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Pulmonary Emphysema What is emphysema? Emphysema is a progressive chronic lung condition in which the tiny air sacs (alveoli) are damaged or destroyed. When this happens, it causes the tiny air sacs to rupture and create one big air pocket instead of many tiny ones. Air becomes

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

Acute Spinal Cord Injury What is an acute spinal cord injury (SCI)? The spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that carries signals between the brain and the rest of the body. Acute spinal cord injury (SCI) is due to a traumatic injury. The injury may cause a bruise (contusion)

Low Back Pain What is low back pain? Low back pain can range from mild, dull, annoying pain, to persistent, severe, disabling pain in the lower back. Pain in the lower back can restrict mobility and interfere with normal functioning. What causes low back pain? The exact cause of

Substance Use Disorder or Dependence What is substance use disorder or dependence? Substance use disorder (SUD) Substance use disorder (SUD) is a recognized health condition. It refers to the use of illegal or legal substances in a harmful way. Alcohol is the most commonly used

Obesity in Children and Teens What is obesity in children and teens? Obesity is when a person has too much body fat. Without treatment, obesity can become a serious, long-term disease. What causes obesity in a child or teen? In many ways, childhood obesity is a puzzling disease

Becker Muscular Dystrophy (BMD) in Children What is Becker muscular dystrophy in children? Muscular dystrophy (MD) is an inherited (genetic) disorder of the muscles. It is called a neuromuscular disease. There are several types. Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) is a rare type. It

Coronary Heart Disease What is coronary heart disease? Coronary heart disease happens when the innermost layer of the coronary arteries becomes inflamed and narrowed. This is caused by a buildup of fatty deposits called plaque. These deposits may start in childhood and continue

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) in Children What is oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) in children? Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a type of behavior disorder. It's mostly diagnosed in childhood. Children with ODD show a pattern of uncooperative, defiant, and hostile

Alcohol-Induced Liver Disease What is alcohol-induced liver disease? Alcohol-induced liver disease is common. But it can be prevented. There are three types. Many heavy drinkers progress through these three types over time: Fatty liver. Fatty liver is the build-up of fat inside