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Spinal Muscular Atrophy in Children What is spinal muscular atrophy in children? Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a disease of the nerves and muscles caused by certain genes. It affects the motor neurons in the spinal cord. It causes muscle wasting and weakness. What causes

Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease in Children What is Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease in children? Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (or Perthes disease) is a rare hip condition that affects children. Over a number of years, the ball-shaped top of a child’s thighbone (femoral head) breaks down and

Occupational Lung Diseases What are work-related lung diseases? Work-related lung diseases are lung problems that are caused by certain work environments. They are caused by breathing materials into the lungs. These lung diseases may have lasting effects, even after the exposure

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) What is generalized anxiety disorder? If you tend to worry a lot, even when there’s no reason, you may have generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD means that you are worrying constantly and can’t control it. Healthcare providers diagnose GAD

Glomerulonephritis What is glomerulonephritis? When the kidneys' filters (glomeruli) become inflamed and scarred, it is called glomerulonephritis. The kidneys slowly lose their ability to remove wastes and excess fluid from the blood to make urine. How to say it gloh-MAYR-yoo-loh

Retinopathy of Prematurity What is retinopathy of prematurity? Retinopathy of prematurity is an eye problem that can happen to premature babies. The retina lines the back of the eye. It receives light as it comes through the pupil. From there, the optic nerve sends signals to the

Allergic Rhinitis in Children What is allergic rhinitis in children? Rhinitis is a reaction that happens in the eyes, nose, and throat. It occurs when allergens in the air set off the release of histamine and other chemicals in the body. Normally allergens are harmless. But when

Infectious Mononucleosis What is infectious mononucleosis (mono)? Infectious mononucleosis is a type of infection. It causes swollen lymph glands, fever, sore throat, and often extreme fatigue. It’s often spread through contact with infected saliva from the mouth. Symptoms can

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

Thrombocytopenia in the Newborn What is thrombocytopenia in the newborn? Thrombocytopenia means that a newborn baby does not have enough platelets in their blood. Platelets are blood cells that help the blood clot. They are made in the bone marrow. How to say it thrahm-boh-si-toh