Children's Services

Commonly Heard Terms

CARDIO-RESPIRATORY MONITOR

The cardio-respiratory (C/R) monitor is an electrical device which measures how fast the baby is breathing as well as how fast the heart is beating. Most babies will have a monitor beside or above their incubator. If the baby's breathing or heart rate is faster or slower than the limits set on the monitor, a buzzer or alarm will sound to tell the nurse.

CHICKEN POX

Although there is a chicken pox vaccine for those children who haven't had the disease, approximately 90% of children will be exposed to the virus and contract the disease. The symptoms are mild fever, runny nose, and small red spots on the skin, which turn into blisters. Within a day the blisters will begin to dry into scabs, with new ones forming for the next 48 hours.

The scabs and blisters are very itchy. Clip/file fingernails very short to help minimize injury or infection to the skin if your child scratches. Give your child Tempra or Tylenol that contains acetaminophen to ease symptoms. Do not give aspirin or any product containing ASA to children under any circumstance. ASA also known as acetylsalicylic acid could lead to Reye Syndrome, which is a potentially fatal disease.

Chicken pox are most contagious one to two days before the rash appears and until the end of five days after the rash began. Being aware of this time period will allow you to notify friends, family, or others if they have been in contact with your child during the contagious period.

Call your physician immediately if you are pregnant and have never had chicken pox. Chicken pox can be very severe in pregnant women and could cause damage to the unborn child if a pregnant woman becomes infected during the early part of her pregnancy. Even if you have had chicken pox, if you are pregnant it is very important to notify your physician if you have been exposed to chickenpox.

COLDS

Colds are the most common viral illness in children that can last from a week to ten days. Colds are passed from one person to the other through droplets released into the air when you sneeze or cough. Colds can also be passed from person to person by direct contact (touching saliva, runny nose then touching another child) or indirect contact (toys, furniture). A runny nose, sore throat, cough, and fever at the beginning of a cold is normal. Colds can lead to more serious illnesses such as ear infections or pneumonia. If your child shows any of the following signs a physician should be contacted:

• earache
• fever greater than 39^oC
• excessive sleepiness
• excessive fussiness
• skin rash
• rapid or difficult breathing
• wheezing or persistent cough

Antibiotics do not help treat colds because a cold is caused by a virus. It is important that your child have plenty of fluids. You may have to give small amounts of fluids on a regular basis if your child does not want to drink. Acetaminophen/Ibuprofen can be given for fever, irritability, and aches. Small babies who are stuffed up may benefit from saline drops before feeding. Over the counter antihistamine decongestants have been shown not to be effective in treating symptoms in children.

It is very important to wash your hands to avoid spreading germs. Teach children to cover their mouths and noses when they sneeze or cough and to wash their hands.

CONSTIPATION

Children's bodies process food and waste at a different speed than adults. So, children may not have regular daily bowel movements. However, constipation is a concern in young children.

A child is constipated when they are unable to pass a stool, it is painful when they do, or the stools are hard. Changing a child's diet may often solve the problem. As with adults, make sure your child's diet includes lots of fiber such as in fruits, vegetables, whole wheat breads, and whole grain cereal. Your child should also drink a variety of healthy liquids. Regular exercise will also help.

If the problem continues, consult your physician. Laxatives or suppositories should not be used unless advised by your doctor. If your child has blood in the stool, loses weight, or has pain in the abdomen contact your doctor.

CPAP

CPAP is an abbreviation for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. Adults have a reserve of air in the lungs after breathing out. Some babies, especially premature babies, do not have this reserve. CPAP gives the baby a reserve of air in their lungs when they breathe out. This prevents the baby's lungs from collapsing after each breath.

CIRCUMCISION

Circumcision is a surgical procedure that removes the foreskin or the fold of skin that covers the sensitive tip of the penis.

The reasons circumcisions are performed vary. Some people have their boys circumcised for religious reasons, others for social or hygienic purposes. The latest studies indicate that there is no direct medical benefit to having a circumcision done on a normal healthy newborn. The discussion of whether or not to have a male child circumcised usually results in varying opinions from family, friends, and physician. You will likely find this both confusing and frustrating. The decision about circumcision is up to you and your partner. Consult your doctor about circumcision to help in making an informed decision.

Because newborn circumcision is a voluntary procedure and not considered medically necessary, circumcision is not covered by OHIP and you will be charged for the procedure. Sometimes there is a medical reason for a circumcision such as infection or narrowing of the opening of the foreskin, in which case OHIP does cover the cost.

CROUP

Croup is an acute but usually brief viral infection of the upper airway and affects the throat and voicebox. It usually occurs between the ages of six months and three years and is most common in the late fall and winter. Typically, the child has a mild cold for a few days or awakens suddenly at night with a harsh barky cough and a hoarse voice. Because the virus causes swelling below the voicebox it makes your child sound like a baby seal. There is a low fever, cough, and the child may make a harsh noise when breathing in.

The child is frequently upset and crying which also will make the child sound worse. Usually croup sounds worse than it actually is. The majority of croup is treated at home and does not require hospitalization. For immediate relief, take your child outside into the cool night air. Antibiotics do not help in the treatment of croup. In severe cases, your child's breathing can be obstructed. Take your child to see a physician immediately if he/she has a fever greater than 39^o C or 102^o F, has rapid or difficult breathing, severe sore throat, new or increased amounts of drooling, refuses to swallow, or has discomfort breathing when lying down.