Partners in Pediatrics

Information overload affects us everyday of our lives. This wealth of information can be a benefit as well as a curse. You need to be fully informed to raise children and keep them healthy. Our website can give you the information you need.


Apgar score A rating of the newborn infant that describes the infant’s adap tation to life outside the womb. Areola The dark area surrounding the nipple of the breast. Bacteria Small living organisms that can cause infections in people; they respond to antibiotics. Birthmark An unusual marking or discoloration of the skin at birth. Cephalohematoma A lump on the head which is filled with blood and tissue fluid. Circumcision The removal of foreskin from the penis by surgical methods. Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia When the adrenal gland cannot produce certain substances causing other body substances to build up. Constipation Bowel movements which are hard and difficult to pass. Congenital Present at birth. Cradle cap A crusty build-up on an infant's scalp. Dehydration The lack of sufficient body fluids; can occur if not enough fluid is coming into the body or if fluid is leaving too quickly. Diphtheria An infection caused by a bacteria that causes severe inflammation of the throat and windpipe. Fluoride A chemical shown to be highly effective in preventing cavities. Fontanels Openings in the skull where the plates of the skull come together; there is one in the front of the head and a much smaller one to the rear; they close with time. Formula A nutrient mixture for feeding a baby. Galactosemia A newborn disease characterized by a baby's inability to process certain sugars.	Heat rash Small red pimples on a baby's torso and head due to blocked pores. Hemoglobin The substance in blood that carries oxygen. Hemoglobinopathy When hemoglobin is abnormal due to a change in its structure. Hemophilus Influenza Type B HIB—a bacteria which can cause serious disease, especially in children. Hepatitis Inflammation of the liver. Hypopthyroidism When the thyroid cannot produce enough hormone to maintain certain body functions. Immunization Substances that cause the body to build defenses against certain illnesses. Infection Illnesses usually caused by bacteria or viruses. Lanugo Fine, silky hair which covers a baby at birth and soon disappears. Meconium Baby’s first bowel movement. Usually dark and sticky. Meningitis Inflammation or infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord which could lead to developmental problems or death. Milia White heads often seen on babies’ faces especially the nose. Miliaria Heat rash. Molding A change in the shape of a baby’s head after passing through the birth canal; usually much better in 24 hours. Mumps A viral disease causing swelling of the parotid glands—the salivary glands located just under and forward from the ears. Otitis Media Middle ear infection.	Pertussis Whooping cough, an acute in-flammation of all branches of the windpipe and bronchi, characterized by coughing fits. Phenylketouria PKU—a newborn disease caused by a baby's inability to process certain proteins. Pincer grasp Grasping an object with your thumb and pointer finger. Polio Short for poliomyelitis—viral inflammation of part of the spinal cord which causes paralysis of one or more muscle groups. Rubella German or three day measles—a viral disease characterized by a body rash, enlarged glands and low-grade fever but which can cause congenital defects if a pregnant women becomes infected. Rubeola Measles—a viral illness characterized by fever, pink eyes, congested cough and nose, and a body rash. SIDS Sudden infant death syndrome—death of an infant while asleep where the cause is unknown. Streptococcus Strep—a bacteria that can cause sore throats and other diseases. Tetanus A bacterial disease that causes painful muscle spasms. Thrush A yeast infection in an infant's mouth. Umbilicus The baby’s navel; the remainder of the umbilical cord usually falls off around two weeks. Vaccines A substance used to increase a person's resistance to disease. Varicella Chickenpox—a viral illness characterized by a rash that first appears as red bumps, then blisters and finally crusts. Vernix The white, cheesy substance that covers the baby in the womb and can be present at birth.