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Appendectomy (Appendix Removal, Laparoscopic Appendectomy, Open Appendectomy) Procedure Overview What is an appendectomy? An appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix, a tube about six inches long or less that branches off the large intestine. The procedure is performed to treat appendicitis, an inflammation of the appendix caused by infection. Acute appendicitis is the most common condition of the abdomen to require emergency surgery. Because of the likelihood of the appendix rupturing and c...

Minor Injuries Overview Children's days are filled with running, jumping, bicycling, sports, and other fun activities that keep them active and "on-the-go" from morning until night. Along with the fun comes an occasional cut, bruise, or tumble. Luckily, most of these injuries are not serious and can be handled with some simple first-aid interventions at home. However, there are times when a physician's care is needed. Specific treatment for skin wounds and injuries will be determined by your child's phy...

Superficial Injuries Overview In the course of a child's day, minor injuries may occur during play and sports activities. The face and head are especially at risk for cuts, scrapes, and lacerations because: children have much larger heads in comparison to the rest of their bodies than adults do. This creates a larger "target" when falls occur. children's center of balance is not completely adjusted yet due to their rapid growth and "bowed" position of the spine. children's feet are often "toed-in" causi...

Tick Bite Overview Ticks are small insects that live in grass, bushes, wooded areas, and seashores. They attach their bodies onto a human or animal host and prefer hairy areas such as the scalp, behind the ear, in the armpit and groin, and also between fingers and toes. Tick bites often occur at night and occur more in the spring and summer months. What to do if you find a tick on your child: Do not touch the tick with your bare hand. If you do not have a pair of tweezers, take your child to your neares...

Abrasions What is an abrasion? An abrasion is a superficial rub or wearing off of the skin, usually caused by a scrape or a "brush burn." Abrasions are usually minor injuries that can be treated at home. The skin may bleed or drain small amounts at the time of the injury. First-aid for abrasions: Calm your child and let him/her know you can help. Wash your hands well. Wash the abraded area well with soap and water, but do not scrub the wound. Remove any dirt particles from the area and let the water fro...

Accident Statistics Injuries are a major source of childhood emergency department and hospital admissions. The most recent accident statistics from the National Safety Council, the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, and other sources tell us that: Injury is the leading cause of death in children and young adults. According to the most recent statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were approximately 2,800 children, ages one to 14 years, that died from ...

Animal Bites Animal bites, if severe, can be a life-threatening emergency that requires clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below is some additional information about animal bites, for which we have provided a brief overview. Facts About Animal Bites Treatment for Dog and Cat Bites and Scratches Rabies Cat Scratch Disease

Avoiding Eye Injuries in Children How to prevent eye injuries: Eye injuries affect more than 2.5 million people every year, yet 90 percent of these injuries are preventable with the use of appropriate safety eyewear. Consider these reminders from Prevent Blindness America for you and your child: At home or outside: Household products cause more than 125,000 serious eye injuries each year. Wash your hands after using household chemicals. Ensure there are no sharp corners on the edges of furnishings and h...

Bites and Stings Regardless of how careful you are about animals in your home, or how many precautions you take when your child is outdoors playing, animal and insect bites and stings may occur. By remaining calm and knowing some basic first-aid techniques, you can help your child overcome both the fear and the trauma of bites and stings. There are many different types of bites or stings that may require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are som...

Bruises What is a bruise? A bruise is a collection of blood underneath the skin that is caused by trauma to an area of the body. Sometimes, enough bleeding occurs so that a lump also forms (this lump is called a hematoma). First-aid for bruises: A bruise will usually heal on its own. Some general guidelines for treatment may include: Calm your child and let him/her know that you can help. A cold or ice pack for the first 24 hours after injury may help reduce swelling and discomfort. After one to two day...

Bruising or Black Eye (Ecchymosis) What is ecchymosis or bruising of the eye? Ecchymosis, or more commonly known as a “black eye," usually occurs from some type of trauma to the eye, causing the tissue around the eye to become bruised. Your child's physician will examine the eye closely to make sure there is no damage to the actual eye itself. Treatment for a black eye: Specific treatment for a black eye will be determined by your child's physician based on: your child's age, overall health, and medical...

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Children Approximately nine children die each year from non-fire related carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide poisoning is the most common cause of accidental poisoning-related deaths and is often called "the silent killer." What causes carbon monoxide poisoning? Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous, colorless, tasteless, odorless gas that is produced from the incomplete burning of fuels that contain carbon, such as wood, charcoal, gasoline, coal, natural gas, or kerose...

Cat Scratch Disease in Children Cat scratches and bites can cause cat scratch disease, a bacterial infection carried in cat saliva. The bacteria are passed from a cat to a human after the cat licks its paws then scratches human skin. Rubbing the eyes after petting a cat's fur can also spread cat scratch disease. Young kittens less than 1 year of age are more likely to scratch, increasing the likelihood of infection. What are the symptoms of cat scratch disease? The following are the most common symptoms...

Chemical Burns of the Eye What are chemical burns? Chemical burns occur when a child gets any type of chemical in his/her eye. This is a medical emergency, and the child should receive immediate medical care. Chemical burns can result in a loss of vision and even a loss of the eye itself, if not treated promptly and accurately. Household cleaning agents are a common cause of this type of injury. What are the symptoms of chemical burns? The following are the most common symptoms of chemical burns in the ...

Childproof Your Home for Poisons Young children are curious and like to put things in their mouth. Ordinary products used by adults each day around the home can become dangerous poisons in the hands of a child. The National Safety Council estimates that 40,000 children under the age of 4 are injured by unintentional poisonings every year. Common Childhood Poisonings in the Home products stored in old bottles and cans instead of in their original containers products taken out of their usual storage place...

Corneal Abrasions What is a corneal abrasion? A corneal abrasion is a scratch or injury to the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. This is a very common occurrence in children. What causes a corneal abrasion? There are many things that can cause an abrasion to the cornea. The more common causes include the following: foreign bodies in the eye (such as dirt, pebbles, insects) scratch from a toy or fingernail contact lenses in older children When these objects have con...

Cuts and Wounds of the External Ear Children may get minor cuts, wounds, and lacerations to the external (outer part) ear while playing, climbing, or during sports activities. Most of these injuries can be handled at home with simple first-aid treatment. First-aid for superficial cuts and wounds: Calm your child and let him/her know you can help. Apply pressure with a clean cloth or bandage for several minutes to stop bleeding. Wash your hands thoroughly. Wash the cut area well with soap and water, but ...

Cuts and Wounds of the Face Children may get minor cuts, wounds, and lacerations to the face while playing, climbing, or during sports activities. Most of these injuries can be handled at home with simple first-aid treatment. First-aid for superficial cuts and wounds: Calm your child and let him/her know you can help. Apply pressure with a clean cloth or bandage for several minutes to stop bleeding. Wash your hands thoroughly. Protect the eyes from any soap or antiseptics you may need to use on the woun...

Cuts and Wounds of the Mouth and Lips Children often get minor cuts, wounds, and lacerations to the mouth and lips while playing, climbing, or during sports activities. Most of these injuries can be handled at home with simple first-aid treatment. The gums, tongue, and lips have a rich blood supply and when cuts occur, these areas may bleed excessively. First-aid for superficial cuts and wounds: Calm your child and let him/her know you can help. Apply pressure with a clean cloth or bandage for several m...

Cuts and Wounds of the Nose Children may get minor cuts, wounds, and lacerations to the external (outside part) nose while playing, climbing, or during sports activities. Most of these injuries can be handled at home with simple first-aid treatment. First-aid for superficial cuts and wounds: Calm your child and let him/her know you can help. Apply pressure with a clean cloth or bandage for several minutes to stop bleeding. Wash your hands thoroughly. Wash the cut area well with soap and water, but do no...

Emergency Contact Information In an emergency, it is easy to "forget" even the most well-known information. That is why it is crucial for you to complete the information in this form for each member of your household. Then, distribute copies to each member of your household. Also, post all copies by each telephone and in easy to find places in your home, automobile, or place of business. Be sure to update the information frequently. Also, make copies for non-resident relatives, babysitters, caretakers, ...

Eye Trauma Eye trauma refers to any injury to the eye. It is a regular event in children and a common cause of loss of vision, the Prevent Blindness America states. Trauma from sports is very common. Some of the more recurrent injuries occur during the following activities: hockey archery darts BB guns bicycling sports that involve rackets baseball boxing basketball Other common causes of trauma to the eye include the following: chemicals toys fingernails Any trauma to the eye of your child should be co...

Facts About Burn Injury According to the latest data available from the National SAFE KIDS Campaign, consider the following statistics: Accidental, or unintentional, injury is a leading cause of death among children, teens, and young adults. Leading causes of accidental injury at home are burns, drowning, suffocation, choking, poisonings, falls, and fire arms. Burns and fires are the fifth most common cause of accidental death in children and adults, and account for an estimated 4,000 adult and child de...

Facts About Poisons Children are naturally inquisitive and love to explore their world. Infants tend to put everything in their mouths and toddlers grab whatever looks interesting. Adolescents may experiment with drugs and other mind-altering substances. Consider these facts about poisonings in the United States: Each year, poison control centers receive more than 1.1 million calls about accidental poisonings among children ages 5 and under. Calls to poison control centers peak between 4 pm and 10 pm. O...

First-Aid for Poisonings Sometimes accidental poisonings can be treated in the home following the direction of a poison control center or your child's physician. At other times, emergency medical care is necessary. Swallowed poison: If you find your child with an open or empty container of a toxic substance, your child may have been poisoned. Stay calm and act quickly: Get the poison away from the child. If the substance is still in the child's mouth, make him/her spit it out or remove it with your fing...

Foreign Bodies in the Eye What are foreign bodies? Foreign bodies refer to any objects in the eye that are not meant to be there. The foreign object may be in the conjunctiva (a thin membrane that covers the actual eye) or in the cornea (the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye). What are the most common types of foreign bodies in the eye? The most common foreign bodies in the conjunctiva include the following: dust dirt contact lenses sand cosmetics The most common foreign bodies...

Frostbite in Children What is frostbite? Frostbite is damage to the skin from freezing and is due to prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, usually below 32° F. It occurs when ice crystals form in the skin or deeper tissue. The most common sites for frostbite are the fingers, hands, toes, feet, ears, nose, and cheeks. The severity depends on several factors including temperature, length of exposure, wind-chill factor, dampness, and type of clothing worn. Children are more prone to frostbite than adul...

Glossary - Common Childhood Injuries and Poisonings | A | | B | | C | | D | | E | | F | | G | | H | | I | | J | | K | | L | | M | | N | | O | | P | | Q | | R | | S | | T | | U | | V | | W | | X | | Y | | Z | A [back to top] abrasion - a superficial rub or wearing off of the skin, usually caused by a scrape or "brush burn." acetaminophen - a pain-relieving and fever-reducing drug found in many over-the-counter medications. anaphylaxis (Also called anaphylactic shock.) - a sudden, severe, potentially life...

Topic Index Accident Statistics Minor Problem vs. a True Emergency Preventing Injuries - How You Can Help Your Child First-Aid Kit Household Safety Checklist Emergency Contact Information Bites and Stings Minor Cuts, Scrapes, and Skin Wounds Superficial Injuries to the Face and Head Eye Trauma Muscle and Joint Injuries Thermal Injuries Poisons Glossary There are probably few things more important to you than your child's health and well-being. But even though you may try your best to keep your child hea...

Human Bites Human bites can easily become infected due to the number of bacteria in the human mouth. In fact, human bite wounds are more likely to become infected than dog or cat bites. A physician should check any human bite that breaks the skin. Treatment for human bites: Remain calm and reassure your child that you can help. Specific treatment for a human bite will be determined by your child's physician. Treatment may include: If the bite is bleeding, apply pressure to it with a clean bandage or tow...

Injuries to the Teeth Injuries to the teeth in children can occur from falls or during play or sports activities. The injury may be to a primary (baby) tooth or a permanent tooth. A tooth can be cracked, chipped, or totally detached from its socket. Your child may experience bleeding from the area, pain, or increased sensitivity when a tooth is injured. Treatment for an injured tooth: Specific treatment for an injured or knocked-out tooth will be determined by your child's dentist or physician. In gener...

Insect Stings Facts about insect stings: Bees, wasps, yellow jackets, and hornets belong to a class of insects called Hymenoptera. Most insect stings cause only minor discomfort. Stings can occur anywhere on the body and can be painful and frightening for a child. Yellow jackets cause the most allergic reactions in the US. Stings from these insects cause three to four times more deaths than poisonous snake bites, due to severe allergic reaction. Fire ants, usually found in southern states, can sting mul...

Insects in the Ear Insects may fly into the ear and become trapped when a child is playing outdoors. Sometimes, the insect dies after entering the ear; other times, it may remain alive and attempt to work its way back out of the ear. In either case, the insect can cause fear and discomfort for a child and the insect should be removed immediately. First-aid for insects in the ear: Calm your child and let him/her know you can help. Do not attempt to remove the insect by poking it with a cotton swab or sim...

Lacerations With Stitches What is a laceration? A laceration is tear or opening in the skin caused by an injury. Lacerations may be small, and need only minor treatment at home, or may be large enough to require emergency medical care. What are stitches? Stitches, also called sutures, are special types of thread that hold wound edges together while they heal. Stitches help to stop bleeding, reduce scarring, and decrease the chance of infection in the wound. What are Steri-Strips®? Steri-Strips® are spec...

Lacerations Without Stitches What is a laceration? A laceration is tear or opening in the skin caused by an injury. Lacerations may be small, and need only minor treatment at home, or may be large enough to require emergency medical care. How do I know if my child's cut needs stitches? Lacerations that are superficial (do not involve fat or muscle tissue), are not bleeding heavily, less than 1/2 inch long and do not involve the face can usually be managed at home without stitches. The goals of caring fo...

Lead Poisoning in Children Facts about lead exposure: Lead poisoning is a totally preventable disease. Lead exposure can harm young children and babies - even before they are born. Even children that seem healthy can have high levels of lead in their bodies. Children can get lead in their bodies by breathing or swallowing lead dust, or by eating soil or paint chips with lead in them. Removing lead-based paint improperly can increase the danger to your family. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (...

Lyme Disease in Children What is Lyme disease? Lyme disease (LD) is a multi-stage, multi-system bacterial infection caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, a spiral shaped bacterium that is most commonly transmitted by a tick bite. The disease takes its name from Lyme, Connecticut, where the illness was first identified in the United States in 1975. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Lyme disease continues to be a rapidly emerging infectious disease, and is the lea...

Minor Cuts, Scrapes, and Skin Wounds Listed in the directory below is some additional information about minor cuts, scrapes, and skin wounds, for which we have provided a brief overview. Minor Injuries Overview Abrasions Blisters Bruises Lacerations Without Stitches Lacerations With Stitches Puncture Wounds Small Cuts and Scrapes Splinters

Minor Problem vs. a True Emergency Many minor injuries can be handled at home. However, there are times when a trip to the hospital emergency department is needed. In general, take your child to an emergency room after an injury anytime you think the problem may need urgent attention, including if your child has: trouble breathing, shortness of breath, or bloody sputum. blue or purple color to lips, skin, or nail beds. chest or stomach pain or pressure. sudden dizziness, weakness, or change in vision. c...

Muscle and Joint Injuries Children often injure muscles and joints while running, playing, climbing, or during sports activities. A sprain occurs when ligaments, the bands of tissue that hold bones together, are stretched or torn. A strain occurs when the muscle-tendon unit is over-stretched or torn. Tendons help hold muscles and bones together. Sprains and strains can cause pain, swelling, and sometimes result in inability to move the joint. Ankle sprains are the most common type of sports injury. Many...

Mushroom Poisoning in Children Facts about poisonous mushrooms: There are thousands of varieties of mushrooms in North America, but only about 100 are poisonous and can be dangerous if eaten by humans. However, unless you are an expert at identifying mushrooms, it is difficult to tell a poisonous mushroom from one that is not poisonous. Children, particularly, are victims of mushroom poisoning. How can you tell if a mushroom is poisonous? Signs that a mushroom might be poisonous include the following: w...

Online Resources - Common Childhood Injuries and Poisonings This Web was compiled from a variety of sources including the online resources listed below, but is not intended to substitute or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your child's physician. The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your child's physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your conditi...

Poisons and Children There are many poisonous substances that can potentially turn fatal if inhaled, digested, or absorbed by the body. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Facts About Poisons First-Aid for Poisoning Syrup of Ipecac Childproof Your Home for Poisons Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Lead Poisoning Mushroom Poisoning in Children

Preventing Injuries - How You Can Help Your Child You can help your child by being prepared and preventing injuries from occurring. It is important to take charge of your child's health and follow a program designed to help you and your family stay healthy and safe. There are two sides to prevention: taking care of your child's health and following safety guidelines. Preventing unintentional injuries: Taking Care of Your Child's Health Safety Guidelines Be a role model for your child - have regular chec...

Puncture Wounds What is a puncture wound? A puncture wound is a deep wound made by a sharp object such as a nail or a jagged piece of metal or wood. Puncture wounds may be small in diameter and not seem serious; however, they do require treatment by a physician. Puncture wounds may become infected easily because dirt and germs are carried deep into the tissues. Sometimes, infection may be delayed, so it is very important to have your child see a physician for any puncture wound. First-aid for puncture w...

Small Cuts and Scrapes Small cuts and scrapes are often viewed as part of childhood and growing up. Most cuts and scrapes are minor injuries that can be treated at home. The skin opening may bleed or drain a small amount of fluid. First-aid for cuts and scrapes: Calm your child and let him/her know you can help. Apply pressure with a clean cloth or bandage for several minutes to stop bleeding. Wash your hands thoroughly. Wash the cut area well with soap and water, but do not scrub the wound. Remove any ...

Snake Bites and Children Facts about snake bites: Each year, approximately 7,000 people receive bites from venomous snakes in the United States, mostly in the summer months. Even a bite from a non-venomous snake can cause infection or allergic reaction in some people. The most important thing to remember for snake bites is to treat all snake bites as if they were venomous and get to a hospital emergency room as quickly as possible, especially if you are unsure of the exact type of snake responsible for ...

Spider Bites in Children Facts about spider bites: Most of the 20,000 species of spiders found in the United States are poisonous, but their fangs are too short or too fragile to break through human skin. The bites of most spiders cause only minor, local reactions, although a deadly reaction can occur. In the United States, the two spiders that can cause serious problems are the black widow and the brown recluse spiders (sometimes called the violin spider). Both of these spiders are found in warm climat...

Splinters What is a splinter? A splinter is a sharp sliver of wood, glass, or other debris that is lodged underneath the skin. Removal of small, superficial splinters can usually be done at home. First-aid for splinters: Calm you child and let him/her know that you can help. Wash your hands. Wash the area with soap and water. Sterilize a needle or tweezers over a match flame. Cool the tip of the needle or tweezers before using. If part of the splinter is sticking out of the skin, gently try to pull the ...

Superficial Injuries to the Face and Head There are many different superficial injuries that may occur to the face and head that require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Superficial Injuries Overview Cuts and Wounds of the Face Foreign Bodies in the Ear, Nose, and Airway Insects in the Ear Cuts and Wounds of the Mouth and Lips Injuries to the Teeth Cuts and Wounds of the External Ear Cuts a...

Syrup of Ipecac What is syrup of ipecac? Syrup of ipecac is an emetic (an agent used to cause vomiting) made from the dried root of a plant called ipecacuanha, which is grown in Brazil. Guidelines regarding ipecac: Ipecac was once recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) as an important aspect of first aid for poisoning, as long as it was used only on the advice of a physician or poison control center. Now, the organization asks its members to emphasize to parents to NOT use ipecac for po...

Tennis Elbow What is tennis elbow? Tennis elbow is a repetitive stress injury of the elbow that occurs when the muscles and tendons in the elbow area are torn or damaged. What causes tennis elbow? Tennis elbow is usually caused by repetitive activities that strain the tendons in the elbow area, such as using a manual screwdriver or hitting backhand in tennis. What are the symptoms of tennis elbow? The following are the most common symptoms of tennis elbow. However, each child may experience symptoms dif...

Thermal Injuries There are many different types of thermal injuries that require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview. Facts About Burn Injury Sunburn Heat-Related Illnesses (Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion, and Heat Stroke) Frostbite

Tick Bite Diseases Tick bite diseases require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below is some additional information about these diseases, for which we have provided a brief overview. Tick Bites Overview Lyme Disease Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Topic Index - Common Childhood Injuries and Poisonings Common Childhood Injuries and Poisonings Home Accident Statistics Minor Problem vs. a True Emergency Preventing Injuries - How You Can Help Your Child First-Aid Kit Household Safety Checklist Emergency Contact Information Bites and Stings Animal Bites Facts About Animal Bites Treatment for Dog and Cat Bites and Scratches Rabies Cat Scratch Disease Human Bites Treatment for Human Bites Why Young Children Bite Insect Bites Fleas, Mites, and Chiggers T...

Why Children Bite Although biting is fairly common in young children, it is often worrisome to adults. A family member, playmate, or classmate at daycare or preschool may be the one bitten. Biting can be painful and frightening when it occurs. It upsets other children and often angers teachers and other adults. Biting is usually caused by one of four different factors: Experimental biting Experimental biting is done by infants and toddlers as they explore their world. They put everything in their mouths...

Emergency Treatment of a Burn Injury Burn injuries require emergency clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are several different types of burn injuries, for which we have provided a brief overview. Chemical Burns Heat or Thermal Burns Electrical Burns

Animal Bites and Rabies The danger of animal bites: Animal bites and scratches, even when they are minor, can become infected and spread bacteria to other parts of the body. Whether the bite is from a family pet or an animal in the wild, scratches and bites can carry disease. Cat scratches, for example, even from a kitten can carry "cat scratch disease," a bacterial infection. Other animals can transmit rabies and tetanus. Bites that break the skin are even more likely to become infected. Care for anima...

Asthma Attacks What is asthma? Asthma is a chronic, inflammatory disease in which the airways become sensitive to allergens (any substance that triggers an allergic reaction). Several things happen to the airways when a person is exposed to certain triggers: The lining of the airways becomes swollen and inflamed. The muscles that surround the airways tighten. The production of mucus is increased, leading to mucus plugs. All of these factors will cause the airways to narrow, thus making it difficult for ...

Bee Stings The danger of bee stings: The two greatest risks from most insect stings are allergic reaction (which occasionally could be fatal in some individuals) and infection (more common and less serious). Bees, wasps, yellow jackets, and hornets belong to a class of insects called Hymenoptera. Most insect stings cause only minor discomfort. Stings can occur anywhere on the body and can be painful and frightening. Yellow jackets cause the most allergic reactions in the US. Stings from these insects ca...