What is croup?

Croup is a common respiratory childhood illness best known for producing a distinct cough that sounds like a barking seal. Croup affects a child’s airways, including the voice box (larynx), the windpipe (trachea), and the tubes going into the lungs (bronchi).

The infection causes these airways to swell and narrow. When air is forced through a narrow passage during a cough, swollen vocal cords produce a barking cough.

What is jaundice?

Jaundice refers to the yellow coloring of the skin that commonly occurs in newborns. Our blood is made up of red blood cells that get broken down as part of normal body processes. A substance called “bilirubin” is produced when these red blood cells are broken down. Bilirubin is processed in the liver and exits our body in urine and stool. However, newborns have immature livers that are not yet efficient in processing bilirubin.

You probably remember the somewhat awkward stage in life called puberty. Puberty marks the beginning of the transition from childhood to adulthood. Puberty is accompanied by many physical and emotional changes. While each girl may experience puberty differently, learning about each stage and the changes they bring can help you support your child and navigate the stages of puberty together.

Puberty happens due to changes in the hormone levels in a person’s body.