Hiccups are caused by reflex spasms, or contractions, of the diaphragm -- the dome-shaped muscle separating the lungs from the stomach and other abdominal contents. As the diaphragm contracts, air is sucked into the lungs. Almost immediately afterwards, the vocal cords close, producing the typical hiccup sound.
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Many over-the-counter medicines pose dangers to children, and the Food and Drug Administration warns that children younger than 2 should never take decongestants. Honey, however, is an excellent natural remedy for coughing for children older than 1.
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A tremor is an involuntary muscle movement that is common in the hands. Most people's hands shake very slightly when they move them. Several health concerns can cause more noticeable shaking, but periodic hand tremors are normal and don't typically indicate serious illness.
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Disposable diapers are a convenience for most parents, but a few babies are allergic to them. Yeast infections, diaper rashes and food sensitivities may cause symptoms that resemble an allergic reaction, so it's important for parents to know the symptoms of a diaper allergy.
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Athletes involved in contact sports frequently suffer from bruised ribs. The injury, which can occur as a result of a fall or blow to the side, is extremely painful and often makes sufferers feel as though they can't breathe.
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Diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, carries the brand name Benadryl. It blocks histamines, which the body manufactures during some allergic reactions. Many parents use Benadryl to control minor allergic reactions such as hives in their children.
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Blisters on the bottom of the feet are a common childhood ailment. Although they are often very painful, they don't normally indicate a serious underlying condition.
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Cognitive development -- the brain's development -- often is associated with intellectual capacities, but also includes memory and sensory development. Though many parents are interested in the way genetics affects their infants, environment strongly affects a child's cognitive development.
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Basketball is a demanding sport that can take a toll on a player's body. Although basketball players are often concerned with maximizing energy and preventing injuries to their legs, the repetitive motions of dribbling and shooting can cause pain in a player's wrists. Falls can also cause wrist injuries and pain.
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The lymph nodes are small glands distributed throughout the body that play an important role in immunity. They frequently swell in response to an infection, but may also swell for other reasons. Often a baby develops swollen lymph nodes in her neck.
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A constant stomach ache and fatigue in a child might indicate several conditions. In most cases, the problems are a result of lifestyle choices or temporary illness. To determine the cause of the symptoms, note any other symptoms your child is having and how long the symptoms have lasted.
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A distended stomach, commonly referred to as bloating, is often caused by gas. Though the condition is uncomfortable, it normally goes away within a few hours. Children frequently develop a loose stool and diarrhea along with bloating when they overeat, suffer from minor illnesses, or have food sensitivities.
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Maggots are the worm-like larvae of flies. According to the textbook, "Biology: Life on Earth with Physiology," the term is most commonly applied to housefly and blowfly larvae.
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Mucinex, an expectorant, is designed to break up mucus in the sinuses and throat. Children should only take Children's Mucinex, which provides the proper dosage. The U.S.
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Blisters in and around the nose are extremely painful and can quickly become infected. When children develop nose blisters, they require medical care to determine the precise cause. Although the blisters are frequently caused by mild infections, they don't normally indicate a serious underlying condition.
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The average body temperature for a healthy toddler is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, but this temperature is merely an average and most children's body temperatures fluctuate slightly throughout the day.
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Many parents pick up their children by their hands either while playing or because it's convenient. Although some children think it's fun to be picked up by their hands, the practice is a dangerous one that parents should avoid.
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Children, like adults, may suffer from headaches for a variety of reasons. A headache upon waking is very common. In most cases, headaches are not cause for concern. They simply indicate muscle tension, allergies, stress and other minor conditions.
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Although adults frequently worry about becoming overweight, body fat provides babies with important protection. Infants need extra fat stores until they are about 2 years old, according to the textbook "Biology: Life on Earth with Physiology," and much of this fat is stored in the legs and thighs.
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Pregnancy and lactation spark numerous changes in a woman's body, and some of these changes can be uncomfortable or jarring. It's common for breastfeeding women to feel a sensation of heaviness in their breasts and chest.
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