Functional abdominal pain (FAP) is common in children or teenagers. The average prevalence is at least 13% (some studies suggest it affects 30% of school-aged children). The word functional means that there is no physical blockage, infection, inflammation or disease causing the pain. What causes the pain? We know the pain of FAP is real. It can be very upsetting …

What is a needlestick injury?Your child has been pricked by a needle that is commonly used to inject medication or drugs. This is also known as a ‘sharps injury’, and is different to being pricked by a sewing machine needle for example, as it carries a very small risk of transmitting certain blood borne virus infections. We understand that it …

What is Ptosis?Ptosis (pronounced ‘toe sis’) is the medical term for the drooping / falling of the upper eyelid. It can happen in one or both eyes. Ptosis can interfere with vision, depending on how low the eyelid is. It can cause your child to change their head position or raise their eyebrows to try and reduce the impact of …

Eye dropsYour child will be given eye drops or ointment to use at home for the next few weeks. Use these as advised by your consultant or pharmacist. Maxitrol eye dropsMaxitrol is an anti inflammatory eye drop that also contains antibiotics. It is used for the short term treatment of inflammation of the eye and to help prevent infection. Chloramphenicol …

What is a squint?A squint (strabismus) is an eye condition where the eyes do not look in the same direction as each other or work together as a pair all the time. Squints can occur for a variety of reasons, at any age and can affect your child’s appearance, making it unclear where they are looking. Squints can also impair …

What is a blocked tear duct?Tears normally drain from the eyes to the nose through the tear ducts. Sometimes the ducts become blocked and this causes a persistent watery discharge from the eye. The blockage can be caused by a membrane of tissue, infection or inflammation of the eye. Tear duct surgeryAn operation is required to unblock your child’s tear …