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Food Allergies in Children What is food allergy in children? A food allergy is when your child’s body has a bad immune reaction to a certain food. This is different from a food intolerance, which does not affect the immune system. This is true even though some of the same signs

Epilepsy and Seizures in Children What is epilepsy in children? Epilepsy is a brain condition that causes a child to have recurring seizures over time. These seizures can't be linked to a short-term (acute) illness such as an infection, or a short-term injury such as a brain

Anemia in Children What is anemia in children? Anemia is a common problem in children. About 20% of children in the U.S. will be diagnosed with anemia at some point. A child who has anemia doesn't have enough red blood cells or hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a type of protein that

Allergies in Children What are allergies in children? Allergies are problems of the immune system. Most allergic reactions happen when the immune system reacts to a “false alarm.” Normally, the human body defends itself against harmful things, such as viruses or bacteria. But

What Are Red Blood Cells? Red blood cells carry fresh oxygen all over the body. This is important to your health. Red blood cells are round with a flattish, indented center, like doughnuts without a hole. Your healthcare provider can check on the size, shape, and health of your

Ulcerative Colitis in Children What is ulcerative colitis in children? Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In this condition, the inner lining of your child’s large intestine (colon or bowel) and rectum gets inflamed. This inflammation often starts in the

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) What is benign prostatic hyperplasia? Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is also called benign prostatic hypertrophy. It means that the prostate gland has become very large and may cause problems passing urine. BPH is not cancer. It's a common

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

Common Variable Immunodeficiency in Children What is common variable immunodeficiency in children? Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is an immunodeficiency problem that causes a child to have a low level of antibodies and a decreased responsiveness to some vaccines. This

Kidney Failure What is kidney failure? Kidney failure happens when damage results in loss of normal kidney function. There are 2 types of kidney failure—acute and chronic. Acute kidney failure starts abruptly. It can sometimes be reversed. Chronic kidney failure progresses slowly