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Pollen and Children What is pollen? Each grain of pollen is tiny (microscopic). When there is a lot of pollen together, it becomes a fine yellow powder. It's made of the male reproductive cells of flowering plants, trees, grasses, and weeds. It's the most common cause of hay

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis What is juvenile idiopathic arthritis? Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a form of arthritis in children. Arthritis causes joint swelling (inflammation) and joint stiffness. JIA is arthritis that affects 1 or more joints for at least 6 weeks in

Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate in Children What are cleft lip and cleft palate in children? Cleft lip and cleft 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 cleft palate may be

Meconium Aspiration What is meconium aspiration? Meconium aspiration is when a newborn breathes in a mixture of meconium and amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid is the liquid that surrounds the baby in the womb. Meconium is the baby's first stool, or poop. It is sticky, thick, and

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome What is neonatal abstinence syndrome? Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a set of signs and symptoms that may occur after babies are exposed to medicines or other substances in the uterus before birth. Babies can then experience withdrawal after

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 mucus lining of the intestines gets inflamed. This inflammation damages and

Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension in the Newborn What is persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) in the newborn? Persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) happens in newborn babies. It occurs when a newborn’s circulation continues to flow as it did while in the uterus. When this

Prematurity What is prematurity? A baby born before 37 weeks of pregnancy is considered premature or born too early. Other terms used for prematurity are preterm and the nicknames "preemie" or "premie." About 1 in every 10 infants are born prematurely. Twins and other multiples

Retinopathy of Prematurity What is retinopathy of prematurity? Retinopathy of prematurity is an eye problem that can happen to premature babies. The retina lines the back of the eye. It receives light as it comes through the pupil. From there, the optic nerve sends signals to the

Spina Bifida in Children What is spina bifida in children? Spina bifida is a condition present at birth (birth defect) when there are problems with the spine, spinal cord, and the surrounding nerves. It can cause part of the spinal cord and areas around it to form outside of the