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Food Allergy What is a food allergy? A food allergy is when your immune system has a bad reaction to a certain food. This is different from a food intolerance, which does not involve the immune system. This is true even though some of the same signs may be present. What causes a

Coronary Heart Disease What is coronary heart disease? Coronary heart disease happens when the innermost layer of the coronary arteries becomes inflamed and narrowed. This is caused by a buildup of fatty deposits called plaque. These deposits may start in childhood and continue

Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac Rash What is poison ivy, oak, and sumac rash? Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are types of American plants. They each grow in different parts of the country. The plants cause allergic contact dermatitis in most people who touch them. The rash

Erectile Dysfunction (Impotence) What is erectile dysfunction? Erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence means you can’t get an erection. It can also mean you aren't happy with the size or hardness of your erections, or how long your erections last. In the past, ED was thought to be

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome What is neonatal abstinence syndrome? Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a set of signs and symptoms that may occur after babies are exposed to medicines or other substances in the uterus before birth. Babies can then experience withdrawal after

Microcephaly in Children What is microcephaly in children? Microcephaly is a condition where a baby's head is much smaller than normal. It is most often present at birth (congenital). Most children with microcephaly also have a small brain and an intellectual disability. Some

Fibromyalgia in Children, Adolescents and Teens What is fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes pain in muscles and soft tissues around the body. It is an ongoing (chronic) condition. It can affect the neck, shoulders, back, chest, hips, buttocks, arms and legs. The

Pulmonary Atresia What is pulmonary atresia? Pulmonary atresia (PA) is a heart defect. It happens when the baby's heart doesn’t form as it should in the uterus. This can happen during the first 8 weeks of pregnancy. PA is a problem with the opening of the pulmonary valve. This

Atopic Dermatitis in Children What is atopic dermatitis in children? Atopic dermatitis is a long-term (chronic) skin condition. It causes red, dry, itchy, scaly skin. It’s a very common condition in babies and children. It usually first appears between ages 3 and 6 months. What

Glomerulonephritis in Children What is glomerulonephritis in children? The kidneys contain many coils of tiny blood vessels. Each of these is called a glomerulus. Glomeruli filter substances from the blood into the urine. Glomerulonephritis is a type of kidney disease where these