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Your Child's Allergies: Dust Mites What is a dust mite? Dust mites are microscopic organisms that live in homes and schools. They like warm, humid areas filled with dust. Dust mites feed on the shed scales of human skin that work their way into furniture, carpets, bedding, and

Diagnostic Tests for Allergy in Children Diagnostic tests will help you and your child's health care provider or allergist know what substances cause your child's allergy symptoms. Knowing what substances cause the symptoms tells you what your child should stay away from. It also

Type 2 Diabetes in Children What is type 2 diabetes in children? Diabetes is a condition in which the body can't make enough insulin. Or can't use insulin normally. Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder. Insulin is a hormone. It helps sugar (glucose) in the blood get into cells

Fever in Children What is a fever? Most healthcare providers define a fever as a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher when taken rectally or 100°F (37.8°C) or higher when taken by mouth. You might get slightly different numbers depending on how you take your child's

Urinary Incontinence (Enuresis) in Children What is enuresis in children? Urinary incontinence (enuresis) is the loss of bladder control. In children younger than age 3, it’s normal to not have full bladder control. As children get older, they become more able to control their

Pollen and Children What is pollen? Each grain of pollen is tiny (microscopic). When there is a lot of pollen together, it becomes a fine yellow powder. It's made of the male reproductive cells of flowering plants, trees, grasses, and weeds. It's the most common cause of hay

Allergic Rhinitis in Children What is allergic rhinitis in children? Rhinitis is a reaction that happens in the eyes, nose, and throat. It occurs when allergens in the air set off the release of histamine and other chemicals in the body. Normally allergens are harmless. But when

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in Children What is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in children? RSV is a viral illness that causes symptoms such as trouble breathing. It’s the most common cause of inflammation of the small airways in the lungs (bronchiolitis) and pneumonia

Whooping Cough (Pertussis) in Adults What is whooping cough (pertussis)? Whooping cough (pertussis) is a very contagious respiratory illness. It mainly affects babies and young children, but adults can also get it. Whooping cough caused thousands of deaths in the 1930s and 1940s

Diphtheria What is diphtheria? Diphtheria is an illness caused by bacteria. There are two types: Respiratory diphtheria. This type affects the throat, nose, and tonsils. Skin (cutaneous) diphtheria. This type affects the skin. It was a common childhood disease in the past. A