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Necrotizing Enterocolitis in the Newborn What is necrotizing enterocolitis in the newborn? Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious, life-threatening illness in newborns. It happens when tissue in the large intestine (colon) gets inflamed. This inflammation damages and kills

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

Cystic Fibrosis and the Digestive System How does CF affect the digestive system? Children with cystic fibrosis (CF) have a protein in their cells that doesn't work right. The protein is called CFTR (the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator). CFTR controls the flow of water

Craniosynostosis What is craniosynostosis? The skull is made up of 8 bones and joints where the bones of the skull meet (sutures). These sutures allow the skull to grow as an infant grows and develops. Over time, the sutures close and the bones fuse together. This forms the skull

Microcephaly in Children What is microcephaly in children? Microcephaly is a condition where a baby's head is much smaller than normal. It is most often present at birth (congenital). Most children with microcephaly also have a small brain and an intellectual disability. Some

Your Child's Asthma What causes childhood asthma? Researchers continue to learn what causes asthma. It is not fully understood. The following things play a part: Genetics. Asthma runs in families. Allergies. Some allergies are more common in people with asthma. Allergies also

Food Allergies in Children What is food allergy in children? A food allergy is when your child’s body has a bad immune reaction to a certain food. This is different from a food intolerance, which does not affect the immune system. This is true even though some of the same signs

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) What is fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD)? A baby born to a person who drinks alcohol during pregnancy can have many problems. This is called fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). FASD includes: Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). This is

Cleft Lip and Palate in Children What are cleft lip and cleft palate in children? Cleft lip and palate are openings or splits in the upper lip or roof of the mouth (palate). A child can be born with a cleft lip, cleft palate, or both. Cleft lip and palate may be the only birth

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