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Heart Murmurs in Children What are heart murmurs in children? Heart murmurs are extra or abnormal sounds made by turbulent blood flowing through the heart. Murmurs are graded on a scale of 1 to 6, based on how loud they are. One means a very faint murmur. Six means a murmur that

Diphtheria What is diphtheria? Diphtheria is an illness caused by bacteria. There are two types: Respiratory diphtheria. This type affects the throat, nose, and tonsils. Skin (cutaneous) diphtheria. This type affects the skin. It was a common childhood disease in the past. A

Ataxia Telangiectasia (A-T) What is ataxia telangiectasia (A-T)? Ataxia telangiectasia is a rare childhood disease that affects the nervous system, immune system, and other body systems. It is an inherited disease. The symptoms of A-T often begin to show up by age 5. How to say

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

Polio (Poliomyelitis) What is polio? Poliomyelitis is commonly called polio. It's an infectious disease. It is caused by 1 of 3 types of poliovirus. Polio is easily spread from person to person. The poliovirus is a virus that can cause paralysis. But most people who are infected

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

Apnea of Prematurity What is apnea of prematurity? Apnea is a term that means breathing has stopped for more than 20 seconds. It can happen in full-term babies, but it's more common in premature babies. The more premature the baby, the greater the chances that apnea will occur

Tension Headaches What is a tension headache? Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. Stress and muscle tension are often factors in these headaches. Tension headaches often don’t cause nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light. They do cause a steady ache, rather

Blocked Tear Duct (Dacryostenosis) in Children What is a blocked tear duct in children? A blocked tear duct is called dacryostenosis. It may also be called a congenital lacrimal duct obstruction. Congenital means that your child is born with it. Tears help clean and lubricate