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Achalasia in Children What is achalasia in a child? Achalasia is a rare disease that makes it hard to swallow foods and liquids. In achalasia, there is a problem with the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach (esophagus). The muscles that make the esophagus

Beta Thalassemia in Children What is beta thalassemia in children? Beta thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder. This means it's passed down through a parent’s genes. It's a form of anemia. Anemia is a low red blood cell or low hemoglobin level. Hemoglobin is part of red blood

Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR) in Children What is vesicoureteral reflux in children? Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a condition where urine in the bladder flows in the wrong direction. It goes up into the tubes (ureters) that lead to the kidneys. It often flows all the way back up

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

Acne in Children What is acne in a child? Acne is a disorder of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Hair follicles are the areas around the base or root of each hair. Sebaceous glands are the tiny glands that release oil (sebum) into the hair follicles. The sebum moistens

Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD What is seasonal affective disorder? Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression. It happens during certain seasons of the year, most often fall or winter. It is thought that shorter days and less daylight may set off a chemical

Congenital Laryngeal Stridor in Babies What is congenital laryngeal stridor? Congenital laryngeal stridor is a noisy or high-pitched sound with breathing. It is from an abnormally formed voice box (larynx). It's present at birth (congenital). What causes congenital laryngeal

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) What is toxic shock syndrome? Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is an illness that produces symptoms in many systems of the body. Certain bacterial infections release toxins into the bloodstream. These toxins can spread to many body organs. This can cause

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) What is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)? Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of a woman’s reproductive tract. It can affect the uterus, fallopian tubes, and the ovaries. PID can cause scar tissue that grows between internal organs

Mastitis What is mastitis? Mastitis is an inflammation of the breast tissue. Infections may or may not occur with mastitis. It often affects women who are breastfeeding. What causes mastitis? Mastitis may occur because of sore or cracked nipples, latch problems, plugged ducts