Asthma is a common illness that affects mainly lower airway structures. Its incidence varies widely since it is largely affected by environmental factors. Exposure to environmental toxins such as air pollutants and tobacco smoke, contribute directly and indirectly to airway inflammation, a large component of this disease and the so called “asthma attack”. When a…
“Colicky baby” is a term that can generate confusion. The phrase baby colic is certainly misleading; it seems to imply that the infant is crying due to a GI disorder or pain when that is not really the cause. Infantile Colic refers to an infant who cries often for prolonged periods without an apparent reason…
Influenza (Flu) Influenza Virus or typically knows as the flu, has marked seasonality. Typically begins in October and can last as late as May, with the largest number of cases between January and March. Usually the highest incidence of cases occurring in school-aged children. Symptoms of Influenza (Flu) Infection, begins suddenly and nonspecific like: Fever…
Acute otitis media (AOM), is an inflammatory process in the middle ear. Effusions or fluid in the middle ear occur when the eustachian tube cannot drain properly, typically because of edema triggered by infections most common viral. Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis are the most common bacterial pathogens in AOM. Symptoms associated with AOM are fever, ear…
Sleep deprivation is a common complaint of new parents. Although a lot of joy surrounds the arrival of a new baby, so does large amounts of new information, particularly for first time moms and dads. In this article I will focus on what parents should be doing in order to have an infant that sleeps…
It’s that time of the year again! As summer vacations come to an end, parents need to make sure their children are up to date on vaccines and that they have a current school physical; this typically is performed on an annual basis for school aged children. Updated vaccine records are necessary for childcare centers,…
As a pediatrician I often receive questions from parents regarding fever. These usually come in the form of: Should my child be evaluated with each fever? When should I be concerned? When do I give Tylenol or Motrin? How much Tylenol or motrin?, etc… These are all very valid concerns, and as a mom, I know…