Children's Health Medical Reference
- West Syndrome
Learn about infantile spasms, also called West syndrome, a seizure disorder that affects infants and children.
- What Are the Symptoms and Causes of Infantile Spasms?
West syndrome affects very young children. Learn to spot the symptoms so you can get your child treated quickly.
- Is My Child Breathing Too Fast?
Illnesses that affect a child’s breathing are a normal part of growing up. Breathing that’s too fast can be a tipoff. Here's what to watch for.
- What Are Urea Cycle Disorders?
Urea cycle disorders are inherited metabolic disorders makes it hard for your body to break down proteins. Learn more about symptoms, emergency treatment, and long-term management.
- Your Preemie's Growth and Development: 2 and Up
Are you the parent of a preemie? Learn what to expect from your premature baby's growth and development after age 2.
- Signs of Child Abuse
There are many types of child abuse, and the signs aren’t always clear. Learn how to recognize child abuse and what to do if you suspect it.
- Meningitis Vaccine Schedule
Learn about the types of meningitis vaccines and when your child needs them.
- Chickenpox (Varicella): Symptoms, Causes, Prevention
Chickenpox is caused by the contagious varicella virus and mainly affects children. It’s easy to spot because of its itchy rash, mild fever, and body aches.
- Why Is My Child Throwing Up With No Fever?
Is your child throwing up but fever-free? Find out the most common reasons kids vomit with no fever.
- How to Care for a Child With Cerebral Palsy
Doctors and physical therapists treat children with cerebral palsy, but parents can play a role in caregiving, too. Learn about different ways that you can help to improve your child’s life with the guidance of his health care providers.
- Is Cerebral Palsy Preventable?
There’s no sure-fire way to prevent cerebral palsy, a disease that prevents people from controlling their muscles. But parents can help protect babies from some conditions that may lead to it.
- What Is Cerebral Palsy?
Learn more about cerebral palsy, one of the most common causes of chronic childhood disability.
- Measles
Measles is a dangerous, contagious disease with no treatment or cure. What it does have, though, is a low-cost vaccine that’s 97% effective in preventing the virus.
- What Is Treacher Collins Syndrome?
Treacher Collins syndrome is a birth defect that affects the head and face. It can cause physical deformity, hearing problems, and social challenges. There is no cure, but surgery can help.
- What Is Autosomal Recessive Disease?
Some diseases are passed down through families by mutated genes. Testing can show if your child is at risk.
- Gastroschisis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
In the birth defect gastroschisis, intestines and other internal organs push through a hole in the belly wall and appear outside the baby’s body.
- What Is Kernicterus?
Jaundice is a common condition that affects newborns, but if it becomes severe, it can cause permanent damage. Learn about a condition called kernicterus and how to prevent it.
- What's the Treatment for Croup?
Croup is a condition that can affect young kids. If your child has a mild case, it can be treated at home. Learn how to treat the symptoms of croup and when you should call a doctor instead.
- What Is Batten Disease?
Batten disease is a rare kind of disorder that affects the nervous system. Learn what causes Batten disease and how to identify symptoms.
- What Is Galactosemia?
Galactosemia is a rare genetic condition that prevents babies from processing galactose, an important sugar in breast milk. Though the disease can cause many issues, it’s easily diagnosed and treatable.
- Croup Symptoms
Croup is a condition that can affect young kids. Learn how to spot the symptoms.
- What Is Croup? What Causes It?
If your baby has a high-pitched, "barky" cough, they may have croup. This guide explains what this common childhood condition is and what causes it.
- What Tests Check for Down Syndrome During Pregnancy?
You can have your baby tested for Down syndrome during routine doctor’s visits when you’re pregnant. Find out what tests your doctor might use, what the risks are, and how to decide.
- Down Syndrome
People with Down syndrome have an extra chromosome that impacts how a person looks and their ability to think, learn, and reason. Find out the type, causes, and kinds of effects it can have.
- What Are the Treatments for Dyslexia?
If your child has dyslexia, there are treatment options and resources available that can help him learn to read and write, and catch up in school.
- What Is Dyslexia?
Does your child struggle to read? Find out if it could be dyslexia, and what causes this common learning disorder.
- What Is a PKU Test?
Your baby is just a day old and she’s already taking her first test. This important blood screening looks for rare conditions, including PKU. Here’s what you need to know.
- What Is Homocystinuria?
A genetic birth defect can cause a problem with how your baby breaks down a certain protein. Learn about homocystinuria and what you can do about it.
- What to Do If Your Child Is Constipated
If your child is having trouble with bowel movements, learn what to try at home and when to see a doctor
- What to Know if Your Child Needs a Spica Cast
Does your child need a spica cast? Here’s what you need to know about what the cast does, how long it will be on, and how keep your baby comfortable and clean.
- Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease that affects your lungs, pancreas, and other organs. Learn more about the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of cystic fibrosis from WebMD.
- What Are Febrile (Fever) Seizures?
It’s hard to watch your child have a seizure. But, when it happens along with a fever it’s usually not dangerous. Learn about febrile seizures and what to do to help your child.
- How Do Doctors Diagnose Cystic Fibrosis?
There’s more than one way to test for Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Here’s how a diagnosis of this genetic disease can be made.
- Is My Baby's Hearing OK?
Hearing loss is hard to detect in babies. Find out how newborn hearing is tested and what to do if your baby may have hearing loss.
- What's the Treatment for Cystic Fibrosis?
There’s no cure for this genetic disease. Still, many treatments working together can ease symptoms and stave off more severe problems.
- If Your Child Gets a UTI
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in kids, and they can be serious if you don't treat them. Learn the symptoms, and find out how to prevent these infections.
- Rotavirus
You can’t treat rotavirus with medicine. Here's how to make the best of a bad virus -- and how to stop it from getting worse.
- Is There a Gene Test for Cystic Fibrosis?
Cystic fibrosis (CF) caused by a gene that doesn’t work properly. Learn what genetic testing can tell you about this faulty gene, and what your next steps may be.
- What Is Hirschsprung's Disease?
Hirschsprung’s disease is a congenital condition that prevents people -- usually newborns and young children -- from passing stools. Here’s a guide to the ailment, including symptoms and how it’s treated.
- What is Vesicoureteral Reflux?
Vesicoureteral reflux is when urine flows back from your bladder. It can potentially back up to your kidneys, which could cause damage. This condition is usually found among babies and young children, and most are able to outgrow it.
- Lead Poisoning
Lead is a metal that’s found in the earth. But it can also be poisonous to humans and cause serious health problems, especially in children.
- What Are Mumps Symptoms?
Mumps is a viral infection that mainly affects the salivary glands. Learn the symptoms of this once-common condition.
- Mumps
Mumps is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the salivary glands. Find out what causes it, who’s likely to get it, and what the treatment involves.
- Hip Dysplasia
If the bones in your hip joint don’t fit together correctly, you can develop a condition called hip dysplasia. Learn the symptoms, causes, treatments, and more.
- What Are Lysosomal Storage Disorders?
Learn how lysosomal storage disorders affect the enzymes your child's body needs to work properly. Find out how to spot the LSD symptoms and how these conditions are treated.
- What Is Neuroblastoma?
Neuroblastoma is a rare childhood cancer. Find out what causes it and various treatments you can get for your child.
- What Is Reye's Syndrome?
This rare and serious condition can result from children taking aspirin when recovering from viral infections. If caught early, though, outcomes are generally good.
- What Is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a group of illnesses that affect your skin, joints, and blood vessels. Learn more about the causes, symptoms, tests, and treatments for EDS.
- What Is Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva?
Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressive (FOP) is a rare condition that causes soft tissue, such as muscle and ligaments, to turn into bone. Learn more about what causes it, what it leads to, and how your doctor tests for it.
- Pfeiffer Syndrome: Symptoms and Treatment
Pfeiffer syndrome is a rare condition where a baby’s skull plates join together earlier than usual. Learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options, including surgery.