Health Library A to Z

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

• Identifying Teen Drivers Curbs Crashes in N.J., Study Finds
Decal law also helps police enforce regulations, researchers say

• If Your Child Needs Treatment for Weight Issues
If your doctor suggests a treatment program to help your child lose weight, look for one that involves both you and your child.

• Immune (Idiopathic) Thrombocytopenia Purpura
Detailed information on idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

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

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

• Impact Tests Show Bike Helmets Protect Kids in Crashes
Acceleration forces, effects of crush accidents were reduced

• Impetigo
Detailed information on impetigo, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

• Importance of Family Meals Questioned
Study finds shared breakfasts, dinners have no effect on kids' academics, behavior

• Important Facts About Amphetamine and Methamphetamine Abuse
Amphetamine abuse is a growing problem in the United States. Each year, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration closes down hundreds of illegal laboratories producing these drugs.

• Improved Developmental Screening Urged for Hispanic Kids
Many cases of autism missed when parents don't know what signs to look for, researchers say

• In Child Discipline, Spanking Is No Hit
Spanking in general teaches children what not to do and doesn't teach them what to do instead.

• In Children: Corticosteroids for Asthma
Daily inhaled corticosteroids are a key part of the treatment for children with mild, moderate or severe persistent asthma. "The possible side effects of medication are far less important than the known effects of untreated asthma," says William E. Berger, M.D., president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

• In Gymnastics, Kids Flip for Fitness
The sport helps build strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance. Its all-around fitness benefits make it a good springboard to other activities.

• In Language, Two Is Better Than One

• In Seriously Ill Kids, Obesity May Be Tied to Higher Death Risk: Study
But more research is needed to confirm the association, experts say

• Independence Day: Granting Freedom to Kids
Some kids need plenty of time to warm up and become independent, and others would leave home if you let them.

• Ineffective Latch-on or Sucking
Detailed information on ineffective latch-on or sucking during breastfeeding

• Infant
Detailed information on infant health

• Infant Feeding Guide
How much, what, and when to feed your baby can seem daunting. But this cheat sheet will give you the information you need to start your baby on the right “nutritional” foot.

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

• Infant of Diabetic Mother
A baby born to a diabetic mother may need glucose orally or intravenously. The baby's blood glucose levels will be closely monitored after treatment.

• Infant Play
Hang brightly colored objects near your newborn. Sing and talk to your baby. Rock your baby, and take him or her for walks.

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

• Infant Sleep
If you know anything about your baby’s sleeping pattern, it’s probably that it doesn’t coincide with yours. But learning more about your baby’s nighttime and daytime sleep needs can help you recognize what’s normal—and what’s not.

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

• Infectious Diseases
Detailed information on infectious diseases in children

• Infectious Mononucleosis in Adolescents
Infectious mononucleosis is caused by either the Epstein-Barr virus or the cytomegalovirus, both of which are members of the herpes simplex virus family.

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

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

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

• Influenza Shots Urged for Young Children
Each fall you hear that the flu threatens senior citizens and folks with chronic ailments. But the rate of hospital stays is highest in another group—young children.

• Inguinal and Umbilical Hernia
Detailed information on hernia, including risks, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

• Inguinal Hernia in Children
Detailed information on inguinal hernia, including causes, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment

• Injuries Rising Among Young Dancers
Sprains, falls most common, study found

• Injuries Skyrocket From Inflatable Bounce Houses: Study
Dozens of kids treated daily on average in U.S. emergency rooms

• In-Person Bullying Still Bigger Problem Than Cyberbullying: Expert
Studies in U.S., Norway found 'traditional' forms of torment are more common among kids

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

• Insect Stings
Yellow jackets cause most of the allergic reactions to stings. Fire ants, found in southern states, can sting multiple times—and the sites are more likely to become infected.

• Insect Stings and Allergic Reactions
For most children, the reaction to a sting is short-lived, with redness and swelling followed by pain and itching. For others, however, the allergic reaction to an insect sting can be life threatening.

• Insects in the Ear
Don't attempt to remove the insect by poking it with a cotton swab. This may push the insect farther into the ear or cause damage to the middle ear and eardrum.

• International Adoptions and Medical Needs
Understanding the medical, social and developmental issues unique to international adoption can help parents prepare for the special challenges and special needs of these children.

• Intestinal Malrotation and Volvulus
Detailed information on intestinal malrotation and volvulus, including risk, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

• Intraoperative Care for Children
Detailed information on intraoperative management

• Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)
Newborn babies with this condition often appear thin, pale, and have loose, dry skin. The umbilical cord is often thin and dull-looking rather than shiny and fat.

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

• Intraventricular Hemorrhage
If your baby is born prematurely, there are many worries that likely go through your mind. One of the things that can happen is bleeding on the brain. Read on to learn about this and what doctors can do help your baby.

• Introducing a Bottle
You’ve been breast-feeding your baby up until now—but it’s time to return to work. You haven’t given her a bottle with breast milk yet. When should you make the change? Here are tips to make a successful transition from breast to bottle.

• Intussusception
Detailed information on intussusception, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

• Iodine Supplements May Be Too Much of a Good Thing
Avoid excessively high doses, thyroid experts warn

• Iron Deficiency Anemia
Detailed information on aplastic anemia, including cause, symptom, diagnosis, and treatment

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Children
Detailed information on irritable bowel syndrome, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

• Is Childhood Intelligence Linked to Pain Problems in Adulthood?
Kids who do worse in school more likely to have manual jobs, smoke and be overweight, study suggests

• Is 'Improved' Vaccine Causing Whooping Cough Outbreaks?
Current shot may be less effective than earlier one, experts suggest

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

• Is Perfect Pitch Genetic?
Study suggests this form of musical know-how is not simply training-related

• Is Your Child a Night Owl?
Here are tips for helping (not forcing) your grade-schooler to drift off to dreamland.

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

• Is Your Child Too Sick for Day Care or School?
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Public Health Association have guidelines that can help you make up your mind.

• Is Your Little One Scared of Santa?
Expert offers tips to make the meeting less intimidating

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

• It's OK for Kids to Keep Believing in Santa, Expert Says
They'll figure it out on their own without a specific age limit

• Newborn-Crying
Crying is the way babies communicate. They cry because of hunger, discomfort, frustration, fatigue, and even loneliness.

• Osteogenesis Imperfecta in Children
Osteogenesis imperfecta is also known as brittle-bone disease because it is characterized by bones that break easily without a specific cause.

• Studies for Single Gene Defects: DNA (Direct and Indirect)
Detailed information on studies for single gene defects, including DNA direct and indirect studies

• Thumb Sucking
Thumb sucking is normal in infants and young children. It shouldn't cause any permanent problems if your child stops by age 5.