Pediatric Glossary

• A
• B
• C
• D
• E
• F
• G
• H
• I
• J
• K
• L
• M
• N
• O
• P
• Q
• R
• S
• T
• U
• V
• W
• X
• Y
• Z

 Intranasal Flu (FluMist)

Live, weakened influenza vaccine. It is given as a nasal spray. For more information, please see our Vaccine Information Statements.

 otoscope

An instrument for examining the external canal and eardrum of the ear

 ophthalmoscope

An instrument used to examine the back of the eye (the retina).

 Pulmonary Function Testing

Lung function tests (also called pulmonary function tests, or PFTs) evaluate how well your lungs work. The tests determine how much air your lungs can hold and how quickly you can move air in and out of your lungs. We use PFTs at Northampton Area Pediatrics to help determine if a child's asthma is well-controlled. We also sometimes use these tests to help diagnose asthma.

 sphygmomanometer

An instrument, often attached to an inflatable air-bladder cuff and used with a stethoscope, for measuring blood pressure in an artery

 Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

A Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (PNP) is a registered nurse (RN) and nurse practitioner (NP) with advanced training in pediatrics who can provide expert care to infants, children and adolescents. PNPs perform physical exams, diagnose injuries and many common illnesses and have the training to provide treatments, procedures, therapies and medications for children. They are independent healthcare providers, unlike a Physician Assistant.

 Antihistamines

Histamines are substances that try to attach to the cells in your body and irritate them. Histamines can cause itching, sneezing, a runny nose and watery eyes. Antihistamines prevent histamines from attaching to your cells and causing symptoms. There are many over the counter antihistamines available to help with your child's allergies or symptoms of itch. However, prevention of symptoms by avoiding allergens is the best treatment!

 Decongestants

Decongestants can help relieve a stopped-up nose caused by a cold or the flu (influenza), sinusitis or allergies. Decongestants work by narrowing blood vessels in the lining of the nose. This reduces how much blood flows through the area so that swollen tissue inside the nose shrinks and air can pass through more easily. We do not recommend decongestants in children younger than age 6 years.

 MCV-4

Meningococcal Vaccine. For more information, please see our Vaccine Information Statements.

 HPV

Human papilloma virus vaccine. For more information, please see our Vaccine Information Statements.

 Flu Shot

Inactivated influenza vaccine. For more information, please see our Vaccine Information Statements.

 OAE

Otoacoustic emissions hearing test.

 IPV

Polio vaccine. For more information, please see our Vaccine Information Statements.

 TdaP

Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis booster. For more information, please see our Vaccine Information Statements.

 Rota

Rotavirus vaccine. For more information, please see our Vaccine Information Statements.

 HIB

Haemophilus Influenzae B Vaccine. For more information, please see our Vaccine Information Statements.

 PCV-7

Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine. For more information, please see our Vaccine Information Statements.

 Hep B

Hepatitis B vaccine. For more information, please see our Vaccine Information Statements.

 Hep A

Hepatitis A vaccine. For more information, please see our Vaccine Information Statements.

 Varicella

Chicken Pox vaccine. For more information, please see our Vaccine Information Statements.

 MMR

Measles, Mumps, Rubella vaccine. For more information, please see our Vaccine Information Statements.

 DTaP

A vaccine used to prevent Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.