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Atherosclerosis What is atherosclerosis? Atherosclerosis is thickening of the walls of the arteries. It is also known as hardening of the arteries. It is caused by a buildup of plaque in the inner lining of an artery. Plaque is made up of deposits of fatty substances, cholesterol

Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA) What is granulomatosis with polyangiitis? Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is an autoimmune disorder. An autoimmune disorder occurs when the body's immune system attacks and destroys healthy tissue. GPA causes inflammation, swelling

Tension Headaches What is a tension headache? Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. Stress and muscle tension are often factors in these headaches. Tension headaches often don’t cause nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light. They do cause a steady ache, rather

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

Dermatomyositis What is dermatomyositis? Dermatomyositis is a rare disease that causes muscle inflammation and skin rash. It's one of a group of muscle diseases that cause muscle inflammation, weakness, and swelling. It's different from other muscle diseases because it also

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) What is toxic shock syndrome? Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is an illness that produces symptoms in many systems of the body. Certain bacterial infections release toxins into the bloodstream. These toxins can spread to many body organs. This can cause

Bacterial Endocarditis in Children What is bacterial endocarditis in children? Bacterial endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart (endocardium), or the heart valves. It doesn't occur in children very often. But when it does, it can cause serious heart damage

Low Back Pain What is low back pain? Low back pain can range from mild, dull, annoying pain, to persistent, severe, disabling pain in the lower back. Pain in the lower back can restrict mobility and interfere with normal functioning. What causes low back pain? The exact cause of

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) What are urinary tract infections? Urinary tract infections or UTIs are infections in any part of the urinary tract. They are a common health problem that affects millions of people each year. Women are especially prone to UTIs. A UTI may affect

Kyphosis What is kyphosis? A spine affected by kyphosis has more forward curvature of the back bones (vertebrae) in the upper back area than normal. This gives the spine a rounded or humpback appearance. This is sometimes known as roundback or a dowager's hump. Kyphosis is a