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The Child's Immune System What is the immune system? The immune system protects your child's body from outside invaders. This includes germs, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and toxins (chemicals made by microbes). The immune system is made up of different organs, cells

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

Spinal Muscular Atrophy in Children What is spinal muscular atrophy in children? Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a disease of the nerves and muscles caused by certain genes. It affects the motor neurons in the spinal cord. It causes muscle wasting and weakness. What causes

Planning a Pregnancy If you're planning to become pregnant, taking certain steps can help reduce risks for both you and your baby. Good health before deciding to become pregnant is almost as important as a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy. The first few weeks of pregnancy are

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

Cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and Triglycerides in Children and Teens What is cholesterol? Cholesterol is a fat-like, waxy substance. It can be found in all parts of your child's body. It helps make cell membranes, some hormones, and vitamin D. The cholesterol in blood comes from 2

Overview of Obesity Facts about obesity Overweight and obesity together make up one of the leading preventable causes of death in the U.S. Obesity is a chronic disease that can seriously affect your health. Overweight means that you have extra body weight. Obesity means having a

Necrotizing Enterocolitis in the Newborn What is necrotizing enterocolitis in the newborn? Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious, life-threatening illness in newborns. It happens when tissue in the large intestine (colon) gets inflamed. This inflammation damages and kills

Asthma in Children What is asthma in children? Asthma is a long-term (chronic) lung disease that causes your child's airways to become sensitive to certain things (triggers). Several things happen to the airways when a child is exposed to triggers: The lining around the airways

Pulmonary Stenosis in Children What is pulmonary stenosis in children? Pulmonary stenosis is a birth defect of the heart (congenital). It can happen when the pulmonary valve doesn’t grow as it should in a baby during the first 8 weeks of pregnancy. The pulmonary valve connects