Medical dictionary

Chickenpox, also known as varicella, is an infectious disease that is more common in children under 12. It is a highly contagious, airborne disease which spreads easily through the coughs and sneezes of an infected person or by sharing food with them. It is usually more severe in adults than it is in children.   How does chickenpox evolve? Chickenpox goes through three disti

What are childhood allergies? Allergies are when the body’s immune system mistakenly recognises a substance as being dangerous and attacks it in an abnormal reaction. These reactions can be severe and can harm the sufferer’s own body. Allergic reactions can range from sneezing or itching to the airways closing up. Mild allergies are common – it is thought that as many as 25%

What is childbirth? As a general rule, childbirth takes place after nine months of pregnancy, however, it can occur prematurely. Labour happens in three stages, but established labour is achieved when the cervix is dilated to 3cm. Childbirth is different for every mother and infant, with different delivery methods, positions and pain relief options available. As childbirth can be painful

What is child development?Child development is the set of different phases of physical, psychological and social growth that occur from birth until reaching adulthood. In some cases, children may experience problems with their development and may require treatment.  What are the symptoms of child developmental problems?These problems are essentially characterised by a delay in devel

What is child health surveillance? When a child is sick, parents know to take them to their doctor, but paediatrician visits are just as important for healthy children as they grow and develop. Regular check-ups are important for all children to keep track of their physical, emotional, and social development. Child health surveillance is the concept that children should have s

Depression in children and teenagers is relatively common – 1 in 4 young people have experienced by the age of 19. However, it can often be difficult to detect and distinguish from the normal emotional changes that children and especially teenagers go through. Spotting the signs early and helping your child get treatment will minimise disruption to their life. What are the symptoms of

What is childhood insomnia? Insomnia is a sleep disorder which involves difficult with falling or staying asleep at night. Insomnia can occur over the short term or it can occur on a regular basis for a period of weeks, months, or years. Insomnia in childhood is an increasing problem in the UK, and nearly 10,000 children were admitted to hospital with a sleep disorder in 2017. In a recent su

What is it?        Obesity can be described as the accumulation of fat in the body. This means a higher body weight in relation to sex, height, and age. Childhood obesity affects a large number of children in developed countries, where cases are increasing alarmingly. Children can go on to have serious medical issues in adulthood and develop heart disease, diabetes

What is child nutrition?   Ensuring your child has a healthy, balanced diet is vital for the correct development during childhood. Good  nutrition in children is ensuring that all of the necessary nutritional elements are present in a child’s diet. A lack of important vitamins and minerals can lead to serious illnesses and developmental issues.   How can