Search Results

Kyphosis What is kyphosis? A normal spine, when viewed from behind, appears straight. However, a spine affected by kyphosis has a forward curvature of the back bones (vertebrae) in the upper back area, giving an abnormally rounded or humpback appearance. This is sometimes known

Whooping Cough (Pertussis) in Adults What is whooping cough (pertussis)? Whooping cough (pertussis) is a very contagious respiratory illness. It mainly affects babies and young children, but adults can also get it. Whooping cough caused thousands of deaths in the 1930s and 1940s

Varicose Veins What are varicose veins? Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins. They can happen anywhere in the body. But they are more common in the legs. Varicose veins are not considered a serious health problem. But they can be uncomfortable and can lead to more serious

Prematurity What is prematurity? A baby born before 37 weeks of pregnancy is considered premature or born too early. Other terms used for prematurity are preterm and the nicknames "preemie" or "premie". About 1 in every 10 infants are born prematurely. Twins and other multiples

Hereditary Hemochromatosis What is hereditary hemochromatosis? Hereditary hemochromatosis is a genetic blood disorder that causes your body to absorb too much iron from the food you eat. Iron is a mineral found in many foods. But too much iron is toxic to your body. The excess

Imperforate Anus in Children What is imperforate anus in children? Imperforate anus is a problem that your child is born with. It happens when your child has a blocked or missing anus. The final part of the digestive tract is the rectum. The rectum collects and compacts the solid

Rheumatic Fever What is rheumatic fever? Rheumatic fever is a complex disease that affects the joints, skin, heart, blood vessels, and brain. It occurs mainly in children between the ages of 5 to 15. It's an autoimmune disease that occurs after an infection with strep

Fanconi Anemia in Children What is Fanconi anemia in children? Fanconi anemia is a blood disorder. The bone marrow either doesn't make enough blood cells or it makes abnormal blood cells. Bone marrow is the spongy material inside bones. It makes white and red blood cells, and

Diamond Blackfan Anemia (DBA) in Children What is DBA in children? Diamond Blackfan anemia (DBA) is a rare blood disorder. Children with DBA don't make enough red blood cells. These cells carry oxygen to all other cells in the body. Blood cells are made in the bone marrow, the

Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy in Children What is FSHD in children? Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is a rare genetic muscle disease that affects the muscles of your child’s face, shoulders, upper arms, and lower legs. These muscles weaken and shrink