Glandular Fever- the key facts about the "kissing disease" Symptoms Complications Diagnosis Treatment What is Glandular Fever? Glandular Fever (also known as Infectious Mononucleosis) is a viral illness caused by the Epstein-Barr Virus (or EBV for short). EBV belongs to the Herpes family. Other Herpes viruses cause familiar infections [...]
Whooping cough- why is it such a serious illness? symptoms spread treatment vaccine What is whooping cough? Whooping cough is a highly contagious lung infection caused by the bacteria Bordetella Pertussis. It is common, and can have serious complications, particularly in smaller babies for whom it can be [...]
Adenoids- what are they and when should they be removed? causes symptoms treatment What are adenoids? The adenoids are fleshy lumps of immune tissue located in the back of the nose in children. Their job is to fight infection, the same as lymph nodes [...]
Nappy Rash- why it happens and what to do about it causes symptoms prevention treatment What causes nappy rash? No matter how careful parents and carers are, most babies get nappy rash at some stage. It’s caused by a few factors that combine to inflame the skin- exposure [...]
Is ring worm caused by a worm? Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment What is ringworm? Sometimes when we tell a patient that they (or their child) have “ringworm” they are horrified – often they don’t realise it’s not caused by a worm at all, but is actually a fungal skin infection. [...]
"I'm worried about my child's penis" Doctors often see parents who are worried about abnormalities of their child’s penis, particularly if the foreskin seems too tight or if the penis appears small. They may be concerned about potential problems when their child reaches adulthood, such as difficulties with urination, erections and intercourse. [...]
Slapped Cheek Syndrome- the key facts what is it? symptoms & spread treatment complications What is Slapped Cheek Syndrome? Slapped Cheek Syndrome is one of those slightly odd viruses that frequently crops up in schools and childcare facilities. It's sometimes also referred to as "Erythema Infectiosum" or " [...]
Hand Foot and Mouth Disease- the key facts what is it? symptoms spread treatment What is Hand Foot and Mouth Disease? Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease can be caused by a number of different viruses- Coxsackievirus A16 is the most common, and Enterovirus 71 is the second-most common. With many other [...]
What is croup & how is it treated? what is croup? causes symptoms treatment What is croup? Croup is an infection of the airways, usually caused by a virus, which affects young children, and peaks in autumn and winter. Parents often recognise [...]
When is a fever serious? Fever is a common symptom- and it can cause a lot of worry. There are a few questions patients commonly ask doctors when they have a high temperature- what it means and what to do about it. So, here are a few facts and figures to make matters [...]
