| Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy | Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy | Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy | H | English | Cardiology | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | Heart | Cardiovascular system | Conditions and diseases | Adult (19+) | NA | | 2018-10-26T04:00:00Z | | Jennifer Russell, MD, FRCPC;Aamir Jeewa, MD, FAAP, FRCP(C) | | | | 11.3000000000000 | 44.0000000000000 | 610.000000000000 | | Health (A-Z) - Conditions | Health A-Z | <p>Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a condition in which the heart muscle is unusually thick. This can affect the amount of blood pumped to the body and cause heart rhythm problems.</p> | <figure class="swf-asset-c-80"><span class="asset-image-title">Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy</span>
<div class="asset-animation"> src="https://akhpub.aboutkidshealth.ca/Style%20Library/akh/swfanimations/swf.html?swffile=Hypertrophic_Cardiomyopathy_MED_ANI_EN.swf" </div>
<figcaption class="asset-image-caption">With this condition, the muscle in the heart is unusually thick. This can reduce the size of the left ventricle or make the walls of the ventricle stiffer, which affects the ability of the heart to pump and relax effectively and send blood to the body.</figcaption> </figure>
<p>For patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), the muscle in the heart, usually in
<a href="/Article?contentid=1577&language=English">the ventricles</a>, is unusually thick. This is known as hypertrophy. This can reduce the size of the left ventricle or make the walls of the ventricle stiffer, which affects the ability of the heart to pump and relax effectively and send blood to the body and/or the lungs. The altered arrangement of muscle fibres from the thickened muscle can cause abnormal heart rhythms, which are potentially fatal. HCM can develop at any age.</p><p>Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is less common in babies and children and more often diagnosed during adolescence. It occurs in 1 in every 500 people.</p> | <h2>What is cardiomyopathy</h2><p>Cardiomyopathy is a disorder affecting the heart muscle. The heart may have a normal structure but there are problems in the way it develops or functions. Cardiomyopathy usually results in the heart being unable to pump effectively, also known as
<a href="/Article?contentid=1586&language=English">heart failure</a>. </p><p>Cardiomyopathy can be caused by a number of factors, including infections, conditions affecting the body’s metabolism and genetics. </p><p>There are several different types of cardiomyopathy. The main four types are: </p><ul><li>hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)</li><li>
<a href="/Article?contentid=1628&language=English">dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)</a></li><li>
<a href="/Article?contentid=1630&language=English">restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM)</a></li><li>
<a href="/Article?contentid=1631&language=English">arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC)</a>.<br></li></ul> | <h2>Key points</h2><ul><li>With hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the muscle in the heart is unusually thick, affecting its ability to pump blood to the body.</li><li>This condition is usually genetic and passed through families.</li><li>Doctors may recommend an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) to treat this condition when the heart thickness reaches a certain size.<br></li></ul> | | <h2>Symptoms of HCM in children</h2><p>Symptoms of HCM include: </p><ul><li>shortness of breath</li><li>chest pain</li><li>dizziness</li><li>fainting </li><li>palpitation</li><li>cardiac arrest (only in some cases). </li></ul><p>Some people with HCM may not experience any symptoms for a long time.</p> | <h2>What causes HCM in babies and children?</h2><p>HCM can occur spontaneously, however most often, the cause is genetic, meaning it is passed along through families. For this reason, it is usually recommended that anyone who is a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) of someone with HCM have a cardiac evaluation even if they do not have any health concerns or heart-related symptoms.</p> | | | <h2>Treatment of HCM</h2><p>Implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICD) are recommended when the heart thickness reaches a certain size, even in the absence of abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). ICDs may reduce the risk of significant arrhythmias in certain types of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients.</p><p>Many children will be on beta blocker medicine, a type of medicine that is used to slow the heart rate and ease the workload of the heart. On rare occasions, this condition may require a heart transplant.</p> | <h2>Complications of HCM</h2><p>HCM has been associated with sudden cardiac events in children and adolescents often due to either the blockage of blood getting out of the heart or an <a href="/Article?contentid=890&language=English">abnormally fast heart rhythm (arrhythmia)</a>. HCM is one of the most common causes of sudden death in young athletes.</p><p>Arrhythmias have been seen in up to 30-40% of patients with HCM and ongoing research shows this may be related to the healthy, normal heart muscle (or myocardium) being replaced by abnormal or scar tissue called myocardial fibrosis.</p><p>Infants with HCM may also have an underlying metabolic condition that may involve other muscle groups or organs.</p> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/PST_ICCP_girl_consulting_doctor_EN.jpg | Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy | Learn about hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition in which the heart muscle is unusually thick. | |
| Slings: How to make a basic sling | Slings: How to make a basic sling | Slings: How to make a basic sling | S | English | Orthopaedics/Musculoskeletal | Preschooler (2-4 years);School age child (5-8 years);Pre-teen (9-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | Arm | Bones | Non-drug treatment | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | NA | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/IMD_slings_forearm_03_EN.jpg | 2015-02-12T05:00:00Z | | Elizabeth Berger, BA, MD, FRCPC, FAAP, MHPE | | | | 6.30000000000000 | 78.8000000000000 | 725.000000000000 | | Health (A-Z) - Procedure | Health A-Z | <p>Learn how to make simple but effective forearm and collarbone slings.</p> | <p>If your child injures their arm, they may need to wear a sling while it heals. A sling will keep the arm still to relieve any pain and prevent an injury from getting worse.</p> | | <h2>Key points</h2>
<ul>
<li>Before applying a sling, check for any serious cuts and make sure any bleeding is under control.</li>
<li>For forearm slings, use padding for the injured arm and tie the sling around your child’s neck on the uninjured side.</li>
<li>For shoulder or collarbone slings, drape the long side of the bandage down from the shoulder on the uninjured side, bring it over your child’s arm and tie it behind their back.</li>
<li>Make sure the sling keeps your child’s arm in place but is not so tight that it limits blood flow.</li>
<li>See a doctor if there is severe bleeding or if your child has dislocated a joint or broken a bone.</li>
</ul> | | | | | | | | | | <h2>When to see a doctor for an arm injury</h2><p>See a doctor if you think your child has dislocated a joint or if they have a broken bone or severe bleeding.</p> | | | | | | | | | | | <h2>How to put on a sling</h2><p>There are two main types of sling: one for a forearm injury and one for a collarbone or shoulder injury.</p><h3>Forearm sling</h3><ol class="akh-steps"><li>
<figure>
<img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/IMD_slings_forearm_01_EN.jpg" alt="Holding triangular bandage at one corner up to child’s shoulder on uninjured side" /> </figure>
<p>Place the triangular bandage lengthwise against your child’s upper body. The long side of the bandage should extend down from their shoulder on the uninjured side. The shorter sides should point to the injured arm and meet near the elbow. Leave the top of the bandage over your child’s shoulder for now.</p></li><li>
<figure><img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/IMD_slings_forearm_02_EN.jpg" alt="Placing child's injured arm over the bandage across their chest" /> </figure>
<p>Gently place your child’s injured arm over the bandage and across their chest. Their wrist should be slightly higher than their elbow and at the middle of the cloth’s long edge.</p></li><li>
<figure>
<img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/IMD_slings_forearm_03_EN.jpg" alt="Wrapping towel around child's injured arm, keeping the arm held over triangular bandage" /> </figure>
<p>Support the injured arm with one hand. With your other hand, place a generous layer of padding, such as a rolled newspaper or folded towel, around the injured arm. </p></li><li>
<figure>
<img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/IMD_slings_forearm_04_EN.jpg" alt="Passing triangular bandage under and over the child’s injured arm and tying the corners behind the neck to create a sling" /> </figure>
<p>Bring the bottom of the bandage up over the injured arm and behind your child’s neck.</p></li><li><p>Tie the two ends of the bandage behind your child’s neck on the uninjured side. This will avoid placing any strain on their injury.</p></li><li>
<figure>
<img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/IMD_slings_forearm_05_EN.jpg" alt="Child wearing a sling tied behind the neck and held together at the elbow with safety pins to hold the arm across their chest" /> </figure>
<p>To stop your child’s arm from slipping out of the sling, use paper tape or safety pins to secure the point of the sling at your child’s elbow.</p></li></ol> | <h3>Collarbone or shoulder sling</h3><ol class="akh-steps"><li>
<figure>
<img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/IMD_slings_collarbone_01_EN.jpg" alt="Child holding the hand of their injured arm up to their shoulder on the opposite side" /> </figure>
<p>Gently place your child’s fingertips on their shoulder on the uninjured side. </p></li><li>
<figure><img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/IMD_slings_collarbone_02.jpg" alt="Triangular bandage held up to child with one corner held over their fingertips" /> </figure>
<p>Take one end of the triangular bandage and hold it near your child’s fingertips.</p></li><li><p>Tuck the bandage under the elbow so it supports your child’s arm on the injured side.</p></li><li>
<figure><img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/IMD_slings_collarbone_03.jpg" alt="Bandage held over shoulder of uninjured side and wrapped under elbow of injured arm, up to the opposite shoulder" /> </figure>
<p>Bring the other end of the bandage behind your child’s back and tie the two ends behind their neck.</p></li><li>
<figure><img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/IMD_slings_collarbone_04.jpg" alt="Child wearing sling tied over shoulder on uninjured side and held together at the elbow of the other arm with safety pins" /> </figure>
<p>Tuck any extra fabric behind the sling, near the elbow, or use paper tape or safety pins to keep it in place. </p>
</li></ol><p>A first aid course can teach you more about applying different types of slings.</p> | <h2>Check the fit of the sling</h2>
<p>Once the sling is in place, occasionally check that there is enough blood flow in your child’s injured arm.</p>
<p>You will need to loosen the sling if: </p>
<ul>
<li>your child’s skin appears pale or blue or feels cool</li>
<li>your child’s arm becomes numb or starts to tingle</li>
<li>there is a weak pulse.</li>
</ul>
<h2>How to keep your child’s arm completely still</h2>
<p>Depending on your child’s injury, you might need to tie the sling to their chest to keep their arm completely still. To do this, wrap a second cloth around your child’s body and tie it on the uninjured side.<br></p> | <h2>What to use for a sling</h2>
<p>A sling is a triangular bandage that you can find in most <a href="/Article?contentid=1038&language=English">first aid kits</a>. If you do not have a special first aid sling, you can make one from a piece of cloth. In emergencies, you can use a shirt or a sweater. Whatever material you use, make sure it does not stretch.</p>
<h2>Checking your child for cuts and bleeding</h2>
<p>Before you put a sling on your child, check their arm for any serious cuts that need to be treated. Make sure any <a href="/Article?contentid=1043&language=English">bleeding</a> is under control and clean the skin as well as possible before applying the sling.</p> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Slings: How to make a basic sling | Learn how to make simple but effective forearm and collarbone slings. | |
| Blocked tear ducts | Blocked tear ducts | Blocked tear ducts | B | English | Ophthalmology | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | Eyes | Lacrimal glands | Non-drug treatment | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | Eye discomfort and redness | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/Tear_duct_MED_ILL_EN.png | 2014-07-21T04:00:00Z | | Yasmin Shariff, RN;Robert C. Pashby, MD, FRCSC;Dan D. DeAngelis, MD, FRCSC | | | | 6.40000000000000 | 73.7000000000000 | 1752.00000000000 | | Health (A-Z) - Procedure | Health A-Z | <p>Learn how your child's blocked tear duct can be treated.</p> | <h2>How do tears work?</h2><p>Tears clean the eyes and keep the surface of the eyes moist. They are produced all the time by the tear glands (lacrimal glands) and flow down across the surface of the eye. They then drain through a small opening (punctum) near the corner of the eye into the tear sac (lacrimal sac). From there, they flow down a tube called the tear duct (nasolacrimal duct) into the nose and throat.</p><h2>What is a blocked tear duct?<br></h2><p>A tear duct that is blocked stops the flow of tears from the eye down into the nose. It can affect one or both eyes. </p>
<figure class="asset-c-80"><span class="asset-image-title">Blocked tear </span>
<span class="asset-image-title">duct</span>
<img src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/akhassets/Tear_duct_MED_ILL_EN.png" alt="Eye with normal tear production and eye with blocked tear duct causing tear backup in the lacrimal sac and watery eyes" />
<figcaption class="asset-image-caption">Tears</figcaption>
<figcaption class="asset-image-caption"> normally travel from the eyes to the inside of the nose through a tiny pathway. When this pathway becomes blocked it is called a blocked tear duct. </figcaption>
</figure> | <h2>Causes of a blocked tear duct</h2>
<p>A blocked tear duct usually occurs when the nasolacrimal duct fails to open at its lower end in the nose.</p>
<p>The condition can be congenital (it is present at birth) or acquired (it develops later in life). A congenital blocked tear duct affects about one in 25 babies.</p>
<h2>Symptoms of blocked tear ducts</h2>
<ul>
<li>Your child will have wet eyelashes or extra tears. Since the tears cannot drain out of the tear duct, they spill over the lashes, often onto the cheeks. </li>
<li>Your child's eyelids may stick together with mucus, especially in the morning. Mucus is a sticky liquid that is normally dissolved in the tears. When tears do not flow well, however, the mucus stays on the outside of the eye. This mucus is normal. It is not the same as pus (a yellowish or greenish liquid), which is a sign of an infection.</li>
<li>Your child may often have a red eye. This is caused by infections, which are more common when tears do not drain properly.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Extra tears do not always mean the tear ducts are blocked</h3>
<p>Extra tears are not always caused by blocked tear ducts. If your child has extra tears, an eye doctor should check your child's eye(s).</p> | <h2>Key points</h2>
<ul>
<li>A blocked tear duct stops the flow of tears from the eye down the lacrimal duct into the nose. </li>
<li>Extra tears are not always caused by blocked tear ducts.</li>
<li>There are many treatments for blocked tear ducts. Your child will only have surgery if other medical treatments do not work.</li>
<li>If your child has surgery, follow all after-care instructions properly and attend follow-up appointments.</li>
</ul> | | | | | | | | <h2>How to care for your child after tear duct surgery</h2>
<h3>Cool water compresses</h3>
<p>Some doctors will suggest putting cool water or ice water compresses on the eyes to ease discomfort and reduce swelling after surgery. Ask your child's doctor if your child can have cool compresses.</p>
<p>To make a cool compress, follow these steps:</p>
<ol>
<li>Fill a clean container with cool water. Cool tap water is fine. If you have well water, boil it and cool it in the refrigerator before you use it.</li>
<li><a href="https://akhpub.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=1981&language=English">Wash your hands</a>.</li>
<li>Soak a clean face cloth in the cool water.</li>
<li>Squeeze any extra water out of the cloth, then place the cloth on the swollen eye(s).</li>
<li>Leave the cloth on for no more than two minutes at a time.</li>
<li>Repeat a few times.</li>
<li>Wash your hands again.</li>
</ol>
<p>Ask the doctor how often your child can have a cool compress. Several times a day for the first one or two days after surgery is often fine. Always wash your hands before and after touching your child's eyes.</p>
<h3>Antibiotic drops</h3>
<p>Your child's doctor may prescribe antibiotic ointment or eye drops for the affected eye and the surgery site. Make sure you get the prescription and carefully follow the instructions for <a href="https://akhpub.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=996&language=English">applying the ointment</a> or <a href="https://akhpub.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=995&language=English">putting in the eye drops</a>.</p>
<h3>Nose blowing and wiping</h3>
<p>Your child should not blow their nose for the first two weeks after surgery. It is fine to wipe the nose gently instead.<br></p>
<h3>Tubes</h3>
<p>Tubes placed in the tear duct do not generally cause any problem. If your child has a tube and the loop becomes very visible in the corner of the eye, attach it to your child's face with a piece of tape and call your child's doctor to inform them about it.</p>
<h3>Gentle play only for the first week </h3>
<p>For the first week after surgery, your child should only do light activities such as gentle playing indoors, using computers or watching TV.</p>
<p>During this time, your child must avoid rough activities, sandbox play, contact sports such as soccer or hockey or anything else that would cause your child to bump into another child. Your child should also avoid bending and any activities that could cause them to get out of breath.</p>
<p>If you have any questions about other possible activities, ask your child's doctor.</p>
<h3>School and day care</h3>
<p>Generally, children should not go to school or day care for the first two days after surgery, sometimes longer. Please check with your child's doctor. Tell your child's caregiver or teacher about the activities your child must avoid.</p>
<h3>Swimming</h3>
<p>Generally, swimming is not allowed for one week after the surgery until your child is seen by the doctor. Your child's doctor can tell you when your child can return to swimming.</p>
<h3>Baths and showers</h3>
<p>Ask your doctor about baths and showers. Some doctors recommend a bath instead of a shower for the first week after surgery.</p>
<h3>Sun exposure</h3>
<p>Your child should avoid going out in the sun right after surgery. Ask your child's doctor when your child is allowed to go back out in the sun. </p> | | <h2>When to call the doctor</h2>
<p>Please call the surgeon after the operation if:</p>
<ul>
<li>your child cannot see properly</li>
<li>your child's pain gets worse</li>
<li>your child has a tummy upset</li>
<li>your child's eye suddenly gets more puffy</li>
<li>your child's eye is bleeding.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Write down your child's doctor's name and phone number here:</h3>
<p>Name: ________________________________________</p>
<p>Phone number: _________________________________</p> | <h2>Follow-up appointments</h2>
<p>You will need to bring your child to a follow-up appointment one or two weeks after surgery. Check with your child's doctor about when the follow-up appointment should happen.</p>
<h3>Write the date and time of the first appointment here:</h3>
<p>_____________________________________________</p>
<p>Sometimes, the surgery may need to be repeated. Your child's doctor will tell you if your child needs another operation.</p>
<p>If your child has a tube in the tear duct, you will need to make a follow-up appointment a few weeks or months after surgery to have it removed.</p>
<h3>Write the date and time of the appointment here:</h3>
<p>_____________________________________________</p> | | | | | | | | | <h2>Treatments for blocked tear ducts</h2>
<p>There are different treatments for blocked tear ducts. Your doctor will explain which treatment is best for your child.</p>
<p>Medical treatments include massage and <a href="https://akhpub.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=1120&language=English">antibiotics</a> for any infections. If these do not work, your doctor will recommend surgery (an operation).</p>
<h3>Massaging the eye<br></h3>
<p>Gently rubbing (massaging) the lacrimal sac will often help open the tear duct. You will usually need to do this four to six times a day. Your doctor will explain how to massage the lacrimal sac.</p>
<h3>Antibiotics</h3>
<p>If your child has an infection, the doctor may prescribe antibiotic drops or ointment. Make sure you apply the <a href="/Article?contentid=996&language=English">ointment</a> or <a href="/Article?contentid=995&language=English">eye drops</a> correctly.</p>
<h3>Surgery for blocked tear ducts</h3>
<p>If medical treatments have not worked after several months, your child may need surgery. Your child might also need surgery if the lacrimal sac is infected and the skin between the eyeball and the side of the nose is red and swollen.</p>
<p>Different types of surgery are available. Your doctor will discuss with you which surgery is best for your child. This will be based on your child's age and how serious the blockage is. Your doctor will also discuss the risks involved with any surgery.</p> | <h2>What happens during tear duct surgery?</h2>
<p>Before the surgery, your child will have a special "sleep medicine" called a <a href="/Article?contentid=1261&language=English">general anaesthetic</a>. This will make sure your child sleeps through the operation and does not feel any pain.</p>
<p>Three types of surgery are available:</p>
<ul>
<li>probing and irrigating</li>
<li>silicone tube insertion</li>
<li>dacryocystorhinostomy.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Probing and irrigating</h3>
<p>Probing and/or irrigating is the most common surgery for blocked tear ducts.</p>
<ol>
<li>A thin blunt probe is inserted from the punctum into the lacrimal duct to open the blockage.</li>
<li>A second probe is inserted into the nose to make contact with the first probe and make sure the duct is open.</li>
<li>If the surgeon decides to irrigate (flush) the duct, a blunt needle will be inserted and saline solution (sterile salt water) will be flushed through it.</li>
<li>The needle and probes are removed.</li>
</ol>
<h3>Silicone tube insertion</h3>
<p>In this type of surgery, the surgeon puts a thin tube into the lacrimal duct. The tube is left in for a number of weeks to stop the tear duct from blocking again.</p>
<h3>Dacryocystorhinostomy</h3>
<p>Dacryocystorhinostomy (say: DACK-ree-oh-SISS-toe-rye-NOSS-toe-mee) is surgery to make a new opening in the tear sac and through the bone into the nose. This lets the tears drain into the nose.</p>
<p>All three types of operation are done as day surgery. This means that your child does not stay in the hospital overnight afterwards.</p> | | <h2>What to expect after surgery</h2>
<h3>Pain or discomfort</h3>
<p>Your child may have some pain in and near the operated eye. Ask your doctor if you can give your child any pain relief medicine.</p>
<h3>Discharge from the eyes</h3>
<p>Your child's tears and the discharge coming out of the nose may be stained with blood for a day or two. This is normal.</p>
<p>There will also be some blood-stained discharge from the area that was operated on. If this happens, apply slight pressure to the operated area with a clean dressing.</p>
<p>Tell your doctor if the discharge or bleeding continues for more than a couple of days or if the discharge becomes yellow or green.</p>
<h3>Eye patch</h3>
<p>Your child does not usually need a patch after this surgery. If your child does get an eye patch, however, your child's doctor will tell you when to remove it.</p>
<h3>Tubes in the eye</h3>
<p>If your child has a tube placed in the tear duct, they will return to the doctor usually a few weeks or months after surgery to have it taken out while they are awake. Your doctor will give you instructions to follow while the tube is in place.</p> | | | <h2>At SickKids</h2>
<p>If your child's doctor is not available, call the hospital at 416 813-7500 and ask to speak to the eye doctor on call.</p> | | | | | | | | | | | | Blocked tear duct | Learn how your child’s blocked tear duct can be treated. | |
| All About the Heart | All About the Heart | All About the Heart | A | English | | | | | | | | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/J4K_all_about_the_heart_promo.png | | | | | | | | | | | Kids Content | Kids | <p>Learn about the heart<br></p> | | | | <figure class="swf-asset-c-80">
<div class="akh-video">src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-s5iCoCaofc?rel=0"</div></figure><br><br> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | All About the Heart | Show your child how their heart transports blood around the body. | all-about-the-heart |
