Pertussis is caused by bacteria that attach themselves to the cilia (little hairs) that line the respiratory tract. These bacteria produce a potent toxin that inflames the respiratory tract and that prevents the cilia from functioning properly.
Strangely enough, "swimmer's ear" can occur in people who live nowhere near water...in desert climates! To read Dr. Greene’s FAQ on swimmer’s ear, click here.
Pertussis, or “whooping cough”, sounds mild enough, but it is actually a serious illness that has recently caused 300,000 childhood deaths in one year. Click here to read Dr. Greene’s article on pertussis and the pertussis vaccine.
Almost all adults are susceptible to pertussis, or whooping cough. Between 60 and 80 percent of infants are protected after the first 3 doses of vaccine, but this protection begins to disappear when they are toddlers. After the 4th immunization at...
Isn't whooping cough a thing of the past? Lab tests to detect pertussis are slow, cumbersome, and often fail to pick up the disease. Click here to learn the symptoms of pertusis.
Children fall all the time in the course of normal activities, but when should you be concerned that a child might be having a seizure? Click here for information on seizures.
Uncontrolled muscle activity is the most common form of partial seizure. This can either be tonic (increased muscle tone) or clonic (rhythmic muscle contractions). Usually this involves the face, neck, or limbs.
Generalized seizures are disruptions of both sides of the brain at once, and as a result, usually include an impairment or loss of consciousness. Click here for more information on generalized seizures.
The most common cause of seizures in childhood is the rapid onset of a high fever. Head trauma is another common cause of seizures. Click here for more information on seizures causes.
Mosquitoes are attracted to things that remind them of nectar or mammal flesh. When outdoors, wear light clothing that covers most of the body, keeping as much skin and hair covered as practical. Click here for more of Dr. Greene’s Tips For Avoiding...
Mosquito bites are no fun and can be particularly hard on children who are often prone to large numbers of bites. Click here for tips on treating mosquito bites.
Whenever a parent and a young child have to be separated for an extended period, it is difficult for both parent and child. Click here for tips on helping young children deal with temporary separations.
