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Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) What is a ventricular septal defect? A ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a congenital heart defect. This means that your baby is born with it. A VSD is a hole in the wall (septum) that separates the 2 lower chambers of the heart (right and left

Polio (Poliomyelitis) What is polio? Poliomyelitis is commonly called polio. It's an infectious disease. It is caused by 1 of 3 types of poliovirus. Polio is easily spread from person to person. The poliovirus is a virus that can cause paralysis. But most people who are infected

Truncus Arteriosus (TA) What is truncus arteriosus? Truncus arteriosus is a heart defect that is present at birth (congenital). It happens when there is an abnormal connection between the aorta and pulmonary artery. Normally, the aorta and the pulmonary artery are separate. In

Constipation in Children What is constipation in children? Constipation is when a child has very hard stools and has fewer bowel movements than normal. It is a very common gastrointestinal (GI) problem. Signs that a child has constipation include: Having fewer bowel movements

Blocked Tear Duct (Dacryostenosis) in Children What is a blocked tear duct in children? A blocked tear duct is called dacryostenosis. It may also be called a congenital lacrimal duct obstruction. Congenital means that your child is born with it. Tears help clean and lubricate

Kyphosis What is kyphosis? A normal spine, when viewed from behind, appears straight. However, a spine affected by kyphosis has a forward curvature of the back bones (vertebrae) in the upper back area, giving an abnormally rounded or humpback appearance. This is sometimes known

Aplastic Anemia in Children What is aplastic anemia in children? Aplastic anemia is a serious condition in which the bone marrow doesn’t make enough new blood cells. With fewer blood cells, a child with aplastic anemia has: Less oxygen sent to organs, tissues, and cells from too

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) What are urinary tract infections? Urinary tract infections or UTIs are infections in any part of the urinary tract. They are a common health problem that affects millions of people each year. Women are especially prone to UTIs. A UTI may affect

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis What is juvenile idiopathic arthritis? Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a form of arthritis in children. Arthritis causes joint swelling (inflammation) and joint stiffness. JIA is arthritis that affects 1 or more joints for at least 6 weeks in

Turner Syndrome (Monosomy X) in Children What is Turner syndrome (TS) in children? Turner syndrome (TS) is a genetic disorder that occurs in girls. It causes many traits and problems. Girls with TS are shorter than most girls. They don’t go through normal puberty as they grow