Illness & Injury

Asthma

Asthma is one of the most common recurring childhood conditions and involves a temporary narrowing of the airways as a reaction to certain stimuli such as airborne pollen, a respiratory infection or cold weather. These narrowed airways result in difficulty breathing and wheezing.

It is important to develop an effective treatment plan for your child's condition based on their age and individual needs. Asthma treatment for children focuses on prevention and treatment. Prevention of an asthma attack may include the use of an inhaler, a home nebulizer machine, anti-inflammatory medication and bronchodilators. Our doctors will work with you and your child to help effectively develop a plan to treat this long-term condition.

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, the tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs during respiration. Acute bronchitis is a common ailment, occurring frequently as a complication of a cold or other respiratory infection. If the bronchitis is viral, it will usually resolve on its own in a few days. Rest and drinking fluids can decrease discomfort and speed healing. If symptoms are severe or persist, a physician should be consulted. The doctor may prescribe antibiotics or administer further tests.

Chickenpox

Chickenpox, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, is a highly contagious childhood disease which causes a red, itchy rash of small blisters all over the body. The rash typically first appears on the trunk and then spreads to the face and limbs. The illness can be serious in babies, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems. Previously considered an inevitable childhood disease, the illness is now far less common since a chickenpox vaccine has been developed and is normally administered to all young children. With very few exceptions, children in the United States must be vaccinated against chicken pox before registering to attend day care or school. Most frequently, children have been given their second and final dose of chickenpox vaccine by the time they are 6 years old, but if necessary they can be vaccinated later on.

Common Cold

A common cold is a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract. The common cold also affects the nose and throat and may be caused by different viruses. Symptoms of the common cold normally last about one week but may last longer in children. The common cold is caused by a virus that affects the upper respiratory tract, throat and nose. While there are more than 200 viruses that can cause the symptoms of the common cold, the rhinovirus is the most common type of virus that causes most colds. Colds are highly contagious and are often spread when droplets of the fluid containing the virus are transferred by touch or are inhaled. The common cold is one of the main reasons people visit the doctor each year.

Constipation

Constipation is a common condition that affects children, although many parents never seek medical treatment for this condition. Constipation is infrequent or hard bowel movements and may be a result of insufficient fluid consumption or a diet that does not contain enough fiber. The frequency with which a child normally has a bowel movement will determine what is considered to be "infrequent" for each individual patient. Typically, parents should seek medical attention if their child has three or less bowel movements each week and passes stools that are hard, dry and difficult to pass. Most cases of constipation in children can be treated without the need for long-term treatment. If a large amount of stool is in the colon, disimpaction may be performed to remove the stool through oral or rectal medications.

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Conjunctivitis, commonly referred to as pink eye, is an infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane that lines the eyelid and covers the white part of the eyeball. The inflammation affects the blood vessels in the eye and gives the eye a pink or red appearance. Pink eye can be caused by either a bacterial or viral infection, an allergic reaction, a foreign object in the eye or a blocked tear duct. Pink eye can be contagious, so proper diagnosis and prompt treatment are important.

Ear Infection

Ear infections, also known as otitis media, are one of the most common childhood medical problems. Ear infections are the most frequent cause of doctor visits for children. Treatment for ear infections usually focuses on relieving pain and congestion through oral medication or ear drops since most ear infections resolve on their own within two or three days. Antibiotics are only prescribed if the infection is bacterial, since viral infections do not respond to antibiotic treatment.