Constipation is defined as the infrequent passage of hard stools. Constipation is common during childhood, occurring in up to 25% of children. Low dietary fibre intake, slow transit time, coercive toilet training, and in some children abnormal contraction of the anal sphincters and pelvic floor can all cause constipation. Anal fissures can occur secondary to...

Eczema is a common, inflammatory change in the skin that may feature redness, swelling, weeping, crusting and scaling of the skin. The article considers treatment, anti-inflammatory agents, sedation, infection, occupation and some of the commonly held myths. The second article provides guidance for health practitioners working with parents who are struggling with disciplining their child.

Speech and language disorders are a common childhood problem, affecting approximately ten per cent of children. Assessments of hearing, intellectual functioning, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and emotional functioning will be needed before proceeding with a course of management and treatment. The second article looks at temper tantrums, which occur occasionally in almost all toddlers. The article...

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...