~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ This message is from PedTalk! To reply to the group, use "" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ OK- here's a new thread: Many times we have to use nonmedical terms and analogies to help a patient or a parent understand what we're talking about. For example, when explaining why antidiarreal medications aren't a good idea I sometimes will say that giving an antidiarreal is like sweeping dirt under the carpet- the room might look cleaner but the dirt is still there. Another one: when I am describing serous effusion after a purulent otitis media I'll often say it's like a puddle of water after the rain- if the sun comes out and the child is healthy it'll evaporate on its own. If the child gets a new cold and the right bacteria sets up housekeeping, a new infection may set in and the puddle would get green and slimy. So which ones work for you? Kim Burlingham, MD