawling lice and for nits on your child's scalp a section at a time.Live lice are hard to find. They avoid light and move quickly.Nits will look like small white or yellow-brown specks and be firmly attached to the hair near the scalp. The easiest place to find them is at the hairline at the back of the neck or behind the ears. Nits can be confused with many other things such as dandruff, dirt particles, or hair spray droplets. The way to tell the difference is that nits are firmly attached to hair, while dandruff, dirt, or other particles are not.Use a fine-tooth comb to help you search the scalp section by section. What is the comb-out method?The comb-out method can be used to help check for nits and head lice or to help remove nits and head lice after head lice treatment. However, the comb-out method usually doesn't work on its own to get rid of head lice.  Here is how you use the comb-out method: Step 1: Wet your child's hair.  Step 2: Use a fine-tooth comb and comb through your child's hair in small sections. Step 3: After each comb-through, wipe the comb on a wet paper towel. Examine the scalp, comb, and paper towel carefully.  Step 4: Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you've combed through all of your child's hair. How do you treat head lice?Check with your child's doctor before beginning any head lice treatment. The most effective way to treat head lice is with head lice medicine. After each treatment, using the comb-out method every 2 to 3 days for 2 to 3 weeks may help remove the nits and eggs. Head lice medicine should be used only when it is certain that your child has living head lice. Remember, check with your child's doctor before starting any head lice medicine. Also, when head lice medicines are used, it is important to use them safely. Here are some safety guidelines:Follow the directions on the package exactly as written.Never let children apply the medicine. Medicine should be applied by an adult.Do not use medicine on a child 2 years or younger without first checking with your child's doctor.Do not use or apply medicine to children if you are pregnant or breastfeeding without first checking with your doctor.Always rinse the medicine off over a sink and not during a shower or bath, so the medicine doesn't run off the head onto other areas of skin. Place your child's head over a sink and rinse the medicine off with warm water (not hot water).Never place a plastic bag on a child's head.Do not leave a child alone with medicine in his or her hair.Store medicine in a locked cabinet, out of sight and reach of children.Check with your child's doctor before beginning a second or third treatment. Your child may need repeat treatment 7 to 9 or 9 to 10 days after the first treatment depending on the medicine.Ask your child's doctor if you have any questions or if treatments you have tried have not gotten rid of lice.Warning: Never use dangerous products like gasoline or kerosene or medicines made for use on animals! Also, do not use home remedies, such as petroleum jelly, mayonnaise, tub margarine, herbal oils, or olive oil, because no studies prove they work.What head lice medicines are available?Check with your child's doctor before beginning any treatment. See ""Head Lice Medicines"" chart for a list of head lice medicines approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. What else do I need to know about treating head lice?You may want to wash your child's clothes, towels, hats, and bed linens in hot water and dry on high heat if they were used within 2 days before head lice were found and treated. You do not need to throw these items away. Items that cannot be washed may be dry-cleaned or sealed in a plastic bag for 2 weeks.Do not spray pesticides in your home. They can expose your family to dangerous chemicals and are not needed when you treat your child's scalp and hair properly.All household members and close contacts should also be checked and treated if necessary.​About ""no-nit"" policiesSome schools h​ave ""no-nit"" policies stating that students who still have nits in their hair ​​​cannot return to school. The American Academy of Pediatrics and National Association of School Nurses discourage such policies and believe a child should not miss or be excluded from school because of head lice.RememberHead lice don't put your child at risk for any serious health problems. Products should be used only if those products are safe. If your child has head lice, work quickly but safely to treat your child to prevent the head lice from spreading.  Additional Information & Resources:How to Help Prevent and Control the Spread of Head LiceWhen to Keep Your Child Home from Child CareHead Lice Treatment Myths & Realities Head Lice (AAP Clinical Report)National Association of School Nurses​ Article Body Last Updated 3/17/2017 Source A Parent’s Guide to Head Lice (Copyright © 2016 American Academy of Pediatrics)"