Dysautonomia in Children Dysautonomia is a condition that most parents have not heard of until they encounter the term from a pediatrician or specialist. Also known as adolescent autonomic dysfunction, dysautonomia affects the functioning of the autonomic nervous system. The nervous system as a whole controls sensory and motor function, allowing us to feel and move. The somatic nervous… Read More
Caring for a Child With Congenital Heart Disease As a parent meeting their child for the first time, you suddenly feel like your whole world is the tiny infant in your arms. You want the best for them, and the thought of anything happening to them breaks your heart. That’s why it can be gut-wrenching to find out that your child has congenital… Read More
Anencephaly in Newborns Anencephaly is one of the most serious birth defects that can develop in a baby. Although rare, babies with anencephaly are born without parts of the brain or the skull. Because the brain is so critical to basic life functions, most babies with this condition do not live very long after birth. Researchers estimate that about one… Read More
Caring for a Child with Cleft Palate or Cleft Lip Cleft lip and cleft palate are two relatively common birth defects that develop in babies. According to the CDC, thousands of babies are born each year with either a cleft lip, cleft palate, or cleft lip with cleft palate. Also called orofacial clefts, these conditions can be treated surgically but still often have ongoing care needs…. Read More
Respiratory Distress vs Failure: What’s the Difference? Respiratory distress and respiratory failure are both serious conditions that affect breathing. In some situations they can be related, but they are distinct conditions that should be understood separately. Both are typically treated as a medical emergency due to the fact that they interfere with the basic function of breathing. By learning more about respiratory… Read More
Best Activities for Children with Spina Bifida Parents of children with spina bifida know that while this is a life-changing condition, it is one that children can adapt to and enjoy a good quality of life. One of the most important parts of this is keeping children active. Staying active is critical to the physical and mental health of any child, and… Read More
Congenital Hydrocephalus Congenital hydrocephalus is a relatively rare condition where a newborn child has an excess of fluid around the brain. Specifically, doctors will diagnose hydrocephalus when there is a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain cavity. Newborns with this condition require specialized treatment and care to minimize the risk of brain damage and other… Read More
Gastroschisis in Babies Gastroschisis is a relatively rare birth defect that develops in babies while still in the womb. This condition causes the intestines to be outside of the body. Although gastroschisis is often treatable through surgery, it also comes with special care needs for the baby. By learning more about this condition, parents with babies who have… Read More
Pediatric Achondroplasia (Dwarfism) Pediatric achondroplasia, formerly known as dwarfism, is a rare genetic disorder that affects the bones. It is an autosomal dominant disease — which means that only one abnormal gene inherited from a single parent can lead to the condition. The term pediatric achondroplasia refers to this condition being present in children. When achondroplasia develops, it results in… Read More
Caring for a Child with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a very common virus that causes infection in the lungs and upper respiratory tract. In most people, particularly older children and adults, the symptoms are mild and require minimal treatment. RSV can cause far more severe symptoms in others, including younger children, older people, and those with a compromised immune… Read More
