Health A-Z index

Identifying your values

Find out how to identify your values and how to use them to guide you through everyday decisions and difficult situations.

Ileostomy: Dietary guidelines to help with stool consistency

If your child has an ileostomy, learn what they should eat and drink to produce the proper texture of stool.

Imagery

Imaging tests (X-rays) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)

Discover how X-rays are used to rule out conditions that may be similar to arthritis. X-rays are also used to monitor bone damage in arthritis.

Imaging tests and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)

Discover how imaging tests, such as X-rays, MRIs and ultrasounds, are used to rule out conditions that may be similar to arthritis and diagnose JIA.

Imaging tests: X-ray, MRI and CT scan

Learn about imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI and CT. These tests give pictures of the inside of your child's body.

Immediate risks of scoliosis surgery

Read about some of the complications that can arise after having scoliosis surgery. Trusted answers from The Hospital for Sick Children.

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP): What happens after diagnosis

Find out about living with ITP and the treatment options you can discuss with your child's health care team.

Immunization "catch-up" for children who have not been fully immunized

​Read about the standard vaccination schedule and how your child can catch up on their vaccinations if they have not been fully immunized.

Immunization schedule for children

Read about types of immunizations that are recommended during a child's first year of life and onward.

Immunizations for children and teens with suppressed immune systems

Treatment to suppress the immune system affects how your child’s body responds to routine immunizations. This guide discusses how to keep your child healthy while taking immune-suppressing treatment.

Immunophenotyping

Learn how immunophenotyping is performed and how it can determine your child's particular leukemia.

Immunosuppressants

Immunosuppression: Protecting children with weak immune systems

If your child has a weak immune system learn how to protect them against infection.

Impact of cancer on sexuality

Learn how to start a conversation with your teenager about sexuality, and how having cancer and going through treatment can impact their sexuality.

Impact of pain

Impacts of chronic pain on children are discussed, including impact on mood, school, socializing, hobbies, sleep, and family.

Impetigo

Impetigo is a common skin infection that is caused by bacteria. Learn what to look for, and what you and your doctor can do to care for your child.

In-hospital hemodialysis

Find out what is involved in in-hospital hemodialysis and its benefits.

Incentive spirometry or bubbles: Encouraging deep breathing to clear the lungs

Learn how your child can exercise their lungs to reduce the risk of breathing problems.

Infantile hemangiomas

Learn about common growths, called infantile hemangiomas. Also, learn when they are tested and treated by doctors.

Infantile osteopetrosis

Information for parents about infantile osteopetrosis, a rare genetic condition that may cause fractures, short stature (height), recurrent infections, hearing loss and vision problems.

Infantile spasms

Learn about infantile spasms, a type of epilepsy. Learn how infantile spasms are diagnosed and treated, and who can help you and your baby.

Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers with diabetes

Find out what to expect when your infant, toddler or preschooler has diabetes, and what you need to know to manage it.

Infection after a kidney transplant

Infection after a liver transplant

Infection and the immune system of a premature baby

Read about infections and the immune system of premature babies. A premature baby is susceptible to infection because their immune system is immature.

Infections after a blood and marrow transplant

Information for parents about infections that may occur after a child's blood and marrow transplant (BMT).

Infective endocarditis (IE)

Some children with heart problems are at risk for developing a serious infection called infective endocarditis. Learn about the prevention and treatment of infective endocarditis.

Inflammation and auto-inflammation

Inflammation is the body's protective response against infections and injuries. Auto-inflammation occurs when the body produces an inflammatory response against its own healthy tissues. Learn about the signs and symptoms of inflammation and auto-inflammation.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Learn about the signs and symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and the two different types.

Influenza (flu): An overview

This year, it is more important than ever to get a flu shot. Learn about the flu shot and COVID-19, symptoms of flu and flu prevention.

Information about cannabis for recreational use

​Learn about cannabis (also known as marijuana, weed or pot) and find out about the short- and long-term effects of using it recreationally.

Information about vaping of nicotine

​Nicotine and cannabis are the two most common substances that can be 'vaped'. Learn about the health effects of vaping nicotine.

Ingrown toenail

An ingrown toenail occurs when the side of the nail grows into the surrounding skin. Learn what causes this condition and how it can be treated.

Insect bites

Discover how to recognize, treat and prevent insect bites and bee stings, and when to seek medical attention.

Insulin dose adjustment on a multiple daily routine

Find out how to adjust insulin doses at home using the sliding scale when your child is on a multiple daily injections (MDI) routine

Insulin in diabetes management

Insulin allows sugar to be stored as energy. Learn what role insulin plays in diabetes management.

Insulin injection management during illness

Find out how to manage insulin injections while your child is sick.

Insulin injections

Giving insulin injections can be stressful. Find out how to safely prepare and inject insulin into your child.

Insulin injections: Selecting the injection site

Learn about the safest areas of the body for insulin injection and the importance of rotating insulin injection sites.

Insulin pens and cartridges

Many people prefer insulin pens to syringes. Find out why they are preferred and what the advantages and disadvantages are.

Insulin pumps

Learn how insulin pumps work, if they're right for your child and what the potential concerns are.

Intellectual development and children with heart disease

Read about how the development of a child's intellect may be affected by a congenital heart condition.

Interrupted aortic arch

Learn about interrupted aortic arch in children. This is a defect of the aorta not developing properly, and causes congestive heart failure.

Intestinal adaptation

Learn about intestinal adaptation and weaning children with intestinal failure off total parenteral nutrition to achieve enteral autonomy.

Intestinal failure: Transitions during adolescence

Find information to help support your teen (12 to 18 years of age) with intestinal failure transition through developmental ages and stages.

Intestinal failure: Transitions during childhood (birth to 11 years of age)

Find information to help you support your child with intestinal failure from birth to 11 years of age as they transition through developmental ages and stages.

Intestinal rehabilitation program (IRP)

Learn what an intestinal rehabilitation program is, which areas of care are involved in an intestinal rehabilitation program and how they help children with managing intestinal failure.

Intra-arterial chemotherapy for retinoblastoma

Learn what intra-arterial chemotherapy is and how it is done.

Intra-arterial chemotherapy for retinoblastoma: Caring for your child at home after the procedure

Learn how to care for your child at home after a treatment of intra-arterial chemotherapy for retinoblastoma.