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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

Fever What is a fever? A fever is a body temperature that is higher than normal. It often means there is an abnormal process occurring in the body. Exercise, hot weather, inflammation, infection, vaccines, and many other things can make body temperature rise. What causes a fever

Cataracts in Children What are cataracts in children? A cataract is a clouding of the eye's lens. The lens is normally clear (transparent). Cataracts keep light rays from passing through the lens and focusing on the retina. The retina is the thin layer of nerve tissue that lines

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

Latex Allergy What is a latex allergy? Natural rubber latex is a milky fluid found in rubber trees. There is a protein in the fluid that can cause allergic reactions in some people. Common products made using this natural rubber latex include gloves, condoms, rubber bands, and

Exstrophy of the Bladder and Epispadias in Children What is exstrophy of the bladder and epispadias in children? Exstrophy of the bladder is when a baby’s bladder has grown inside out. It sticks through the wall of the belly (abdomen). The bladder can be seen in the front of the

Tennis Elbow in Children What is tennis elbow in a child? Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is a painful issue caused by overuse. The tendons that join the forearm muscles to the outside part of the elbow get inflamed or damaged. This is usually caused by repeated use of those

Tonsillitis What is tonsillitis? Tonsillitis means that your tonsils are inflamed. Your tonsils are large, fleshy glands at the back of your throat. These glands make antibodies that help fight infection. What causes tonsillitis? Both bacteria and viruses can cause tonsillitis

Cradle Cap What is cradle cap? Cradle cap (infant seborrheic dermatitis) is scaly patches on a baby's scalp. Cradle cap isn’t serious, but it can cause thick crusting and white or yellow scales. Some babies can also have seborrheic dermatitis in the diaper area or on the face

Failure to Thrive (FTT) in Children What is failure to thrive in children? Failure to thrive (FTT) is slow physical development in a baby or child. It’s caused by a baby or child not having enough nutrition. FTT is a clinical observation, not a diagnosis. It is used to describe a