| After heart surgery: Caring for your child | After heart surgery: Caring for your child | After heart surgery: Caring for your child | A | English | Cardiology | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | Heart | Heart | Non-drug treatment | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | NA | | 2019-11-15T05:00:00Z | | Judith Wilson, RN, BScN, MN;Jennifer Russell, MD, FRCPC;Carrie Morgan, RN, BScN, MN;Jennifer Kilburn, BScN, MN | | | | 8.50000000000000 | 65.4000000000000 | 2325.00000000000 | | Health (A-Z) - Procedure | Health A-Z | <p>Following heart surgery, children require extra care and attention. Read about care after heart surgery including diet, pain management and school.</p> | <p>When it is time for your child to go home after heart surgery, you will be given an after visit summary. The after visit summary tells you about your child's hospital stay and when your child needs to come back to the hospital for follow-up appointments.</p> | | <h2>Key points</h2><ul><li>When your child goes home from the hospital you will be given a date and time for their first follow-up appointment.</li><li>Your child will have an incision and other small wounds from their surgery. Check these daily for signs of infection.</li><li>Your child will need to be careful about the type of physical activity they do for at least 12 weeks after the surgery.<br></li></ul> | | | | | | | | <h2>Taking care of your child's wounds</h2><p>After heart surgery, your child will have an incision (surgical cut) in the middle or the side of the chest, as well as other smaller wounds where tubes and wires may have been. Check each of these wounds every day for signs of infection, including:</p><ul><li>
<a href="/Article?contentid=30&language=English">fever</a></li><li>redness </li><li>swelling </li><li>liquid draining from the wound </li><li>
<a href="/pain">pain</a></li></ul><p>If you see any of these signs, or if you have any concerns within the first 4 weeks after surgery, contact the post-operative nurse practitioner (for SickKids patients, please see contact information in the At SickKids section).</p><h3>Your child's chest tube site</h3><p>Two days after your child's chest tube(s) is/are taken out, the bandages over the chest tube site(s) should be taken off. The black stitch will be removed before your child is discharged or at your child’s post-operative clinic appointment.</p><h3>Surgical incision care</h3><p>For the first 4 weeks after surgery, your child’s incisions will require special care at home to help promote healthy healing and prevent infection. This care will be required until your child’s incisions are healed and the scabs have fallen off.</p><p>Protect the incision and new skin:</p><ul><li>Do not submerge the incision in water (i.e. bathtub, swimming pool) for a minimum of 4 weeks and not until the scabs have fallen off.</li><li>Keep the incision covered with clean clothing at all times and use a bib when feeding babies.</li><li>Do not scrub the incision or pick at scabs to avoid disrupting the healing process.</li><li>The incision might be covered with Steri-Strips when your child is discharged. The Steri-Strips should be removed at your child's post-operative clinic appointment.</li></ul><p>How to clean your child's incision:</p><p>Clean the area around the incision every day for a minimum of 4 weeks and until the scabs have fallen off.</p><ol><li>With a soft, clean cloth, use liquid soap and clean water to wash the area around the incision, including the edges of the Steri-Strips.</li><li>Using a new clean cloth, wipe off the soap with clean water.</li><li>Gently pat dry with a new clean cloth.</li></ol><p>Make sure your child takes shallow baths or showers daily. If the incision gets dirty (i.e. vomit, milk), clean only the dirty portion of the incision, and then clean the area around the incision with liquid soap and water.</p><h3>Sun protection</h3><p>Until all the scabs have fallen off and the area looks healed, cover the wounds with clothing that does not let the light through. Apply sunscreen on all of your child’s exposed skin. After the scabs have fallen off and the wounds are healed, always put sunscreen on the new scars, as that skin is more sensitive.</p><h2>Managing your child’s pain</h2><p>Your child may have pain for several weeks after surgery. As time passes, the pain will become less severe. When your child leaves the hospital, they will usually have a prescription for pain medicine. As your child heals, they will need to take this medicine less frequently.</p><p>If your child’s pain gets worse, see your paediatrician or family doctor. Ask your child’s nurse how to assess your child’s pain before discharge.</p><h2>Limit your child’s physical activity for several weeks</h2><p>Children need regular physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle. However, your child will need to be careful for several weeks after their operation, to avoid disturbing the wounds.</p><div class="pdf-page-break"><h3>Activity restrictions for babies</h3><table class="akh-table"><thead><tr><th>Time period</th><th>Activity restrictions</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>For the first
<strong>2</strong> weeks after surgery</td><td><p>Avoid activities that might disturb the wound.</p><p>Avoid lying on the tummy. After 2 weeks, lying on the tummy is encouraged for normal development.</p></td></tr><tr><td>For the first
<strong>6</strong> weeks after surgery</td><td><p>Protect the chest muscles and bone during all activity.</p><p>Avoid lifting under the arms. Instead, lift your baby under head/neck and bottom.</p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="pdf-page-break"><h3>Activity restrictions for toddlers, children and teens</h3><table class="akh-table"><thead><tr><th>Time period</th><th>Activity recommendations</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>For the first
<strong>2</strong> weeks after surgery</td><td><p>Avoid activities that might disturb the wound.</p><p>Avoid lying on tummy.</p></td></tr><tr><td>For the first
<strong>6</strong> weeks after surgery</td><td><p>Protect the chest muscles and bone during all activity.</p><p>Avoid lifting toddlers and children under the arms. Instead, lift them under head/neck and bottom.</p><p>Avoid pushing or pulling heavy objects.</p><p>Avoid doing push-ups, sit-ups or pulling themselves up on furniture.</p><p>Avoid backward arm circle movements.</p></td></tr><tr><td>For the first
<strong>12</strong> weeks after surgery</td><td><p>Protect the chest bone during all activity.</p><p>Avoid activities that could cause a blow to the chest. These include rough play, ball throwing, football, hockey, karate or other contact sports.</p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="pdf-page-break"><h2>Your child’s behaviour</h2><p>After surgery, you may notice a change in your child’s behaviour. The following changes are normal after a hospital stay:</p><ul><li>disturbed sleep patterns </li><li>wetting the bed </li><li>being more fussy or clingy </li></ul></div><h2>Medicines</h2><p>If your child needs medicine at home, you will be given a prescription before you leave the hospital. It is recommended to have the prescription filled at the hospital outpatient pharmacy before you go home. Your local pharmacy may not have some of the specific medicines your child needs. The nurse or pharmacist will let you know what the medicine is for and how to give it.</p><h3>When and how to give medicines</h3><ul><li>Give the medicine at the same time every day. If your child is taking several medicines, you can ask your nurse or pharmacist to give you a chart to help you remember when to give the medicines.</li><li>You should always try to give medicine before feeding your child. Babies are more likely to take their medicine when they are hungry, and they are less likely to throw up if they get their medicine before their stomachs are full.</li><li>Try not to add medicine to food or drinks. When medicine is mixed with food or drink, it can be hard to know if the full dose has been taken. If you must add medicine to food or drink, put the medicine in a very small amount of food or drink so that the child will finish it all.</li><li>Clean the oral syringes, spoons or medicine cups with hot water and soap after each use.</li><li>Do not mix different syringes with different medicines. Each medicine must have its own syringe.</li></ul><h3>Read all the information about your child’s medicine</h3><ul><li>Read the written information about your child’s medicine before you leave the hospital. The pharmacist, nurse or doctor can answer any questions you may have.</li><li>Always read the labels on the medicine that you get from the pharmacy. Make sure that you know when to give it and how much to give.</li><li>Some of the medicine that your child takes may need to be refrigerated. Be sure to check the labels and store them correctly. </li></ul><h3>If you miss a dose or your child throws up</h3><ul><li>If your child throws up
<strong>all</strong> of the medicine right away, give your child another dose.</li><li>If your child throws up 15 to 20 minutes after you have given the medicine, do NOT give your child another dose. If you are not sure what to do, call your doctor or pharmacist.</li><li>If you miss a dose, do not double up on the next dose. If you are less than two hours late, go ahead and give the medicine. If you are more than two hours late, give the next regular dose at the regularly scheduled time. If you are not sure what to do, call your doctor or pharmacist. </li></ul><h3>Other things to remember</h3><ul><li>Check with your doctor or pharmacist before you give any over-the-counter medicines. </li><li>Bring all of your child’s medicines with you to each visit to the hospital and/or take pictures of the medicine bottles on your phone.</li></ul><p>
<strong>Keep all medicines locked away and out of the reach of children at all times.</strong> </p><h2>Routine health care</h2><p>Your child should see their paediatrician or family doctor within 1 or 2 weeks after your child leaves the hospital. They will follow your child’s ongoing general health needs. If you have any general concerns about your child’s health, speak to their paediatrician or family doctor.</p><h3>Immunizations</h3><p>If you have questions about your child’s
<a href="/Article?contentid=1986&language=English">immunizations</a>, talk to your child’s paediatrician or family doctor. There are special considerations for some children who have had heart surgery, for example the immunization schedule may be delayed if your child received blood products. If these considerations apply to your child, this will be noted on the after visit summary that you receive when your child is discharged.</p><h3>Dental care, surgery, and other procedures</h3><p>Talk to your child’s cardiologist before your child has any dental treatment, surgery or other procedures. Ask your child’s cardiologist if your child needs to take special precautions before these procedures. Before your child has any procedures, make sure your child’s health-care providers know that your child has had heart surgery.</p><h2>Going back to school or day care</h2><p>Your child can go back to school 2 weeks after surgery, or when they feel physically well enough to go. Babies and toddlers can go back to daycare after 2 weeks.</p><p>If other children at the day care or school are sick or have an infection, your child should not go back until 4 weeks after the surgery. Good hand washing and avoiding contact with others who are sick can stop the spread of infection.</p><h2>Travel</h2><p>If you and your child live out of town, you may need to stay close to the hospital until you have had your post-operative clinic visit. Once the cardiologist is happy with your child’s condition, you can go home.</p><p>If your child has ongoing health concerns, this may limit your travel or vacation plans. If you are not sure what your child can do, contact your child’s cardiologist.</p><h3>Car seat</h3><p>When travelling in a car, you must make sure that your children are safely seated in a car seat or secured with a seat belt at all times. There is no need for modifications to the car seat or straps if your child has had heart surgery.</p><div class="pdf-page-break"><h2>Learning first aid</h2><p>Basic Life Support or BLS courses are recommended for all parents. These skills could let you save your child’s life or someone else’s. If you are interested in taking one of these courses offered by the hospital please visit
<a href="http://www.cvent.com/d/g4qls1">http://www.cvent.com/d/g4qls1</a>.</p></div><h2>Feeding your child</h2><p>If your baby or child has special nutrition or feeding needs, or requires tube feeding, you will receive additional information from a dietitian and/or an occupational therapist before discharge.</p> | | <h2>When to seek medical attention</h2><p>For SickKids patients, please see the "At SickKids" section for who to contact if you have concerns about your child’s heart condition. </p><h3>What to do in case of an emergency</h3><p>Contact 911 or take your child to the nearest emergency department if your child is:</p><ul><li>having trouble breathing</li><li>experiencing seizures</li><li>not waking up</li></ul><h3>Non-urgent health concerns</h3><p>If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s health that are not related to your child’s heart problem, please contact your child’s paediatrician or family doctor. </p> | <h2>Follow-up appointments at the cardiology clinic</h2><p>When your child leaves the hospital, you will be given a time to meet with your child's cardiologist. In the future, you can schedule follow-up appointments with the cardiologist during your child's clinic visits.</p><p>One week after your child leaves the hospital, you may have a follow-up appointment in the post-operative clinic. During this visit, your child may:</p><ul><li>have their wound checked by the nurse practitioner</li><li>have a
<a href="/Article?contentid=1600&language=English">chest X-ray</a>,
<a href="/Article?contentid=1274&language=English">echocardiogram</a> (heart ultrasound), or
<a href="/Article?contentid=36&language=English">blood work</a></li><li>see the dietitian or occupational therapist</li></ul><p>During the follow-up appointment, you and your child will both be able to ask questions and talk about any concerns.</p><p>Please arrive on time for your appointments, and come prepared. Appointments can sometimes be delayed, or you may need to wait for tests to be done. <a href="/Article?contentid=1162&language=English">Bring books, toys, snacks</a>, diapers and anything else you and your child need to be comfortable while you wait. Before an appointment, write down questions you may have and bring them to the clinic. If you cannot come to an appointment, call the cardiology clinic as early as possible to reschedule.</p> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | <h2>At SickKids</h2><p>For SickKids patients, if you have any questions or concerns related to your child’s heart condition within
<strong>1 week</strong> after your child is discharged from the hospital contact the 4D Cardiac Inpatient Unit at (416)- 813- 6901.</p><p>If you have concerns that your child's wounds may be infected <strong>within the first 4 weeks</strong> after surgery, call (416)-813-6901 ext. 2 and ask to speak to the Post-Operative Nurse Practitioner during regular business hours.</p><p>If you have any non-urgent questions or concerns after
<strong>1 week</strong> of discharge from the hospital and you have been seen in post-operative clinic, contact your clinic nurse directly or call 4A Cardiac Clinic at (416)- 813-5848 during regular business hours. You may also leave a message after hours.</p> | | | <img alt="" src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/after_heart_surgery_caring_for_your_child.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | | | | | | | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/after_heart_surgery_caring_for_your_child.jpg | Caring for a child after heart surgery | Children need extra care and attention after heart surgery. Read about care after heart surgery including diet, pain management and school. | Main | | |
| E-cigarettes and vaping | E-cigarettes and vaping | E-cigarettes and vaping | E | English | Respiratory | Teen (13-18 years) | Lungs;Brain | Respiratory system | Healthy living and prevention | Adult (19+)
Caregivers | NA | | 2019-11-04T05:00:00Z | | Theo Moraes, MD, PhD, FRCPC; Trisha Tulloch, MD, MSc, FRCPC, FAAP | | | | 10.9000000000000 | 48.2000000000000 | 1075.00000000000 | | Flat Content | Health A-Z | <p>Learn about e-cigarettes, how they work and who is using them. Also find information about the health risks associated with vaping.</p> | <h2>About e-cigarettes</h2><p>E-cigarettes belong to a group of devices commonly known as electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). While there are many types of ENDS, they have a few things in common including a:</p><ul><li>battery</li><li>heating coil or atomizer</li><li>mouthpiece</li><li>reservoir or tank</li><li>sensor or button to activate the heating coil</li></ul><p>E-cigarettes can be disposable, or have a reloadable cartridge or a refillable reservoir for the vaping solution. In some e-cigarettes the wattage and voltage can also be modified.</p><p>E-cigarettes are known by many different names, such as:</p>
<figure>
<img alt="Small vaping device that looks like a flash drive" src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/vaping.jpg" /></figure>
<ul><li>cig-a-like</li><li>vape/dab pen</li><li>box-mod</li><li>pod device (JUUL, Blu, Phix, Suorin, STIG)</li><li>Chronic/Dank Vapes</li></ul><p>E-cigarettes are available in many different shapes and sizes. Some are small and look like a flash drive or pen, while others are much larger.</p> | | <h2>Key points</h2><ul><li>The use of e-cigarettes, or vaping, is very common among teens and young adults and has been increasing over the past several years.</li><li>Vaping solutions can contain nicotine and other chemicals such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) oil.</li><li>Nicotine is highly addictive and can quickly become a long-term addiction, especially for teens and young adults whose brains are still developing.</li><li>The chemicals in vaping solutions can lead to short-term health problems and increase the risk of long-term health problems.</li><li>If you are trying to quit using tobacco cigarettes, talk to your health-care professional to come up with a plan that makes sense for you.</li></ul>
| <h2>How e-cigarettes work</h2><p>The action of using an e-cigarette is called vaping. When a user inhales from the mouthpiece of the e-cigarette, the heating coil is activated. The energy from the battery allows the heating coil to heat the vaping liquid and the vapor is then generated, which is inhaled, mimicking the use of a tobacco cigarette. The vapor that is generated is actually an aerosol that contains fine particles.</p><h2>Vaping solutions</h2><p>Vaping solutions are sometimes known as e-juice or e-liquid, and can contain a number of different chemicals.</p><ul><li>Propylene glycol: One of the main liquids (along with glycerin) used to carry the other chemicals</li><li>Glycerin: One of the main liquids (along with propylene glycol) used to carry the other chemicals</li><li>Nicotine: The main addictive chemical found in tobacco cigarettes and vaping solutions</li><li>Flavorings: Various chemicals, including diacetyl, used to create different tastes and smells</li><li>Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) oil: Two chemicals that are sometimes added to vaping solutions</li></ul><p>Moreover, various heavy metals (nickel, tin and lead) can also be found in vaping solutions.</p><h2>Who is using e-cigarettes?</h2><p>The most recent studies from 2018 show that 37% of teens (aged 16-19) in Canada have tried e-cigarettes. This is an increase of 8% compared to 2017. Most of these teens do not use tobacco cigarettes. About 3.6% of 16 to 19 year olds in Canada when surveyed in 2018 had used e-cigarettes on more than 15 days in the past 30 days.</p><p>In addition, less than 1% of North American adults (45 year of age and older) use e-cigarettes on a daily basis whereas about 8% of 18 to 24 year olds use e-cigarettes daily. Currently, e-cigarettes are used disproportionally by young people.</p><h2>Health risks and vaping</h2><p>There are both short- and long-term health risks associated with vaping. One rare short-term risk is that devices have caught fire or exploded causing physical injury. Seizures have also been described. More seriously, severe, life threatening lung injury has been associated with e-cigarette use. Some people have died from this lung injury. While it is not known why the lungs of these people were injured in this way, there is evidence that it is related to one or more of the chemicals found in vaping solutions.</p><p>A long-term risk associated with vaping is that nicotine use by teens can have a negative impact on their brain development. It can harm the parts of their brain that control attention, learning, mood and impulse control.</p><p>Another important risk is nicotine addiction. The developing brains of teens and young adults are highly susceptible to the addictive properties of nicotine. In a single pod, e-cigarettes can deliver more nicotine to a person than a pack of cigarettes. Moreover, while high doses of nicotine can lead to nausea and headache, there is no irritating smoke and no need to light a new cigarette, so a person can receive large amounts of nicotine in a day.</p><p>Nicotine is not harmless. Nicotine is toxic to the lungs and long-term use may increase the risk of chronic lung disease.</p><p>While vaping has not been around long enough to be sure of the long-term effects health effects, research studies in cells and animal models suggest that the other chemicals in vaping solutions may also lead to health problems with long-term use.</p><h2>E-cigarettes as a type of nicotine replacement therapy</h2><p>E-cigarettes that contain nicotine have sometimes been used as a type of nicotine replacement therapy to help adults, who are not pregnant, to quit using tobacco cigarettes or to reduce the use tobacco cigarettes. There is some data that suggests that e-cigarettes can help tobacco cigarette users to quit. However, there is also data that the use of e-cigarettes does not lead to more people quitting using tobacco cigarettes.</p><p>There are other types of nicotine replacement and other ways to quit using tobacco cigarettes that do not involve nicotine replacement therapy. If you are considering vaping in order to help you to quit using tobacco cigarettes, talk to a health-care professional and explore the different options that may work for you.</p><h2>Summary</h2><p>With the information that is currently available about e-cigarettes, the recommendation is, if you do not smoke then do not vape. If you do smoke and want to vape, know your options, and the risks and benefits so you can make an informed choice.</p> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | <h2>Resources</h2><p>The Substance Abuse Program at the Hospital for Sick Children is for teens up to 18 years of age to help them with alcohol and other substance abuse related issues: <a href="http://www.sickkids.ca/adolescentmedicine/programs/substance-abuse-program/substance-abuse-program.html">http://www.sickkids.ca/adolescentmedicine/programs/substance-abuse-program/substance-abuse-program.html</a></p><p>The Nicotine Dependence Clinic located at CAMH is for anyone who wants to quit or reduce their tobacco use: <a href="https://www.camh.ca/en/your-care/programs-and-services/nicotine-dependence-clinic">https://www.camh.ca/en/your-care/programs-and-services/nicotine-dependence-clinic</a></p><p>The Youth Addiction and Concurrent Disorders Service at CAMH is for teens and young adults (ages 14-24) who have substance use challenges and/or concerns, with or without concurrent mental health concerns: <a href="https://www.camh.ca/en/your-care/programs-and-services/youth-addiction--concurrent-disorders-service">https://www.camh.ca/en/your-care/programs-and-services/youth-addiction--concurrent-disorders-service</a></p><p>Find resources from the Canadian Cancer Society to help you to quit using tobacco cigarettes: <a href="https://www.smokershelpline.ca/">https://www.smokershelpline.ca/</a></p>
| <h2>References</h2><p>Dai, H. & Leventhal, A.M. (2019, September 16). Prevalence of e-Cigarette Use Among Adults in the United States, 2014-2018. <em>The Journal of the American Medical Association</em>. Retrieved from <a href="https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2019.15331">https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2019.15331</a></p><p>Government of Canada. (2019, July 25). Talking with your teen about vaping: a tip sheet for parents. Retrieved from <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/services/health/publications/healthy-living/talking-teen-vaping-tip-sheet-parents.html">https://www.canada.ca/en/services/health/publications/healthy-living/talking-teen-vaping-tip-sheet-parents.html</a></p><p>Government of Canada. (2019, August 6). About vaping. Retrieved from <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/smoking-tobacco/vaping.html">https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/smoking-tobacco/vaping.html</a></p><p>Hammond, D., Reid, J.L., Rynard, V.L., Fong, G.T., Cummings, K.M., McNeill, A.,…White, C.M. (2019). Prevalence of vaping and smoking among adolescents in Canada, England, and the United States: repeat national cross sectional surveys. <em>The British Medical Journal, 365</em>. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l2219">https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l2219</a></p><p>Stanwick, R. (2018, February 28). E-cigarettes: Are we renormalizing public smoking? Reversing five decades of tobacco control and revitalizing nicotine dependency in children and youth in Canada. <em>Canadian Paediatric Society</em>. Retrieved from <a href="https://www.cps.ca/en/documents/position/e-cigarettes">https://www.cps.ca/en/documents/position/e-cigarettes</a></p><p>US Department of Health and Human Services. (2016). E-cigarette Use Among Youth and Young Adults: A Report of the Surgeon General. Retrieved from <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/sgr/e-cigarettes/pdfs/2016_sgr_entire_report_508.pdf">https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/sgr/e-cigarettes/pdfs/2016_sgr_entire_report_508.pdf</a></p><p>Walley, S.C., Wilson, K.M., Winickoff, J.P., & Groner, J. (2019). A Public Health Crisis: Electronic Cigarettes, Vape, and JUUL. <em>Pediatrics, 145</em>. Retrieved from <a href="https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/143/6/e20182741">https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/143/6/e20182741</a></p> | | | | | | | | | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/vaping_devices.jpg | | | Main | | |
| Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder: Overview | Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder: Overview | Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder: Overview | A | English | Psychiatry | Toddler (13-24 months);Preschooler (2-4 years);School age child (5-8 years);Pre-teen (9-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | NA | NA | Conditions and diseases | Caregivers
Adult (19+) | NA | | 2016-02-02T05:00:00Z | | Seena Grewal, MD, MSc, FRCP(C);Melissa Lieberman, PhD | | | | 9.30000000000000 | 54.8000000000000 | 494.000000000000 | | Health (A-Z) - Conditions | Health A-Z | <p>Learn about the possible causes of ARFID and how it differs from picky eating.</p> | <h2>What is avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder?</h2><p>Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, or ARFID for short, is an eating disorder that occurs when a child or teen does not eat enough to meet their energy or nutritional needs. This could be for a range of reasons, including concerns about food texture or not feeling well when eating.</p><p>Children and teens with this disorder eat very little food or avoid certain foods. This can result in significant weight loss or a failure to gain weight.</p> | | <h2>Key points</h2><ul><li>A child who has ARFID eats very little food or avoids certain foods for a range of reasons, for example because of concerns about food texture or not feeling well when eating.</li><li>Some people with ARFID have anxiety disorders that appear as a fear of vomiting or choking.</li><li> ARFID is not the same as picky eating. It involves having a poor appetite overall, rather than a rejection of a few foods, and needs medical attention and psychological care. ARFID usually develops in childhood but can occur in people of all ages.</li></ul> | | | <h2>What causes ARFID?</h2>
<p>Not a lot of information is currently known about the causes of ARFID. </p>
<p>Some children and teens with ARFID will struggle with <a href="/Article?contentid=18&language=English">anxiety disorders</a> that appear as a fear of vomiting or choking. Other children and teens may experience eating issues as part of another disorder, for example <a href="/autism">autism</a>. They would only be diagnosed with ARFID, however, if their food issues were more severe than would be expected with the disorder.</p>
<h2>Is ARFID the same as "picky eating"?</h2>
<p>No, ARFID is not the same as "picky eating".</p>
<ul>
<li>Children with ARFID may refuse to eat foods of a certain texture, colour, taste, temperature or smell. Picky eating typically involves only a few foods.</li>
<li>If a child has ARFID, they tend to have a poor appetite and experience delayed growth. So-called picky eaters have a normal appetite, eat enough food overall and develop normally.</li>
<li>The problems that people with ARFID develop with food continue for a long time and need medical attention and psychological care. The eating patterns found among picky eaters usually resolve on their own eventually.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Who is affected by ARFID?</h2>
<p>ARFID typically begins during childhood but can occur in people of all ages. Unlike those with <a href="/Article?contentid=268&language=English">anorexia nervosa</a> or <a href="/Article?contentid=282&language=English">bulimia nervosa</a>, people with ARFID do not have body image concerns or fears about gaining weight.</p> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | <h2>Further information</h2><p>For more information on avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), please see the following pages:</p><p>
<a href="/Article?contentid=275&language=English">ARFID: Signs and symptoms</a></p><p>
<a href="/Article?contentid=273&language=English">ARFID: Medical complications</a></p><p>
<a href="/Article?contentid=703&language=English">ARFID: Treatment options</a></p><p>
<a href="/Article?contentid=272&language=English">ARFID: How to help your child at home</a></p><h2>Resources</h2><p>
<a href="http://www.nedic.ca/" target="_blank">NEDIC – National Eating Disorder Information Centre</a> (Canada)</p><p>
<a href="https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/" target="_blank">NEDA – National Eating Disorder Association</a> (United States)</p><p>American Academy of Pediatrics –
<em><a href="https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/emotional-problems/Pages/Is-Your-Teen-at-Risk-for-Developing-an-Eating-Disorder.aspx" target="_blank">Eating Disorders in Children</a> </em></p><p>
<a href="https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/" target="_blank">BEAT – Beating Eating Disorders</a> (United Kingdom)</p><p>
<a href="https://keltyeatingdisorders.ca/" target="_blank">Kelty Eating Disorders</a> (Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre, BC Children's Hospital)</p><p>Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario –
<a href="https://www.cheo.on.ca/en/eating_disorder_info" target="_blank"><em>Eating Disorders</em></a></p> | | <img alt="" src="https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/avoidant_restrictive_food_intake_overview.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | | | | | | | | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/avoidant_restrictive_food_intake_overview.jpg | ARFID: Overview | Learn about the possible causes of Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) and how it differs from picky eating. | Main | | |
| Cancer | Cancer | Cancer | C | English | Oncology | Child (0-12 years);Teen (13-18 years) | NA | NA | NA | Adult (19+)
Caregivers | NA | | 2019-09-03T04:00:00Z | | | | | | | | | | Landing Page | Learning Hub | <p>A child's cancer diagnosis and treatment impacts the entire family. This learning hub will help you learn strategies to support your child, yourself and your family; how to support your teen to learn to manage their own health care; and how to manage cancer-related pain in younger children.</p> | <p>A child's cancer diagnosis and treatment impacts the entire family. This learning hub will help you learn strategies to support your child, yourself and your family; how to support your teen to learn to manage their own health care; and how to manage cancer-related pain in younger children.</p> | | | <div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable">
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<h2 class="panel-title">The impact of cancer</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>It is important to understand how your teenager’s cancer can affect you, your family, and your community. Discover strategies parents and caregivers can learn to cope, how to support your teenager's siblings and how to manage the financial impact of cancer.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=3594&language=English">The impact of cancer</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=3608&language=English">Learning more about your teenager's cancer</a></li><li><div class="panel-heading clickable">
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<h3>Family</h3></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=3601&language=English">The impact of cancer on your family</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=3603&language=English">The impact of cancer on siblings</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=3602&language=English">Relationship with your partner</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=3604&language=English">The impact of cancer on extended family</a></li></ol></li><li><div class="panel-heading clickable">
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<h3>Managing stress and emotions</h3></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=3596&language=English">Coping with emotions</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=3597&language=English">Maintaining your mental health</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=3598&language=English">Caring for yourself</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=3599&language=English">Negative coping</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=3600&language=English">Managing daily tasks</a></li></ol></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=3605&language=English">The impact of cancer on friendships</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=3606&language=English">Setting up a communication system</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=3607&language=English">The financial impact of cancer</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=3609&language=English">Programs and resources</a></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable">
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<h2 class="panel-title">Letting go</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>There are many ways you can support your teenager as they learn to manage their own health care. Supporting your teen to gain more independence will help them make a smoother transition to survivorship, adulthood, and the adult health-care system. </p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=3612&language=English">Talking to your teen</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=3613&language=English">Getting through the teen years</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=3615&language=English">Anxiety, stress and cancer</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=3616&language=English">Loss of control</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=3617&language=English">Separation from peers</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=3618&language=English">Impact of cancer on sexuality</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=3619&language=English">Body image, self-esteem and cancer</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=3620&language=English">Steps towards independence</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=3621&language=English">Encouraging healthy habits</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=3622&language=English">Health care transition</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=3623&language=English">Long-term follow-up and late effects</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=3624&language=English">Cancer research and your teenager</a></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable">
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<h2 class="panel-title">Managing cancer-related pain in children</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>Find information on cancer-related pain, including the different types of pain, methods of assessment and the 3P approach to pain management.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=3813&language=English">Cancer-related pain in children</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=3814&language=English">Assessing cancer-related pain in children</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=3815&language=English">Treating and managing cancer-related pain in children</a></li><li class="list-group-item">
<a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=3816&language=English">Cancer-related pain: Parenting strategies to support the 3P's</a><br></li></ol></div> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/Coping_with_cancer_diagnosis.jpg | managingcancer | managingcancer | | | A cancer diagnosis impacts the entire family. This learning hub will help you learn strategies to support your child, yourself and your family. | Main | | |
