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Food Allergy What is a food allergy? A food allergy is when your immune system has a bad reaction to a certain food. This is different from a food intolerance, which does not involve the immune system. This is true even though some of the same signs may be present. What causes a

Endometriosis What is endometriosis? The tissue that lines the uterus is called the endometrium. Normally, if a woman doesn’t get pregnant, this tissue is shed each month during her period. In endometriosis, tissue that looks and acts like endometrial tissue implants outside the

Ataxia Telangiectasia (A-T) What is ataxia telangiectasia (A-T)? Ataxia telangiectasia is a rare childhood disease that affects the nervous system, immune system, and other body systems. It is an inherited disease. The symptoms of A-T often begin to show up by age 5. How to say

Tricuspid Atresia What is tricuspid atresia? Tricuspid atresia (TA) is a heart defect present at birth (congenital). It occurs when the tricuspid valve doesn’t form, or only partly forms. Normally the tricuspid valve is located between the right upper chamber (atrium) and the

Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return (TAPVR) What is total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR)? Total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR) is a congenital heart defect. This means that your child is born with it. It happens as the baby’s heart develops during the

Newborn Metabolic Screening Most babies look healthy and perfect when they are born—just ask their parents. But because some potential problems aren't readily seen, all newborns are tested for certain conditions, including metabolic disorders. A metabolic disorder is one that

MRSA Infection in Children What is MRSA in children? Staphylococcus aureus (staph) is a type of bacteria. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a staph infection that has become resistant to many antibiotics commonly used to treat staph infections. MRSA is usually

Turner Syndrome (Monosomy X) in Children What is Turner syndrome (TS) in children? Turner syndrome (TS) is a genetic disorder that occurs in girls. It causes many traits and problems. Girls with TS are shorter than most girls. They don’t go through normal puberty as they grow

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

Anemia in Children What is anemia in children? Anemia is a common problem in children. About 20% of children in the U.S. will be diagnosed with anemia at some point. A child who has anemia doesn't have enough red blood cells or hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a type of protein that