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Hirschsprung Disease in Children What is Hirschsprung disease in children? Hirschsprung disease is a rare birth defect. It affects the nerve cells in the large intestine. These nerve cells control the muscles that move food and waste, or stool, through the large intestine. The

Pulmonary Atresia What is pulmonary atresia? Pulmonary atresia (PA) is a heart defect. It happens when the baby's heart doesn’t form as it should in the uterus. This can happen during the first 8 weeks of pregnancy. PA is a problem with the opening of the pulmonary valve. This

Intussusception in Children What is intussusception in children? Intussusception is a serious problem in the intestine. It occurs when 1 part of the intestine slides inside another part. The intestine then folds into itself like a telescope. This creates a blockage or obstruction

Intestinal Malrotation and Volvulus in Children What is intestinal malrotation in children? Intestinal malrotation is a birth defect. It happens when your baby’s intestinal tract doesn’t form as it should during pregnancy. Malrotation happens when your baby’s intestine doesn’t

Meckel Diverticulum What is Meckel diverticulum? Meckel diverticulum is a small pouch in the lower wall of the small intestine. The normal intestine does not have a pouch. It’s near where the small and large intestines meet. The pouch is left over from when your child’s digestive

Omphalocele What is an omphalocele? An omphalocele is a birth defect. It happens when your baby is forming during pregnancy. In this condition, some of your baby’s abdominal organs poke out (protrude) from the belly through the belly button (umbilicus). A clear (translucent)

Tracheoesophageal Fistula and Esophageal Atresia What are tracheoesophageal fistula and esophageal atresia? Tracheoesophageal fistula Tracheoesophageal fistula is a connection between the esophagus and the trachea. The esophagus is the tube that connects the throat to the stomach

Speech Sound Disorders in Children What are speech sound disorders in children? It’s normal for young children learning language skills to have some trouble saying words the right way. That’s part of the learning process. Their speech skills develop over time. They master certain

Achalasia in Children What is achalasia in a child? Achalasia is a rare disease that makes it hard to swallow foods and liquids. In achalasia, there is a problem with the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach (esophagus). The muscles that make the esophagus

Phenylketonuria (PKU) in Children What is phenylketonuria (PKU) in children? Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare metabolic disorder. Children with PKU can’t process an amino acid called phenylalanine. Phenylalanine is in many common foods. It helps the body make protein. It's also