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Allergy Overview What are allergies? Allergies are due to a problem with the body's immune system. Most allergic reactions happen when the immune system reacts to a false alarm. Normally the immune system attacks harmful things, such as viruses or bacteria. But sometimes it

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

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) What is fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD)? A baby born to a person who drinks alcohol during pregnancy can have many problems. This is called fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). FASD includes: Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). This is

Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy What is neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy? Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a type of brain damage. It’s caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain before or shortly after birth. It affects the central nervous system. Babies

Middle Ear Infection (Otitis Media) in Adults What is a middle ear infection? A middle ear infection occurs behind the eardrum. It's most often caused by a virus or bacteria. Most kids have at least one middle ear infection by the time they are 3 years old, but adults can also

Congenital Liver Defects What are congenital liver defects? Congenital liver defects are liver disorders that are present at birth. They are rare. These liver disorders usually block the bile ducts. This affects the flow of bile. Bile is a fluid made in the liver. It helps with

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

Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD What is seasonal affective disorder? Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression. It happens during certain seasons of the year, most often fall or winter. It is thought that shorter days and less daylight may set off a chemical

Ureterocele and Ureteral Duplication in Children What is a ureterocele and ureteral duplication in children? A ureterocele is a problem with a ureter. The ureter is a tube that connects the kidney to the bladder. There is 1 ureter for each kidney. The ureters send urine from the

Acne in Children What is acne in a child? Acne is a disorder of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Hair follicles are the areas around the base or root of each hair. Sebaceous glands are the tiny glands that release oil (sebum) into the hair follicles. The sebum moistens