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Polycystic Kidney Disease What is polycystic kidney disease (PKD)? Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a rare genetic disorder. It causes many cysts filled with fluid to grow in the kidneys. PKD cysts can impair how the kidneys work. It can lead to kidney failure. PKD is the

Tonsillitis What is tonsillitis? Tonsillitis means that your tonsils are inflamed. Your tonsils are large, fleshy glands at the back of your throat. These glands make antibodies that help fight infection. What causes tonsillitis? Both bacteria and viruses can cause tonsillitis

Osteogenesis Imperfecta in Children What is osteogenesis imperfecta in children? Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare inherited (genetic) bone disorder that is present at birth. It's also known as brittle bone disease. A child born with OI may have soft bones that break

Oral Health and Dental Specialists What is a general dentist (DDS or DMD)? To become a general dentist, a person must graduate from dental school and have either a DDS or a DMD degree: DDS. Doctor of dental surgery DMD. Doctor of dental medicine There is no difference between the

Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) What is dementia with Lewy bodies? Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is a form of progressive dementia. It's caused by the decay of the tissues in the brain. People with DLB have a buildup of abnormal protein particles in their brain tissue, called

Urinary Incontinence (Enuresis) in Children What is enuresis in children? Urinary incontinence (enuresis) is the loss of bladder control. It is also called enuresis (say "en-yer-EE-sus"). In children younger than age 3, it's normal to not have full bladder control. As children

Hip Fracture What is a hip fracture? A hip fracture is a break in the thighbone (femur) of your hip joint. Joints are areas where two or more bones meet. Your hip joint is a "ball and socket" joint, where your thighbone meets your pelvic bone. The ball part of your hip joint is

Dyskeratosis Congenita in Children What is dyskeratosis congenita in children? Dyskeratosis congenita is a congenital disease. This means it's present at birth. It's a very rare condition. It affects the skin and nails. In its most severe form, it causes bone marrow failure. When

Alagille Syndrome What is Alagille syndrome? Alagille syndrome is an inherited condition in which bile builds up in the liver because there are too few bile ducts to drain the bile. This results in liver damage. Your liver makes bile to help remove waste from your body. Bile also

Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) in Children What is hypoplastic left heart syndrome in children? Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a group of defects of the heart and large blood vessels. A child is born with this condition (congenital heart defect). It occurs when