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Appendicitis What is appendicitis? Appendicitis is a medical emergency. It happens when your appendix becomes sore, swollen, and diseased. The appendix is a thin tube that is joined to the large intestine. It sits in the lower right part of your belly (abdomen). The appendix is a

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

Brain Abscess in Children What is a brain abscess in children? An abscess is a pocket of infection. In the brain, an abscess may be in one or more areas. This condition may cause problems with how the brain and spinal cord function. It's a serious and life-threatening condition

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)

Coarctation of the Aorta (COA) in Children What is coarctation of the aorta in children? Coarctation of the aorta (COA) is a heart defect that is present at birth (congenital). It means that the aorta is narrower than it should be. The aorta is the large artery that carries

Pulmonary Stenosis in Children What is pulmonary stenosis in children? Pulmonary stenosis is a birth defect of the heart (congenital). It can happen when the pulmonary valve doesn’t grow as it should in a baby during the first 8 weeks of pregnancy. The pulmonary valve connects

Dysphagia in Children What is dysphagia in children? Dysphagia means trouble swallowing. This condition happens when food or liquids can’t pass easily from your child’s mouth into the throat, down the esophagus, and into the stomach when swallowing. What causes dysphagia in a

Hydrocephalus What is hydrocephalus in children? A baby with hydrocephalus has extra fluid in and around the brain. This fluid is called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Most CSF is normally found in fluid-filled areas (ventricles) inside the brain. Its purpose is to cushion and

Pneumonia in Children What is pneumonia in children? Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs. It can be mild or serious. Pneumonia is generally more common in children younger than 5 years old. What causes pneumonia in a child? Pneumonia is most often caused by bacteria or viruses

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Children What is posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children? Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health problem. It can affect people of all ages. A child with PTSD keeps having scary thoughts and memories of a past event