Pediatric Advice
All About the Flu
Influenza, commonly referred to as the flu, is a seasonal respiratory virus that is unpredictable, but usually peaks each year between November and March. It is spread by contact with respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes. Flu often comes on suddenly and causes a variety of symptoms that can range from mild to severe and...
Fever
At one time or another almost all children will probably have a fever. Fever is a symptom, not a disease, and is usually caused by infection. It is one of the ways the body naturally fights infection. Although it can be scary because kids can get irritable, whiny, and fussy with a fever, the fever...
Colds/Cough/Congestion
Upper respiratory infection - the most common viral illness of childhood Upper Respiratory Infections can involve the nose, mouth, sinuses, or throat. These are usually viral infections and are very common in babies and children. Most children have 6-8 colds a year and they often last 7-10 days. For some kids, especially those in daycare...
Wheezing/Croup
Bronchiolitis Bronchiolitis is a very common infection of infants and young children. A virus, most commonly respiratory syncytial virus or RSV, causes inflammation in the lining of the small bronchial tubes. It is almost impossible to make it to 2 years of age without at least one episode of bronchiolitis. It is most common in...
Vomiting/Diarrhea
Vomiting and diarrhea in a small infant requires close monitoring to avoid dehydration. Vomiting: It is hard to get through childhood without at least one sickness with vomiting as a symptom. Most often it is caused by a self limiting stomach virus. Other causes in infants include: other infections, reflux, milk intolerance, food allergy, abdominal...
Minor Injuries
Call 911 for any serious injury Head Injuries The most common calls we get from parents about injuries are related to head injuries. “My child fell off the bed”, My child was running and fell hard onto his head”, “My child has a big goose egg.” If there was no loss of consciousness, the child...
Common Symptoms
“Pink eye” or conjunctivitis is when the white part of one or both eyes is a pink to red color. It can be caused by a virus, bacteria, trauma, or allergy. In viral pink eye the eyes are usually beefy red with a clear watery discharge. There is sometimes crust in the corner especially after...