Four Seasons Pediatrics » Definitions

Wheezing Definition

Administrator — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 15:47:27 +0000

Wheezing is the sound heard as a result of partially blocked airways. It can sometimes be heard by the ear, but is often only heard with the aid of a stethoscope.

Water Definition

Administrator — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 15:46:52 +0000

Water should be used in sparing amounts for children under two years of age for the treatment of constipation. Too much water can lower the salt levels in your child’s blood leading to serious consequences. Water alone should not be given to any child for fever or dehydration. By giving your child breast milk, formula, or rehydration therapy (e.g. Pedialyte®, Rehydrate®, Infalyte®), your child’s body can manage how much salt to keep and how much to waste.

United States Blood Supply Definition

Administrator — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 15:46:38 +0000

The US blood supply is the safest blood supply in the world mostly due to a rigorous screening questionnaire which prohibits those with risk factors from giving blood. In addition, screening tests for hepatitis B and C and HIV as well as chemicals which inactivate viruses make transfusion-related infections exceedingly unlikely.

Thrush Definition

Administrator — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 15:46:16 +0000

Thrush is a yeast infection of the mouth that looks like white, milky spots or film. This is easily treated with antifungal medications.

Stool Definition

Administrator — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 15:45:57 +0000

Stool or feces or poop is the waste product of the food we eat and is eliminated via the anus.

Stethoscope Definition

Administrator — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 15:45:43 +0000

A stethoscope is a tool which helps the doctor or nurse listen to your heart, lungs, and intestines by magnifying sounds.

Steroids Definition

Administrator — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 15:45:26 +0000

Steroids are a medication which tone down the immune system and decrease inflammation. Inhaled steroids have very few side effects, but you should make sure to rinse out your mouth after using a steroid inhaler to avoid thrush. Since most inhaled steroids are used twice a day, brushing immediately after using the inhaler can be part of a daily routine. Oral steroids may be necessary for severe cases of asthma or autoimmune diseases. Short courses of oral steroids are thought to be safe, but long term steroid use can be associated with the following symptoms: weight gain, increased appetite, nausea, headache, personality changes, bruising, weak bones, slow growth, increased infections, stretch marks, facial hair, and increased susceptibility to certain infections.

Spacer Definition

Administrator — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 15:45:07 +0000

A spacer is a device that makes using an inhaler easier by keeping the medicine in a breathable form longer than with an inhaler alone.

Salt Water Gargle Definition

Administrator — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 15:44:50 +0000

Salt water gargles should moisten and comfort sore throats. Although they may not taste particularly good at first, they are more tolerable with repeated use. Try mixing 1/2 teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water.

Reye’s Syndrome Definition

Administrator — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 15:44:29 +0000

Reye’s syndrome is a disease of the liver which causes increased levels of ammonia in the blood leading to confusion and possibly coma and death. No one knows why children who take aspirin while having certain infections such as chicken pox and the flu are more likely to get Reye’s syndrome. Because of the seriousness of Reye’s Syndrome and its association with certain infections, it is recommended that all children avoid aspirin except under very specific circumstances under the supervision of a physician.