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Addison Disease in Children What is Addison disease in a child? Addison disease, also called primary adrenal insufficiency, is a rare autoimmune endocrine disorder that occurs when the adrenal glands don't make enough of the "stress" hormone called cortisol. Cortisol controls

Inguinal Hernia What is an inguinal hernia? An inguinal hernia occurs when part of your intestine pushes through a weak spot in your lower belly (abdominal) wall. This area is called the groin. The hernia creates a lump in your groin. Over time, the hernia may get bigger. Most

Alcohol-Induced Liver Disease What is alcohol-induced liver disease? Alcohol-induced liver disease is common. But it can be prevented. There are three types. Many heavy drinkers progress through these three types over time: Fatty liver. Fatty liver is the build-up of fat inside

High Blood Pressure: Hypertension What is high blood pressure? Blood pressure is the force of the blood pushing against the artery walls. The force is made with each heartbeat as blood is pumped from the heart into the blood vessels. This is called systolic blood pressure. Blood

Treating Aged or Sun-Damaged Skin What is photoaging? Too much sun exposure can cause premature aging of your skin. This premature wrinkling and skin damage from sun exposure is called photoaging. Photoaging is not like natural aging. It causes: Coarse, dry skin. Freckling and

Anatomy and Function of the Urinary System How does the urinary system work? The body takes nutrients from food and changes them to energy. After the body has taken the food components that it needs, waste products are left behind in the bowel and in the blood. The kidney and

Stomach and Duodenal Ulcers in Children What is a stomach or duodenal ulcer in children? An ulcer is an open sore (lesion). It’s normally found on the skin or mucous membranes. A peptic ulcer is in the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine (the duodenum)

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

Germ Cell Tumors (GCTs) in Children What are germ cell tumors in children? A type of cell that forms as a fetus (also called an embryo) develops is called a germ cell. Germ cells are the cells that make the eggs (ova) in females and the sperm in males. Germ cell tumors (GCTs) are