Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, causes an infection of the lungs and breathing passages, and is a major cause of respiratory illness in babies and young children. According to Nemours Health Care System, almost all kids are infected with RSV...
Homeopathic medicine has fallen in and out of favor throughout its history. Large health food store chains have display cases filled with vials of homeopathic tinctures and ointments labeled with ailments they are designed to remedy. Homeopathy...
Rashes are a common symptom in babies. Most rashes in babies are benign and will go away on their own or with symptomatic treatment with over-the-counter medicines or home remedies. A rash on a baby's leg can indicate an infection, an inflammatory...
Singulair is a medication used to treat symptoms of asthma and allergy. The effects are not immediate. Children and adults can use Singulair, and it is only available by prescription. The medication blocks the release of a chemical called...
Secondhand smoke, alternatively referred to as environmental tobacco smoke, kills approximately 49,000 residents of the United States who do not smoke each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The American Cancer...
You take careful precautions for your baby--so when you notice dark circles developing under her eyes, you begin to worry it could be a sign of a more serious condition. While these dark "allergy shiners" may signal an underlying problem, such as...
Fexofenadine is a medication used to treat seasonal allergy symptoms such as hives and itchy skin. According to MedlinePlus, fexofenadine is an antihistamine that works to prevent histamine (a naturally occurring substance in your body) from...
A cold is a viral infection that is a highly common occurrence, especially amongst children. Mayo Clinic estimates that a child will have a cold between six and 10 times per year. A cold is not a serious condition, and affects adults and children...
Infants cry a significant amount of the time during the first year of life. Over time caregivers will learn to discern between the many different cries, including hunger and sleep cries. When an infant is not feeling well, crying may not be the...
Your baby's first cold is sure to send shivers down your spine. While you may be terrified at the thought of your baby's suffering, it's your job to help her get over her cold. By observing your baby and keeping on top of her needs, you can help...
A newborn can bring an equal amount of joy and worry into his parents life. Moms and dads may be especially concerned about their baby's health and how best to cope with some of the typical issues that arise during infancy. The Mayo Clinic says...
According to the Mayo Clinic, cold sores are caused by certain strains of the herpes virus, including herpes simplex virus type 1 and herpes simplex virus type 2, though type is the most common cause of cold sores. While cold sores on the nose can...
When babies cough and also hold or tug on their ears, they may be suffering from allergies or a viral illness, such as a cold or the flu. Allergies or upper respiratory illness can cause ear-canal congestion leading to ear infection. Dr. William...
Mullein is a plant that's used in herbal medicinal preparations to treat a wide variety of respiratory tract ailments. Its flowers and leaves are the primary plant parts used in traditional remedies to treat coughs, asthma, bronchitis and even ear...
Ayurveda, the traditional Indian method of health care, is one of the oldest medical systems known. Ayurveda, from the Sanskrit words for life knowledge, uses herbal remedies along with a holistic approach that incorporates mind, body and...
Your baby's loss of appetite may be attributed to his mood, but it can also be the sign of an underlying problem. In addition to continuing to offer him food and beverages, you can try to determine what is causing his appetite loss. Determining...
Pink eye or conjunctivitis gets its name from the pink coloring that the eye membranes takes on. The transparent coverings or membranes of the eyes are susceptible to many different viruses, bacteria and allergies in the air. Look for symptoms to...
Swine flu, also known as the H1N1 flu, is a contagious viral infection that first made its mark in the spring of 2009, according to the Mayo Clinic. This flu virus enters the body via the eyes, nose or mouth. Its specific symptoms include a fever,...
According to "The American Heritage Stedman's Medical Dictionary," mucus is a viscous substance that is mainly mucin, water, cells and inorganic salts -- secreted by the glands and cells of the mucous membranes. It works as a protective coating....
A primary immunodeficiency occurs when part of the immune system is malfunctioning or missing. As discussed by the National Institutes of Health, there are more than 70 kinds of immunodeficiency diseases and they range in severity from mild to...
The most common cause of an uncontrollable cough in children is whooping cough or pertussis. Whooping cough is a bacterial infection that causes between 5,000 and 10,000 deaths a year, according to KidsHealth.org. Whooping cough is common among...
Commonly regarded as a weed, mullein is a plant that grows along roadsides and in fields or pastures. But mullein has some important medicinal properties that may help in treating many different respiratory conditions. Before taking mullein...
Caffeine can cause many effects. Some positive effects include better cognitive performance, increased alertness, an improvement in mood and more energy. Unpleasant side effects include a sleep problems, nervousness, increased blood pressure,...
Seasonal allergies occur when there is a large amount of pollen in the air. Many trees release their pollen in early spring. Allergies caused by pollen are common, affecting one in five people. Some of the most allergenic trees are elm, oak,...
An autoimmune disorder is an illness in which the body begins to attack its own healthy cells, producing inflammation and an overproduction of collagen, a naturally occurring protein that helps make up connective tissue and maintain skin...
Viral infections are the most common cause of illness in children. They are highly contagious. Most viruses cause symptoms over a short period of time and produce mild illness. Some viruses can cause significant disease, especially in those who...
A cough is a reflex that's useful to clear debris, dust and germs from the airway. However, a persistent cough can be annoying and may indicate an underlying disease process. There are therapies to treat coughs as well as the causative disorder....
Singulair, a prescription drug used to control asthma and allergy symptoms, is generally well tolerated by children but can cause side effects, which are usually mild. The once-a-day medication, for which the generic name is montelukast, is...
Used for centuries as both a food and medicine, garlic offers a variety of health benefits to people of all ages and lifestyles. The rhizome, or bulb, of this pungent-smelling plant contains potent medicinal compounds that may help to treat or...
