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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition characterised by three main behaviours: hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. These behaviours are common in children but it is the extent and the impact they have on a child's day-to-day functioning that may suggest the presence of ADHD. It is generally agreed that ADHD can be broken down into three main subcategories:  

Vesicoureteral reflux (urinary reflux) Vesicoureteral reflux (urinary reflux) is a childhood condition in which urine flows from the bladder, back towards or into the kidneys. The refluxing urine increases the pressure within the kidneys and may contain bacteria that can lead to kidney infection. Long term increased pressure and repeated infections can lead to damage and scarring of the kidneys (known as kidney dysplasia), potentially interfering with kidney development and kidney function later in life.

Undescended testes (cryptorchidism) When a baby boy is developing inside his mother’s womb his testicles normally move from their original position in the abdomen into the scrotum  during the eighth month of pregnancy. Undescended testes (known medically as cryptorchidism) occur when one or both of the testicles do not reach the scrotum and remain inside the abdomen or groin (inguinal canal).

Strep throat - causes, symptoms, treatment Strep throat, also called streptococcal sore throat, is an infection of the throat and tonsils caused by Streptococcal bacteria. Typical symptoms are sore throat, chills, fever, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Strep throat is cured by antibiotic treatment. If left untreated, strep throat can cause serious heart and kidney complications.  Sore throats can be associated with colds and flu, tonsillitis and strep throat. This page deals primarily with strep throat. 

Slapped cheek disease (fifth disease) Slapped cheek disease, also known as fifth disease, is a common and usually mild childhood viral infection. It is caused by the human parvovirus B19 and is called "slapped cheek disease" due to its characteristic symptom - a hot, red facial rash. Treatment will involve rest and relieving discomfort.

Rotavirus – symptoms, prevention, vaccination Rotavirus is a highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis. Its main symptoms are diarrhoea and vomiting, sometimes causing severe dehydration. Treatment for rotavirus primarily involves fluid replacement. A rotavirus vaccine is available to help prevent infection in infants, who are at greatest risk.   General information Rotavirus is the most common cause of diarrhoea and dehydration in infants and young children worldwide. Older children and adults can also get sick from rotavirus but if they have a healthy immune system the illness is self-limiting and lasts for only a few days. Ninety per cent of New Zealand children will develop rotavirus illness by 3 years of age. An estimated 1 in 43 children under five years of age are hospitalised because of rotavirus each year. Those most at risk from rotavirus are: Infants and children under 2 years of age Infants with a low birth weight who are still under weight Inf...

Roseola (roseola infantum or sixth disease) Also known as roseola infantum or sixth disease, roseola is usually a mild illness causing fever and skin rash. Treatment normally involves relieving symptoms while the illness runs its course.       Causes Roseola is spread from person to person in respiratory fluids and saliva, or by direct contact with infected persons or items.  It is commonly spread by coughing and sneezing. Once infection with the virus has occurred, the incubation period (the time until symptoms appear) is between nine to 10 days.  It is not known exactly how long a person is contagious for once they have been infected with the virus.    The majority of cases of roseola are caused by human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6), though it can also be caused by human herpes virus 7 (HHV-7).  These viruses are in the same family as the viruses that cause cold sores and  chickenpox .  Th...

Pigeon toes (intoeing Most people's feet point straight ahead or outward. In some people, however, their feet point inward. This is called intoeing or "pigeon toes”. Intoeing is very common in young children, with most children under the age of two years having some degree of intoeing as part of normal development. Most of the time, intoeing goes away without any treatment. In a few children, it does not get better on its own and may need to be treated.   Intoeing may cause the child to stumble and trip but it does not cause pain and does not lead to other conditions such as arthritis. There may be difficulty with getting shoes to fit correctly, and some children may be concerned about looking different.   Intoeing differs from club foot, which is when the top of the foot is turned downward and inward. Causes Intoeing tends to run in families.  Prevention is not usually possible because the condition occurs as the result of developmental or genetic ...

Middle ear infection (otitis media) – symptoms, treatment, prevention Middle ear infection, also referred to as otitis media, is a bacterial or viral infection with symptoms including earache, temporary hearing loss, and fluid discharge. A middle ear infection that does not clear up on its own may require treatment with antibiotics.  What is middle ear infection (otitis media)? The ear is made up of three different sections: the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. These parts all work together so you can hear and process sounds. The outer and middle ear are separated by the eardrum – a very thin piece of skin that vibrates when hit by sound waves.  This page deals with middle ear infection (otitis media), which is the infection / inflammation of the air-filled space behind the eardrum. This space can become blocked and filled with mucus (fluid), which can become infected, causing inflammation.    There are two types of middle ear infection. An ...

Home             RX HEALER E MEDICAL  Rx Healer Medical Library information is necessarily of a general nature. Always seek specific medical advice for treatment  appropriate to you. For more articles go to  the Medical Library index page . Measles - symptoms, complications, vaccination Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that occurs in children and adults. Symptoms include fever, rash, runny nose, and inflamed eyes, while further health complications are quite common. People who have already had measles develop immunity (meaning that their immune system is able to fight off subsequent exposure) and cannot get measles again. Causes Measles is a highly infectious disease that can spread rapidly. Nine out of 10 people around a person with measles will become infected if they are not immune. Outbreaks occur mainly in communities where the number of people vaccinated against measles is low. Measles outbreaks usually...

Home             RX HEALER E MEDICAL  Rx Healer Medical Library information is necessarily of a general nature. Always seek specific medical advice for treatment z appropriate to you. For more articles go to  the Medical Library  index page .  Hand foot and mouth disease Hand foot and mouth disease is a mild, infectious viral illness that most frequently occurs in childhood.  Its characteristic symptoms are fluid-filled blisters that appear on the hands, feet and inside of the mouth, making diagnosis relatively straight-forward. No specific medical treatment is required as hand foot and mouth disease is usually short-lasting. Over-the-counter medications may help to relieve symptoms. General information Hand foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a viral infection that most commonly affects children under the age of ten years, particularly pre-schoolers. Outbreaks often occur in child-care centres and s...

Home       Rx Healer E Medical  Rx Healer Medical Library information is necessarily of a general nature. Always seek specific medical advice for treatment appropriate to you. For more articles go to  the Medical Library index page . Gastroenteritis - causes, symptoms, treatment Gastroenteritis is the irritation of the digestive track caused by a viral, bacterial, or parasitic infection. Symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Treatment mainly involves symptom relief and fluid replacement. Gastroenteritis is also known as a tummy bug, stomach flu, intestinal flu, food poisoning, and traveller’s diarrhoea. It is a common condition, mainly because the microbes that can cause gastroenteritis are easily spread via contaminated food or water, and through person-to-person contact. The infection causes the digestive tract to become irritated, which results in diarrhoea and other symptoms such as vomiting and abdominal pai...

Eczema - causes, symptoms, treatment Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a common form of dermatitis (skin inflammation) that causes the skin to become itchy, red, swollen and painful.  Symptoms can vary from a mild rash that disappears quite quickly to a more severe condition that’s present for a long time.   The main goal of treatment is to eliminate itching which, in left untreated, can provoke or worsen the other symptoms.  General information Eczema generally occurs in babies and children, although it can occur at any time of life.  Eczema usually develops in the first year of life.  Most children have a substantial improvement in their eczema by their mid-teens but, in some, severe eczema persists into adulthood. Eczema usually starts on the face followed by the hands and feet.  Older children tend to be affected in the elbow and knee creases, neck, wrists, ankles and feet.  The hands and feet tend to be the most commonly aff...