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Chronic Diseases of Children C hildren often have acute, short-term illnesses such as upper respiratory tract or ear infections, gastrointestinal illness with vomiting and diarrhea, or injury-related problems. However, some children develop chronic illness (lasting for years or even lifelong) as a result of genetic (inherited) conditions, environmental factors, or a combination of both. Because prenatal (before birth) exposure to tobacco smoke, alcohol, and other toxins can affect a baby' s health, it is important to extend environmental and nutritional concerns to women who may become pregnant. The June 27, 2007, issue of JAMA is a theme issue about chronic diseases of children.

Chronic Diseases of Children C hildren often have acute, short-term illnesses such as upper respiratory tract or ear infections, gastrointestinal illness with vomiting and diarrhea, or injury-related problems. However, some children develop chronic illness (lasting for years or even lifelong) as a result of genetic (inherited) conditions, environmental factors, or a combination of both. Because prenatal (before birth) exposure to tobacco smoke and alcohol can affect a baby' s health, it is important to extend environmental and nutritional concerns to women who may become pregnant. The February 17, 2010, issue of JAMA includes an article about changes in the prevalence of chronic conditions among US children from 1988 through 2006. This Patient Page is based on one previously published in the June 27, 2007, issue of JAMA.

kin protects the body from infection. Breaks in the skin can occur through punctures (like a nail or a thorn), abrasions (scrapes or scratches), or lacerations (rips in the skin tissue). Healthy individuals can develop infections through wounds in the skin. However, it is more likely that persons with underlying immune system (the body' s ability to fight infection) problems will develop wound infections if a break in their skin occurs. The October 26, 2005, issue of JAMA includes an article about use of supplemental oxygen to decrease the risk of surgical wound infections.