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Health Library A to Z

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  • Asthma Triggers
  • Your child's asthma may be triggered by a number of things: pollen, molds, certain foods, strong odors, or even exercise.

  • Buying Guidelines for Safe and Fun Toys
  • Toy-related injuries send tens of thousands of children to the emergency room each year. Most injuries occur when parents give their children toys meant for older children.

  • Cuts and Wounds of the Mouth and Lips
  • Kids can get cuts and wounds in their mouth and on their lips when they are playing or doing sports. Learn how to use first aid for these injuries, and when to get medical care.

  • Home Page - Burns
  • Detailed information on burns, including anatomy, classification, treatment, and prevention

  • Home Page - Craniofacial Anomalies
  • Detailed information on craniofacial anomalies, including Cleft Lip, Cleft Palate, Craniosynostosis, Deformational Plagiocephaly, Hemifacial Microsomia, Vascular Malformations, and Hemangiomas

  • Home Page - Hematology and Blood Disorders in Children
  • Detailed information on blood disorders, including Anemia, Aplastic Anemia, Hemolytic Anemia, Iron Deficiency Anemia, Megaloblastic Anemia, Sickle Cell Anemia, Thalassemia, Alpha Thalassemia, Beta Thalassemia (Cooley's Anemia)

  • Home Page - Medical Genetics
  • Detailed information on medical genetics, including chromosome abnormalities, single gene defects, multifactorial inheritance, teratogens, and non-traditional inheritance

  • Injuries to a Child's Tooth
  • The injury may be to a primary tooth or a permanent tooth. A tooth can be cracked, chipped, or totally detached from its socket.

  • Kidney Transplantation in Children
  • Detailed information on kidney transplants, including why a kidney transplant is recommended, what is involved in kidney transplant surgery, and the long-term outlook for a child after a kidney transplant.

  • Prune Belly Syndrome in Children
  • A child with prune belly syndrome often can't fully empty their bladder. This can cause serious bladder, ureter, and kidney problems.

  • Psychiatric Treatment Team
  • Team members may include a child and adolescent psychiatrist, a psychologist, a social worker, and a psychiatric nurse. Read on to learn more.

  • Puberty: Teen Boy
  • During puberty, a teen boy will grow taller and heavier, and hormones will lead to sexual maturity. Read on to learn what to expect.

  • Recognizing Urologic or Gynecologic Problems
  • Vaginal bleeding and discharge are a normal part of a teen girl's menstrual cycle. If your daughter notices anything different or unusual, talk with your teen's healthcare provider.

  • Ringworm in Children
  • Ringworm is a type of skin infection cause by a fungus. Learn about details such as causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

  • Small Cuts and Scrapes
  • Wash the cut area well with soap and water, but do not scrub the wound. A dirty cut or scrape that is not thoroughly cleaned can cause scarring.

  • Taking a Baby's Temperature
  • Most healthcare providers advise taking a baby's temperature rectally, by placing a thermometer in the baby's anus. This method is accurate and gives a quick reading of the baby's internal temperature.

  • Taking Baby's Temperature
  • For a parent who needs to take an infant's or child's temperature, there are now 5 digital thermometer choices.

  • Taking Your Baby Home from the NICU
  • Your baby is finally ready to come home. Turn your nervous energy into positive action. Make a checklist for what you and your baby need before leaving the hospital so that you can create a safe home environment. Here's a list of items to get you started.

  • Talking with Your Teen About Sex
  • Studies show that about half of U.S. teens have had sex by age 18. Read on for helpful tips about educating your kids about sex.

  • Teen Drivers
  • Information on teen driving, including safety tips.

  • Teenagers and Summer Jobs
  • Parents often wonder whether their child is ready to get a job. One way to answer this question is to check on the labor laws that affect children and youths.

  • Teens and Prescription Drugs
  • Many young people take prescription medicines because they believe they are safer than street drugs. But they can be just as dangerous if taken improperly. Read on to learn more.

  • Teething
  • A baby's first tooth often appears between 5 and 7 months of age. Some babies get their first tooth a little earlier and others a little later. Here's what you need to know.

  • Television and Children
  • Many children watch too much digital media, which includes TV, the internet, and smart devices. Learn why too much screen time is not good for kids--and how to set limits and establish good viewing habits.

  • Temper Tantrums
  • These fits of rage—the stomping, screaming, and falling on the floor—are a normal part of childhood development. Temper tantrums often occur only with a parent. They are a way for the child to communicate his or her feelings.

  • Tennis Elbow in Children
  • Tennis elbow is a repetitive stress injury. It happens when the muscles and tendons in the elbow area are torn or damaged. Read on to learn what to do if your child

  • Testicular Torsion in Children
  • Testicular torsion is a painful twisting of the testicles and spermatic cord. Torsion causes blood to not flow to the testicles. This can damage them. Treatment needs to be done right away to prevent long-lasting (permanent) injury to the testicles.

  • Tetanus in Children
  • Tetanus is a severe illness of the central nervous system caused by bacteria. It's not contagious. It can be prevented by a vaccine.

  • Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)
  • Tetralogy of Fallot is 4 congenital heart defects. This means that your child is born with them. These 4 problems occur together (tetralogy refers to 4).

  • Thalassemia
  • Detailed information on thalassemias, including alpha thalassemia, beta thalassemia (Cooley's anemia)

  • The Craniofacial Team
  • Detailed information on craniofacial abnormalities and the craniofacial treatment team.

  • The Dangers of Binge Drinking
  • On college campuses across the U.S., many students ages 18 to 24 are taking part in a dangerous activity called binge drinking. This means drinking alcohol to the point of getting drunk. Read on to learn more about the risks.

  • The Day of Surgery
  • Read on for helpful information about what to expect before and after your child's surgery.

  • The Dying Process
  • Understanding the physical and mental changes the body goes through as death happens, may help ease some fears and misconceptions about death.

  • The Hospital Surgical Setting
  • Many surgeries performed on children are done as an outpatient. With minor surgeries, your child will return to the outpatient surgery center after spending the needed time in the recovery room.

  • The Kidneys
  • Detailed anatomical description of the kidneys

  • The Liver
  • Detailed anatomical description of the liver and liver transplantation in children

  • The Lungs
  • Detailed anatomical description of the lungs and lung transplantation in children

  • The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
  • NICUs provide specialized care for the tiniest patients. NICUs may also have intermediate or continuing care areas for babies who are not as sick but do need specialized nursing care.

  • The Operating Room
  • Your child will need to know that people in the operating room will be wearing surgical clothes to help prevent germs from infecting the surgical incision.

  • The Surgical Team for Children
  • Most surgical teams include a surgeon, an anesthesiologist, a nurse anesthetist, and an operating room nurse. The number of team members differs depending on the type of surgery performed.

  • Third-Degree Burn in Children
  • A burn is damage to tissues of the body caused by contact with things such as heat, radiation, or chemicals. A third-degree burn damages the outer layer of skin (epidermis) and the inner layer of skin (dermis). A child with a third-degree burn needs immediate medical care.

  • Thrombocytopenia in the Newborn
  • Thrombocytopenia means that a newborn baby has too few platelets in their blood. Platelets are blood cells that help the blood clot. They are made in the bone marrow.

  • Thrush (Oral Candida Infection) in Children
  • Thrush is a mouth infection that is common in babies and children. Symptoms include white or yellow velvety patches in the mouth. Thrush is caused by a type of fungus called Candida.

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

  • Tibial Torsion in Children
  • Tibial torsion is an inward twisting of the shinbones. These bones are located between the knee and the ankle. Tibial torsion causes a child's feet to turn inward.

  • Tick Bite Diseases
  • Ticks feed on human blood. Most tick bites are harmless, but some species can cause serious diseases.

  • Tilt Table Test for Children
  • The tilt table test is done to find the cause of fainting (syncope). Tilt table testing is done with a special table or bed that changes a child's position from lying to standing. Their blood pressure and heart rate are checked while they're in the different positions.

  • Tinea Versicolor in Children
  • Tinea versicolor is a fungal skin infection. It’s caused by yeast on the skin. It occurs most often in teens and young adults. But it can happen at any time.

  • Toddler
  • Detailed information on toddler health

  • Toddler Nutrition
  • Read on to learn about healthy food choices, activity tips, and helpful feeding information for your toddler.

  • Toddler Play
  • Read on for helpful tips to encourage play for your child.

  • Toilet Training
  • Read on to learn more about toilet training, from signs your child is ready to helpful tips for potty training success.

  • Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy for Children
  • A tonsillectomy may be recommended if your child has throat infections that keep coming back. Adenoidectomy is recommended if your child has a lot of trouble breathing through the nose. Often the tonsils and adenoids are removed at the same time.

  • Tooth Decay in Children
  • Tooth decay is the breakdown of tooth enamel. Enamel is the hard outer surface of a tooth. Tooth decay can lead to cavities.

  • Toothache (Pulpitis) in Children
  • A toothache means that the pulp inside a tooth is inflamed and infected. The pulp is the soft part inside the tooth that has blood vessels and nerves.

  • Topic Index - Adolescent Medicine
  • Detailed information on adolescent medicine, including growth and development, cognitive development, relationship development, health and injury problems, and safety

  • Topic Index - Burns
  • Detailed information on burns, including anatomy, classification, treatment, and prevention

  • Topic Index - Craniofacial Anomalies
  • Detailed information on craniofacial anomalies, including Cleft Lip, Cleft Palate, Craniosynostosis, Deformational Plagiocephaly, Hemifacial Microsomia, Vascular Malformations, and Hemangiomas

  • Topic Index - Hematology and Blood Disorders in Children
  • Detailed information on blood disorders, including Anemia, Aplastic Anemia, Hemolytic Anemia, Iron Deficiency Anemia, Megaloblastic Anemia, Sickle Cell Anemia, Thalassemia, Alpha Thalassemia, Beta Thalassemia (Cooley's Anemia)

  • Topic Index - Medical Genetics
  • Detailed information on medical genetics, including chromosome abnormalities, single gene defects, multifactorial inheritance, teratogens, and non-traditional inheritance

  • Tote Your Baby in a Sling—Safely
  • Slings are a popular, natural way to carry your baby, but recent government warnings showed these slings can also be dangerous. Learn how to carry your baby safely.

  • Tourette Disorder in Children
  • Tourette disorder (TD) is a neurological disorder that causes repeated tics. Tics are sudden, uncontrolled vocal sounds or muscle jerks. Symptoms of TD often begin between ages 5 and 10. They usually start with mild, simple tics of the face, head, or arms.

  • Toy Safety
  • Detailed information on toy safety and injury prevention in children

  • Tracheoesophageal Fistula and Esophageal Atresia
  • Tracheoesophageal fistula is a connection between the esophagus and the trachea. The esophagus is the tube that connects the throat to the stomach. The trachea is the tube that connects the throat to the windpipe and lungs. Normally, the esophagus and trachea are 2 tubes that are not connected. This issue is also called TE fistula or TEF. It can happen in one or more places.

  • Transesophageal Echocardiography for Children
  • Echocardiography is an imaging test. It uses sound waves to make detailed moving pictures of the heart. It shows the size and shape of the heart, as well as the heart chambers and valves. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) uses a device, called a transducer, that is placed in the esophagus.

  • Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn
  • Transient tachypnea of the newborn is a mild breathing problem. It affects babies during the first hours of life. Transient means it is short-lived. Tachypnea means fast breathing rate. The problem often goes away on its own in about 3 days.

  • Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA) in Children
  • Transposition of the great arteries (TGA) is a type of congenital heart defect. This means that your baby is born with it. In this condition, the large blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the lungs and body aren’t connected as they should be.

  • Trauma
  • Detailed information on neurological trauma in children

  • Treatment for Skin Cancer in Children
  • Skin cancer in children can be treated in several ways. The best choice for your child depends on the size, place, and stage of the cancer, along with other factors.

  • Tricuspid Atresia
  • Tricuspid atresia (TA) is a heart defect present at birth (congenital). It occurs when the tricuspid valve doesn’t form right during fetal heart development. This happens during the first 8 weeks of pregnancy. Read on to learn details about this condition.

  • Trisomy 13 and Trisomy 18 in Children
  • Trisomy 13 and trisomy 18 are genetic disorders. They include a combination of birth defects. This includes severe learning problems and health problems that affect nearly every organ in the body.

  • Truncus Arteriosus (TA)
  • Truncus arteriosus is a heart defect that is present at birth (congenital). It occurs when there is an abnormal connection between the aorta and pulmonary artery. Normally, the aorta and the pulmonary artery are separate. Read on to learn more.

  • Tuberculosis (TB) in Children
  • Tuberculosis (TB) is an ongoing (chronic) infection caused by bacteria. It usually infects the lungs. But the kidneys, spine, and brain may also be affected.

  • Tympanostomy Tubes for Children
  • Ear tubes are small tubes that are placed in your child’s eardrum by an ear, nose, and throat surgeon. The tubes help to drain the fluid out of the middle ear. Read on to learn more.

  • Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in Children
  • Diabetes is a condition in which the body can't make enough insulin, or can't use insulin normally. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder. The body's immune system damages the cells in the pancreas that make insulin. Insulin is a hormone. It helps sugar (glucose) in the blood get into cells of the body to be used as fuel. When glucose can’t enter the cells, it builds up in the blood. This is called high blood sugar (hyperglycemia).

  • Type 2 Diabetes in Children
  • Diabetes is a condition in which the body can't make enough insulin, or can't use insulin normally. Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder. Insulin is a hormone. It helps sugar (glucose) in the blood get into cells of the body to be used as fuel. When glucose can’t enter the cells, it builds up in the blood. This is called high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). High blood sugar can cause problems all over the body.

  • Understanding the Teen Brain
  • Parents need to realize the rational part of a teen's brain isn't fully developed and won't be until they are 25 years old or so.

  • Unwrap the Gift of Toy Safety
  • Your challenge is to find toys that your children will enjoy and that you know are safe. Read on to learn important tips that can help.

  • Wilms Tumor
  • Wilms tumor is a cancerous tumor that starts in the cells of the kidney. It’s the most common type of kidney cancer in children.