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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

Addison Disease in Children What is Addison disease in a child? Addison disease, also called primary adrenal insufficiency, is when the adrenal glands don't make enough of the "stress" hormone called cortisol. Cortisol controls metabolism, blocks inflammatory reactions, and

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

Anorectal Malformation in Children What is an anorectal malformation in children? Anorectal malformations are birth defects, or problems that happen as an unborn baby is developing during pregnancy. With this defect, the anus and rectum don’t develop properly. They are the lower

Appendicitis in Children What is appendicitis in children? Appendicitis is a painful swelling, inflammation, and infection of the appendix. It's a medical emergency because the appendix can burst or rupture. This is serious and can lead to more widespread infection. If not

Biliary Atresia in Children What is biliary atresia in children? Biliary atresia is a rare liver disease that occurs in newborn babies. It's often found shortly after birth. The disorder affects tubes in the liver called bile ducts. If not treated with surgery, it can be fatal

About the Heart and Blood Vessels The heart is the hardest working muscle in the human body. Located almost in the center of the chest, a healthy adult heart is the size of a clenched adult fist. By age 70, the human heart will beat more than 2.5 billion times. The heart is

Arrhythmias in Children What are arrhythmias in children? An arrhythmia is an abnormal heart rhythm. When a child has an arrhythmia, abnormal electrical signals sent through the heart muscle may cause the heart to beat too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or in an

Aortic Stenosis in Children What is aortic stenosis in children? Aortic stenosis means that your child has a heart valve that is too narrow or is blocked. The aortic valve is 1 of 4 heart valves that keep blood flowing through the heart. The valves make sure blood flows in only

The Child's Immune System What is the immune system? The immune system protects your child's body from outside invaders. This includes germs, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and toxins (chemicals made by microbes). The immune system is made up of different organs, cells