Patient Education

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists, and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety, and well-being of all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.

As part of that commitment, the AAP publishes expert advice for parents, caregivers, and patients on Pediatric Patient Education. Information can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and many titles also are available in Spanish.

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VIS—MMRV (Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella) Vaccine

Category:: common_illnesses_and_conditions

Measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella are viral diseases that can have serious consequences. Before vaccines, these diseases were very common in the United States, especially among children. They are still common in many parts of the world.

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VIS—Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine

Category:: common_illnesses_and_conditions

Chickenpox (also called varicella) is a common childhood disease. It is usually mild, but it can be serious, especially in young infants and adults.

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Urinary Tract Infections in Young Children

Category:: common_illnesses_and_conditions

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in young children. These infections can lead to serious health problems. UTIs may go untreated because the symptoms may not be obvious to the child or the parents. The following is information from the American Academy of Pediatrics about UTIs—what they are,

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Treating Your Child’s Pain: Medical Procedures

Category:: common_illnesses_and_conditions

During certain medical procedures, your child may experience pain. These procedures can include having blood drawn, having breathing or feeding tubes put in, or lumbar punctures (spinal taps). Luckily, pain from these activities does not last long. Read on to find out how your child’s pain from medical

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Type 2 Diabetes: Tips for Healthy Living

Category:: common_illnesses_and_conditions

Children with type 2 diabetes can live a healthy life. If your child has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, your child’s doctor will talk with you about the importance of lifestyle and medication in keeping your child’s blood glucose (blood sugar) levels under control.

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Tonsils and Adenoid

Category:: common_illnesses_and_conditions

Here is information from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) about the tonsils and adenoid, tonsillitis, signs of an enlarged adenoid and tonsils, when surgery is recommended, and what if surgery is recommended.

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Sleep Apnea and Your Child

Category:: common_illnesses_and_conditions

Does your child snore a lot? Does he sleep restlessly? Does he have difficulty breathing, or does he gasp or choke, while he sleeps? If your child has these symptoms, he may have a condition known as sleep apnea.

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Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

Category:: common_illnesses_and_conditions

Almost all children get a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection at least once before they are 2 years of age. Most children have mild symptoms. But babies and some children can get very sick from RSV. Here is information from the American Academy of Pediatrics about RSV, including how to protect

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Sinusitis and Your Child

Category:: newborns_infants_and_toddlers

Sinusitis is an inflammation of the lining of the nose and sinuses. It is a very common infection in children.

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Protect Your Child From Poison

Category:: newborns_infants_and_toddlers

Children can get very sick if they come in contact with medicines, household products, pesticides, chemicals, or cosmetics. This can happen at any age and can cause serious reactions. However, most children who come in contact with these things are not permanently hurt if they are treated right away.

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Nursemaid’s Elbow

Category:: safety_and_prevention

A pulled elbow (also known as nursemaid’s elbow) is a common, painful injury generally among children under four years old but occasionally older. It occurs when the outer part of the elbow becomes dislocated or slips out of its joint.

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Pneumococcal Infections

Category:: newborns_infants_and_toddlers

Meningitis (brain), Bacteremia (bloodstream), Pneumonia (lungs), Sinusitis (sinus membranes), and Otitis media (ears). These infections can be dangerous to very young children, the elderly, and people with certain high-risk health conditions.

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Minor Head Injuries in Children

Category:: newborns_infants_and_toddlers

Almost all children bump their heads every now and then. While these injuries can be upsetting, most head injuries are minor and do not cause serious problems. In very rare cases, problems can occur after a minor bump on the head. This publication was written by the American Academy of Pediatrics to

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