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Immunoglobulin A Deficiency What is IgA deficiency? Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is an antibody blood protein that's part of your immune system. Your body makes IgA and other types of antibodies to help fight off sickness. Having an IgA deficiency means that you have low levels of or

Arthritis Diagnosis Diagnosing arthritis may be difficult. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis. Many symptoms are similar among the different conditions affecting the joints. Arthritis may be generally categorized into the following groups: degenerative arthritis

Antibiotics What are antibiotics? Antibiotics are powerful medicines used to treat certain bacterial infections. Antibiotics don't cure all infections. And antibiotics that are used when not needed can be harmful. There are two main types of germs that cause most infections

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

Thrombocytopenia in the Newborn What is thrombocytopenia in the newborn? Thrombocytopenia means that a newborn baby does not have enough platelets in their blood. Platelets are blood cells that help the blood clot. They are made in the bone marrow. How to say it thrahm-boh-si-toh

Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) in Children What is SCID in children? SCID is a very rare disease. It causes a child to have a very weak immune system (immunodeficiency). As a result, the child is unable to fight off even mild infections. The disease is also known as the

Glomerulonephritis What is glomerulonephritis? When the kidneys' filters (glomeruli) become inflamed and scarred, it is called glomerulonephritis. The kidneys slowly lose their ability to remove wastes and excess fluid from the blood to make urine. How to say it gloh-MAYR-yoo-loh

Immune System Disorders Your immune system is your body’s defense against infections and other harmful invaders. Without it, you would constantly get sick from germs, such as bacteria or viruses. Your immune system is made up of special cells, tissues, and organs that work

Major Depression in Adolescents and Teens What is major depression? Major depression, also known as clinical depression or unipolar depression, is classified as a type of affective disorder (also called mood disorder) that goes beyond the day's ordinary ups and downs, and has