Health Library A to Z

A

• A Checklist to Help You Spot Hearing Loss
Parents and pediatricians should know how to detect hearing problems at various stages during a child's first three years of life.

• A Child's Concept of Death
For infants and toddlers, death has very little meaning. School-aged children begin to understand death as permanent, universal, and inevitable. A predominant theme in adolescence is a feeling of immortality or being exempt from death.

• A Child's First Dental Visit Fact Sheet
Your child should see a dentist six months after eruption of the first tooth, experts say. The dentist can provide or recommend preventative information regarding baby bottle tooth decay, infant feeding practices, mouth cleaning, teething, pacifier habits and finger-sucking habits.

• A Chubby Baby Is Not a Sign of Obesity
With childhood obesity on the rise, should parents worry about the weight of their babies?

• A Few Extra Pounds May Harm Lung Function in Black, Hispanic Kids
Differences in body fat distribution could boost asthma rates in some minorities, study says

• A Few Tricks for Halloween Treats
It's important to encourage good eating habits, while allowing kids to enjoy the fun of the holiday.

• A Fresh Look at Common Skin Problems
Skin problems such as pimples, blackheads, rashes, and oily skin are common in both teens and adults. But you don't necessarily need a dermatologist to treat them.

• A Grandparents' Guide to Home Child-Proofing
Whether they are coming for an afternoon or a week, taking some steps before your grandchildren arrive can help keep them safe during their visit. Consider these guidelines.

• A Guide to Jogging Strollers
Jogging strollers come in a variety of shapes and sizes to match almost anyone's needs, including parents with twins or children with physical disabilities.

• A Heads-Up for Football Safety
Coaches should tell players not to tackle or block with their heads or run head-down with the ball.

• A Holiday Help Guide for Stepfamilies
No one is fond of change, and big changes during the holidays can be particularly difficult to cope with for everyone involved.

• A Parent’s Guide to Choosing Child Care
As a parent of a young child, one of the most important decisions you will make is choosing who will care for your child while you’re at work.

• A Parent's Grief Highlights Flu Shot's Importance
General good health is no protection from infection or death, CDC study shows

• A Primer for Preschooler Safety
Your little ones can learn a lot about safety if you take some time to teach them. Here's an ABC that you and your children can recite together.

• A Rational Diet for Bodybuilders
Many of today's generation of musclemen are told by nutritionists and bodybuilding experts that well-balanced meals will offer enough protein for all but the most intense exercisers.

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

• A Warning on Medicinal Herbs
Herbal remedies may be popular, but just how many of the hundreds of herbs on the market act on the body isn't clear.

• A Weighty Issue: Childhood Obesity
Childhood obesity is more prevalent in the Northeast, followed by the Midwest, South and West. It is also more prevalent in cities than in rural areas.

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

• About Pediatric Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Diseases
Detailed information on pediatric arthritis and other rheumatic diseases, including causes, symptoms, and members of the treatment team

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

• Abused Black Girls More Likely to Develop Asthma: Study
Stress still affects immune system years later, researchers say

• Abused Children at Risk for Obesity as Adults: Study
They are 36 percent more likely to struggle with weight later in life, researchers report

• Accident Statistics
Injury is the leading cause of death in children and young adults. Falls are the leading cause of unintentional injury for children.

• Achondroplasia
Detailed information on achondroplasia, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

• Acne in Children
Acne is a disorder of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. With acne, the sebaceous glands are clogged, which leads to pimples and cysts.

• Acne Medication May Raise Risk of Eye Infections
Large study found teens taking Accutane were more likely to get pink eye, styes

• Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)/Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
HIV can be passed to a child when he or she is in the mother's womb or as the infant passes through the birth canal. The virus has also been detected in breast milk.

• Active, Outdoor Teens Are Happier Teens: Study
And those who spend more time indoors in front of screens are more likely to feel lonely, shy

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

• Acute Spinal Cord Injury in Children
Many types of trauma can cause an acute spinal cord injury. The more common types occur when the area of the spine or neck is bent or compressed.

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

• Adenovirus Infections
Detailed information on adenovirus infections, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention

• ADHD Drugs Safe, Experts Say
Parents of kids with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) face a tough choice: whether to medicate their children or not.

• ADHD in Childhood May Raise Risk for Obesity in Adulthood
Study found boys with the disorder were twice as likely to have a higher body-mass index when they were men

• ADHD May Raise Girls' Risk for Suicide as Young Adults
Also more likely to self-injure as young women, study shows

• Adjustment Disorders
Adjustment disorders are quite common in children and teens. They are characterized by an excessive reaction to stress.

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

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

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

• Adolescent Mental Health Overview

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

• Adolescents and Diabetes Mellitus
Detailed information on special considerations for teenagers with diabetes

• Adoption Can Boost Quality of Life for Infertile Couples, Study Finds
Improved well-being reported among those whose in-vitro fertilization therapy was unsuccessful

• Adult Children of Substance Abusers More Prone to Depression
Risk rose steeply if a parent had been addicted to alcohol or drugs, study found

• Aerobic Exercise Cuts Kids' Diabetes Risk: Study
Just 20 minutes a day improved insulin resistance of overweight children

• Afinitor Disperz Approved for Rare Tumor
Sanctioned for children aged 1 and older

• After Chest Radiation, Girls at Greater Risk for Early Breast Cancer: Study
Even those childhood cancer survivors who got low doses should be screened yearly, researchers say

• After Tonsillectomy, Steroids May Not Increase Bleeding
Study contradicts previous European research that found the drugs can cause hemorrhage

• Age of Autism Diagnosis May Depend on Symptoms: Study
Early identification essential to help kids reach their potential, researcher says

• Age-Appropriate Speech and Hearing Milestones
A hearing problem may be suspected in a child who is not responding to sounds or who is not developing language skills appropriately.

• Age-Appropriate Speech and Language Milestones
Here are guidelines on speech and language development that may help you decide if your child is experiencing hearing problems.

• Age-Appropriate Vision Milestones
An infant's eyes are sometimes uncoordinated and may look cross-eyed. Within two months, the child can follow faces and objects and look at his or her hands.

• Aging Eyes and Glasses
As your eyes age, their lenses become less flexible, and they slowly lose their ability to focus. It's an ongoing, lifelong process called presbyopia, which you begin to notice between ages 40 and 45.

• Ahead of AIDS Conference, New Reasons for Hope
Experts say headway has been made in prevention and treatment, but challenges remain

• AIDS/HIV in Children
Detailed information on HIV and AIDS, including transmission, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

• Air Bags and Kids
A car with an air bag is considered safer than a car without one. But for children under 12 years old, air bags can be dangerous.

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

• Airway Obstruction Overview

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

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

• Airway Obstruction--Injury Statistics and Incidence Rates
Children at highest risk for all forms of airway obstruction are age 4 or younger. Youngsters who sleep in adult beds are also at increased risk for airway obstruction.

• Alcohol Use Among Teens Is Epidemic
The leading substance-abuse threat to children may be as close as your refrigerator. About 10 million adolescents drink alcohol. In fact, minors drink 19 percent of the alcohol consumed in the United States.

• All About Allergies in Children
Detailed information on allergy, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

• All About Asthma in Children
What causes asthma? It may be partially inherited, but many other environmental, infectious, and chemical factors are involved.

• All About Child Passenger Safety
Installing your child's car seat properly and using it every time your son or daughter rides in the car is one of the best ways to help keep him or her safe in case of an accident.

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

• All About the Immune System
Detailed information on the immune system, including a full-color, labeled illustration of the immune system

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

• Allergic Rhinitis
Pollen, dust mites, mold, and animal dander are the most common causes of allergic rhinitis.

• Allergies: As American as Apple Pie?
U.S.-born children more likely to have asthma, hay fever and eczema than foreign-born kids, study finds

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

• Allergy 'Rescue' Shots May Work Better in Lower Thigh of Overweight Kids
Study found needles for lifesaving medication too short to reach upper-thigh muscle

• Alpha Thalassemia in Children
Detailed information on alpha thalassemia, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

• Alternative Therapy for Cancer
Alternative therapy is a nonconventional approach to healing. it may be used instead of standard treatment or in combination with standard medicine.

• Amenorrhea in Teens
Amenorrhea is a menstrual condition in which a woman's menstrual periods are absent for more than three monthly cycles. Pregnancy is one possible cause of amenorrhea.

• American Kids Getting Fewer Prescription Drugs: Study
Antibiotic use is down, but ADHD and asthma prescriptions went up

• An Rx for RSV

• Anaphylaxis
Detailed information on anaphylaxis, including causes, symptoms, and treatment

• Anatomy and Development of the Mouth and Teeth
Children's teeth begin developing in the fetus. Good nutrition from the mother during pregnancy is important in the development of the teeth.

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

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

• Anatomy and Function of the Liver
Detailed anatomical description of the liver

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

• Anatomy and Physiology of the Nose and Throat
The sinuses are cavities, or air-filled pockets, near the nasal passage. They are lined with mucous membranes.

• Anatomy of a Child's Brain
The brain can be divided into three areas, the cerebrum, the brainstem, and the cerebellum.

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

• Anatomy of the Female Pelvic Area
Detailed anatomical description of the female pelvis, including simple definitions and labeled, full-color illustrations

• Anatomy of the Newborn Skull
Detailed anatomical information on the newborn skull, including a labeled, full-color illustration

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

• Anemia
Detailed information on anemia, including symptoms, diagnosis, causes, types, and treatment

• Anencephaly
Anencephaly is a type of neural tube defect present at birth. It affects the formation of the brain and the skull bones that surround the head.

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

• Animal Study Ties Common Chemical to Reproductive Problems
BPA linked to disrupted egg development, miscarriages and birth defects

• Animals
Detailed information on animals as allergens

• Animals May Boost Social Interaction in Kids With Autism
Study found children were more talkative and engaged with people in presence of small pets

• Annual Report on U.S. Kids' Health a Mixed Bag
There are fewer infant deaths and preterm births, but more kids live in poverty, government finds

• Anomalous Coronary Artery (ACA)
An anomalous coronary artery is a coronary artery that has an abnormality or malformation.

• Anorectal Malformation
An anorectal malformation is a birth defect in which the anus and rectum do not develop properly.

• Anorexia Nervosa in Children
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is eating disorder that is a form of self-starvation. A child or teen with AN has abnormally low body weight, a distorted body image, and an intense fear of gaining weight.

• Answers to Questions About Your Child's Mental Health
Although some behavior problems can be attributed to normal child development, some require professional help.

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

• Antibiotic-Resistant Gonorrhea Spreading: WHO
Last line of drug defense, cephalosporins, appears to be weakening, U.N. agency says

• Antibiotics Don't Ease Coughs in Kids With Common Cold: Study
No treatment is sometimes the best option, experts say

• Antidepressants in Pregnancy May Affect Babies' Language Development
Study didn't look at long-term impact on children's speech milestones

• Antipsychotic Drug Use Rising for Kids on Medicaid, Study Finds
Researchers say meds were often prescribed 'off-label' for conditions like ADHD

• Antipsychotic Drugs Linked to Higher Odds for Diabetes in Pregnancy
Many women may rely on meds to function properly, so decisions must be weighed carefully

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

• Anxiety May Be More Common Than Depression After Pregnancy
Study found nearly 1 in 5 women has postpartum anxiety, but it fades fairly quickly

• Aortic Stenosis
Aortic stenosis affects the amount of blood that can flow from the left ventricle to the aorta. Symptoms vary with the degree of blockage.

• Aplastic Anemia in Children
Detailed information on aplastic anemia, including cause, symptom, diagnosis, and treatment

• Apnea of Prematurity
It’s a cliché that many new parents need to reassure themselves that the baby is still breathing. But what if your baby really is having breathing problems? A breathing condition called apnea of prematurity affects some babies, especially if they’re born early. But you can learn what symptoms to look for.

• Appendicitis in Children
Detailed information on appendicitis, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

• Appendicitis: Children and Teens
Appendicitis, an infection of the appendix, is the most common reason for a child to need emergency abdominal surgery.

• Are You at Risk in Amusement Parks?
Thrill rides at amusement parks and traveling shows are higher, faster and wilder than ever. But are they dangerous?

• Arrhythmias in Children
Detailed information on arrhythmias, including symptoms, types, diagnosis, and treatment

• Artificial Pancreas Worked Overnight on Kids With Type 1 Diabetes
System helped keep blood sugar at safe levels among young campers, study found

• Assessments for Newborn Babies

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

• At-Home Moms Cook, Shop, Play More With Kids: Study
But working mothers can still take steps to make sure kids eat right, keep active, expert advises

• Atopic Dermatitis in Children
Detailed information on eczema, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

• Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
An atrial septal defect is an opening in the dividing wall between the two upper chambers of the heart known as the right and left atria.

• Atrioventricular Canal (AV Canal or AVC)
AV canal is a complex heart problem that involves several abnormalities of structures inside the heart.

• Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children
ADHD is a behavior disorder marked by inattention, impulsivity, and, in some cases, hyperactivity.

• Autism Spectrum Disorder
A child with autism appears to live in his or her own world, showing little interest in others and a lack of social awareness.

• Autosomal Dominant: Marfan Syndrome
Detailed information on Marfan Syndrome, one type of autosomal dominant condition

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

• Avoid Pregnancy for a Year After Weight-Loss Surgery: Review
Procedure cuts complication rate for obese women, but experts urge waiting a while to have kids

• Avoid Scary Calorie Counts This Halloween
Steer clear of sweet temptations or choose mini treats over fun-size, expert suggests

• Avoid Soccer Injuries in Your Kids

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

• Avoiding Eye Injuries in Children
Children should wear protective eyewear during sports and recreational activities. In the classroom, they should wear eye protection when doing lab experiments.

• Avoiding Scary Situations May Leave Kids More Anxious: Study
Study author says counseling may help youngsters face issues head-on

• Diagnostic Procedures for Allergy in Children
Detailed information on allergy testing, including blood testing (rast testing) and scratch testing

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

• Femoral Anteversion
Femoral anteversion is an inward twisting of the thigh bone. It is typically detected when a child is 4 to 6 years old.

• Food Allergies in Children
Detailed information on food allergy, including cause, symptoms, and treatment

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

• Juvenile Ankylosing Spondylitis
Detailed information on juvenile ankylosing spondylitis, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

• Levels of Asthma
Asthma levels are classified in "steps," because each child may step up or step down to different levels at any time.

• Management and Treatment of Asthma
Your child's asthma can be controlled with prescription medications that may help to prevent or relieve symptoms.

• Managing Alopecia in Children
Hair loss is a common side effect of most forms of chemotherapy. Younger children may not be bothered by hair loss, but the school-aged child or teenager may be devastated.

• Metatarsus Adductus
Metatarsus adductus is a common foot deformity noted at birth that causes the front half of the foot, or forefoot, to turn inward.

• Peak Flow Meters/Oximeters/Spirometers
These three types of tools are used to measure how well your child's asthma is under control.

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

• Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy
Symptoms of tonsillitis vary greatly depending on the cause of the infection, and can occur either suddenly or gradually.

• Treatment for a Child's Allergy
Detailed information on avoidance of allergens and treatment for allergy, including immunotherapy (allergy shots) and medication

• Types of Anesthesia
During surgery, your child will be given some form of anesthesia—medication given to relieve pain and sensation.

• Underactive Adrenal Glands/Addison's Disease in Children
Detailed information on Addison's disease, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment