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Pulmonary Emphysema What is emphysema? Emphysema is a progressive chronic lung condition in which the tiny air sacs (alveoli) are damaged or destroyed. When this happens, it causes the tiny air sacs to rupture and create one big air pocket instead of many tiny ones. Air becomes

The Risks of Drug Use in Pregnancy Drugs like cocaine and marijuana can cause a lot of harm to a baby in the womb. Many people of childbearing age in the U.S. use some form of drugs. Risks to the pregnant person A person taking drugs during pregnancy raises their risk for: Anemia

Meningitis in Children What is meningitis in children? Meningitis is a swelling (inflammation) of the thin membranes that cover the brain and the spinal cord. These membranes are called the meninges. What causes meningitis in a child? Meningitis is most often caused by a

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

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) What is premenstrual syndrome (PMS)? Premenstrual syndrome or PMS is a group of physical and emotional symptoms many people may have in the days before their period starts. Symptoms usually stop when the period starts or shortly after. It’s thought to

Perimenopause What is perimenopause? Perimenopause is the transitional time around menopause. Menopause is when a woman’s periods stop. It’s marked by changes in the menstrual cycle, along with other physical and emotional symptoms. This time can last 2 to 8 years. During this

Anaphylaxis in Children What is anaphylaxis in children? Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening reaction to an allergen. An allergen is something that your child is allergic to. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. Your child can have a reaction to an allergen within seconds or

Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy in Children What is FSHD in children? Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is a rare genetic muscle disease that affects the muscles of your child’s face, shoulders, upper arms, and lower legs. These muscles weaken and shrink

Occupational Lung Diseases What are work-related lung diseases? Work-related lung diseases are lung problems that are caused by certain work environments. They are caused by breathing materials into the lungs. These lung diseases may have lasting effects, even after the exposure

Atherosclerosis What is atherosclerosis? Atherosclerosis is thickening of the walls of the arteries. It is also known as hardening of the arteries. It is caused by a buildup of plaque in the inner lining of an artery. Plaque is made up of deposits of fatty substances, cholesterol