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Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children What is obstructive sleep apnea in children? Obstructive sleep apnea is a condition that causes a child to briefly stop breathing while sleeping. It happens because of a blockage in the upper airway. This is the passage through the nose and

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

Tongue-Tie (Ankyloglossia) in Children What is tongue-tie in children? Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) is a problem with the tongue that is present from birth. It causes speech and eating problems in some children. The lingual frenulum of the tongue is a small fold of tissue that

Menstrual Cramps (Dysmenorrhea) in Teens What are menstrual cramps in teens? Menstrual cramps are severe, painful cramps that occur during a period. There are two types: Primary. This type starts soon after the first menstrual period. It's usually lifelong. But it may get better

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

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

Osteoporosis What is osteoporosis? Osteoporosis is a disease that causes weak, thinning bones. This puts the bones at greater risk of breaking. The bones most often affected are the hips, spine, and wrists. What causes osteoporosis? Researchers don't know the exact cause for

Septic Arthritis (Infectious Arthritis) in Children What is septic arthritis in children? Septic arthritis is an infection in the joint fluid (synovial fluid) and joint tissues. It occurs more often in children than in adults. The infection usually reaches the joints through the

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

Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis in Children What are pharyngitis and tonsillitis in children? Pharyngitis is redness, pain, and swelling of the throat (pharynx). Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils. The tonsils are a pair of tissue masses on both sides at the back of the