Diarrhoea infant DEFINITION Diarrhoea is the rapid movement of faecal matter through the intestine, resulting in poor absorption of water and nutrients, and producing frequent, watery stools. Most babies have frequent, loose bowel motions, which are normal. Diarrhoea becomes a problem if the child is vomiting, feverish, irritable, not gaining… Read Article
Breastfeeding DEFINITION Breastfeeding is feeding a baby with milk from the mother’s breast. DESCRIPTION Breastfeeding has many benefits for both mother and baby, including: Infants who are breastfed experience fewer cases of infectious and noninfectious diseases than do formula-fed infants. Infants who are breastfed experience fewer cases of diarrhoea,… Read Article
Baby gastroenteritis DEFINITION Baby Gastroenteritis occurs when there is inflammation of the stomach and intestine, causing vomiting and diarrhoea. The problem is usually due to an infection by a virus, bacteria or a food borne toxin. Gastroenteritis is often a general diagnosis given to conditions which have similar symptoms and… Read Article
Nappy rash DEFINITION Nappy rash is a common skin inflammation in babies that occurs in the area covered by the nappy. DESCRIPTION Nappy rash commonly happens when a baby’s skin is exposed to wet or dirty nappies for too long. Urine is sterile (there are no germs in urine). Germs… Read Article
Colic – infantile DEFINITION Colic is a condition where repeated bouts of excessive crying occur in a baby who is otherwise healthy and thriving. DESCRIPTION Colic is very common and is thought to affect approximately 20 percent of newborn babies. The symptoms usually start a few weeks after birth, and… Read Article
Baby crying DEFINITION Babies cry as a method of communicating their needs to their parents. DESCRIPTION All babies cry at some time and it is not unusual for a new born infant to cry for up to 2 hours a day. Babies cry so their needs will be met. Picking… Read Article
Warts DEFINITION Warts are small, flesh coloured growths with a rough surface arising from the skin. DESCRIPTION Warts are caused by the human papilloma virus. The virus makes skin cells multiply, causing an overgrowth of cells which form the Wart. These infections can come singly or in multiples and commonly… Read Article
Urinary incontinence DEFINITION Urinary incontinence is the unintentional passing of urine. DESCRIPTION Urinary incontinence causes a person to pass urine unintentionally. This can range from a small dribble now and then, to large floods of urine. Urinary incontinence is common. It is more common in women and older people. There… Read Article
Tinea Pedis (athletes foot) DEFINITION Tinea pedis, otherwise known as Athlete’s foot, is a fungus infection of the foot. DESCRIPTION The term Tinea describes a group of fungal infections caused by fungi of different varieties. Particular varieties of fungi have a preference for specific areas of the body. In Tinea… Read Article