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Encephalitis in Children What is encephalitis in children? Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain. The inflammation causes the brain to swell. This leads to changes in a child's nervous system that can include confusion, changes in alertness, and seizures. Meningitis often

Chronic Bronchitis What is chronic bronchitis? Bronchitis is inflammation of the breathing tubes. These are the airways called bronchi. This inflammation causes too much mucus to be made and other changes. Bronchitis can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). Chronic

Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA) in Children What is transposition of the great arteries in children? Transposition of the great arteries (TGA) is a type of heart defect that your baby is born with (congenital). In this condition, the two arteries that carry blood out of

Appendicitis What is appendicitis? Appendicitis is a medical emergency. It happens when your appendix becomes sore, swollen, and diseased. The appendix is a thin tube that is joined to the large intestine. It sits in the lower right part of your belly (abdomen). The appendix is a

Psoriatic Arthritis in Children What is psoriatic arthritis in children? Psoriatic arthritis is a rare form of arthritis, or joint inflammation, that affects the skin and joints. It's an ongoing (chronic) autoimmune condition. It causes a red, scaly, itchy rash. It also causes

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in Children What is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in children? RSV is a viral illness that causes symptoms such as trouble breathing. It’s the most common cause of inflammation of the small airways in the lungs (bronchiolitis) and pneumonia

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

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

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

Phenylketonuria (PKU) in Children What is phenylketonuria (PKU) in children? Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare metabolic disorder. Children with PKU can’t process an amino acid called phenylalanine. Phenylalanine is in many common foods. It helps the body make protein. It's also