Health Library

Articles In This Section

• Brain and Nervous System Cancers

  These cancers are the most common type of cancer in children. When discovered early, they often can be cured.

• Burner (Stinger)

  Burners (or stingers) are injuries to the nerve network in the shoulder, arm, forearm, hand, and fingers. They're pretty common in sports and usually go away quickly.

• Cerebral Palsy (CP)

  Cerebral palsy (CP) affects a child's muscle tone, movement, and more. This article explains causes, diagnosis, treatment, and coping.

• Cerebral Palsy (CP) Center

  Learn all about cerebral palsy (CP), one of the most common congenital disorders of childhood. Help your child or teen manage the condition, and find the help and services that kids with CP are entitled to.

• Cerebral Palsy: A Parent’s Guide (Video)

  Are you raising a child with cerebral palsy? This guide offers advice, resources, and support so that you can help your child reach his or her full potential.

• Cerebral Palsy: Parents Talk (Video)

  Get advice from parents raising kids with cerebral palsy. Learn what works, what doesn’t, and what helped these families the most.

• Cerebral Palsy: Shannon’s Story (Video)

  Shannon has cerebral palsy, which limits many abilities. But her wheelchair and her communication device give her the freedom to explore, and a voice to be heard.

• Chiari I Malformation

  Many kids with this brain condition aren't bothered by it. Those who have symptoms can often find relief with medicines or surgery.

• Concussions

  Concussions are serious injuries that can be even more serious if kids don't get the time and rest needed to heal them completely.

• First Aid: Asthma Flare-Ups

  During a flare-up or attack, it's hard to breathe. While some flare-ups are mild, others can be life threatening, so it's important to deal with them right away.

• How Can I Help My Child Use a Nebulizer?

  Nebulizers are often used with young children because they require little effort on the child's part. But kids do need to stay in one place and cooperate. If you're having trouble giving treatments, this article is for you!

• If My Baby Is Wheezing, Could it Be Asthma?

  Babies and young children might wheeze due to viral infections (like a cold), but that doesn't mean they will develop asthma when they're older.

• Managing Asthma

  Asthma control can take a little time and energy to master, but it's worth the effort. Learn more about ways to manage your child's asthma.

• Traveling and Asthma

  With some careful planning, kids with asthma can enjoy all the benefits of a trip away from home.

• What Happens in an Asthma Flare-Up? (Video)

  What happens in an asthma flare-up? Find out in this video.

• What Is Asthma?

  Asthma makes it hard to breathe. But with treatment, the condition can be managed so that kids can still do the things they love. Learn all about asthma.

• When to Go to the ER if Your Child Has Asthma

  If your child has asthma, find out when you need to go to the ER.

• ADHD

  ADHD is a common medical condition that can affect kids at school, at home, and in friendships. Learn more about ADHD and how to help kids get the best diagnosis and care.

• ADHD Medicines

  Medicine doesn’t cure ADHD. But it does help boost a child's ability to pay attention, slow down, and have more self-control. This article for parents has details on how ADHD medicines help.

• Autism Spectrum Disorder

  Autism spectrum disorder affects a child's ability to communicate and learn. Early intervention and treatment can help kids improve skills and do their best.

• Therapy for ADHD

  Therapy is part of the treatment for most kids and teens diagnosed with ADHD. This article helps parents learn what to expect and how therapy works.

• Understanding Dyslexia

  Dyslexia is a learning disability that makes it hard to learn to read and understand written language. Even kids with average or above-average intelligence can have dyslexia.

• A to Z: Bell’s Palsy

  Learn about complications of viral infections and conditions that can affect the face and nervous system.

• Treating Gastroschisis – Gastroschisis Silo (Video)

  Gastroschisis is when a baby is born with the intestines, and sometimes other organs, sticking out through a hole in the belly wall near the umbilical cord. A gastroschisis silo allow the intestines to slowly move into the belly.

• Treating Indirect Inguinal Hernia (Video)

  An inguinal hernia happens when part of the intestines slips into the groin (where the belly meets the upper leg) instead of staying in the belly as it should. Doctors fix inguinal (IN-gwuh-nul) hernias with surgery.

• Ulcerative Colitis

  Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that happens only in the colon. It causes the inner lining of the colon to get red and swollen with sores called ulcers.

• Umbilical Hernias

  An umbilical hernia shows up as a bump under the belly button. If a hernia doesn't go away by age 4 or 5 or causes problems, doctors may recommend surgery.

• What’s a Double Barrel Ostomy? (Video)

  Watch a short video to learn what a double barrel ostomy is and how it works.

• What’s a Laparoscopic Appendectomy? (Video)

  An appendectomy is surgery to remove the appendix. Surgeons remove the appendix when it gets blocked and becomes infected. A laparoscopic appendectomy lets surgeons remove the appendix with the help of a tiny video camera called a laparoscope.

• What’s a Loop Ostomy? (Video)

  Watch a short video to learn what a loop ostomy is and how it works.

• What’s an End Ostomy? (Video)

  Watch a short video to learn what an end ostomy is and how it works.

• X-Ray Exam: Upper Gastrointestinal Tract (Upper GI)

  An upper GI X-ray can help find the cause of swallowing problems, unexplained vomiting, abdominal discomfort, severe indigestion, ulcers, reflux, hiatal hernia, or blockages.

• Asthma Center

  Asthma keeps more kids home from school than any other chronic illness. Learn how to help your child manage the condition, stay healthy, and stay in school.

• Asthma Flare-Ups

  Find out how to deal with — and help prevent — asthma flare-ups ("attacks"), which is when asthma symptoms get worse.

• Asthma Medicines

  Asthma medicine comes in two main types: quick-relief and long-term control medicines. Even if a child takes a long-term control medicine regularly, quick-relief medicine is still needed to handle flare-ups.

• Asthma Triggers

  Triggers — things in the air, weather conditions, or activities — can cause asthma flare-ups. By knowing and avoiding triggers, you'll help lessen your child's asthma symptoms.

• Asthma: Parents Talk (Video)

  Hear what parents have to say about raising kids with asthma.

• Can Kids and Teens With Asthma Play Sports?

  Kids and teens who have asthma can and do play sports. But some activities are better than others - find out more.

• Can the Weather Affect My Child’s Asthma?

  Sometimes, the weather can affect a child's asthma symptoms. Here are some tips for dealing with it.

• Dealing With Triggers: Pets

  Do pets make your child's allergies or asthma worse? Here's how to handle it.

• Intussusception

  Intussusception is the most common cause of bowel blockages in very young children. Quick treatment can help them recover without lasting problems.

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

  Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common intestinal problem that can cause cramps, gas, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. Certain foods can trigger these problems. So can anxiety, stress, and infections.

• Lactose Intolerance

  Many kids have lactose intolerance - trouble digesting lactose, the main sugar in milk and milk products - which can cause cramps, diarrhea, and gas.

• Laryngomalacia

  Laryngomalacia is a common cause of noisy breathing in infants.

• Liver Transplant

  If your child needs a liver transplant, you're probably feeling lots of emotions. Fortunately, most kids who have liver transplants go on to live normal, healthy lives.

• Nasogastric Tube (NG Tube)

  An NG tube goes through the nose, down the throat, and into the stomach to deliver formula or medicine.

• Necrotizing Enterocolitis

  Necrotizing enterocolitis is an intestinal disease that usually affects preemies. Medicines and therapy can help babies with NEC.

• Nutrition Therapy and Crohn’s Disease

  Nutrition therapy is an alternative to medicines that doctors use to ease the symptoms of Crohn's disease. It can help improve nutrition and growth, ease inflammation, and heal the gastrointestinal tract.

• Ostomies

  For some digestive system problems, surgeons do a procedure called an ostomy that lets waste leave the body through a small opening in the skin of the belly.

• Pancreatitis

  Pancreatitis is sometimes mistaken for a stomach virus because symptoms can include fever, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Symptoms usually get better on their own, but sometimes treatment is needed.

• Peptic Ulcers

  Bacteria cause most peptic ulcers. Usually, they can be cured.

• Protein-Losing Enteropathy

  Protein-losing enteropathy is when too much protein leaks into the intestines, often because of a chronic health condition. The condition usually can be treated.

• Pyloric Stenosis

  Pyloric stenosis can make a baby vomit forcefully and often. It can lead to serious problems like dehydration, and needs medical treatment right away.

• Short Bowel Syndrome

  Short bowel syndrome happens when the small intestine is too short to fully absorb nutrients as it should. Kids with the condition often need to get nutrition through a special IV into a vein.

• Soiling (Encopresis)

  If your child has bowel movements in places other than the toilet, you know how frustrating it can be. Many kids who soil beyond the years of toilet teaching have a condition known as encopresis.

• Stomachaches

  Kids can have stomach pain for lots of reasons - not all of them related to the digestive system. Here are some clues about what could be going on.

• Tapeworm

  Tapeworms are usually more upsetting to think about than to deal with. Tapeworm infections are rare in the United States, and they're usually easy to treat.

• Transition of Care: Crohn’s Disease

  Most teens with Crohn's disease should transition to an adult health care provider when they're between 18 and 21 years old. Here's how parents can help them do that.

• Transition of Care: Inflammatory Bowel Disease

  Most teens with IBD should transition to an adult health care provider when they're between 18 and 21 years old. Here's how parents can help them do that.

• Transition of Care: Ulcerative Colitis

  Most teens with ulcerative colitis should transition to an adult health care provider when they're between 18 and 21 years old. Here's how parents can help them do that.

• Chyluria

  Chyluria is when there is chyle in the pee. Depending on what's causing it, chyluria can be treated and often can be cured.

• Constipation

  Constipation is a very common problem among kids, and it usually occurs because a child's diet doesn't include enough fluids and fiber. In most cases, simple changes can help kids go.

• Crohn’s Disease

  Crohn's disease is a chronic condition that causes parts of the bowel to get red and swollen. The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms, prevent other problems, and avoid flare-ups.

• Diarrhea

  Most kids battle diarrhea from time to time, so it's important to know what to do to relieve and even prevent it.

• Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)

  Eosinophilic esophagitis is inflammation of the esophagus. Most people with the condition improve with treatment.

• Epigastric Hernias

  An epigastric hernia is when part of the intestines pushes through the abdominal muscles between the belly button and the chest. Many are small, cause no symptoms, and don't need treatment.

• Fetal Abdominal Cyst

  A fetal abdominal cyst is a bubble of fluid in a balloon-like bag in the belly of an unborn baby.

• Functional Abdominal Pain

  Functional abdominal pain is lasting belly pain that doesn't respond to treatment. Many school-age kids have it at some point, but get better without lasting problems.

• Gastroesophageal Reflux

  When symptoms of heartburn or acid indigestion happen a lot, it could be gastroesophageal reflux (GER). And it can be a problem for kids - even newborns.

• Gastroschisis

  Gastroschisis is when a baby is born with the intestines, and sometimes other organs, sticking out through a hole in the belly wall near the umbilical cord.

• Hernias

  Hernias are fairly common in kids, and hernia repair is one of the most common pediatric surgeries.

• Hirschsprung Disease

  Children with Hirschsprung disease aren't able to pass a bowel movement, or do so with difficulty. Treatment almost always requires surgery.

• Immunizations and IBD

  Vaccines are safe to give to kids and teens with IBD and won't make their symptoms worse. Here are the ones they need.

• Imperforate Anus

  In an imperforate anus, the anal sphincter (a group of muscles in the anus that controls the release of poop) usually forms in the right place but without the normal opening.

• Indigestion

  Indigestion is an upset stomach that most often happens because someone eats too much or too fast, or has foods that don't agree with them.

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

  Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to two chronic diseases that cause intestinal inflammation: ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Although they have features in common, there are some important differences.

• Inguinal Hernias

  An inguinal hernia happens when part of the intestines pushes through an opening in the lower part of the abdomen. Doctors fix these hernias with surgery.

• Intestinal Malrotation

  Malrotation is a type of obstruction caused by abnormal development of the intestines while a fetus is in the womb. Find out more about this condition and the complications it can cause.

• Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency

  Pyruvate kinase deficiency is a condition that can lead to anemia. Most people with the condition lead a healthy life.

• RASopathies

  RASopathies are a group of genetic conditions caused by problems in the RAS pathway, which is one way cells in the body communicate.

• Sanfilippo Syndrome

  Sanfilippo syndrome is a rare condition in which the body can't break down certain carbohydrates (sugars) in the blood, leading to serious problems in the brain and nervous system.

• Sickle Cell Trait

  Children who inherit one sickle cell gene have sickle cell trait. They usually don't get symptoms of sickle cell disease.

• Spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia Congenita (SEDc)

  Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita is a type of skeletal dysplasia, causing short stature (dwarfism) and other bone problems, along with vision and hearing problems.

• Tay-Sachs Disease

  A baby with Tay-Sachs disease is born without an important enzyme, so fatty proteins build up in the brain, hurting the baby's sight, hearing, movement, and mental development.

• Thyroid Disease

  The thyroid gland makes the hormones that help control metabolism and growth. A thyroid that isn't working properly can cause thyroid disease.

• Thyroid Tests

  Thyroid blood tests check thyroid function and can help doctors diagnose thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

• Treacher Collins Syndrome

  Treacher Collins syndrome (TCS) refers to a group of facial features that some babies are born with. TCS causes distinctive abnormalities of the head and face, but doesn't affect intelligence or lifespan.

• Triple X Syndrome

  Triple X syndrome (also known as XXX syndrome, 47,XXX, and trisomy X) is a genetic condition found in girls only. Girls who have it may be taller than average, but the symptoms can vary greatly.

• Tuberous Sclerosis Complex

  Tuberous sclerosis complex is a genetic condition that causes the growth of benign tumors. Symptoms can range from mild to severe.

• Turner Syndrome

  Girls with Turner syndrome, a genetic condition, usually are shorter than average and infertile due to early loss of ovarian function. Early diagnosis and treatments can help most of them.

• XYY Syndrome

  XYY syndrome is a rare genetic condition that affects only males. Boys who have it may be taller than average, but the symptoms can vary greatly.

• Antegrade Continence Enema (ACE)

  An antegrade continence enema, or ACE, is a different way to give an enema. Enemas can help someone poop if they become constipated or have another problem moving their bowels.

• Appendectomy

  Learn the basics of an appendectomy so you know what to expect if your child has this surgery.

• Biliary Atresia

  Biliary atresia is when a newborn has blocked bile ducts in the liver. If a baby’s jaundice doesn’t improve by 2 weeks of age, doctors might suspect the condition.

• Chylous Ascites

  Chylous ascites is when chyle collects in the belly. Depending on what's causing it, doctors can treat chylous ascites and often cure it.

• Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

  An underactive thyroid makes too little thyroid hormone, causing hypothyroidism. Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which causes most cases of hypothyroidism in kids and teens, is a condition in which the immune system attacks the thyroid.

• If Your Baby Has a Birth Defect

  If your child has a birth defect, you don't have to go it alone - many people and resources are available to help you.

• Klinefelter Syndrome

  Boys with this condition have an extra "X" chromosome that prevents them from developing normally during puberty. But hormone treatments, counseling, and other therapies can help.

• Kniest Dysplasia

  Kniest dysplasia is a type of skeletal dysplasia, causing short stature (dwarfism) and other bone problems, along with vision and hearing problems.

• Legius Syndrome

  Legius syndrome is a rare genetic condition. Kids who have it have multiple café-au-lait spots on their skin and might be slower to walk, talk, and reach other milestones than most kids.

• Maple Syrup Urine Disease

  Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is a rare metabolic disorder that some babies are born with.

• Marfan Syndrome

  Marfan syndrome affects the body's connective tissue and can cause problems in the eyes, joints, and heart. Even though the disease has no cure, doctors can successfully treat just about all of its symptoms.

• Morquio A Syndrome

  Morquio A syndrome causes growth problems and also can affect the heart and cause hearing and vision problems. Medical care and treatments can help with these problems.

• Multiple Epiphyseal Dysplasia

  Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia is a type of skeletal dysplasia. It affects the ends of the long bones, leading to short stature, joint pain and stiffness, and other bone problems.

• Muscular Dystrophy

  Muscular dystrophy is a disorder that weakens a person's muscles over time. People who have the disease can gradually lose the ability to do everyday tasks.

• Neurocutaneous Syndromes

  Neurocutaneous syndromes are genetic disorders that lead to tumor growth in various parts of the body. Learn how to maximize the quality of life for children with these diseases.

• Neurofibromatosis Type 1

  Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic condition that causes benign tumors in and under the skin, often with bone, hormone, and other problems. Learn more about how it's diagnosed and treated.

• Newborn Screening Tests

  Newborn screening tests look for health conditions that aren't apparent at birth. Find out which tests are done.

• Noonan Syndrome

  Noonan syndrome is a condition that some babies are born with. It causes changes in the face and chest, and usually includes heart problems.

• Phenylketonuria (PKU)

  Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a metabolic disorder caused by a defect in the enzyme that breaks down an amino acid. PKU is treatable when it is found early.

• Primordial Dwarfism

  People with primordial dwarfism have slowed growth that begins before birth and continues throughout life. Sometimes they have other health problems too.

• Pseudoachondroplasia

  Pseudoachondroplasia is a skeletal dysplasia that causes dwarfism and arms and legs that are short compared with the body. Children who have it can live long and productive lives.

• Diastrophic Dysplasia

  Diastrophic dysplasia is a skeletal dysplasia. People who have it are generally shorter than average in height.

• Down Syndrome

  In Down syndrome, an extra chromosome causes delays in the way a child develops, mentally and physically. But many resources are available to help kids who have it and their families.

• Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

  Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common form of muscular dystrophy. It gradually makes the body's muscles weaker.

• Dwarfism

  Dwarfism is a condition that is characterized by short stature. Many of the possible complications of dwarfism are treatable, and people of short stature lead healthy, active lives.

• Ellis-Van Creveld Dysplasia

  Ellis-van Creveld dysplasia is a type of skeletal dysplasia, causing very short stature (dwarfism), short arms and legs, and a narrow chest. Regular care from medical specialists can help with problems it can cause.

• Epigenetics

  Epigenetics - the idea that environmental factors can change the health not only of the people who are exposed to them, but also the health of their descendants - is something we'll be hearing more about.

• Familial Hypercholesterolemia

  Familial hypercholesterolemia is a genetic condition that causes very high levels of LDL ("bad" cholesterol).

• Fanconi Anemia

  Fanconi anemia is an inherited condition in which the bone marrow doesn’t work normally. A child with the condition needs lifelong medical care.

• G6PD Deficiency

  G6PD deficiency an inherited condition in which someone doesn't have enough of the enzyme G6PD, which protects red blood cells.

• Galactosemia

  Some babies are born with the metabolic disorder glactosemia. They must drink soy-based formula instead of breast milk or a cow's milk-based formula.

• Gene Changes (Mutations)

  A gene mutation is a change in one or more genes. Some mutations can lead to genetic disorders or illnesses.

• Genetic Counseling

  Genetic counseling is a way for people to understand how genetic illnesses can affect them and their family.

• Genetic Testing

  Advances in genetic testing help doctors diagnose and treat certain illnesses. The type of test done depends on which condition a doctor checks for.

• Genetics

  Genetics is the study of genes, which carry information that gets passed from one generation to the next.

• Goiters and Thyroid Nodules

  An enlarged thyroid gland is a lump that can be felt under the skin at the front of the neck. When it's big enough to see easily, it's called a goiter. A thyroid nodule is a lump or enlarged area in the thyroid gland.

• Hemophilia

  Hemophilia is a rare bleeding disorder that prevents the blood from clotting properly. With modern treatment, most kids who have it can lead full, healthy lives.

• Hemophilia: Handling Bleeds

  Kids with hemophilia can bleed easily or longer than normal. So it's important for parents to know how to handle bleeding when it happens.

• Hereditary Hemochromatosis

  This genetic disease causes the body to store too much iron. Learn more about hemochromatosis.

• Hydroxyurea for People With Sickle Cell Disease

  Hydroxyurea is a medicine that can help kids and teens who have sickle cell disease. Find out how it works.

• Hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease

  Hyperthyroidism happens when the thyroid gland sends too much thyroid hormone into the blood. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves' disease.

• Hypochondroplasia

  Hypochondroplasia is a condition that affects the growth of bone and cartilage. Kids who have it are shorter than other kids of the same age).

• What to Look for on Food Labels if Your Child Has Food Allergies

  Food labels can help you spot allergens your child must avoid. Find out more.

• What’s the Difference Between a Food Allergy and a Food Intolerance?

  Food allergies and food intolerances, like lactose intolerance, are not the same. Find out more.

• Wheat Allergy

  Wheat allergy can cause serious reactions. Find out how to help kids with an allergy stay safe.

• 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome (DiGeorge Syndrome)

  22q11.2 deletion syndrome (also called DiGeorge Syndrome) is a genetic condition that can cause a variety of physical and behavioral problems.

• Achondroplasia

  Achondroplasia is a condition that causes short stature (an adult height less than 4 feet, 10 inches). Treatment can help with related problems, and new research offers hope for even better treatments.

• Albinism

  Humans, animals, and even plants can have albinism, a condition that gives people a kind of pale appearance. Find out more about albinism here.

• Alpha Thalassemia

  Alpha thalassemia is a blood disorder in which the body has a problem producing alpha globin, a component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout the body.

• Ataxia-Telangiectasia

  Ataxia telangiectasia is a rare genetic condition. Children with the condition have uncoordinated movements that get worse over time.

• Beta Thalassemia

  Beta thalassemia is a blood disorder in which the body has a problem producing beta globin, a component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout the body.

• Birth Defects

  Some birth defects are minor and cause no problems. Others can be serious and require lifelong treatment.

• CLOVES Syndrome

  CLOVES syndrome is a very rare genetic disorder that causes vascular, skin, spinal, and bone or joint abnormalities.

• Campomelic Dysplasia

  People with campomelic dysplasia usually have bent long bones and can have severe breathing problems. A team of specialists will care for a child when medical problems come up.

• Cardiofaciocutaneous (CFC) Syndrome

  Cardiofaciocutaneous (CFC) syndrome is a rare genetic condition. It affects the heart, facial features, and skin.

• Cartilage Hair Hypoplasia

  Kids with cartilage hair hypoplasia have differences with the growth of their bones. With regular medical care, most kids can live a full, healthy life.

• Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT)

  Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a neurological disorder. It causes muscle weakness and numbness, most commonly in the arms and legs.

• Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

  Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) affects the adrenal glands, which make important hormones. Symptoms depend on a child's age, sex, and which hormones the adrenal glands make too little or too much of.

• Congenital Hypothyroidism

  Some babies are born with a thyroid gland that didn't develop correctly or doesn't work as it should. This is called congenital hypothyroidism.