CHILD HEALTH

Many aspects of health start early in life and parents will always want the best available medical care for their children. This section brings you up to date information on common conditions and concerns.

ACCIDENTAL POISONING

Poisoning is still a common cause of unintentional injury. This article looks at the safe storage of poisons and chemicals, and what to do in an emergency.

ATTENTION-DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER

When hyperactivity in children is excessive, ADHD may be the cause. This article gives an overview of ADHD.

AMBLYOPIA

Amblyopia (lazy eye) is the commonest cause of poor vision in children. This article gives an understanding of visual problems, particularly in young children.

ASTHMA IN CHILDHOOD

This article focuses on some of the important issues, including concerns about medication and allergen avoidance.

AUTISM

Autism is a developmental disorder which normally shows before the age of 3 years. This article looks at the signs of the condition and what can be done to help.

BEE STINGS

Bee stings can be dangerous in sensitive individuals. This article gives an overview of first aid and offers suggestions to reduce the risks in future.

BREASTFEEDING

There are many good reasons why you should breastfeed your baby. This article discusses the benefits for both the baby and the mother.

BREASTFEEDING PROBLEMS

Breast milk is considered the best food for newborns, but breastfeeding can be difficult for some new mothers. This article looks at some common problems and solutions.

BRONCHIOLITIS

Bronchiolitis can be a serious illness for babies and toddlers. This article discusses the symptoms and what can be done to help.

CHICKENPOX

Chickenpox is a common childhood illness. This article discusses treatment recommendations and provides information on a vaccine to prevent the illness.

CHILDHOOD BRAIN TUMOURS

A good overview of brain tumours and their treatment in children.

CHILDHOOD FOOD ALLERGIES

This article provides a sensible understanding of possible food allergies in children, including some practical food choice suggestions.

CIRCUMCISION

Circumcision is a controversial subject and many parents still choose to have their sons circumcised. This article looks at the pros and cons of the procedure and how it is carried out.

CLEFT LIP AND PALATE

Cleft lip and palate abnormalites are the most common congenital abnormalities. This article provides a thorough overview of the problems and the surgery required to correct them.

CONJUNCTIVITIS

Conjunctivitis is a common eye infection. This article discusses the most common strains of conjunctivitis, the recommended treatment, and how to prevent it.

COXSACKIE VIRUS INFECTIONS

This is a common virus that does not usually cause severe problems. It is a common cause of sore throats and can occasionally cause more serious illness particularly in newborns. This article provides a good overview of the various types of infections it can cause.

CRADLE CAP

Some parents can become anxious about this harmless condition. This article looks at the cause and how to remove it.

CROUP

Croup can be dangerous in babies. This article looks at the warning signs and how the illness is treated.

CYSTIC FIBROSIS

The prognosis for cystic fibrosis patients is improving all the time. This article provides an overview of the condition and current research.

DEPRESSION IN YOUNGER PEOPLE

This article provides an excellent overview of depression, with particular emphasis on younger people.

DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES IN CHILDREN
This article provides a thorough overview of developmental stages in children.

DIPHTHERIA VACCINE

This vaccine is part of the childhood immunisation schedule. This article provides an overview of the vaccine's side effects.

DOWN'S SYNDROME

This article outlines the age-related risk of having a baby with Down's syndrome, and the features of this genetic condition.

ECZEMA

Eczema can be a distressing skin problem for those who have it. This article looks at the different forms of eczema and the treatments available.

ENURESIS (BED WETTING)

Bed wetting is a common childhood problem and some children may need treatment for persistent problems. This article discusses the treatment options.

FRAGILE X SYNDROME

Fragile X Syndrome is the most common inherited mental handicap and is linked to a problem with the X chromosome. This article looks at some of the learning difficulties affected children may face, and the type of help that is required.

GLUE EAR AND OTITIS MEDIA

Ear infections and possible consequences such as glue ear are a common problem in childhood. This article covers the symptoms and treatment of the disorder.

HAEMOPHILUS INFLUENZAE TYPE B VACCINE
The Hib vaccine has reduced cases of a form of meningitis. This article looks the risks and benefits of the immunisation.

HEADLICE

Headlice have been increasing since the 1970s. They can be hard to eradicate. This article includes some suggestions for treating the problem.

HEPATITIS B VACCINE

The Hepatitis B vaccine is effective against the hep B virus. This article profiles the vaccine and its side effects.

HYDROCEPHALUS IN CHILDHOOD

A detailed article explaining this condition and how it is treated.

IMMUNISATION: 5-IN-1 JAB

The "5-in-1 Jab" replaces the 4-in-1 injection to include immunisation against polio. This article gives a brief overview of the new vaccine.

IMPETIGO

Impetigo is a contagious skin infection that is mainly found in children. This article looks at treatment and prevention of the condition.

INFANT COLIC

Colic in young babies can cause much domestic stress for parents. This article gives helpful advice for managing the problem.

INFANT FORMULAS

Infant formulas are necessary for babies who are not breastfed and those who are being weaned off the breast.

JAUNDICE

This article outlines some of the many causes of jaundice and outlines possible investigations.

LEARNING DIFFICULTIES IN CHILDREN
This article gives an outline of some of the common learning problems children may experience

MEASLES

Measles is a common childhood illness but immunisation can help prevent it. This article looks at the symptoms, treatment and prevention of English Measles.

MENINGITIS

Meningitis is a serious illness which can lead to life threatening complications. This article discusses the different forms of meningitis and the warning signs.

MMR VACCINE

The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine has been the subject of much controversy. This article discusses the low risks associated with the immunisation.

MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM

Molluscum contagiosum are spots which look like soft warts. The condition is more common among children. This article discusses the problem and how the lesions can be removed.

MUMPS

This childhood illness was common prior to a vaccine being developed. This article looks at the symptoms, complications and treatment of mumps.

NAPPY RASH

Nappy rash is a common and irritating problem in babies. This article looks at how to avoid nappy rash and what can to be done to help.

ORAL THRUSH IN NEWBORNS

Oral thrush can occur in about five percent of all newborn babies. This article discusses the symptoms and recommended treatment.

OSGOOD-SCHLATTER SYNDROME

This is a knee disorder which may occur between childhood and adolescence. This article looks at the treatment and prognosis of the condition.

PEANUT ALLERGY

This article provides detailed information about the current understanding ,investigation and treatment of this allergy.

PINWORM INFECTION

Pinworm is a common infection among children. This article looks at the symptoms of pinworms and the recommended treatment.

POLIO VACCINE

The polio vaccine protects against polio which still occurs in some parts of the world. The vaccine is recommended as part of the childhood immunisation schedule. This article profiles the vaccine and its rare side effects.

REHYDRATION FLUIDS (ELECTROLYTE SOLUTIONS)
Electrolyte solutions are used to replace water and salt lost from vomiting and diarrhoea. This article looks at the different products available and how they should be used.

RINGWORM AND TINEA INFECTION

Ringworm is a common infection in children and is responsible for athlete's foot and jock itch in adults. This article looks at how to treat and prevent the infection.

RUBELLA

German measles is normally a mild illness but is serious in pregnant women because of the risks of birth defects. This article provides an overview of the illness.

SLAPPED CHEEK DISEASE (FIFTH DISEASE)
Slapped cheek disease is a mild illness among children but can be serious in pregnancy. This article looks at the symptoms and what can be done to help.

SLEEPWALKING IN CHILDREN

Sleepwalking is fairly common among children but most grow out of it by adolescence. This article discusses common characteristics of sleepwalkers and how to keep the child safe at night.

SOILING AND WETTING IN CHILDREN
These problems can cause great distress for children and parents. This article outlines a sensible approach to the problem.

SORE THROAT

A sore throat is a symptom of many different illnesses. This article provides an overview of some of the causes and what can be done to help.

SQUINTS

A squint occurs when both eyes are not looking in the same direction. This article discusses the possible causes and what treatment is available.

STREP THROAT

An estimated 10 percent of sore throats are due to strep throat. This article discusses the symptoms and the controversy over the use of antibiotics to cure it.

SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME (COT DEATH)
Sudden infant death is a tragedy of which the exact cause is unknown. Much can be done to reduce the risk. World expert Associate Professor Ed Mitchell outlines the current understanding and research.

TEETHING

This article outlines common symptoms of teething and offers some practical guidelines and advice.

TETANUS VACCINE

The tetanus vaccine protects against tetanus (lockjaw). This article looks at when the immunisation is necessary and its side effects.

TONSILLITIS AND ADENOTONSILLECTOMY

Tonsillectomy is an operation to cure persistent tonsillitis. This article details the procedure and when the operation is necessary.

VACCINATION OVERVIEW

Immunisation is a subject of much debate. This article provides an overview of the issues related to vaccination.

VESCICOURETERIC REFLUX

A backwards flow of urine into the kidney is linked to urinary infections in children. This article offers a broad overview of the condition and the treatment options.

WARTS

Warts are a common problem. They can be removed although most will spontaneously disappear over time. This article details some of the removal methods.

WHOOPING COUGH (PERTUSSIS)
Whooping cough is dangerous in babies and young children. This article looks at the symptoms, treatment and prevention of the illness.

WHOOPING COUGH VACCINE

Whooping cough is a dangerous disease for babies and young children. Vaccination can prevent the illness. This article provides information about the immunisation.