
Common Infant and Children Health Problems Archive
Search all Common Health Problems:
Tobacco Smoke
It is always in the news. Tobacco smoke (cigarettes, cigars, pipes) is not only harmful to you, but to the people around you. This includes your children as well, before birth and after.
Swimmer’s Ear (Otitis externa)
As soon as the weather turns warmer and children look for ways to cool off, our office begins to see children with “Swimmer’s Ear”. I do not like to use the term “swimmer’s ear” because it only describes one way of getting this type of infection. There are many other causes of Otitis externa.
Sore Throat
There are many reasons for a sore throat. Your child could have “post-nasal drip” from allergies or a cold that causes irritation of the throat. A virus could also directly cause irritation of the throat.
Sleep Problems
Trouble sleeping? Inconceivable to weary parents who drop exhaustedly into bed at night. Yet there are children who struggle with bedtimes and awaken at night. Why?
Post Partum Depression
Are you depressed? Many mothers have what is called “Postpartum Depression”. It is a condition that mothers sometimes do not want to admit.
Poisonings
If at any time you even suspect your child has swallowed or gotten into a poisonous substance, call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
Nosebleeds
A nosebleed can be scary, especially for a young child. A parent may become worried because it looks like there is a large amount of blood coming out. For the most part, you do not need to be concerned. A nosebleed always looks worse than it is.
Mercury Poisoning
Mercury is a chemical that has been around for a long time. It can cause nervous system changes including irritability, difficulties with memory, difficulties with concentration, and kidney damage. Try to picture the Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland.
Lead Poisoning
Lead poisoning has been around for a long time. The effect of lead poisoning depends on the amount of lead in your child’s blood. At lower levels, lead poisoning can cause a loss of IQ Points, as well as behavioral, learning, and attention problems.
Head Injuries
For a parent, head injuries can be scary. One would think that it is easy to do some damage, but heads are fairly hard and the brain is fairly durable.
Ear Infections
There is nothing worse than being awoken in the middle of the night by a young child screaming with ear pain. The pain is usually due to inflammation of the eardrum or pressure behind the eardrum.
Chicken Pox (Varicella)
Chickenpox (Varicella) is a viral infection we had typically seen only in the Spring and the Summer. Now, after the advent of the Chickenpox Vaccine, it has become a rarity. Often, what you think is Chickenpox will turn out to be a rash from insect bites or due to an allergic reaction.
Common Cold (Upper Respiratory Tract Infection)
Did you know that most children experience a common cold about eight times per season? Since most colds last close to two weeks, that means about one cold every three to four weeks!