A Quick Guide to Bipolar Disorder in Children

It is perfectly normal for children to act out and go through mood swings from time to time. Even though this may drive you crazy, it is all part of their learning process as they start to interact with the world and develop their personality. However, there are times when this behavior can occur for more extended periods and may become very disruptive. In these cases, the behavior may be caused by a behavioral disorder, such as bipolar.

Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health problem that can lead to extreme changes in mood and behavior. Toddler tantrums and teenage angst are common issues that affect all kids to varying degrees and are just a normal part of growing up. However, someone with bipolar disorder will go through cycles of intense mood swings and behaviors, which can cause a lot of emotional distress for the child and disruption at home and school. Read More

When Pinkeye Needs Medical Attention

Conjunctivitis, also known as pinkeye, is a highly contagious medical condition that is common in children. Pinkeye develops when the conjunctiva becomes inflamed due to a bacterial or viral infection. Common symptoms of the infection include itchy or burning eyes, a redness in or swelling of the white of the eyes, and a crusting of the eyelids.

Once you notice that your child has developed these symptoms, it’s best to bring him or her to a trusted pediatric clinic to determine the cause of the infection. Although a pediatrician will prescribe house rest for both bacterial and viral infections, bacteria-based pinkeye clears up faster because of the antibiotics that pediatricians prescribe. The infection will typically last 7 to 10 days after the development of symptoms.

During the period of house rest, be sure to follow any instructions from the pediatrician to ensure an uneventful, yet effective, recovery. However, if your child experiences moderate or severe pain in the eyes or increased sensitivity to light, contact a pediatrician immediately. The latter symptoms are not typical of pinkeye cases and may be a precursor for pinkeye complications or a more sinister disease.

Likewise, contact a doctor if your child has a preexisting immunity issue, or bring him to a pediatrician immediately if symptoms are only getting worse after using antibiotics for 24 hours.