| Allergies | Allergies | Allergies | A | English | Allergy | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | Body | Immune system | Conditions and diseases | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | Cough;Eye discomfort and redness;Runny nose;Rash;Wheezing | | 2019-04-01T04:00:00Z | | Vy Kim, MD, FRCPC;Anna Kasprzak, RN;Mike Wong, MD | | | | 7.70000000000000 | 62.9000000000000 | 1328.00000000000 | | Health (A-Z) - Conditions | Health A-Z | <p>This page explains what allergies are, types of allergens, the signs and symptoms of allergies, and also the causes. It also gives examples of common allergies and what to do if your child has an allergic reaction. </p> | <h2>What is an allergy?</h2><p>The immune system protects us by attacking harmful substances such as viruses and bacteria. An allergy is the immune system’s response to a substance called an allergen.</p><p>The allergen is not harmful for most people. However, when a child has an allergy, the immune system treats the allergen as an invader and over-reacts to it. This results in symptoms from mild discomfort to severe distress.</p><p>Allergic disorders, including food allergies, are common in childhood. Many children with allergies also have asthma.</p> | <h2>Types of allergens</h2><h3>Common airborne allergens</h3><p>Dust mites are common airborne allergens. These tiny bugs live in warm, damp, dusty places in your home and survive by eating dead skin cells. Their waste is a major cause of allergies and asthma.</p><div class="akh-series"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-12">
<figure>
<img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/Common_airborne_allergens_EQUIP_ILL_EN.jpg" alt="Illustration of moulds, dust mites, pollens, pet dander and cockroaches" /> </figure>
<p>Other common airborne allergens include:</p><ul><li>pollen from flowers and other plants</li><li>mould</li><li>pet dander (dead skin cells from pets)</li><li>cockroaches</li></ul></div></div></div><h3>Common food allergens</h3><div class="akh-series"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-12">
<figure>
<img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/Common_food_allergens_EQUIP_ILL_EN.jpg" alt="Illustration of eggs, nuts, shellfish, fish and milk" /> </figure>
<p>The most common food allergens include:</p><ul><li>
<a href="/Article?contentid=809&language=English">peanuts</a></li><li>
<a href="/Article?contentid=812&language=English">tree nuts</a> such as hazelnuts, walnuts, almonds, and cashews</li><li>
<a href="/Article?contentid=806&language=English">eggs</a></li><li>
<a href="/Article?contentid=808&language=English">cow's milk</a></li><li>
<a href="/Article?contentid=813&language=English">wheat</a></li><li>
<a href="/Article?contentid=805&language=English">soy</a></li><li>
<a href="/Article?contentid=807&language=English">fish</a></li><li>
<a href="/Article?contentid=810&language=English">shellfish</a></li></ul></div></div></div><p>Even small amounts of these foods can trigger anaphylaxis in some allergic children.
<a href="/Article?contentid=781&language=English">Anaphylaxis</a> is the most severe type of allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. Your child may experience a skin rash (e.g. hives), breathing difficulties, stomach upset (e.g. vomiting) and low blood pressure (e.g. shock). This is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical care. Give <a href="/article?contentid=130&language=English">epinephrine</a> (if available) and call an ambulance.</p><p>Food allergens can also be hidden in common party dishes such as cookies, cakes, candies or other foods. Always ask the cook or the host if dishes contain foods your child is allergic to.</p><p>Far more people have a food intolerance than a food allergy. Unlike a food allergy, a food intolerance does not involve an immune reaction. Rather, it produces unpleasant symptoms as food is digested. These symptoms appear over a few hours rather than as soon as the food is swallowed or inhaled.</p><h3>Other common allergens</h3><ul><li>
<a href="/Article?contentid=800&language=English">Insect bites or stings</a></li><li>Medicines</li></ul> | <h2>Key points</h2><ul><li>An allergy is the immune system’s response to a substance that is not harmful to most people.</li><li>If you suspect that your child has an allergy, an allergist can do tests to find out exactly what is causing the allergy and discuss with you how to manage these allergies.</li><li>To reduce your child’s exposure to airborne allergens, have a pet-free home and remove carpeting.</li><li>To manage a food allergy, make sure your child avoids all foods they are allergic to, learns how to read food labels and ask about the ingredients in served food.</li><li>If your child has a severe allergy, tell their teachers and other caregivers.</li><li>If you suspect your child is having an anaphylactic reaction, give epinephrine (if available) and call 911.
</li></ul> | | <h2>Signs and symptoms of allergies</h2><p>Allergic reactions will vary from child to child and from allergen to allergen. Where you live can also affect the type and severity of the allergy.</p><h3>Symptoms for airborne allergens</h3><p>Common symptoms with airborne allergens may include:</p><ul><li>sneezing</li><li>itchy nose or throat</li><li>stuffy or runny nose</li><li>red, itchy and/or watery eyes</li><li>coughing</li><li>wheezing or shortness of breath</li><li>headaches or plugged ears</li></ul><h3>Symptoms for food allergens and insect bites or stings</h3><p>Your child’s response to a food allergy or insect bite will depend on how sensitive they are to that food or bug. Symptoms can include:</p><ul><li>itchy mouth and throat when food is swallowed</li><li>skin rashes, such as <a href="/Article?contentid=789&language=English">hives</a> (raised, red, itchy bumps)</li><li>swelling of the face or throat</li><li>breathing problems, such as wheezing</li><li>coughing, sneezing</li><li>vomiting or diarrhea</li><li>itchy, runny or stuffy nose</li><li><a href="/Article?contentid=782&language=English">conjunctivitis</a> (red, swollen eyes) or itchy, watery eyes</li><li>shock</li></ul> | <h2>What causes an allergic reaction?</h2><p>Allergens may come in contact with the skin or be breathed in, eaten or injected.</p><p>When the body detects an allergen, it sends a signal to the immune system to produce antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE). Those antibodies cause certain cells in the body to release chemicals called histamines. Histamines travel through the bloodstream to fight the invading substance or allergen.</p><p>Your child’s allergic reaction depends on which part of their body has been exposed to the allergen. Most commonly, allergic reactions affect the eyes, inside of the nose, throat, lungs or skin.</p> | | <h2>What your child's doctor can do for allergies</h2><p>If you suspect your child has an allergy, consult an allergist. This is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating allergies.</p><p>To identify your child's allergy, the allergist will usually:</p><ul><li>examine your child</li><li>ask for your child’s allergy history</li><li>ask for a description of your child’s allergic symptoms</li></ul><p>Your child might then have skin tests, blood tests, a chest X-ray, a lung function test or an exercise tolerance test. The doctor will explain these tests to you.</p><p>When the tests are done, the allergist will use the results to make a diagnosis. You and your child will meet the allergist at a later date to discuss them.</p><h3>How to prepare for an allergy test</h3><p>Your child may need to stop using certain medications for a period of time before an allergy test. These medications may include antihistamines. Always ask your doctor if your child should stop taking medications before the visit.</p> | | | <h2>Taking care of your child with an allergy at home</h2><p>If your child has a severe allergy, your doctor might give you a prescription for an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen). Your doctor can show you how and when to use the auto-injector. You or your child may need to carry one at all times.</p><p>As much as possible, try to prevent allergic reactions by reducing your child's contact with the allergen(s). The steps you take depend on the substance to which your child is allergic. Discuss this with your child's doctor.</p> | <h2>How to prevent allergic reactions</h2><h3>Airborne allergens</h3><ul><li>Have a pet-free home. Or if you have a pet, keep it out of the child’s room and bathe it regularly.</li><li>Remove carpets and rugs from the home, especially from your child’s bedroom. Hard floor surfaces do not collect dust as much as carpets do. If you have carpeting, you should try to vacuum at least once a week.</li><li>Reduce the relative humidity in the home.</li><li>Wash bedding in hot water. This will help reduce dust mites.</li><li>Control contact with outdoor pollen by closing windows in peak seasons. Use an air conditioning system with a small-particle filter.</li><li>Get rid of items in the home that collect dust. These include heavy drapes or old, unclean furniture.</li><li>Clean your home often. Change your home furnace filter regularly as recommended.</li><li>Seal pillows and mattresses if your child is allergic to dust mites.</li><li>Keep bathrooms and other mould-prone areas clean and dry.</li></ul><h3>Food allergens</h3><p>Your child must avoid all foods they are allergic to. Some children may outgrow their allergies, but others may have to avoid the allergen for life.</p><p>Avoiding a food allergen can be difficult. As a result, many children unintentionally eat food they are allergic to.</p><p>If your child has a food allergy, teach them to be aware of the foods to avoid and all the possible names of those foods. You and your child should learn to read labels on food packaging and ask questions about served food. Your child should also know why it is important to look for an allergen in ingredients.</p><p>It is also important to tell all caregivers about your child’s allergy and any foods or drinks your child must avoid.</p> | <h2>When to get medical help for an allergic reaction</h2><p>Call 911 or take your child to the nearest emergency department if they have anaphylaxis. Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis may include:</p><ul><li><a href="/Article?contentid=789&language=English">hives</a>, itching, redness of the skin</li><li>swollen eyes, lips, tongue or face</li><li>difficulty breathing, tightness of the throat or difficulty swallowing</li><li>abdominal (belly) pain, nausea, <a href="/Article?contentid=746&language=English">vomiting</a> or sudden onset of <a href="/Article?contentid=7&language=English">diarrhea</a></li><li>coughing</li><li>stuffy and/or runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing</li><li><a href="/Article?contentid=779&language=English">fainting</a>, confusion, lightheadedness or dizziness</li><li>rapid or irregular heartbeats</li><li>cold, clammy, sweaty skin</li><li>voice changes</li></ul><p>Your child should go to the nearest emergency department even if they have received epinephrine (EpiPen), as the symptoms can start again hours after the epinephrine is given.</p> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | <img alt="" src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/allergies.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | | | | | allergies | allergies | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/allergies.jpg | | Read about what allergies are, types of allergens, the signs and symptoms of allergies and how to respond to an allergic reaction. | Main | | |
| Hepatitis C: Information for teenagers | Hepatitis C: Information for teenagers | Hepatitis C: Information for teenagers | H | English | Gastrointestinal | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | Liver | Immune system | Conditions and diseases | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | NA | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/IMD_liver_EN.jpg | 2015-10-05T04:00:00Z | | Constance O'Connor, RN(EC), NP;Simon Ling, MBChB, MRCP(UK) | | | | 8.90000000000000 | 57.9000000000000 | 1638.00000000000 | | Health (A-Z) - Conditions | Health A-Z | <p>Hepatitis C is a virus that affects the liver. Find out how you can live with the disease as a teenager.</p> | <figure>
<span class="asset-image-title">Liver</span>
<img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/IMD_liver_EN.jpg" alt="Identification of the liver in a girl’s digestive system" />
<figcaption class="asset-image-caption">The liver is an organ that is part of our digestive system. It helps us get rid of toxins, digest food, and store energy from food.</figcaption>
</figure>
<h2>What is hepatitis C?</h2><p>Hepatitis C is liver disease caused by a virus.</p><p>The
<a href="https://akhpub.aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=1468&language=English">liver</a> is an organ in our abdomen (belly). It helps our bodies remove toxins and waste. It also helps us digest food and stores the energy we get from food. The word "hepatitis" means that there is inflammation of the liver. Inflammation of the liver can affect the liver’s ability to work properly. Hepatitis can be caused by infections (virus, bacteria or parasites), drugs or toxins (including alcohol). There are several types of viruses that can cause hepatitis. One of these viruses is the hepatitis C virus. Over time, hepatitis C may cause irritation and scarring in the liver, making it difficult for your liver to work properly.</p> | | <h2>Key points</h2>
<ul>
<li>Hepatitis C is an infection due to a virus called hepatitis C virus. People can get hepatitis C by contact with blood, including on contaminated needles, and during pregnancy or delivery from mother to baby.</li>
<li>Alcohol and drugs can further damage your liver; you should avoid them.</li>
<li>There are medications available that may cure your hepatitis C. Talk to your health-care provider about your treatment options.</li>
<li>When you are ready to have a baby, talk to your health-care team about your hepatitis C status. </li>
</ul> | | | <h2>How do people get hepatitis C?</h2>
<p>The hepatitis C virus may be spread from person to person by blood contact, and during pregnancy or delivery from mother to baby.</p>
<ul>
<li>Many children with hepatitis C were born to mothers who are also infected with the virus. The hepatitis C virus can be passed to the baby either during pregnancy or delivery, although this happens rarely, in only about 5% of pregnancies.</li>
<li>Rarely, people can get hepatitis C if they share personal items that may have the blood of someone with hepatitis C on them (such as toothbrushes, nail clippers or razors).</li>
<li>It is possible to get the virus from a blood transfusion, from other blood products or from improperly cleaned medical equipment. This almost never happens in Canada.</li>
<li>Anyone can get hepatitis C from sharing needles, such as the needles used for body piercing, tattooing, acupuncture or intravenous drug use.</li>
<li>Hepatitis C is only rarely transmitted by having sex, except in people who also have the <a href="https://akhpub.aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=910&language=English">HIV virus or AIDS</a>. Using condoms reduces the risk of sexual transmission of hepatitis C and other infections.</li>
</ul>
<p>Hepatitis C cannot be spread to other people by hugging, kissing, sneezing, coughing or breastfeeding.</p> | <h2>How can I protect others from hepatitis C?</h2>
<p>The risk of spreading hepatitis C infection is very low in regular day-to-day activity. If you have hepatitis C, you should not share your toothbrush or other personal items that may have traces of blood on them (razors and nail clippers). You should not let other people touch your blood, and you should not touch the blood of others.</p> | | <h2>What tests can tell me how I am doing with hepatitis C?</h2>
<p>Several tests can be done to tell us about the hepatitis C virus and how it is affecting your liver. Common helpful tests include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Hepatitis C viral load: This test tells how much hepatitis C virus is in your blood.</li>
<li>Hepatitis C genotype: This blood test shows what subtype (or genotype) of hepatitis C is present. The genotype helps to show how likely it is that the virus will respond to treatment.</li>
<li>Blood tests for liver enzymes (ALT and AST): The levels of these enzymes in the blood indicate how much inflammation is occurring in your liver. High levels mean there is more liver inflammation. A lot of inflammation over time can lead to scarring of the liver.</li>
<li>Other blood tests can help show if bad scarring has developed in the liver.</li>
<li><a href="https://akhpub.aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=1290&language=English">Ultrasound scan</a>: An ultrasound scan of the liver can help tell how healthy it is, and may show signs of bad scarring if this is present. Another ultrasound test, such as "Fibroscan", can also check the stiffness of the liver which helps show mild or moderate amounts of scarring.</li>
</ul>
<h2>What happens if I get scarring in my liver?</h2>
<p>Many people live their whole lives with hepatitis C without significant damage to their liver. However, as people age the risk of scarring in the liver increases. Mild scarring in the liver does not usually affect the way the liver works. Severe scarring (cirrhosis) may make it difficult for the liver to work properly. Cirrhosis only rarely happens in children and teenagers with hepatitis C.</p>
<p>Chronic hepatitis C infection also increases the risk for liver cancer, especially if it has caused bad liver scarring. However, liver cancer is very rare in children and teenagers with hepatitis C.</p>
<p>Regular medical follow-up throughout your life is important. This should allow problems in your liver to be identified and treated early, which may prevent you from becoming sick.</p>
<h2>Treatment for hepatitis C</h2>
<p>Talk to your health-care provider about your treatment options. Everyone is unique and so is their condition. As a result, recommended treatments are different too.</p>
<p>Most teens wait until adulthood to receive treatment for hepatitis C, as long as there is no sign that their liver is developing significant damage.</p>
<p>Many new medications for hepatitis C treatment have become available for adults in the last couple of years. These medications are taken by mouth for several weeks and cure more than 90% of people infected with the hepatitis C virus. Unfortunately, these new medications are only approved for use in adult.</p>
<p>However, other medications are available for teens. Combination therapy with interferon injections and oral anti-viral medications can be used in childhood. It cures between 50% (half) and 80% (about three quarters) of patients, depending on the genotype of the virus.</p> | | <h2>Will my hepatitis C infection disappear?</h2>
<p>Many people that get hepatitis C infection manage to get rid of the virus within a few months and become well again. For most people, however, the hepatitis C infection does not go away. If it lasts for more than six months, it is called chronic hepatitis C. When you have chronic hepatitis C, it is most likely you will keep the infection throughout your life unless you receive treatment for the virus.</p>
<p>There are medications that can cure hepatitis C in some people, but some of these medicines are only available for adults. You should discuss your treatment options with your health-care provider. While you may receive treatment for hepatitis C at some point in your lifetime, you may have to wait until you are an adult.</p>
<h2>Can people tell I have hepatitis C?</h2>
<p>Most young people with hepatitis C look completely well and have no symptoms or signs that they have the virus. Most people with hepatitis C usually feel well and participate in school, work and other activities.</p>
<h2>How can I keep my liver healthy?</h2>
<p>There are many things that help your liver stay healthy.</p>
<ul>
<li>A healthy diet with plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit helps provide antioxidants that protect the liver from the bad effects of inflammation.</li>
<li>Regular physical activity when combined with a healthy diet keeps weight under control. Being overweight will often cause extra difficulty for the liver and may cause liver scarring to develop more quickly.</li>
<li>Be careful with herbal, natural or other alternative or complementary treatments. Check with your doctor before taking any herbal medications, as some of these may harm the liver. </li>
<li>Be careful about other medications because some medications are processed by the liver. If you need medication for other health conditions, follow the instructions carefully or ask your health-care provider or pharmacist for advice. </li>
<li>Get immunized. You should have all of the recommended immunizations available and be immunized against <a href="https://akhpub.aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=819&language=English">hepatitis A</a> and <a href="https://akhpub.aboutkidshealth.ca/article?contentid=827&language=English">B</a>.</li>
<li>Avoid alcohol and other types of drugs that may damage the liver.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Does drinking alcohol or taking drugs hurt my liver?</h2>
<p>Drinking alcohol often or drinking alcohol in large amounts can cause irritation in your liver and may lead to scarring over time. When you have hepatitis C, this scarring may happen sooner and be worse than in a person who does not have hepatitis C. It is unknown how much alcohol you can drink safely before it starts to damage your liver. The best thing to do is to either drink no alcohol or drink as little as possible.</p>
<p>Taking street drugs, even marijuana, may also damage your liver or other organs. Some drugs may cause severe liver damage the first time you try them. Avoid street drugs if you do not want to further damage your liver.</p>
<h2>Who do I have to tell about my hepatitis C status?</h2>
<p>People who should know about your hepatitis C are your health-care providers, such as your doctors, nurses and dentist. Not everyone needs to know about hepatitis C. It is up to you who you tell about your hepatitis C infection. Friends, family and teachers do not have to be told unless you feel comfortable doing so.</p>
<p>Some university courses and jobs, like medical school and being a doctor or dentist, require you to share information about your hepatitis C status with them. If you are unsure about the need to tell someone about your hepatitis C infection, discuss this with your parents, caregiver and your healthcare provider.</p> | | | <h2>If I ever have children, will they have hepatitis C?</h2>
<p>The risk of a mom passing hepatitis C on to her baby is quite low, approximately 5%. If you are a father-to-be, your baby will not be at risk for hepatitis C before they are born, unless the mother is also infected.</p> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | World Hepatitis Day is July 28. Learn about hepatitis C, a virus that affects the liver, and find out how to live with the disease as a teen. | Main | | |
| Fainting | Fainting | Fainting | F | English | NA | Toddler (13-24 months);Preschooler (2-4 years);School age child (5-8 years);Pre-teen (9-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | Body | Cardiovascular system | Conditions and diseases | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | NA | | 2014-11-16T05:00:00Z | | Elizabeth Berger, BA, MD, FRCPC, FAAP, MHPE | | | | 7.60000000000000 | 65.2000000000000 | 530.000000000000 | | Health (A-Z) - Conditions | Health A-Z | <p>Discover the signs and symptoms of fainting, what causes it and how to help your child if they have fainted.</p> | <p>Fainting, also called syncope, happens when a person suddenly loses consciousness and then rapidly returns to normal.</p> | | <h2>Key points</h2><ul><li>Fainting is a sudden and temporary loss of consciousness with a rapid return to normal.</li><li>Your child may feel dizzy, nauseous, hot or cold right before they faint. Their face may also go pale.</li><li>The most common cause of fainting is a drop in blood pressure. Other, more serious, causes include an underlying heart condition, low blood sugar or anemia.</li><li>See your child's doctor to discuss the possible cause of any fainting episode. Call 911 right away if your child has stopped breathing or does not “come around” shortly after fainting.</li></ul> | | <h2>Signs and symptoms of fainting</h2>
<p>Right before fainting, your child might:</p>
<ul>
<li>feel dizzy or light headed</li>
<li>feel weak</li>
<li>see dark spots</li>
<li>hear muffled sounds</li>
<li>feel nauseous (want to <a href="/Article?contentid=746&language=English">vomit</a>)</li>
<li>feel hot</li>
<li>feel cold and clammy</li>
<li>become pale</li>
<li>start to sweat</li>
</ul> | <h2>Causes of fainting</h2>
<p>A child can faint for a number of possible reasons. The most common cause of fainting is a temporary drop in blood pressure. Fainting because of low blood pressure is often called a “vagal” or “vasovagal” episode.</p>
<p>A child is more likely to have a drop in blood pressure if they:</p>
<ul>
<li>are <a href="/Article?contentid=776&language=English">dehydrated</a> (from excessive sweating, diarrhea or vomiting)</li>
<li>have not been eating</li>
<li>have been standing still for a long time</li>
<li>are unwell</li>
</ul>
<h2>Other common causes of fainting</h2>
<p>A child might also faint if they</p>
<ul>
<li>are frightened</li>
<li>are in severe pain</li>
<li>stand up too fast</li>
<li>are having a <a href="/Article?contentid=780&language=English">breath-holding spell</a></li>
</ul>
<p>Fainting may be more likely in a closed setting or one that is hot and humid. It may also happen in response to a stimulus that is noxious (unpleasant or potentially harmful), such as a very bad smell or the sight of blood or a needle.</p>
<h2>More serious medical causes of fainting</h2>
<p>Fainting can sometimes have more serious causes. These include:</p>
<ul>
<li>an underlying heart condition or heart rhythm disturbance</li>
<li>exposure to a medication, toxin or drug</li>
<li><a href="/Article?contentid=1726&language=English">hypoglycemia</a> (low blood sugar)</li>
<li><a href="/Article?contentid=841&language=English">anemia</a> (low levels of iron in the blood)</li>
<li>pregnancy</li>
<li><a href="/Article?contentid=781&language=English">anaphylaxis</a> (allergic reaction)</li>
</ul>
<p>Fainting during exercise or exertion (carrying or pushing something heavy) can be a sign of an underlying condition and should be discussed with your child's doctor.</p>
<h2>Conditions that appear similar to fainting</h2>
<p>There are some conditions that make it appear that a child is fainting when, in fact, something else is wrong. These mimics of fainting include:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="/article?contentid=2057&language=English">seizures</a></li>
<li>migraine <a href="/Article?contentid=29&language=English">headaches</a></li>
<li>hyperventilation</li>
<li>panic attacks<br></li>
</ul> | | | | | <h2>How to help your child if they have fainted</h2>
<ul>
<li>Check to make sure your child is breathing. If necessary, call 911.</li>
<li>Keep your child lying down or, if possible, sit them forward with their head between their knees.</li>
<li>Loosen any tight clothing around your child's neck.</li>
<li>Make an appointment with your child's doctor and explain exactly what happened.</li>
</ul> | | <h2>When to see a doctor</h2>
<p>See your child's doctor to identify the cause of a fainting episode.</p>
<p>Call 911 right away if your child:</p>
<ul>
<li>has stopped breathing</li>
<li>does not become alert right away</li>
<li>has changes in their speech, vision or ability to move</li>
</ul> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | fainting | fainting | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/fainting.jpg | | Discover the signs and symptoms of fainting, what causes it and how to help your child if they have fainted. | Main | | |
| Playground safety | Playground safety | Playground safety | P | English | Prevention | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | NA | NA | Healthy living and prevention | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | NA | | 2013-10-11T04:00:00Z | | Elizabeth Berger, BA, MD, FRCPC, FAAP, MHPE | | | | 6.80000000000000 | 72.8000000000000 | 730.000000000000 | | Flat Content | Health A-Z | <p>Learn how to make sure your child stays safe at the playground, playing in the backyard or at a splash pad or wading pool.<br></p> | <p>Taking a stroll to the park is a great way for parents and children to get a breath of fresh air and some light exercise. A trip to the playground can be a fun-filled outdoor activity when parents and children remember the importance of staying safe.</p> | | <h2>Key points</h2>
<ul>
<li>Check playground equipment for any sharp or dangerous surfaces.</li>
<li>Teach children playground safety rules and safe behaviour.</li>
<li>Avoid going down the slide with your toddler — it is safer for them to slide down alone.</li>
<li>Remove any clothing that could get stuck in the playground equipment, including bicycle helmets.</li>
<li>A child should always be supervised, whether they are at a public playground or splash pad or in your own backyard.</li>
<li>Always wash hands after leaving the playground.</li>
</ul> | <h2>Safety in public playgrounds and parks</h2><h3>Playground safety tips for parents to keep in mind</h3><ul><li>A playground should have landing surfaces that are soft and deep enough to absorb the impact of a child's fall. Good surfaces use materials such as wood chips, mulch, sand, pea gravel or shredded rubber. Grass and soil are not safe because weather changes can make the surfaces harder.</li><li>Inspect playground equipment for any sharp objects and rusty surfaces that may be unsafe for a child to touch.</li><li>Raised structures such as slides and or climbing equipment should have handrails and barriers to protect a child from falling.</li><li>Teach your child not to pick up or play with any garbage from the ground and to tell whichever adult is with them if they find any broken glass or syringes.</li><li>Supervise your child while they playing to monitor any risky or dangerous behaviour.</li><li>Ensure your child is on the proper equipment for their age group. In general, if a child cannot reach a piece of equipment, they should not play on it.</li><li>Remove any drawstrings, scarves or other items that could get stuck or caught in playground equipment. Make sure your child's clothing and footwear are secure to minimize the risk of injury.</li><li>Avoid going down the slide with a young child or toddler. It is actually safer for a child to slide down on their own.</li><li>Be familiar with
<a href="/article?contentid=1043&language=English">first aid</a> in case your child gets hurt.</li><li>Use
child-friendly playground safety tips to help your child learn about staying safe.</li><li><p>Always <a href="/article?contentid=1981&language=English">wash your hands</a> and your child's hands after playing in the playground, especially after playing in the sandbox. You could also use hand sanitizer. Handwashing is important because the sandbox could contain feces (poo) of animals that were there at night. Your child could get sick if they consume the feces, for example by putting their hand in their mouth or touching food and then eating it right away.</p></li></ul><h3>Playground safety rules that children should learn and understand</h3><ul><li>Remind your child that the playground is a public space that they must share with other children.</li><li>Teach your child to remain patient while waiting for their turn.</li><li>Your child should play safely and treat others how they would like to be treated.</li><li>Tell your child to stay away from moving swings and swinging handlebars.</li><li>Remind your child to hold onto any railings.</li><li>Teach your child to always slide down feet first and keep their hands near to their bodies.</li></ul><h2>Staying safe on backyard play equipment</h2><p>Most backyard playground systems include slides, swings and climbing frames. Remember to have a deep, soft surface under any equipment to absorb some of the impact of any falls. Sand or wood chips are the safest options; grass and soil are less safe because they can become hard surfaces over time.</p><h2>Safety around splash pads and wading pools</h2><p>When water is involved — whether it is a splash pad, fountain or kiddie pool — there is always a <a href="/Article?contentid=1968&language=English">drowning</a> risk. Always stay in sight and within reach of children, especially those aged under five. Children in this age group are attracted to water but are not old enough to understand the risks involved or the limits of their own abilities.</p><h3>Safety tips around water</h3><ul><li>Teach your child to walk, not run. Surfaces are slippery and can easily lead to falls.</li><li>Have your child wear proper waterproof shoes.</li><li>Report and/or repair any broken or damaged equipment as soon as possible.</li></ul> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/playground_safety.jpg | | Learn how to make sure your child stays safe at the playground, playing in the backyard or at a splash pad or wading pool. | Main | | |
| Poison ivy | Poison ivy | Poison ivy | P | English | Dermatology | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | Skin | Skin | Conditions and diseases | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | Rash | | 2014-05-21T04:00:00Z | | Shawna Silver, MD, FRCPC, FAAP, PEng | | | | 6.10000000000000 | 75.8000000000000 | 801.000000000000 | | Health (A-Z) - Conditions | Health A-Z | <p>Learn how to recognize a poison ivy plant, prevent rashes and how to treat the rash if your child is exposed.</p> | <p>Poison ivy is a plant that grows at sea level in moist shady regions east of the Mississippi River. It can cause a rash when it makes contact with the skin (contact dermatitis). The rash occurs when the skin reacts to substances in the oily sap (called urushiol) in the plant's roots, stems and leaves.<br></p> | <h2>What does the poison ivy plant look like?<br></h2><p>Poison ivy usually grows up large tree trunks as a shrub or as a vine.</p><ul><li>Each leaf has three leaflets that can be either shiny, smooth and hairless, or rough, hairy and velvety.</li><li>The leaves are reddish in the spring, green in the summer and yellow, orange or red in the fall.</li><li>The plant may have yellow-green flowers, or green or off-white berries.</li></ul>
<figure class="asset-c-80">
<span class="asset-image-title">Poison ivy</span><img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/Poison_ivy_seasons_EQUIP_ILL_EN.png" alt="Poison ivy with green leaves in summer, green and red leaves in spring, and a mix of green, yellow and red leaves in fall" /></figure> | <h2>Key points</h2><ul><li>Poison ivy is a plant that can cause a rash when it makes contact with the skin.<br></li><li>Each leaf has three leaflets that can be shiny, smooth and hairless, or rough, hairy and velvety.</li><li>The rash is caused by oily sap in the plant's roots, stems and leaves.<br></li><li>To prevent poison ivy rash, stay away from the plant and wear protective clothing. A helpful rule for avoiding poison ivy is "leaves of three, leave them be".</li><li>Wash exposed skin and clothing thoroughly. This may help to prevent a reaction.</li><li>The rash should go away after a few weeks. Mild rashes can be treated with antihistamines. Very severe rashes might require steroids.</li><li>See your doctor if your child develops a <a href="/article?contentid=30&language=English">fever</a> or if the area around the rash becomes redder or swollen or has a milky discharge.</li></ul> | | <h2>Signs and symptoms of a poison ivy rash</h2><p>The symptoms of a poison ivy rash may include:</p><ul><li>redness</li><li>extreme itching</li><li>
<a href="/Article?contentid=789&language=English">hives</a></li><li>swelling</li><li>small or large blisters, often forming a line or streak</li><li>crusting skin</li></ul><p>The typical rash can last from one to three weeks.<br></p><p>The rash usually occurs on skin surfaces that are exposed directly to poison ivy. People can also be exposed to poison ivy's oily sap through indirect contact, including:</p><ul><li>scratching or rubbing, which moves the sap to other skin areas</li><li>contact with clothing, a pet, tools, sports equipment or other things that may have come into contact with the plant.</li></ul><p>If poison ivy is burned, the sap can cling to smoke particles and become airborne. This can cause reactions involving the skin, the eyes or the <a href="https://pie.med.utoronto.ca/htbw/module.html?module=lung-child">lungs</a>.</p> | | | | <h2>How to treat a poison ivy rash</h2><h3>Mild rash</h3><ul><li>Place cool cloths on your child's skin.</li><li>Have your child take cool showers or lukewarm baths.</li><li>Give your child an antihistamine.</li></ul><p>Try not to let your child scratch. This can cause infection and scarring and may spread the sap to other parts of the body. If the rash is very severe, your child may need to take steroid medication by mouth.</p><p>Reactions may vary from person to person. Some people may not react to poison ivy at all, while others may have a very severe reaction.</p><h3>Signs of a serious reaction to poison ivy<br></h3><p>Your child has a serious reaction if:</p><ul><li>nothing helps to ease the itch</li><li>the skin around the rash seems to be infected</li><li>they develop a
<a href="/article?contentid=30&language=English">fever</a></li><li>the rash appears on their eyelids, lips, face or genitals</li><li>their face swells</li></ul> | | | <h2>How to prevent a poison ivy rash</h2>
<p>The best way to prevent a rash is to avoid contact with the plant by learning to recognize it. A helpful rule for avoiding poison ivy is "leaves of three, leave them be".</p>
<h3>What to do if your child cannot avoid an area where poison ivy may be present</h3>
<ul>
<li>Apply a product to their skin that helps prevent the skin from absorbing the plant's sap. These products are available over the counter and usually contain bentoquatam.</li>
<li>Have your child wear clothing such as pants, long sleeves, boots and gloves when they are around poison ivy. Depending on your child's age, help them or remind them to remove exposed clothing carefully.</li>
</ul>
<p>Poison ivy sap can remain active for a long time. For this reason, use hot, soapy water to wash your child's clothing, shoes and anything else that may have made contact with the plant.</p>
<p>If your child touches poison ivy, it is possible to prevent a rash by:</p>
<ul>
<li>washing their skin well with warm water and soap</li>
<li>washing everything that may have sap on it.</li>
</ul> | <h2>When to see a doctor</h2><p>See a doctor if your child:</p><ul><li>develops a
<a href="/Article?contentid=801&language=English">skin infection</a> (increasing redness, swelling, pain or a milky discharge from the irritated areas)</li><li>is not responding to any of the treatments for a mild rash.</li></ul><p>Take your child to your nearest hospital emergency department right away if they are having trouble breathing or swallowing.</p> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | <img alt="" src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/poison_ivy.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | | | | | poisonivy | poisonivy | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/poison_ivy.jpg | | Learn how to recognize a poison ivy plant, prevent rashes and how to treat the rash if your child is exposed. | Main | | |
