Welcome to the Patient Education Library
of Northwoods Pediatric Center, P.A.
We invite you to explore our comprehensive list of resources and educational materials designed to help educate you about pediatric conditions and treatments. Choose a topic below to learn more.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s condition or treatment, we encourage you to contact Northwoods Pediatric Center, P.A. at (281) 296-7770, or use our convenient online Request an Appointment form.
This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation, examination, or the medical advice of your doctor. This information should not be relied upon to determine a diagnosis or course of treatment.
Find Educational Topics
OR use our A-Z listing of topics below:
Did You Know?
Ensure the best health for your child over time. Regular visits to your pediatrician can help identify early signs of nutritional problems, underlying chronic conditions, or even medical reasons behind behavioral issues
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Ankle Sprain & Instability
Ankle Sprains are a very common injury that can happen to anyone. Our ankles support our entire body weight and are vulnerable to instability. Walking on an uneven surface or wearing the wrong shoes can cause a sudden loss of ... Read More
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Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is a neurologically based condition. People with ADD have difficulty paying attention, maintaining their focus on a task, and are easily distracted. They may move from one task to the next without completing any of them. ... Read More
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Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD)
Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) is a neurologically based disorder. People with ADHD have difficulty maintaining attention, act before thinking, and are hyperactive or restless. Untreated ADHD can be problematic and disrupt school or work performance, as well as social ... Read More
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Bite Injuries - Animal Bites
Animal bite injuries can cause skin wounds and structural damage to the hand. Infection and, less commonly, rabies are always a main concern. Pets are the most common source of bite injures, although they may result from wild animals as ... Read More
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Bite Injuries - Human Bites
Human bite injuries result from fist fighting or the intentional act of biting to inflict harm. Bite injuries occur during fist fighting if the fist of one person strikes the teeth of another person. Hand injuries from human bites can ... Read More
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Cochlear Implants
Cochlear implants are small devices surgically placed in the ear to help people with complete deafness or near complete deafness to hear. This, in turn, can lead to improved speaking skills. In some cases, people with cochlear implants may be ... Read More
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Concussion (TBI)
A concussion is a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs from a direct hit to the head. Concussions can also occur when the head or body is forcefully shaken. Brain injuries can lead to temporary confusion, headaches, and much more. ... Read More
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Conjunctivitis - Inner Eyelid Infection
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is a thin film that covers the inside of your eyelids and the whites of your eyes. There are many causes and types of conjunctivitis. Some kinds are contagious ... Read More
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Diaper Rash
Diaper rash is type of dermatitis that occurs on your baby’s bottom and genitals. It is typically bright red and may include bumps such as blisters or pimples. Diaper rash may be irritating or mildly painful for your baby, but ... Read More
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Earache
Earache, medically termed otalgia, is pain that occurs in the ear. Ear infections are a frequent cause of earache, especially in infants and children. Air pressure changes and earwax buildup are also common causes. There are varities of treatments for ... Read More
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Eczema
Eczema is a chronic hypersensitive skin reaction, similar to an allergy. Atopic dermatitis is a common form of eczema. The hallmark symptoms of eczema are intense itching and a red rash. Environmental irritants, stress, water, and temperature changes may worsen ... Read More
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Food Allergies
Many people have food intolerances, such as lactose intolerance with milk, but true food allergies only affect about 1% of all people. Food allergies are more common in children, and some children outgrow them. People with food allergies should avoid ... Read More
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Fractures
Bones are the hardest tissues in your body. Although bones are strong, they can split or break under too much pressure or force. A broken bone is called a fracture. Fractures can occur in a variety of ... Read More
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Insect Sting Allergy
Itching and swelling from insect stings annoy millions of Americans each year. For some people, stings from certain insects can cause allergic reactions. While most stinging insects do not cause an allergic reaction, honeybees, yellow jackets, hornets, wasps, and fire ... Read More
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Lacerations (Cuts & Scratches)
Lacerations are cuts or scratches that cause a skin wound. Lacerations that are not deep can heal with home treatments. Deep severe lacerations require medical treatment, such as stitches to close the wound and promote healing. Steps should be taken to ... Read More
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Middle Ear Infection - Otitis Media
Middle ear infection, termed otitis media, is a common problem in infants and young children. They result from increased pressure and increased fluids in the middle ear. An earache is the primary symptom of middle ear infection. Most ear infections go ... Read More
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Newborn Hearing Screening
Newborn hearing screening is used to detect hearing loss in newborn babies. Newborns are typically tested before they leave the hospital. Screening is important to identify hearing problems early to ensure that babies with deafness or decreased hearing receive services to help ... Read More
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Nightmares
Nightmares or bad dreams are commonly experienced by children as a natural part of growing up. They may occur in adults from time to time as well. People experiencing stressful life events or sleep disorders or who use alcohol, illegal ... Read More
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Nosebleeds
The sight of blood may be unexpected, but nosebleeds are actually quite common and rarely life threatening. Nasal irritation and low humidity most frequently cause nosebleeds. In most cases, nosebleeds can be stopped with self-care. Simply squeeze your nostrils and ... Read More
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Pediatric Eye Conditions
There are a variety of vision problems that may affect infants and children. You should have your child evaluated if you suspect that your child is having a vision problem. Infants or children do not need to be able to ... Read More
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Pediatrics - Allergies
An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system overreacts to a normally non-threatening substance. There are many types, causes, and symptoms of allergic reactions. Different areas of the body can be affected depending on the allergic trigger. Symptoms can range ... Read More
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Pediatrics - Anemia
Anemia is a blood disorder. It is characterized by a lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin, a substance in red blood cells. Anemia results if not enough normal hemoglobin or red blood cells are produced, too many red blood ... Read More
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Pediatrics - Asthma
Asthma is a lung disease. Asthma causes the breathing tubes in the lungs to temporarily narrow. People with asthma have difficulty breathing air in and out of their lungs. An allergen or irritant in the environment usually triggers an asthma ... Read More
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Pediatrics - Balanced Diet and Nutrition
The food that your child eats can directly affect his or her health. As Americans are facing higher rates of obesity, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease, it is more important than ever to make sure that you and your family ... Read More
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Pediatrics - Chalazia
A chalazion is an inflammation within the gland of the eyelid. It forms over several weeks and appears as a reddened lump or bump on the eyelid. A chalazion can cause eyelid tenderness and painful swelling. In some cases, chalazia ... Read More
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Pediatrics - Common Cold
Colds are a very common medical condition. There are over two hundred viruses that can cause the common cold. The viruses are easily transmitted from person to person. Coughing, sneezing, a sore throat, and a runny nose are typical cold ... Read More
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Pediatrics - Constipation
Constipation refers to a change and decrease in bowel movements. Constipation can be very uncomfortable but is rarely linked to a serious medical condition. It can cause hard stools that are difficult and painful to pass. A poor diet, poor ... Read More
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Pediatrics - Diabetes, Type 1
Diabetes is a disease that affects how the body uses glucose, a sugar that is a source of fuel. Normally, insulin, a hormone, helps glucose enter the body cells where it is used for energy. People with diabetes do not ... Read More
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Pediatrics - Diabetes, Type 2
Type 2 Diabetes, also called Adult Onset Diabetes, is the most common form of diabetes. Diabetes is a disease that affects how the body uses glucose, a sugar that is a source of fuel. Normally, insulin, a hormone, helps glucose ... Read More
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Pediatrics - Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a very common condition for people of all ages. A viral infection, such as the stomach flu, or a bacterial infection most frequently causes diarrhea. Less commonly, diarrhea is associated with an underlying medical condition. Symptoms include the passing ... Read More
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Pediatrics - Fevers
Fever is a symptom of illness, and it is the body’s way of fighting off infection. While parents often fear fever in their children, it is a healthy response to illness and typically not harmful or life-threatening, unless it is ... Read More
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Pediatrics - Flu and Flu Shots
The flu is a respiratory disease that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. The influenza virus type A, B, or C causes it. The flu is very contagious. Symptoms include fever, chills, body aches, cough, and a lack of energy. ... Read More
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Pediatrics - Gas and Bloating
Gas symptoms occur daily as part of your child’s normal digestive process. Belching, burping, and passing gas (flatulence) eliminates gas from your child’s digestive tract. Excess gas can cause discomfort, pain, and bloating. Gas symptoms are produced by swallowed air and ... Read More
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Pediatrics - Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is irritation and inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It is most frequently caused by viral or bacterial infection. Symptoms of gastroenteritis include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Usually, treatment is aimed at preventing dehydration. Certain bacterial causes ... Read More
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Pediatrics - GERD
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a digestive condition. It is also called Peptic Esophagitis and Reflux Esophagitis. GERD results when stomach contents and stomach acids enter the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that transfers food from the throat to ... Read More
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Pediatrics - High Cholesterol
High cholesterol occurs when there is too much or an unhealthy balance of cholesterol in the blood. Both children and adults can have high cholesterol. Your child’s body needs some cholesterol for healthy functioning, but too much is dangerous to ... Read More
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Pediatrics - Indigestion
Indigestion is a common condition and affects people of all ages. Indigestion can occur for many reasons. The consumption of certain foods, medications, cigarette smoking, and drinking alcohol can contribute to indigestion. Indigestion can be a symptom of stress. Some ... Read More
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Pediatrics - Menstruation
Menstruation is a normal and healthy part of a female’s life. Menstruation, commonly called a period, occurs each month in a fairly regular cycle. During this time the uterine lining sheds. A period usually lasts from five to seven days. ... Read More
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Pediatrics - Moles
Moles are dark spots on the skin. Babies can be born with moles. Moles also appear over time. Heredity and spending time in the sun may influence the amount of moles that your child has. Some people have moles removed ... Read More
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Pediatrics - Seborrhea, Cradle Cap
Seborrhea, also called Seborrheic Dermatitis, is a common skin condition. When it occurs on the scalp it is called dandruff. Seborrhea on a baby’s scalp is called cradle cap. Seborrhea describes red scaly itchy skin. The affected areas produce white ... Read More
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Pediatrics - Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. There are many types of skin cancers. They are classified as melanomas or non-melanomas. Melanomas begin in the melanocytes, the cells in skin that produce color. Melanoma ... Read More
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Pediatrics - Stomach Flu
The stomach flu, also called viral gastroenteritis, is the leading cause of severe diarrhea. It can also cause vomiting and abdominal pain. The virus is found in contaminated food or drinking water. Symptoms of the stomach flu usually develop within ... Read More
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Pediatrics - Teething
Babies may start getting teeth their first teeth at as early as six months old. Some babies may experience discomfort as the teeth begin to come in and break through the gum. Babies respond to teething and teething treatments differently. ... Read More
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Pediatrics - Urinary Tract Infection, Bladder Infection
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are a common condition. Most UTIs result from infection caused by bacteria that enters the urinary tract system. UTIs can be quite uncomfortable and lead to problems with urination. Fortunately, most UTIs respond well to prescription ... Read More
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Pediatrics - Warts
Warts are small growths that appear on the skin. They vary in type, size, appearance, and location. Warts usually are not painful. A virus causes warts. Warts are very contagious and can be spread from person to person. Some warts ... Read More
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Pediatrics - Weight Management
Weighing too much or too little can be a problem. In the United States, weighing too much is the more common situation. It can be unhealthy to be underweight or overweight. Of growing concern, many Americans are becoming obese, which ... Read More
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Premature Infant Retinal Disorder- Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)
Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP), also called retrolental fribroplasia, is abnormal blood vessel development that may occur in some premature babies. The retina is located at the back of the eye. The retina transmits nerve messages about what is seen to ... Read More
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Rashes
Rashes are a common skin condition that everyone experiences at one time or another. There are numerous causes of rashes, ranging from allergic reactions, infections, and medical conditions to insect stings. Some types of rashes can be treated at home ... Read More
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Scoliosis - Curvature of the Spine
Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine. A healthy spine has natural front to back curves. Scoliosis is a condition that describes side to side curvatures of the spine, that often also involve rotational deformities. Some people are born ... Read More
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Sinusitis
Sinusitis is a fairly common condition. It can develop following a cold, upper respiratory infection, or allergic reaction. Environmental irritants, certain medical conditions, and structural abnormalities can contribute to sinusitis. Sinusitis causes pressure and pain in the head and face. It can ... Read More
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Sore Throat
Sore throats (pharyngitis) are a very common medical condition. Sore throats are most frequently caused by viral infections. The majority of sore throats heal on their own. The symptoms may be relieved with home treatments and over-the-counter medications. Sore throats that ... Read More
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Sprains & Strains
Sprains and strains are common injuries that can happen to anyone, but occur most frequently in people who participate in sports, perform repetitive activities, or are at-risk for falls. Sprains involve the tissues that connect bones together (ligaments). Strains involve ... Read More
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Strep Throat
Strep throat is a common type of sore throat. The germ that causes strep throat is spread from person to person in saliva and nasal secretions. Strep throat is treated with antibiotics. You can help prevent the spread of strep ... Read More
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Swimmer's Ear - Otitis Externa
Swimmer’s ear is an outer ear infection. It is also called an external ear infection, external otitis, or otitis externa. It commonly results from an infection that develops in trapped water in the ear after swimming. Irritants or germs that enter ... Read More
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Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils most common in children and adolescents. It is typically caused by a virus, although it can also be caused by a bacterial infection. Common symptoms include sore throat, difficulty swallowing and fever. Most cases ... Read More
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Vomiting
Although no one likes it, everyone will experience vomiting at one time or another. Vomiting occurs when the stomach moves food up and out, instead of down through the digestive tract. In the majority of cases, vomiting can be treated ... Read More
Copyright © - iHealthSpot Interactive - www.iHealthSpot.com
This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.
The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on February 16, 2022. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.
