We now understand asthma to be an inflammation of the bronchioles. This can either be an acute or chronic process and is present even in patients with mild disease. The severity of the inflammation is reliant upon a complex interplay between inherited tendencies and environmental triggers. The second article looks at coughs, their purpose and...

The 'terrible twos' are never more determined than when it comes to mealtimes. This health, thriving ball of energy is suddenly eating nothing, and parents are perplexed about their source of energy. Meal times become a nightmare and food a battleground. How do we help parents cope with the toddler who won't eat, and reassure...

In the wake of a 1993 NHMRC call to urgently reduce the lead load of Australians, this article sets out the common ways that young children come into contact with lead particles and offers steps to minimise children's exposure and absorption.

The agony of otitis media, and the child who is hard of hearing because of middle ear fluid, are familiar to all those who work with young children. This article covers the definitions of otitis media, the epidemiology, diagnosis, management, implications and complications.

Deafness is often described as a 'hidden handicap'. Even children who are profoundly deaf may not be diagnosed until the second year of life, or later. By this stage, children have already "missed out" on the early sound input so necessary for their normal speech and language development and their future cognitive functioning. The major...