What Are Germs? The term “germs” refers to the microscopic bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa that can cause disease. Washing hands well and often is the best way to prevent germs from leading to infections and sickness. What Are the Types of Germs? Bacteria Bacteria (bak-TEER-ee-uh) are tiny, single-celled organisms that get nutrients from their environments. In some …
What Are Febrile Seizures? Febrile seizures are convulsions that can happen when a young child has a fever above 100.4°F (38°C). (Febrile means “feverish.”) The seizures usually last for a few minutes and stop on their own. The fever may continue for some time. Febrile seizures can look serious, but most stop without treatment and don’t cause other health …
Electromyogram (EMG) measures the response of muscles and nerves to electrical activity. It’s used to help find conditions that might be causing muscle weakness, including muscular dystrophy and nerve disorders. How Is an EMG Done? Muscles are stimulated by signals from nerve cells called motor neurons. This stimulation causes electrical activity in the muscle, which in turn causes the …
What It Is An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test used to find problems related to electrical activity of the brain. An EEG tracks and records brain wave patterns. Small metal discs with thin wires (electrodes) are placed on the scalp, and then send signals to a computer to record the results. Normal electrical activity in …
What It Is A chloride sweat test helps diagnose cystic fibrosis (CF), an inherited disorder that makes kids sick by disrupting the normal function of epithelial cells. These cells make up the sweat glands in the skin and also line passageways inside the lungs, liver, pancreas, and digestive and reproductive systems. Kids who have CF are …
What Are Coughs? Coughs are one of the most common symptoms of childhood illness. A cough can sound awful, but usually isn’t a sign of a serious condition. In fact, coughing is a healthy and important reflex that helps protect the airways in the throat and chest. What Are the Different Types of Coughs? Sometimes, …
What Is Constipation? Constipation means: having fewer than 2 bowel movements (poops) in a week having dry, hard, or difficult-to-pass poops feeling that some of the poop hasn’t passed Constipation (con-stuh-PAY-shun) is a very common problem in kids. It usually isn’t a cause for concern. Healthy eating and exercise habits can help prevent it. What …
What Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome? Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complicated disease for doctors to diagnose — and even fully understand. CFS is a physical condition, but it can also affect a person emotionally. This means that someone with CFS may feel physical symptoms, such as: extreme fatigue (a feeling of being very tired …
What Is a Blood Test? A blood test is when a sample of blood is taken from the body to be tested in a lab. Doctors order blood tests to check things such as the levels of glucose, hemoglobin, or white blood cells. This can help them detect problems like a disease or medical condition. …
What Is a Blood Test? A blood test is when a sample of blood is taken from the body to be tested in a lab. Doctors order blood tests to check things such as the levels of glucose, hemoglobin, or white blood cells. This can help them detect problems like a disease or medical condition. Sometimes, blood …
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