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Food Allergy What is a food allergy? A food allergy is when your immune system has a bad reaction to a certain food. This is different from a food intolerance, which does not involve the immune system. This is true even though some of the same signs may be present. What causes a

Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac Rash What is poison ivy, oak, and sumac rash? Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac are types of American plants. They each grow in different parts of the country. The plants cause allergic contact dermatitis in most people who touch them. The rash

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

Car Seat Safety and Distracted Driving How important are seat belts and car seats? According to the CDC, motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of death for children in the U.S. Thousands of children are at risk because they are not buckled up. Car seats and seat belts must

Appendicitis in Children What is appendicitis in children? Appendicitis is a painful swelling, inflammation, and infection of the appendix. It's a medical emergency because the appendix can burst or rupture. This is serious and can lead to more widespread infection. If not

Atopic Dermatitis in Children What is atopic dermatitis in children? Atopic dermatitis is a long-term (chronic) skin condition. It causes red, dry, itchy, scaly skin. It’s a very common condition in babies and children. It usually first appears between ages 3 and 6 months. What

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

Lupus What is lupus? Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) is an autoimmune disease that causes your body’s immune system to attack its own cells and tissues. It causes episodes of inflammation to various parts of the body. It can affect your joints, tendons, and skin. It

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in Children What is IBS in children? Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a long-term (chronic) disorder that affects the small intestine and large intestine (colon). IBS causes painful belly (abdominal) and bowel symptoms. With IBS, the colon appears

Allergy Overview What are allergies? Allergies are due to a problem with the body's immune system. Most allergic reactions happen when the immune system reacts to a false alarm. Normally the immune system attacks harmful things, such as viruses or bacteria. But sometimes it