A sore throat can feel irritated or scratchy with mild to burning pain. Most sore throats are caused by viruses,… mild discomfort or a burning pain. A sore throat may feel worse when you swallow. Possible complications from a sore throat include ear and sinus…
Pneumococcal vaccines help to prevent pneumonia. Adults 65 and older, for whom pneumonia can be fatal, should get two different… a bacterial infection from streptococcus pneumoniae, or pneumococcus. Anyone at any age can get this type of infection. It can cause simple infections, including ear…
Antibiotics are medicines prescribed by your doctor to treat infections. Overuse can lead to antibiotic resistance… to treat. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recognizes improper use of antibiotics as a risk to personal and public health. Ear and sinus infections are usually caused…
Adenoids are tiny pieces of tissue in the back of your throat. They hang above your tonsils. They help fight… reduce swelling. Surgery to remove your adenoids and tonsils at the same time is common. This is common if you have frequent ear and throat…
Deciding whether or not to breastfeed is a very personal decision. Learn about the advantages and challenges of breastfeeding… nutritional needs. Breast milk is easier to digest than formula. It also is full of antibodies that help protect your baby from infections. Breastfed babies may…
If you are pregnant, it’s important to take precautions against viral infections to protect you and your baby… If you are pregnant, it's important to take precautions against viral infections. A viral infection is a contagious illness. Most viruses will not hurt your baby. However,…
Swimmer’s ear, also known as otitis externa, is an irritation, swelling or infection in your ear. It can be caused… I more likely to get swimmer's ear if I have small eustachian tubes? Should my baby wear ear plugs in the bath and in pools?…
Childhood illnesses can be worrying for parents, but most common illnesses are relatively harmless and can be cared for at… contact with saliva. Treatment: Home treatment should include plenty of rest. Medicine can be given to ease pain, fever, or aching muscles. Ear infection Symptoms:…
Meniere’s disease is an inner ear problem that can cause dizziness and ringing in the ears but is not contagious… Doctors don’t know exactly what causes Meniere’s Disease. They believe it is related to having extra fluid in the inner ear. This extra fluid could…
Learn about the symptoms of and treatments for colds and the flu… What is a cold and what is the flu? A cold and the flu are viral infections. They both affect your respiratory system. This includes your throat, nose, airway and lungs. It…
Learn about mumps and how it can be prevented… What are mumps? Mumps is a virus. It causes the glands around your neck (between your ear and jaw) to swell. These glands make the saliva (spit) that helps you chew and swallow food. Mumps…
Learn about the causes of and treatment options for seborrheic dermatitis… What is seborrheic dermatitis? Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition. It affects the scalp, face or inside the ear. The affected areas have white to yellowish flakes. The skin also can be…
Piercings should always be done in a clean environment using sterile (clean and germ-free) equipment. This is the best way… Body piercing is when a hole is made in your body so you can add a piece of jewelry for decoration. The earlobe is…
Tonsillitis is an inflammation of the tonsils that happens when they become infected by a virus or bacteria. It is… What is tonsillitis? Tonsillitis is an inflammatory disease. It occurs when your tonsils become infected by a virus or bacteria. Tonsils are the oval-shaped areas…
Cleft lip and cleft palate are birth defects that happen when a baby’s lip or mouth don’t form correctly early… What is cleft lip and cleft palate? Cleft lip and cleft palate are birth defects. They happen when a baby’s lip or mouth don’t form correctly…
Newborn screenings are important to find and treat certain health issues that aren’t always visible at birth… Having a baby can be an exciting time. It also can be hectic and overwhelming. In particular, there is a lot going on in the first hours and…
COVID-19 and the flu have many symptoms in common. It can be tricky to know which you have. But there… If you find yourself feeling under the weather with a fever, body aches, and other symptoms, you may wonder what’s making you feel so bad…
Knowing when to take your child to the emergency room can be a difficult decision, but there are things you… Any time your child becomes sick or injured, it can be scary. You may not know what to do. Should you take him or her…