Asthma

Asthma (AZZ-muh) is a disease of the breathing tubes that carry air to the lungs. The linings of the tubes swell, and they fill up with mucus (MYOO-kus). This is called inflammation (in-fluh-MAY-shun). It makes the tubes get narrow. This makes it hard to breathe.

Asthma Triggers

Things that cause asthma (AZZ-muh) attacks or make asthma worse are called triggers. Asthma triggers can be found in your home, your child’s school, child care, and other people’s homes.

Antibiotics Aren’t Always Needed

Parents need to know that using antibiotics when they are not the right medicine will not help and may even cause harm to children.

Ankle Sprain Treatment (Care of the Young Athlete)

Acute ankle and foot injuries are common in athletes and other active young people. Sprains account for the greatest number of acute injuries.

Anaphylaxis

For anyone experiencing anaphylaxis, epinephrine should be given right away followed by a call to 911 for further treatment and transfer to a hospital. The main medicine to treat anaphylaxis is epinephrine. This is a medicine given by an injection. The best place to inject it is in the muscles of the

Anemia in Children and Teens

Anemia can make your child appear pale in color and feel cranky, tired, or weak. Though these symptoms may worry you, the most common causes of anemia—such as iron deficiency—are generally easy to treat, especially when anemia is detected early.

Allergies in Children

Allergy describes a condition involving the immune system that causes sneezing and itching, chronic rashes, wheezing, or even life-threatening allergic reactions. Whether minor or serious, there are things you can do to prevent or control most allergic problems. The more you know about allergies—the

Acute Ear Infections and Your Child

Next to the common cold, an ear infection is the most common childhood illness. In fact, most children have at least one ear infection by the time they are 3 years old. Many ear infections clear up without causing any lasting problems.

A Parent’s Guide to Head Lice

Information from the American Academy of Pediatrics to help parents and caregivers check for, treat, and prevent the spread of head lice.

Managing Chronic Health Needs in Child Care and Schools—Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Babies with GERD can choke; a bulb syringe should be available to help clear the airway if necessary. If the baby is coughing, nothing should be done because the cough is the most effective way to clear the airway. If the baby stops breathing or making any sound, CPR techniques for infants should be