Pediatric Concussion: Safe Return‑to‑Learn & Play Protocols
It’s a scene most of us know well: a worried parent, a frustrated athlete, and the inevitable question: “When can they go back?”
Jen Janocha, PA-C
Snoring in Kids: When It Signals Sleep Apnea or Other Disorders
There’s a moment many of us have had in clinic: a parent mentions that their child snores. Loudly. Every night. Sometimes with pauses. Sometimes with gasps. And then they add, “But kids snore, right?”
Optimizing Inhaler Technique in Children: Common Errors and Fixes
Asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions in pediatrics, and inhaled medications are at the heart of effective management. But here’s the twist: even when we prescribe the right drug at the right dose, if the inhaler technique is off, the benefits can vanish in a literal puff of air.
Labial Adhesions in Young Girls: When to Treat & How
If you’ve spent any time examining toddlers with urinary complaints, chances are you’ve encountered pediatric labial adhesions — maybe without realizing it at first. It’s one of the more common yet under-discussed vulvar conditions in children, and the good news is that most of the time, management is simple, gentle, and completely in your wheelhouse.
What Clinicians Need to Know About Pediatric COVID, Influenza, and RSV Vaccines This Season
November is here, and with it comes the annual parade of sniffles, fevers, and worried parents in our exam rooms. But this year, the viral season feels especially layered. We’re not just worried about bracing for influenza and RSV— we’re also navigating a new chapter in COVID vaccination, including a notable shift in pediatric recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
“It Hit Me After the Trip”: Recognizing Chikungunya in Clinical Practice
“It all started a few days after I got back from my trip.”
What Are Nicotine Pouches? The Dangerous Trend Hooking Teens
There’s always a new trick up Big Tobacco’s sleeve. First it was flavored cigarettes, then e-cigs that looked like USB drives. Now? It’s minty little pouches that slide quietly between lip and gum—no smoke, no spit, no smell, no shame. Just a smooth jolt of nicotine.
Adolescent Tdap Vaccine Timing: Why That 10-Year-Old's Vaccine History Matters More Than You Think
If you’ve ever stared at a 13-year-old’s immunization record, wondering whether that Tdap vaccine at age 10 means they still need another now, you’re not alone. Tdap—short for tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis—is part of both routine and catch-up immunization schedules. And as with all things immunization-related, the details matter.
Understanding Otitis Media Symptoms and Treatment in Kids
Ah, otitis media—the classic ear infection in the middle ear. It may be a bread and butter diagnosis in the pediatric clinic, but its management can be nuanced. Do you treat it now or wait it out? What’s the go-to antibiotic? And when is it time to loop in the ENT? Let’s cut through the noise with a back-to-basics review, plus a few pearls that might just change your approach.
ADHD in Kids: Clinical Guidelines
ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions we see in practice, and yet, despite its prevalence, its diagnosis and management still generate tons of questions from both clinicians and families.
Decoding Pediatric Shock: A Primer
When it comes to managing critically ill children, recognizing and treating shock is one of the most essential—and high-stakes—skills a pediatrician can master.
Screening and Evaluation of Pediatric Suicide Risk
With pediatric suicide rates on the rise, early and effective screening is crucial. Among adolescents aged 12-18, nearly 1 in 5experiences suicidal ideation—and primary care providers are often the first point of contact. Since many young people don't openly discuss their struggles, proactive screening can uncover hidden risks and create opportunities for timely intervention.