Pediatrics Health Channel

	Feature Article Illustrations for this article Click on an image below to enlarge Lungs Normal versus asthmatic bronchiole Show all 3 photos Pediatric asthma Definition Asthma is a disease of the respiratory system, which causes swelling and narrowing of the airways. Pediatric asthma refers to asthma in children. Alternative Names Asthma - pediatric Causes, incidence, and risk factors This article discusses asthma in children. For a more general discussion about the disease, please see asthma. Asthma is commonly seen in children. It is a leading cause of hospital stays and school absences. Children with asthma may be able to breathe normally most of the time. When they encounter a substance that can cause problems (a "trigger"), an asthma attack (exacerbation) can occur. Common asthma triggers include: Tobacco smoke Dust Pollen Exercise Viral infections, such as the common cold Animals (hair or dander) Chemicals in the air or in food Mold Changes in weather (most often cold weather) Strong emotions Aspirin and other medications In recent years, there has been a worldwide increase in the number of children with asthma. This trend has been linked to environmental factors, including air pollution. However, it is important to understand that indoor triggers can play just as much of a role as outdoor triggers in bringing on an asthma attack. Children's airways are narrower than those of adults. This means that triggers that may cause only a slight problem in an adult can create more serious problems in children. In children, an asthma attack can appear suddenly with severe symptoms. For this reason, it is important that asthma be diagnosed and treated correctly. Continue reading this article

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Poisoning first aid (2 Images) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Poisoning is caused by swallowing, injecting, breathing in, or otherwise being exposed to a harmful substance. Most poisonings occur by accident. In a poisoning emergency, immediate first aid is very important. The first aid you give before getting medical help can save a person's life. Reviewer: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 07/17/2006
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CPR - infant (Doctor-Reviewed information)
CPR is a lifesaving procedure that is performed when an infant's breathing or heartbeat has stopped, as in cases of drowning, suffocation, choking, or injuries. CPR is a combination of: Rescue breathing, which provides oxygen to the infant's lungs; Chest compressions, which keep the infant's blood circulating. Permanent brain damage or death can occur within minutes if a infant's blood flow stops. Therefore, you must continue these procedures until the infant's heartbeat and breathing return, or trained medical help arrives. Reviewer: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: Greg Juhn, M.T.P.W., David R. Eltz, Kelli A. Stacy. Previously reviewed by Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-RooseveltHospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed HealthcareNetwork (3/21/2006).Date: 07/31/2007
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Temper tantrums (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Temper tantrums are disruptive or undesirable behavior or emotional outbursts displayed in response to unmet needs or desires,¿or an inability to control emotions stemming from frustration or difficulty expressing the particular need or desire. Reviewer: John Goldenring, MD, MPH, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 11/18/2005
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Thumbsucking (1 Image) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Reviewer: Leisha M. Andersen, M.D., Private Practice specializing in Pediatrics, Denver, CO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 01/22/2007
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Feeding disorder of infancy and early childhood (Doctor-Reviewed information)
A feeding disorder of infancy or early childhood is the failure of a young child to obtain adequate nutrition, which is reflected by weight loss or a failure to gain weight appropriately for development. See also: Poor feeding in infants Reviewer: Deirdre OReilly, MD, MPH, Neonatologist, Division of Newborn Medicine, Childrens Hospital Boston and Instructor in Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. Review Provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 10/11/2007
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Discussing death with children (1 Image) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Reviewer: Leisha M. Andersen, M.D., Private Practice specializing in Pediatrics, Denver, CO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 02/02/2007
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Childhood disintegrative disorder (1 Image) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Childhood disintegrative disorder is a condition occurring in 3- and 4-year-olds who have developed normally to age 2. Over several months, a child with this disorder will deteriorate in intellectual, social, and language functioning from previously normal behavior. Reviewer: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 06/13/2006
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Infant botulism (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Infant botulism is a potentially life-threatening disease in which the bacteria Clostridium botulinum grows within the baby's gastrointestinal tract. Reviewer: Deirdre OReilly, MD, MPH, Neonatologist, Division of Newborn Medicine, Childrens Hospital Boston and Instructor in Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. Review Provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 10/08/2007
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Myelomeningocele (2 Images) (Doctor-Reviewed information)
Myelomeningocele is a birth defect in which the backbone and spinal canal do not close before birth. The condition is a type of spina bifida. Reviewer: Deirdre OReilly, MD, MPH, Neonatologist, Division of Newborn Medicine, Childrens Hospital Boston and Instructor in Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts. Review Provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 10/11/2007
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Pediatric Flu Vaccine Supply Delayed, Not A Shortage. in Tech Medicine - 1 year 208 days ago

The AAP (American Association of Pediatrics) advises parents to get their children immunized, and the earlier the better. is effective even when administer... Email  |  Save

Thank You Highlight Health for Pediatric Grand Rounds. in The Diet Dish - 288 days ago

Grand Rounds looks at medical blogs and gathers together interesting posts for the past week. Email  |  Save