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.

What is apnea? When breathing temporarily stops, due to any cause.

What is asthma? Asthma is a chronic lung disease in which the lining of the airways of the lungs becomes inflamed, and is unusually sensitive to certain "triggers.”

What is exercise-induced asthma? Exercise-induced asthma occurs when there is increased irritation and increased responsiveness of the airways of the lungs when a child exercises.

What is a breath-holding spell? A child, usually between 6 months to 4 years of age, will hold his or her breath when crying, injured, frightened or angry until their lips become blue. He or she may actually lose consciousness for a brief period of time. They will begin breathing again on their own within one minute.

What is stridor? Stridor is a high-pitched sound made when the child breathes in and is caused by a narrowed airway around the vocal cords. It is commonly seen in croup but can be caused by anything that induces inflammation or obstruction near the vocal cords.

What is croup? Croup is a condition that causes an acute partial obstruction of the upper airway, usually seen in infants and young children. This obstruction may cause a harsh barky cough, hoarse voice and stridor.

Croup can also be accompanied by upper respiratory symptoms like runny nose and cough as well as fever. Croup is most frequently caused by a viral infection, but can also be caused from bacterial infections, a foreign body or abnormal new growth of tissue.

What is a pneumothorax? A pneumothorax is an accumulation of air between the inner chest wall and the lung. It can cause chest pain and problems breathing.

What is respiratory distress syndrome? If a baby is born before his lungs have matured, he will develop respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). A baby with RDS tries to cry and breathe at birth, but within minutes to hours he starts working hard to breathe because his lungs tend to collapse with each breath.

A baby with RDS:

What is sleep apnea? This is a very short period of time where one stops breathing while sleeping. It is sometimes caused by an obstruction in the back of the throat either from the tonsils and adenoids. It can lead to sleep problems as well as behavioral problems during the day.

If sleep apnea is suspected, please see a physician.

What is the difference between bronchitis and bronchiolitis? Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchus or the larger airways that lead into the lungs. Symptoms usually include fever and a productive cough. Bronchiolitis is an inflammation of the bronchioles or the smaller airways that lead deep into the lungs. Bronchiolitis is usually seen in children less than two years of age. This is usually the result of a viral infection, which causes coughing and wheezing.