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Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) What is respiratory distress syndrome? Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a common problem in premature babies. It can also happen in some full-term babies. It causes babies to need extra oxygen and help with breathing. The course of

Fractures in Children What is a fracture in a child? A fracture is a partial or complete break in the bone. When a fracture happens, it is either open or closed. Open fracture. The bone breaks through the skin. Or the skin has a deep wound that exposes the bone. Closed fracture

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

Chickenpox What is chickenpox? Chickenpox is a common childhood disease. It causes an itchy, blistering rash and is easily spread to others. Until the varicella vaccine for chickenpox became available in 1995, chickenpox infection was very common. Almost everyone had been

Vulvitis What is vulvitis? Vulvitis is an inflammation of the vulva, the soft folds of skin outside the vagina. It’s a symptom that can result from an array of diseases. This can include infections, injuries, allergies, or irritants. Because it can be challenging to find the

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

Tuberculosis (TB) in Children What is tuberculosis in children? Tuberculosis (TB) is an ongoing (chronic) infection caused by bacteria. It usually infects the lungs. But other organs such as the kidneys, spine, or brain may be affected. TB is most often spread through droplets

Congenital Hypothyroidism in Children What is congenital hypothyroidism? When the thyroid gland doesn't make enough thyroid hormone, it's called hypothyroidism. Congenital hypothyroidism is when the disorder is present in a baby at birth. If not treated, it can lead to serious

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

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