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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

Coronary Heart Disease What is coronary heart disease? Coronary heart disease happens when the innermost layer of the coronary arteries becomes inflamed and narrowed. This is caused by a buildup of fatty deposits called plaque. These deposits may start in childhood and continue

Brain Abscess in Children What is a brain abscess in children? An abscess is a pocket of infection. In the brain, an abscess may be in one or more areas. This condition may cause problems with how the brain and spinal cord function. It's a serious and life-threatening condition

Inguinal and Umbilical Hernias in Children What are hernias in children? A hernia is when a part of the intestine or other tissue pushes through an opening in the belly (abdominal) muscles. The hernia creates a soft lump or bulge under the skin. In children, a hernia often

Erectile Dysfunction (Impotence) What is erectile dysfunction? Erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence means you can’t get an erection. It can also mean you aren't happy with the size or hardness of your erections, or how long your erections last. In the past, ED was thought to be

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) in Children What is oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) in children? Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a type of behavior disorder. It's mostly diagnosed in childhood. Children with ODD show a pattern of uncooperative, defiant, and hostile

Obesity in Children and Teens What is obesity in children and teens? Obesity is when a person has too much body fat. Without treatment, obesity can become a serious, long-term disease. What causes obesity in a child or teen? In many ways, childhood obesity is a puzzling disease

Appendicitis in Children What is appendicitis in children? Appendicitis is a painful swelling, inflammation, and infection of the appendix. It's a medical emergency because the appendix can burst or rupture. This is serious and can lead to more widespread infection. If not

Achondroplasia in Children What is achondroplasia in a child? Achondroplasia is the most common type of rare genetic bone disorder. The strong, flexible tissue called cartilage is not made into bone as normal. This causes a series of signs, such as short arms and legs and a large

Juvenile Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Diseases What are juvenile arthritis and other rheumatic diseases in children? Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints that causes pain and swelling. Juvenile arthritis is the term used for arthritis in children. The most common form of