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COVID-19 What is COVID-19? COVID-19 is an infectious disease that most often causes a respiratory illness. You may hear it called COVID or coronavirus disease 2019. It's caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2. There are many types of coronaviruses. They are a common cause of

Anorexia Nervosa What is anorexia nervosa? Anorexia nervosa is also called anorexia. It is a serious medical illness It's not a lifestyle choice. This eating disorder makes you obsess about your weight and food. If you have this problem, you may have a distorted body image. You

Pregnancy and Heartburn Chances are good that you’re one of many pregnant people who experience the churning and burning of heartburn or acid indigestion. It typically hits somewhere in the second or third trimester, and it can be miserable. Heartburn doesn’t really mean your

Immune System Disorders Your immune system is your body’s defense against infections and other harmful invaders. Without it, you would constantly get sick from germs, such as bacteria or viruses. Your immune system is made up of special cells, tissues, and organs that work

Insomnia What is insomnia? You've likely had nights when you couldn't fall asleep, no matter how desperately you tried. When you can't sleep, the ticking of the clock only reminds you of your exhaustion and the endless hours until morning. And perhaps you finally drop off around

Coping with Swallowing Problems As you go through daily life, swallowing is as natural as breathing. You rarely give it a second thought as you swallow hundreds of times each day. Swallowing problems can happen for reasons ranging from dehydration to illness. Most of the time it

Alagille Syndrome What is Alagille syndrome? Alagille syndrome is an inherited condition in which bile builds up in the liver because there are too few bile ducts to drain the bile. This results in liver damage. Your liver makes bile to help remove waste from your body. Bile also

Folic Acid for a Healthy Baby What is folic acid? Folic acid, or folate, is a B vitamin. The word folate comes from folium, the Latin word for leaf. Folate is found naturally in food, particularly in dark, green leafy vegetables. Folic acid is the synthetic form supplied in

Long QT Syndrome What is long QT syndrome? Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a disease that can cause a dangerous rapid heart rate and irregular rhythm involving the bottom pumping chambers of the heart (ventricles). The heart has both muscular and electrical components. Electricity

The Cardiologist A cardiologist is a doctor who has had extra training to treat problems of the heart and blood vessels. A cardiologist has at least 10 years of medical training. It includes: 4 years of medical school. 3 years of training in internal medicine. 3 or more years in