Medical Doctor
Dr. Bisny T. Joseph is a Georgian Board-certified physician. She has completed her professional graduate degree as a medical doctor from Tbilisi State Medical University, Georgia. She has around 5 years of experience in various sectors of medical affairs as a physician, medical reviewer, medical writer, health coach, and Q&A expert.
Her interest in digital medical education and patient education made her pursue a career in medical writing. She believes that providing high-quality, evidence-based medical information for people could help them be more aware and responsible for their health and actively participate in decision-making in their healthcare. At MomJunction, Dr. Bisny writes health and wellness articles for mothers and children and she has been featured on BioSpectrum, Golden Eye Optometry, and The Indian Express. She likes to spend her spare time traveling and painting.
MomJunction has a strong editorial policy in place, and the team abides by its guidelines. We work toward providing the most reliable information to the reader and help them with a solution that is reliable. Our posts are authentic, and are not biased or influenced. Know more about our editorial policy.
Intellectual disability in children, previously known as mental retardation, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that occurs due to problems in the brain’s growth and development. The condition causes significantly low intellectual functioning in children and affects their adaptive skills (those required to carry out daily tasks). Children with an intelligence quotient (IQ) below 70 are considered […]
Viral infections in children are common as children have low immunity. Viruses are tiny infectious agents that invade and multiply inside a living organism, and viral infections are caused when the host cells of the body react to viruses. While there are several types of viral infections, such as chickenpox, AIDS, common cold, influenza, and […]
Dyspepsia or indigestion in children can be a symptom of several underlying conditions. Children of any age can experience this problem, and indigestion can be occasional or regular, depending on its cause. If your child has been experiencing regular indigestion, it is important to seek a doctor’s advice to understand the cause. Read on to […]
Testicular pain in teens could be experienced as a sudden pain in the scrotum or testicular region. The pain may occur for short periods (acute-lasting for around three months) or persist for longer durations (chronic). It may happen in one or both testicles. The testicular pain and discomfort in teenagers may be due to several […]
The presence of blood in a child’s stool can be a worrisome sight for the parents. But you should note that blood passing with stool does not always indicate any serious internal complications or disease. Most health practitioners have reported that it is a common occurrence in children and requires minimal to no treatment (1). […]
Mononucleosis is an infectious disease most commonly caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) (1). It is also known as infectious mononucleosis, glandular fever, mono, kissing disease, or just IM. Mono can occur at all ages, but most cases are seen in adolescence and early childhood. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention […]
The feeling of frequent urination in kids is known as pollakiuria. It is a sensory emergency of peeing without the physical need to pass urine. The child might feel to urinate at the earliest but pass only a small amount of urine every time they feel urinary urgency (1). This condition is usually self-limited and […]
Teenage pregnancies have long-term effects on a teen’s physical, social, and mental well-being. Teenage abortions are not uncommon. However, with the recent changes in laws, abortions are no longer considered a constitutional right in the US, and each state has its own policy to regulate them. Read this post to know more about the causes […]
Leukemia is the cancer of the body’s blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow, blood, and lymphatic system, and the spleen. There is an abnormal increase in the immature white blood cells. It is the most common cancer among children and teens, accounting for one out of three cancer cases. There are various types of leukemia […]
Male circumcision is a surgical procedure involving removing the foreskin that covers the penis’ tip. Circumcision can be performed at any age, but it is most prevalent in infants since it is less hazardous than circumcision in teenagers. Circumcision may be more or less acceptable in teenage boys, and informed consent is required for this […]
Abdominal pain in teens may occur at some point and is often not a serious problem. The abdominal cavity contains many organs such as the kidney, pancreas, spleen, liver, gallbladder, intestines, appendix, and stomach. Problems with any of these organs can cause abdominal pain leading to gastrointestinal distress. Severe or recurrent pain with other symptoms […]
Hyperdontia in children is a rare condition in which extra teeth grow in the mouth. Usually, children have 20 deciduous teeth (primary teeth) by 30 months, while adults have 32 permanent teeth by the age of 17. As children grow, the primary teeth or primary dentition are gradually replaced by permanent dentition, comprising 32 teeth. […]
Erectile dysfunction in teens is common, and it may often occur due to stress, anxiety, or other factors such as smoking (1). Sexual health is an important aspect of adolescence. But many teenage sexual issues, including dysfunction (ED), are often overlooked by teenage boys. Hence, it is recommended to seek medical care and treat the […]
Canker sores in kids can be painful sores as they interfere with drinking and eating. These tiny, noncontagious lesions on the oral mucosal layer are also called aphthous ulcers or mouth ulcers. Most canker sores resolve on their own within one or two weeks (1). These may occur at any age but are more often […]
“Do boys have periods?” is a common question for many teens in puberty when they know about menstruation. Boys will not get periods as they do not have ovaries and a uterus to ovulate. Periods are a part of women’s physiology and occur during the reproductive age. It is the shedding of the uterine lining […]
Heart rate indicates the number of times the heart beats in a minute. The heart rate in children may vary depending on their age. Usually, younger children may have a higher heart rate than older children. Our heart beats in rhythm, and the irregularities of rhythm are called arrhythmia. The abnormal heart rate can be […]
Like adults, cardiopulmonary resuscitation in children can also help save a life. Nobody anticipates these health emergencies, but it can help to be hands-on with certain first-aid techniques such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR. If a child stops breathing for any reason, CPR can help avoid fatality. In addition, getting prompt CPR from a CPR-trained […]
Typhoid fever can be prevented with vaccines. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the typhoid vaccine for kids who live in high-risk areas. You may ask the pediatrician to know the requirement of the typhoid vaccine for your child since it may not be included in the child’s routine immunization schedule. The type of vaccine […]
The body experiences several changes during pregnancy. Women can experience changes in hemoglobin levels during pregnancy, with an increase in the hemoglobin circulating in the body. The overall hemoglobin concentration drops, though. Hemoglobin, found in the red blood cells (RBCs), transports oxygen from the lungs to other body parts (1) (2). The oxygen requirement of the […]
dilation is the opening of the cervix, the neck of the uterus, during childbirth. Body changes during the labor process to allow the baby to pass through the birth canal. Although it is exciting to hold the baby, many women may be nervous and worry about the labor pain and delivery near the due date. […]
Vaginal odor during pregnancy can be normal in most women. Changes in hormones and urine composition can be the reason for it. Although many women share pregnancy fears and experiences with friends and family for de-stressing, it can be overwhelming for many to talk about some issues such as vaginal smell. An unpleasant or foul […]
Women can increase progesterone to get pregnant since this hormone enhances fertility and helps to sustain the pregnancy. According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 19% of women aged between 15 and 49 struggle with infertility. Hormonal imbalances, such as lower hormone levels, can be a reason for infertility in many […]
You may notice a baby shaking their head while interacting with others or playing. Shaking their head from side to side is a common way older infants react to questions or communicate. Though head shaking is common in little ones, it could also indicate neurological or developmental problems. Read this post to learn more about […]
Parents may consider painless vaccinations for babies to avoid the anxiety associated with vaccinating infants and reduce the discomfort for the little ones. Research indicates that 24-40% of parents in the US and Canada show concern about the pain associated with vaccinations in children. 85% of parents believe that healthcare providers should take the responsibility […]
A threatened miscarriage or abortion is defined as vaginal bleeding during the first three months or by 20 weeks of pregnancy. According to StatPearls Publishing in the National Library of Medicine, vaginal bleeding during the first trimester is seen in 25% of women, among whom 50% tend to progress toward early pregnancy loss. After a […]
The loss of a fetus before the 20th week of pregnancy is referred to as miscarriage, also known as spontaneous abortion or early pregnancy loss. Miscarriage rates might vary greatly amongst women due to various factors. This post discusses miscarriage statistics depending on age, weeks of pregnancy, chances of miscarriage during assisted reproduction, and statistics […]
If you see your baby choking on breastmilk, it could be because their swallowing skills aren’t fully developed. Choking when breastfeeding can result in coughing. Further, milk can sometimes make its way into the lungs, causing aspiration pneumonia (1). If your baby has rapid breathing, turns blue, or becomes unconscious from choking on breast milk, […]
It may be troubling seeing your baby clenching their fists practically all of the time, even though you want them to hold on to toys or your fingers. Usually, babies under six months hold their fists clenched most of the time. However, if a baby aged more than six months does so, it might be […]
You may commonly notice a wet or dry cough in kids. Coughing is a defensive response that clears the airways of irritants, germs, and foreign particles. While wet cough is associated with mucus production, a dry cough does not produce phlegm (mucus). Coughing multiple times a day can be a symptom of viral infections, such […]
Even before they start eating solid foods, you may notice your baby gagging. While gagging, food or an object is pushed back from the throat into the mouth. It is a highly sensitive reaction frequently elicited in young infants to prevent choking. However, it gets less sensitive with age (1). Although it is a protective […]
Methicillin-resistant MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a genetic form of bacteria that causes significant skin infections in children due to antibiotic resistance. MRSA infection in children is typically hard to treat and can have life-threatening consequences. Therefore, seek medical care if you suspect your child has an MRSA skin infection. Read on to know more […]
Most parents are concerned when they notice white patches on a kid’s face. These white patches or spots are also known as . The discoloration may cause them to be more concerned about any underlying illness than about their child’s appearance. Hypopigmented spots on a child’s face can be caused by many different disorders, ranging […]
When parents or caregivers hurry to a coughing baby to see what’s wrong, they may notice the baby giggling with a mischievous expression. It leaves many puzzled parents asking this question – why does a baby fake cough? Babies may fake cough for many reasons; for example, when you see your child pretending to cough, […]
You may often notice that your baby cries while breastfeeding. Babies may cry when breastfed for various reasons, ranging from simple distractions to a significant feeding problem. While occasional weeping or whimpering during nursing is normal, persistent crying and reluctance to breastfeed may necessitate medical treatment or a consultation with a lactation consultant-IBCLC (International Board […]
A widespread abdominal pain may indicate mesenteric lymphadenitis in children. It is the inflammation of the mesenteric lymph nodes, which are clusters of three or more lymph nodes in the right lower mesentery. The peritoneum fold (abdominal cavity membrane) that connects the intestines to the back of the abdominal wall is referred to as the […]
Hydrocortisone is a topical corticosteroid medication available in the form of lotions, ointments, and creams (1). Hydrocortisone cream for babies is an over-the-counter drug and is usually prescribed to relieve skin-related symptoms such as redness, itchiness, and swelling. However, you should use this cream only when advised by your baby’s pediatrician, as undirected use of […]
Many parents complain that their baby wakes up crying in the middle of the night. This could be due to several reasons, including feeling hot, wet, cold, hungry, frightened, or irritable. Since babies have small tummies and food is digested rapidly, they feel hungry quite often. In addition, babies can’t sleep eight to nine hours […]
Eye rolling is a common phenomenon that many people do involuntarily. However, when you see a baby rolling eyes, you may feel concerned about a possible health problem. Nevertheless, most babies and infants may roll their eyes on a normal basis without any underlying causes of concern. However, you may seek medical care if your […]
One of the body’s major organ systems is the heart and circulatory system. To make learning about it more interesting for children, you could introduce them to some interesting facts about the heart and circulatory system for kids. The circulatory system includes the heart and blood vessels. The blood vessels distribute blood, which delivers oxygen […]
Folliculitis in children is when a child’s hair follicles get inflamed due to an infection. The infected follicles usually have an acne-like appearance and may cause slight pain and redness. Folliculitis is most commonly caused by bacteria and may resolve spontaneously within seven to ten days. However, the infection could sustain for longer in some […]
Muscle twitches in children are sudden, uncontrollable muscle movements or jerks in their bodies. Muscle twitching, also known as myoclonus, could be repetitive and triggered by certain factors and postures. Though muscle twitching is not a disease, it could indicate various underlying conditions in the brain and nervous system. Twitches may occur in a single […]
Any swelling or inflammation to the areas surrounding the eye may lead to swollen eyelids in children. In addition, various factors such as infections, allergies, and injuries could cause swelling in the eyes or eyelids of your child. Some conditions lead to swelling in one eye, while others may cause swelling in both eyes. It […]
Passage of gas from the digestive tract is referred to as flatulence. Though it is normal in adults, flatulence (farting) in teens can leave them embarrassed and even amused. However, studies say that farting is a usual phenomenon. In fact, the average number of times an individual passes wind is five to 15 times in […]
Pneumonia is an infection that causes lung inflammation and fluid filled alveoli (air sacs). A variety of organisms could cause pneumonia in teens. In addition, the inflamed air sacs may cause breathing difficulties (due to insufficient oxygen levels) in your teen. This condition commonly occurs in children below four. However, teenagers who are predisposed to […]
There may be several causes for vomiting in babies, ranging from indigestion and excessive crying to gastrointestinal tract anomalies. Although occasional vomiting in babies is not a cause for concern, persistent, severe vomiting requires immediate medical attention. This is important to detect and treat the underlying cause and avoid dehydration in babies. Read on to […]
Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS) is a lung disease caused due to deficiency of surfactants in the lungs’ alveoli. The lung disease is also called hyaline membrane disease or infant respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS). The condition is usually common in premature babies who do not have fully developed lungs. It is less commonly seen in […]
Viral rashes in babies may include spots, vesicles, bumps, pimples, or blisters. The type of rash may vary depending on the underlying viral infection. The rashes may disappear in a few days or last up to several weeks. Antibiotics meant for treating bacterial infections cannot treat viral infections. Therefore, they are ineffective in reducing viral […]
The endocrine system comprises glands in the body that secrete hormones. Hormones are chemical-signaling molecules that help the body’s complicated processes, such as metabolism and growth, to work together. They also affect how a person’s immune system works and behaves. As a result, the endocrine system regulates hormones to govern various body activities. Read on […]
Athlete’s foot in children is a fungal infection, which usually affects the skin of the feet, especially between the toes. The primary sign of the infection is the reddish-white appearance of the skin. The affected area may also become itchy, moist, and scaly. It is called athlete’s foot since it is most commonly observed among […]
It is not uncommon for babies to be prone to accidents despite the best efforts of the parents to prevent them. One such situation can be when the baby falls off the bed. Infants or toddlers who roll may often be more susceptible to falls from the bed, increasing the risk of injuries, such as […]
Diaper dermatitis, also known as nappy rash, napkin dermatitis, or diaper rash, is a skin inflammation in the diaper area. Diaper rash in babies may happen for various reasons, including skin irritation and bacterial or fungal infections. The condition is treatable at home if the diaper region is kept clean and dry. Some cases of […]
Babies suck their hands to communicate and self-soothe. A baby sucking hand is considered a normal part of their development and may begin at two months. Besides sucking hands, you may notice babies sucking fists or even trying to put their feet in their mouths. Most babies stop sucking their hands by themselves at around […]
A conehead baby is born with a cone-shaped head after vaginal birth. During vaginal birth, babies pass through a tight birth canal, where their malleable head bones get squeezed to make their way out. During this time, their head may develop a cone-like shape. For many babies, their heads return to their normal shape within […]
Like in other sleep regression stages, sleep regression in 18-month-old babies is triggered by a developmental phase where the baby’s sleep patterns change to cognitive leaps. A baby who has been sleeping well will suddenly refuse to go to sleep or wake up fussy in the middle of the night. Though the phase is temporary […]
The side-lying breastfeeding position is when you lie on your side and place your baby alongside you on their side. In this position, you face each other with your baby’s head at the level of your breast. Hence, it is also known as the reclining or lying down position. Experts consider this position comfortable and […]
Toddler growth spurts may occur between the ages of one and three years. Toddlers grow a few inches and gain a few pounds each year of toddlerhood (1). Growth spurts are periods when a toddler has sudden and intense growth. As a result, they may appear hungrier and need more food than usual to meet […]
Acid reflux in teens is common, and it occurs when the stomach contents come back or regurgitate into the esophagus. It is also called acid indigestion or gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and is more prevalent in children and teens between two and 19 years (1). A study conducted by researchers from Columbia University Irving Medical Center, […]
Many parents look for interesting facts about eyes for kids to educate their little ones about eyes and their functioning. The eyes are the second most complex organ after the brain, allowing vision. Human eyes can differentiate about 10 million colors, and vision is one of the five senses. Nearly 80% of information is learned […]
The female reproductive system is responsible for producing gametes called ovum or egg (1). Various organ systems in the human body carry different functions. The reproductive system consists of organs responsible for reproduction, which is a physiological process of producing offspring. Human reproduction is sexual reproduction, meaning male and female gametes are required to produce […]
Breastfeeding a baby beyond infancy is called extended breastfeeding. Although exclusive breastfeeding is recommended until six months, breastfeeding beyond the first year of life may help a child obtain better nutrition and immunity competence. The weaning process is also easier in extended breastfeeding since babies get time to wean as they get more used to […]
Sickle cell diseases are a group of inherited disorders that affect the hemoglobin in the body. Sickle cell anemia in children is the most common and serious form of all sickle cell diseases. It causes crescent or sickle-shaped red blood cells, which are more fragile than normal red blood cells. Sickle cells can be more […]
The curiosity of most children about what the human body is made of is off the charts. To help you quench their thirst for this topic, we bring you some interesting facts about the human body for kids in this post. Their eagerness and excitement to learn more are absolutely adorable and showcase their keen […]
A premature baby’s survival rate and development may vary depending on how early they are born before the due date. Nearly 15 million babies are born prematurely, and in the US, one in every 10 babies are preemies (1) (2). Significant developments occur in the fetus during each week of pregnancy; hence, prematurely born babies […]
It is common to find Epstein pearls in newborn babies. They are tiny, white bumps that appear in the baby’s mouth and are also called . Epstein pearls have been named after Alois Epstein, a Czech pediatric physician who first described this cyst. Approximately 60–85% of newborns have gingival cysts (1). Although Epstein pearls are […]
Alterations in normal vaginal microbiome or infections may cause vaginitis in children. It causes inflammation of the vagina and may result in pain, itching, and discharge. In addition, some children may have vulvovaginitis, where the vulvar area is inflamed with the vagina. It is a common condition in prepubescent girls. Sometimes, poor skills and knowledge […]
Most newborn, infant, or baby behaviors are adorable and surprising to their parents, and they may love watching them doing it. However, some behaviors, such as baby headbanging, may raise concerns and worries in parents. Many babies and toddlers engage in headbanging as a self-comforting technique to reduce frustration, pain, or boredom (1). Although it […]
Kidney stones in teens and children are uncommon; however, due to changing food choices and lifestyle practices, there has been a rise in kidney stones in these age groups in recent years. The accumulation of certain substances, such as calcium or uric acid, in the kidneys can lead to the formation of crystals or stones. […]
Genital herpes is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Although it is more frequent in adults, it is also possible to find cases of genital herpes in children. During an outbreak, the infection can produce painful and itchy sores in the genital area. After the initial infection, the herpes virus remains […]
Mongolian blue spots, also referred to as congenital dermal melanocytosis, slate gray nevus, dermal melanocytosis, or lumbosacral dermal melanocytosis, are a type of birthmarks having a flat, blue or blue-gray appearance. These spots appear at the base of the spine or in the areas of the upper back, buttocks, or shoulders. Some babies may have […]
Balanitis refers to inflammation of the head or glans of the penis. Balanitis in children is mostly self-resolving within two to three days. The condition may occur at any age but is frequently seen in boys below the age of five years as they won’t retract or clean under the foreskin of a penis. Conservative […]
Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, a thin membrane surrounding the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Meningitis in children may arise due to infections caused by bacteria and viruses and non-infectious aspects, such as tumors and brain injuries. Meningitis might be a life-threatening condition if left untreated, causing long-term complications. Read on […]
Laid-back breastfeeding, also referred to as biological nurturing, is a reclined breastfeeding position. This feeding method reportedly stimulates babies’ innate feeding reflexes, which could help them latch accurately. Most women feel that laid-back nursing is an ideal posture while breastfeeding, and this position might help babies who might have latching difficulties. Additionally, you may attempt […]
Yeast infection in children is a fungal infection affecting their skin and mucous membranes. These occur due to Candida, a type of yeast. The infection is also known as candidiasis or moniliasis. The treatment for yeast infection is usually with topical applications, such as creams or antifungal ointments. However, severe infections in children might have […]
Teenage is the stage in which a girl encounters menarche. In most populations, the median age for teenage menstruation is 12 to 13 years. However, lately, the age for menarche has shifted to nine years. This trend is mostly seen among girls who are obese, physically inactive, or have a genetic history of early menarche […]
Autism or autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are developmental disorders that include various conditions affecting social interactions and behavioral skills in a child (1) (2). Autism in a 3-year-old could significantly impact the development of these skills. As per the World Health Organization reports, one in 160 children in the world has ASD (3). At the […]
Yeast infection in toddlers occurs on body parts that offer proper growth conditions to the fungus, such as adequate moisture, heat, and darkness. This infection is also called candidiasis and is recognized by the excess growth of yeast on the skin or mouth. The causative strain is candida fungus. This microorganism naturally occurs on the […]
Feeding tubes for infants serve to provide foods and medicines directly into an infant’s stomach until they learn to swallow. It is a tiny plastic tube that goes through the nose or mouth into the stomach. There are a few conditions when feeding tubes are used for infants. If the baby has swallowing problems or […]
A bulging fontanelle in infants is characterized by the outward appearance of their soft spot (fontanelle). Under normal conditions, the fontanelle is curved inwards. But when the pressure inside the brain increases or if there is a fluid buildup, the tension within leads to the protrusion and formation of the dome-shaped fontanelle. The condition could […]
A reflex is an involuntary or automatic action to a response. Primitive reflexes in babies originate from the central nervous system and indicate a healthy baby. Conversely, the absence of these fundamental reflexes may imply neurological conditions and hence is a cause for concern. There are various types of primitive reflexes. Read on to know […]
In a pediatric ward, you may have observed that some infants are advised to wear headgear; this may have made you wonder, “why do babies wear helmets?” This is called helmet therapy, helmet orthosis, helmet molding therapy, or cranial orthosis. It is a treatment for unfused cranial sutures in infants. The helmets gently modify and […]
Strokes in teenagers are an uncommon health condition that has serious consequences. It is one of the top ten causes of death among adolescents (1). So what is this condition? A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted. The brain requires a constant supply of oxygen to function; this oxygen is […]
Croup in kids occurs due to a viral infection in the vocal cords and the trachea (windpipe). The infection causes swelling and narrowing of the upper airway, making it difficult for air to pass through. It is characterized by a harsh, barking cough, hoarseness, and high-pitched noise while breathing in (1). Croup infection usually affects […]
Children are naturally energetic and tend to enjoy jumping, running, and playing from the time they learn to walk. Heel pain in kids may result from regular sports activities, such as soccer and basketball. It is generally mild but may require timely diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications. Heel pain usually begins with tenderness in […]
Congenital herpes or birth-acquired herpes infection is a viral infection acquired by babies during delivery or in the womb. Babies born with herpes may show symptoms of the infection at birth or may develop them shortly after birth. Pregnant women with genital herpes may transmit the virus to their babies during vaginal delivery. Herpes infection […]
As a new parent, you may worry if your baby spits up curdled milk. However, milk gets curdled when mixed with stomach acid, which is normal during digestion. Occasionally, babies may spit up curdled or undigested milk as they have an immature digestive system. Excessive spitting up of curdled milk or any stomach contents is […]
Hypertonia in babies is a medical condition where high muscle tone or hypertonicity of muscle leads to muscle stiffness, leading to difficulty in limb movement. Usually, the central nervous system (CNS) regulates muscle tone by sending signals from the brain to the nerves in the muscles. If certain regions of the brain or spinal cord […]
The Coombs’ test or antiglobulin test (AGT) is a blood test that helps detect the presence of antibodies against red blood cells (erythrocytes) in the body, which can cause hemolysis. This can lead to hemolytic disease in newborns, also known as erythroblastosis fetalis. A positive coomb’s test in newborns indicates two health problems – anemia […]
When a head injury causes the skull bone to crack, it is called a skull fracture. Skull fractures in babies can be caused by several reasons. However, using instruments during childbirth is the most common. In addition, for some babies, skull fracture may lead to brain damage. The severity of skull fractures can vary from […]
Pediatric limping is most often caused by physical injuries. However, prolonged limping without a physical injury may be a cause for concern. The causes of a child limping could range from a minor injury to an underlying medical condition. If limping in children is associated with pain, it should not be dismissed as growing pain […]
Norovirus in babies spreads through contaminated food, water, and surfaces, leading to severe gastroenteritis, inflammation of the intestinal walls. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), norovirus is responsible for causing about 58% of the foodborne illnesses in the US. Though it can affect people of all groups, norovirus in babies can […]
An immature digestive system or poor valve closure (pyloric sphincter) in the upper end of the stomach is responsible for your baby throwing up mucus or milk. While it is normal for babies to spit up occasionally, it may be a cause for concern if it happens quite often. However, many factors can cause it […]
Hydronephrosis in babies is a condition where urine gets trapped in the kidney and drains slower than it should into the bladder. It is a common congenital condition and may affect one in 500 babies (1). However, it may also develop later in life for some babies. Further, it is more common in boys than […]
Asymmetrical tonic neck reflex (ATNR), or tonic neck reflex, is one of the primitive reflexes present in an infant. It differs from the symmetrical tonic neck reflex (STNR) present in later infancy stages. Several actions and responses of a newborn are reflex-based to specific stimuli. A reflex is a muscle’s automatic reaction or response to […]
Petechiae in children can be a symptom of an underlying illness or bacterial infection. It results in pinpointed, non-blanching spots less than two millimeters in size that may be caused by blood leakage from the capillaries (tiny blood vessels) to the skin. Petechiae spots often appear on the skin where the body’s mucous membranes are […]
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia in babies or CDH in babies occurs when the diaphragm fails to close during fetal life. The diaphragm is a muscular wall separating the chest and abdominal cavity. If there is an opening, the abdominal organs may herniate or protrude to the chest cavity and affect lung growth. Babies with CDH may […]
Dizziness in children can be due to diminished blood circulation to the brain for brief periods. They may explain feelings of faintness or lightheadedness when they are dizzy. In most cases, dizziness may not be accompanied by any obvious signs and symptoms of any illnesses. However, persistent dizziness can risk a child’s safety and well-being. […]
Restless leg syndrome in kids is a sensory and motor disorder, leading to uncontrollable sensations accompanied by an urge to move the legs. Most children feel this urge to move their legs when they are inactive or resting, such as during bedtime, while sitting for long hours in the classroom, or during car rides (1). […]
Keratosis pilaris on kids may cause dry and rough patches and tiny bumps on the skin. Although not harmful, these skin lesions may cause itching. The condition can often be seen on the face, neck, legs, thigh, and buttocks. Keratosis pilaris is a common skin condition that falls under the realm of dermatology. The affected […]
Urine is a clear or pale yellow, with a mild smell in most babies. However, there can be instances when you notice strong-smelling urine in babies. If your baby is well-hydrated and urine is pale, occasional strong-smelling urine is not a cause for concern. Sometimes, a strong urine odor can be due to inadequate feeding. […]
Pancreatitis in children is caused by an inflammation in the pancreas, a leaf-shaped gland located behind the stomach. The pancreas contains exocrine cells that secrete digestive enzymes and endocrine cells producing hormones, such as insulin and glucagon, which participate in glucose metabolism. Pancreatitis can either be acute or chronic. Acute pancreatitis is a sudden and […]