Living with a disability
Children with disabilities have complex health needs. Many of the issues described in Chapter 61 are relevant to families with a disabled child. It is important to appreciate the terminology…
PEDIATRICS
Living with chronic illness
A chronic medical condition is defined as an illness that lasts longer than 3 months, and is sufficiently severe to interfere with a child’s ordinary activities. According to the UK…
Chronic diarrhoea
Toddler Diarrhoea Toddlers often experience non-specific diarrhoea, probably due to a rapid gastrocolic reflex. Features are drinking excessive fluids, particularly fruit juices, and food particles in the stool. The diagnosis…
The unconscious child
Coma A child who is deeply unconscious is said to be in coma. Encephalopathy refers to the precomatose state with an altered conscious level. An unconscious child requires urgent and…
Weight faltering and failure to thrive
Concern about growth is usually raised when: Weight is below the 2nd centile Height is below the 2nd centile Or when height or weight cross down two centiles. Growth and…
Rashes—types of skin lesions
It is not uncommon for children to present with an unusual rash or for parents to be concerned about skin lesions or birthmarks on a child’s skin. In some cases…
Leukaemia and childhood cancer
Malignant disease affects about 1 in 600 people during childhood (1 per 10 000 children per year). The commonest malignancies are acute leukaemia and central nervous system (CNS) tumours. Overall,…
