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Chronic Bronchitis What is chronic bronchitis? Bronchitis is inflammation of the breathing tubes. These are the airways called bronchi. This inflammation causes too much mucus to be made and other changes. Bronchitis can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). Chronic

Necrotizing Enterocolitis in the Newborn What is necrotizing enterocolitis in the newborn? Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious, life-threatening illness in newborns. It happens when tissue in the mucus lining of the intestines gets inflamed. This inflammation damages and

Allergies in Children What are allergies in children? Allergies are problems of the immune system. Most allergic reactions happen when the immune system reacts to a “false alarm.” Normally, the human body defends itself against harmful things, such as viruses or bacteria. But

Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID) in Children What is SCID in children? SCID is a very rare disease. It causes a child to have a very weak immune system (immunodeficiency). As a result, the child is unable to fight off even mild infections. The disease is also known as the

Megaureter in Children What is megaureter in children? Megaureter is a ureter that is much wider than normal. The ureters are the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. A ureter that is wider than 3/8 inch is a megaureter. A megaureter may not drain urine

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 converted into bone as it is normally. This causes a series of signs, such as short arms and

Chiari Malformation Type I in Children What is a Chiari malformation in children? A Chiari malformation (CM) is a problem with how the brain sits in the skull. The brain normally sits fully inside the skull. With a Chiari malformation, the lower part of the brain (cerebellum)

Diabetes During Pregnancy: Risks to the Baby What types of diabetes can happen in pregnancy? When a baby is born to a mother with diabetes, the baby is at risk for problems. People with diabetes have high levels of sugar in their blood (hyperglycemia). Over time, this can lead to

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

Sjögren Syndrome What is Sjögren syndrome? Sjögren syndrome is an autoimmune disorder. This means that the body’s own immune system attacks its own healthy cells and tissues by mistake. In this case, it attacks the glands that make moisture. It commonly causes dry skin, dry eyes