Being prepared for an allergy emergency will help you, your child, and other caregivers respond in the event of a serious reaction.

Ground-level ozone and other air pollutants can trigger asthma flare-ups. But there are steps you can take to minimize your child's exposure.

Many kids battle allergies year-round, and some can't control their symptoms with medications. For them, allergy shots (or allergen immunotherapy) can help.

Alopecia areata is a condition that causes hair loss on the scalp and sometimes elsewhere on the body.

Celiac disease happens when someone has a food intolerance to gluten. Here's how to manage symptoms and prevent damage to the intestines.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) causes inflammation throughout the body. Doctors are trying to find out how these symptoms are related to COVID-19 infection.

Find out how to limit exposure to cockroaches if they make your child's asthma or allergies worse.

If dust mites make your child's asthma or allergies worse, here's how to limit exposure to them.

If strong scents, smoke, and smog make your child's asthma or allergies worse, learn how to limit contact with these irritants.

If mold makes your child's asthma or allergies worse, learn how to limit exposure to it.

Do pets make your child's allergies or asthma worse? Here's how to handle it.

If pollen makes your child's asthma or allergies worse, learn how to limit exposure it.

Allergies don't cause asthma, but kids who have allergies are more likely to get asthma.

Eczema can be an itchy nuisance and cause scratching that makes the problem worse. Many kids who have eczema today will be over it by the time they're teens.

Helping your child manage an egg allergy means reading food labels carefully, being aware of what he or she eats, and carrying the right medicines in case of an allergic reaction.

Most allergic reactions aren't serious, but severe reactions can be life-threatening and need medical care right away.

Fish allergy can cause a serious reaction. Find out how to keep kids safe.

Food allergies can cause serious and even deadly reactions in kids, so it's important to know how to feed a child with food allergies and to prevent reactions.

Food protein induced enterocolitis syndrome, also called FPIES, is a type of delayed food allergy. Someone with FPIES must avoid the foods that might trigger a reaction.

With preparation and education, a child with a food allergy can stay safe at school.

Most kids who develop this inflammation of the blood vessels (marked by a raised red and purple rash) make a full recovery and have no long-term problems.

Has your child broken out in welts? It could be a case of the hives. Learn how to soothe itchy bumps and help your child feel better.

Immune thrombocytopenia happens when the immune system attacks platelets. Viral infections often trigger this in children, but it usually goes away within 6 months.

Inflammation is one way the body reacts to infection, injury, or other medical conditions. Many things can cause it.

Insect sting allergies can cause serious reactions. Find out how to keep kids safe.

Many kids have an allergy. Find out how allergies are diagnosed and how to keep them under control.

Milk allergy can cause serious reactions. Find out how to keep kids safe.

Almost all infants are fussy at times. But some are very fussy because they have an allergy to the protein in cow's milk, which is the basis for most commercial baby formulas.

If your child is allergic to nuts or peanuts, it's essential to learn what foods might contain them and how to avoid them.

Most people get a reaction to poison ivy. Check out this article for tips on what to do and how to avoid poison ivy.

Pollen-food allergy syndrome happens when someone with a pollen allergy eats certain foods. It only affects the lips, mouth, and throat.

Psoriasis causes skin cells to build up on the surface of the skin where they form itchy, red patches and thick scales. Find out what causes psoriasis and how to help your child deal with it.

A red meat allergy is a food allergy that can happen after a tick bite when a person eats red meat or something made from mammals.

At various times of the year, pollen and mold spores trigger the cold-like symptoms associated with seasonal allergies. Most kids find relief through reduced exposure to allergens or with medicines.

Kids with severe allergies can be at risk for a sudden, serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. The good news is that when treated properly, anaphylaxis can be managed.

Sesame is one of the most common foods that can cause allergic reactions. Avoiding sesame means more than just not eating it. It also means not eating any foods that might contain sesame as ingredients.

Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is an immune deficiency that can be successfully treated if it's found early.

Shellfish allergy can cause serious reactions. Find out common symptoms of allergic reactions and how to respond.

Soy is found in many foods and it's a common food allegy. Find out how to help kids with an allergy stay safe.

Stem cells help rebuild a weakened immune system. Stem cell transplants are effective treatments for a wide range of diseases, including cancer.

Doctors often use a combination of skin tests and blood tests to test for food allergies. Learn about what to expect if your child gets tested.

Thrombocytopenia is when someone has too few platelets in their bloodstream. Many things can cause it and most can be treated.

Sometimes people outgrow some food allergies over time, but tree nut allergies are lifelong in many people.

A scratch or skin prick test is a common way doctors find out more about a person's allergies.

Food labels can help you spot allergens your child must avoid. Find out more.

Food allergies and food intolerances, like lactose intolerance, are not the same. Find out more.

Wheat allergy can cause serious reactions. Find out how to help kids with an allergy stay safe.

An arthrogram is a test done to look inside a joint for injuries or other problems.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) causes inflammation throughout the body. Doctors are trying to find out how these symptoms are related to COVID-19 infection.

Enthesitis-related juvenile idiopathic arthritis causes inflammation where tendons and ligaments connect to bones. Treatments can help with symptoms, so children can live a full and active life.

The chronic condition fibromyalgia causes widespread pain in the muscles, joints, and other areas of the body. Lifestyle changes and other strategies can help kids who have it feel better.

Most kids who develop this inflammation of the blood vessels (marked by a raised red and purple rash) make a full recovery and have no long-term problems.

Inflammation is one way the body reacts to infection, injury, or other medical conditions. Many things can cause it.

Jumper's knee is an overuse injury that happens when frequent jumping, running, and changing direction damages the patellar tendon.

Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is an autoimmune disease that makes muscles, skin, and sometimes other organs become inflamed or damaged.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a group of disorders that cause arthritis (stiff, swollen, painful joints) in children.

Lupus is known as an autoimmune disease in which a person's immune system mistakenly works against the body's own tissues.

Oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis is a type of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Children with the condition have arthritis in fewer than five joints, and treatments can help with symptoms

Children with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis have arthritis in five or more joints during the first 6 months of illness. Treatments can help with symptoms, so children can live a full and active life.

Children with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (systemic JIA) have periods of arthritis along with a fever and rash. Treatments can help with symptoms, so children can live a full and active life.

Ground-level ozone and other air pollutants can trigger asthma flare-ups. But there are steps you can take to minimize your child's exposure.

Many kids battle allergies year-round, and some can't control their symptoms with medications. For them, allergy shots (or allergen immunotherapy) can help.

Asthma makes it hard to breathe. But with treatment, the condition can be managed so that kids can still do the things they love. Learn all about asthma.

What teachers and coaches need to know about student-athletes with asthma.

What teachers should know about asthma, and how to help students prevent and deal with flare-ups.

Find out how to deal with — and help prevent — asthma flare-ups ("attacks"), which is when asthma symptoms get worse.

Asthma medicine comes in two main types: quick-relief and long-term control medicines. Even if a child takes a long-term control medicine regularly, quick-relief medicine is still needed to handle flare-ups.

Triggers — things in the air, weather conditions, or activities — can cause asthma flare-ups. By knowing and avoiding triggers, you'll help lessen your child's asthma symptoms.

Hear what parents have to say about raising kids with asthma.

Kids and teens who have asthma can and do play sports. But some activities are better than others. Find out more.

Sometimes, the weather can affect a child's asthma symptoms. Here are some tips for dealing with it.

Find out how to limit exposure to cockroaches if they make your child's asthma or allergies worse.

If dust mites make your child's asthma or allergies worse, here's how to limit exposure to them.

If strong scents, smoke, and smog make your child's asthma or allergies worse, learn how to limit contact with these irritants.

If mold makes your child's asthma or allergies worse, learn how to limit exposure to it.

Do pets make your child's allergies or asthma worse? Here's how to handle it.

If pollen makes your child's asthma or allergies worse, learn how to limit exposure it.

Some people have exercise-induced asthma, which means that their asthma symptoms (such as coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath) are triggered by exercise or physical activity.

Allergies don't cause asthma, but kids who have allergies are more likely to get asthma.

Many kids with asthma have symptoms only when they exercise. But with careful management, they usually can do anything their peers can do.

Nebulizers are often used with young children because they require little effort on the child's part. But kids do need to stay in one place and cooperate. If you're having trouble giving treatments, this article is for you!

During a flare-up or attack, it's hard to breathe. While some flare-ups are mild, others can be life threatening, so it's important to deal with them right away.

Babies and young children might wheeze due to viral infections (like a cold), but that doesn't mean they will develop asthma when they're older.

Inflammation is one way the body reacts to infection, injury, or other medical conditions. Many things can cause it.

Asthma control can take a little time and energy to master, but it's worth the effort. Learn more about ways to manage your child's asthma.

Wildfires are becoming more common due to changes in the environment. These tips can help you be ready when wildfires happen or the air quality is poor in your area.

Asthma flare-ups are the main reason kids with asthma miss school. But well-managed asthma is far less likely to result in a sick day.

Being a smoker is an obvious risk for kids and teens with asthma, but just being around people who smoke can cause problems too.

With some careful planning, kids with asthma can enjoy all the benefits of a trip away from home.

Find out how these asthma tools help kids take their medicines.

One of the best ways to help kids manage asthma, besides avoiding triggers, is to make sure they take their medicine as prescribed.

Asthma is a condition that makes it hard to breath. Watch this video to find out what happens in the lungs when a person has asthma.

Find out how this written plan can help you care for your child with asthma.

If your child has asthma, find out when you need to go to the ER.

We build almost all our bone density when we're kids and teens. Kids with strong bones have a better chance of avoiding bone weakness later in life. Here's how parents can help.

Achondroplasia is a condition that causes short stature (an adult height less than 4 feet, 10 inches). Treatment can help with related problems, and new research offers hope for even better treatments.

ACL injuries can happen in active and athletic kids when excessive pressure is put on the knee joint, resulting in a torn ligament.

Children with arthrogryposis (AMC) have stiff joints that don't move well. Treatments like splinting, bracing, therapy, and surgery help kids get the best range of motion.

Basilar invagination is when the top of the spine pushes up into the base of the skull. It causes pinching and pressing on the brain stem.

Becker muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder that gradually makes the body's muscles weaker and smaller. It causes less severe problems than the most common type of MD, Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Blount disease is a growth disorder that causes the bones of the lower leg to bow outward. This gets worse if it's not treated, so early diagnosis is very important.

Cancer medicines and radiation treatment can weaken bones. Find out what can help improve a child’s bone health after cancer treatment.

Bow legs is when the legs curve outward at the knees while the feet and ankles touch. Infants and toddlers often have bow legs. It's rarely serious and usually goes away on its own.

Many kids will have a broken bone at some point. Here's what to expect.

Learn about broken collarbones (or clavicle fractures), a common sports injury in kids.

A buckle or torus fracture is a type of broken bone. One side of the bone bends, raising a little buckle, without breaking the other side of the bone.

People with campomelic dysplasia usually have bent long bones and can have severe breathing problems. A team of specialists will care for a child when medical problems come up.

Kids with cartilage hair hypoplasia have differences with the growth of their bones. With regular medical care, most kids can live a full, healthy life.

Casts keep bones and other tissues in place while they heal. Here's what to expect, and how to care for casts.

Get advice from parents raising kids with cerebral palsy. Learn what works, what doesn’t, and what helped these families the most.

Cervical kyphosis is a curve at the top of the spine (backbone). Usually, the condition isn't serious, but a pinch in the spinal cord can cause nerve damage.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a neurological disorder that causes muscle weakness and numbness, most often in the arms and legs.

Pectus carinatum, sometimes called pigeon chest, is when the chest wall causes the chest to jut out.

Pectus excavatum is when the ribs and sternum (breastbone) grow inward and form a dent in the chest. Learn the causes, symptoms, treatments, and more.

Poland syndrome is a condition where a child is born with missing or underdeveloped chest muscles.

CLOVES syndrome is a very rare genetic disorder that causes vascular, skin, spinal, and bone or joint abnormalities.

Clubfoot is a birth defect that makes one or both of a baby's feet point down and turn in. Most clubfeet can be successfully corrected using the nonsurgical Ponseti method.

After clubfoot is corrected in the casting phase, it must be maintained in the bracing phase for up to 5 years. While your baby wore casts, he or she could move the legs independently. But because both feet are in the brace, the legs can only move together.

A comminuted fracture is a type of broken bone. The bone is broken into more than two pieces.

Flatfeet, toe walking, pigeon toes, bowlegs, and knock-knees. Lots of kids have these common orthopedic conditions, but are they medical problems that can and should be corrected?

A compression fracture of the spine is when the vertebrae (bones that form the spine) collapses. People with weakened bones can get them from a minor fall or with no trauma at all.

Kyphosis is a rounding of the back that some children are born with. It makes the back look hunched over.

Congenital scoliosis is when the bones in a baby’s spine don’t form normally before birth. The baby may be born with a curved spine or develop one later.

Costochondritis is a painful swelling of the cartilage that attaches the ribs to the breastbone. It's one of the most common causes of chest pain in kids and teens.

Craniosynostosis is when seams between bones in the skull close too soon. When this happens, the skull can’t expand grow as it should, and it develops an unusual shape.

Babies can be born with this hip problem or develop it soon after birth. Early treatment can help the hip joint grow normally.

Diastrophic dysplasia is a skeletal dysplasia. People who have it are generally shorter than average in height.

A dislocated kneecap is when the bone in the front of the knee (the kneecap or patella) slides out of place. A person with a dislocated kneecap needs care at the hospital right away.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common form of muscular dystrophy. It gradually makes the body's muscles weaker.

Dwarfism is a condition that is characterized by short stature. Many of the possible complications of dwarfism are treatable, and people of short stature lead healthy, active lives.

Ellis-van Creveld dysplasia is a type of skeletal dysplasia, causing very short stature (dwarfism), short arms and legs, and a narrow chest. Regular care from medical specialists can help with problems it can cause.

External fixators used for limb lengthening have pins that go through the skin and into the bone. It's important to know how to care for the pins at home to prevent infections.

The chronic condition fibromyalgia causes widespread pain in the muscles, joints, and other areas of the body. Lifestyle changes and other strategies can help kids who have it feel better.

Babies who have fibular hemimelia are born with a short or missing fibula. Experts who treat bone problems have several options to help kids with a hemimelia.

Most babies and toddlers have flat feet. As they grow, an arch usually develops. But some kids have flat feet for life.

Ganglion cysts are lumps that, most commonly, appear on the back of the wrist. These cysts are not cancerous and are easily treated.

An X-ray is a safe and painless test that uses a small amount of radiation to make an image of bones, organs, and other parts of the body. Here's how they're done.

Goldenhar syndrome can cause incomplete development of bones in the face, affecting the ear, nose, soft palate, lip, and jaw. A cleft and craniofacial care team can help kids born with the condition.

A greenstick fracture is a type of broken bone. The bone cracks on one side only, not all the way through the bone.

Injuries to growth plates, which produce new bone tissue and determine the final length and shape of bones in adulthood, must be treated so that bones heal properly.

Growth plates are the areas of new bone growth, usually near the ends of long bones. A growth plate is weaker than solid bone. This makes it more likely to get injured.

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare medical condition that affects the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Luckily, most people who get GBS recover.

Much like a fiberglass cast holds a broken arm or leg in place, a "halo" with vest holds a child's head and neck in place after a spinal injury so that spinal bones can heal.

Halo-gravity traction is a way to pull the head and spine upward. Doctors use it to treat curvature of the spine and to prepare kids for spinal fusion surgery.

Broken bones have an amazing ability to heal, especially in kids. Full healing can take time, but new bone usually forms a few weeks after an injury.

See how the joints work.

Hypochondroplasia is a condition that affects the growth of bone and cartilage. Kids who have it are shorter than other kids of the same age).

Kids of any age can have idiopathic scoliosis, but it's usually found when a child begins going through puberty. Find out more about the signs of and treatment for idiopathic scoliosis.

In-toeing is when feet point inward while walking. It happens in a lot of kids who are learning to walk. Sometimes people call it walking "pigeon-toed."

An incentive spirometer trains people to take slow, deep breaths. It's used during recovery from some types of surgery or as a way to manage illness. Find out how it works.

Jumper's knee is an overuse injury that happens when frequent jumping, running, and changing direction damages the patellar tendon.

Knee injuries are common among young athletes. Learn about causes, treatments, and prevention.

Kniest dysplasia is a type of skeletal dysplasia, causing short stature (dwarfism) and other bone problems, along with vision and hearing problems.

Kids often have knock knees (when knees touch but the ankles are apart). They usually go away without on their own by the time a child is 7 or 8 years old.

Everyone's spine is slightly rounded forward at a gentle angle. If this angle is too pronounced, more than 50 degrees or so, it's called kyphosis, also known as roundback or hunchback.

Leg length discrepancy is when someone’s legs are different lengths. For a big difference or one that's likely to get worse, treatment is recommended.

Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease changes the hip joint and can cause a stiff joint, pain, and a limp.

Kids with limb deformities have differences in the way their arms or legs are shaped. Some don't need treatment, For those that do, doctors have different options.

Limb lengthening surgery is done when someone has a leg length discrepancy (one leg is shorter than the other). Sometimes this is treated with an external fixator.

Limb lengthening surgery is done when someone has a leg length discrepancy (one leg is shorter than the other). Sometimes this is treated with an internal lengthening device (a rod with a magnet).

Little League elbow is an overuse injury to the elbow caused by repetitive throwing. Most cases happen in pitchers, but any young athlete who throws a lot can get the condition.

Hypocalcemia is when the blood has too little calcium. It can be treated with calcium and vitamin D supplements.

Marfan syndrome affects the body's connective tissue and can cause problems in the eyes, joints, and heart. Even though the disease has no cure, doctors can successfully treat just about all of its symptoms.

MCL injuries can happen in active and athletic kids, when excessive pressure is put on the knee joint, resulting in a torn ligament.

Some babies are born with a meningocele, which is a sac that pushes through the gap in the spine. With surgery to fix the problem, most babies with a meningocele live a healthy, normal life.

Morquio A syndrome causes growth problems and also can affect the heart and cause hearing and vision problems. Medical care and treatments can help with these problems.

Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia is a type of skeletal dysplasia. It affects the ends of the long bones, leading to short stature, joint pain and stiffness, and other bone problems.

Muscular dystrophy is a disorder that weakens a person's muscles over time. People who have the disease can gradually lose the ability to do everyday tasks.

Myasthenia gravis (or myasthenia) happens when voluntary muscles get weaker. Treatments can help symptoms.

Myelomeningocele is a type of spina bifida in which a baby is born with a gap in the bones of the spine.

Young kids are at risk for a common injury known as nursemaid's elbow, which is easy for a doctor to fix. To help prevent it, never swing or lift a child by the lower arm, hands, or wrists.

Osgood-Schlatter disease (OSD) is one of the most common causes of knee pain in adolescents. It's really not a disease, but an overuse injury.

Osteochondritis dissecans is when a piece of bone and the attached cartilage break down and become loose. If it heals completely, kids who have it usually don't have any long-lasting problems.

Osteogenesis imperfecta (or brittle bone disease) prevents the body from building strong bones. People with OI have bones that might break easily.

Osteomyelitis is a bone infection that can happen when germs enter an open wound. The easiest way to prevent it is to keep skin clean.

Osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer. It happens most often in the arms and legs but can happen in other bones too.

Out-toeing is when feet point outward while walking. It happens to a lot of kids when they are learning to walk.

Panner's disease is a painful bone condition linked to overuse of the elbow. Kids with Panner's disease need to avoid all activities that cause pain so the bone can heal.

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (or runner's knee) is the most common overuse injury among runners, but it can also happen to other athletes who do activities that require a lot of knee bending.

Pectus carinatum is when the chest juts out. Sometimes it's treated by wearing a brace.

The Nuss procedure is a surgery to correct severe pectus excavatum. It’s considered "minimally invasive" because only a few small cuts are needed.

Health care providers sometimes suggest that kids use a vacuum bell to help correct pectus excavatum, a condition that causes a caved-in chest.

Babies born with Pierre Robin Sequence have a smaller-than-normal jaw. They need special treatment to keep the airway open, help with feeding and prevent serious problems.

Polydactyly is when a baby is born with an extra finger on the hand or an extra toe on the foot. It can be on one or both hands or feet.

Pompe disease is a rare genetic condition that makes muscles get weaker over time.

Postural kyphosis is rounding or hunching of the back that usually affects teens. It's due to "bad" posture and not disease.

People with primordial dwarfism have slowed growth that begins before birth and continues throughout life. Sometimes they have other health problems too.

Pseudoachondroplasia is a skeletal dysplasia that causes dwarfism and arms and legs that are short compared with the body. Children who have it can live long and productive lives.

Babies with radial dysplasia (also called radial club hand) are born with a short or missing radial bone. This makes the wrist turn in.

Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) happen when movements are repeated over and over, damaging a bone, tendon, or joint.

Rickets is when bones become soft and weak, usually because a child doesn't get enough vitamin D. Most kids with rickets get better with treatment.

A Rigo Cheneau brace is a type of spine brace for scoliosis. Used with physical therapy, it can improve a child’s posture.

Rotator cuff tendonitis is inflammation of the tendons of the rotator cuff, a group of muscles and tendons in the shoulder bones.

Scheuermann's kyphosis is a condition affecting the upper back that makes it rounded so it looks hunched over.

Scoliosis makes a person’s spine curve from side to side. Large curves can cause health problems like pain or breathing trouble. Health care providers treat scoliosis with back braces or surgery when needed.

Some kids with scoliosis wear a brace to help stop their curve from getting worse as they grow. Find out more about the different types of scoliosis braces.

Sever's disease, a common heel injury in kids, is due to inflammation (swelling) of the growth plate in the heel. While painful, it's only temporary and has no long-term effects.

Shin splints are pain on the inner part of the shinbone, often from running or another high-impact activity. They get better with rest.

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is a shift at the upper part of the thighbone, or femur, that results in a weakened hip joint. Fortunately, when caught early, most cases of SCFE can be treated successfully.

Spina bifida is a birth defect that involves the incomplete development of the spinal cord or its coverings. It's usually detected before a baby is born and treated right away.

In spina bifida occulta, a baby is born with a gap in the spine's bones, but the spinal cord and its covering do not push through it.

A spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that's done to stabilize or straighten the bones in the back. It can help kids and teens with scoliosis.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a condition that causes muscle weakness and atrophy. There's no cure, but therapy and other treatments can help most people who have SMA.

A teen athlete talks about why he won't let his condition take him out of the game.

A splint is a support device that keeps an injured area from moving. Doctors often use splints to hold bones and joints in place so they can heal after a fracture.

Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita is a type of skeletal dysplasia, causing short stature (dwarfism) and other bone problems, along with vision and hearing problems.

Spondylolisthesis happens when a bone in the back slips forward and out of place. In kids and teens, it’s a common cause of lower back pain.

Spondylolysis is a very common cause of lower back pain in kids, teens, and young adults. It usually heals quickly with rest and other nonsurgical treatments.

Sprains and strains are common injuries, especially for kids who play hard or are into sports.

A stress fracture is a tiny crack in a bone. They usually happen from repeating the same movement over and over.

Babies with symbrachydactyly are born with short often webbed fingers. Some might be missing fingers.

Syndactyly is when a baby is born with two or more fingers or toes joined or "webbed" together.

Correcting your child’s clubfoot begins with a series of casts and ends with a brace. Here's how to help your child wear it successfully.

The Ponseti method to treat clubfoot is done in two phases – the casting phase gradually moves the foot to the correct position, and the bracing phase makes sure it stays there. Learn about bracing.

The Ponseti method to treat clubfoot is done in two phases – the casting phase gradually moves the foot to the correct position, and the bracing phase makes sure it stays there. Learn about casting.

The Ravitch procedure is a surgery to correct severe pectus carinatum and pectus excavatum.

The WREX is an assistive device that kids can wear to help them if they have weak arms.

Babies with thumb duplication (or thumb polydactyly) are born with an extra thumb on one or both hands. Most will have surgery to fix the problem.

Babies with thumb hypoplasia are born with a thumb that is smaller than normal, or with the thumb missing completely.

Toe walking is when kids walk on the balls of their feet, with their heels off the ground. Most children stop toe walking on their own by age 2.

Torticollis is a common condition that causes a stiff neck or neck pain that makes it hard for kids to turn their heads.

Babies with this condition have trouble turning their heads, due to muscle tightness. Simple stretching exercises and physical therapy can help babies get better.

Babies with ulnar dysplasia (also called ulnar club hand) are born with a short or missing ulnar bone. This makes the wrist turn out.

Vitamin D is needed for strong bones, but is hard to come by because it's found in few foods. Here's how to make sure kids get enough vitamin D.

Collagen is a protein in the body that helps make bones strong.

An ankle X-ray can help find the cause of symptoms such as pain, tenderness, and swelling, or deformity of the ankle joint. It can also detect broken bones or a dislocated joint.

A bone age study can help evaluate how a child's skeleton is maturing, which can help doctors diagnose conditions that delay or accelerate growth.

This X-ray can, among other things, help find the cause of neck, shoulder, upper back, or arm pain. It's commonly done after someone has been in an automobile or other accident.

A chest X-ray is a safe and painless test that uses a small amount of radiation to take a picture of a person's chest, including the heart, lungs, diaphragm, lymph nodes, upper spine, ribs, collarbone, and breastbone.

An elbow X-ray can help find the cause of symptoms such as pain, tenderness, swelling, or a deformity. It can also help to detect broken bones or a dislocated joint.

Doctors may order a finger X-ray to find the cause of symptoms such as pain, tenderness, or swelling, or to detect broken bones or dislocated joints.

A foot X-ray can help doctors find the cause pain, tenderness, swelling, or deformities. It also can detect broken bones or dislocated joints.

A forearm X-ray can help doctors find the causes of pain, tenderness, swelling, or deformity. It can detect broken bones, and after a broken bone has been set, see if it has healed properly.

A hand X-ray can help doctors find the cause of pain, tenderness, swelling, and deformity. It also can detect broken bones or dislocated joints.

A hip X-ray can help find the cause of symptoms such as limping, pain, tenderness, swelling, or deformity in the hip area. It can detect broken bones or a dislocated joint.

A knee X-ray can help find the causes of pain, tenderness, swelling, or deformity of the knee, and detect broken bones or a dislocated joint.

Some kids may have significant differences in the length of their legs, a condition known as leg length discrepancy. This X-ray exam can help doctors see the exact difference in leg length so they can decide on a treatment.

An X-ray of the tibia and fibula can help find the cause of pain, tenderness, swelling, or deformity of the lower leg. It can detect broken bones, and after a broken bone has been set, help see if it has healed well.

A pelvis X-ray can help find the cause pain, swelling, or deformity in the pelvic, hip, or upper leg regions, and can detect broken bones.

An upper arm X-ray can help find the cause of symptoms such as pain, tenderness, swelling, or deformity of the upper arm. It can detect a broken bone, and after the bone has been set, show if it has healed well.

A femur X-ray can help find the cause of symptoms such as pain, limp, tenderness, swelling, or deformity of the upper leg. It can detect a broken bone, and after a broken bone has been set, it can help determine whether the bone is in alignment.

A wrist X-ray is a safe and painless test that can help find the cause of pain, tenderness, swelling, or show deformities of the wrist joint. It can also detect broken bones or dislocated joints.

An X-ray is a safe and painless test that uses a small amount of radiation to make an image of bones, organs, and other parts of the body.

Learn about complications of viral infections and conditions that can affect the face and nervous system.

An absence seizure is a type of generalized seizure. During this type of seizure, the person is not aware of what is going on around them.

Abusive head trauma is the leading cause of death in child abuse cases in the United States. It happens when someone shakes an infant.

Acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a rare but serious condition that affects the nervous system.

An astrocytoma is a kind of tumor that forms in the brain or spinal cord. Learn about the signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and care team members.

Ataxia telangiectasia is a rare genetic condition. Children with the condition have uncoordinated movements that get worse over time.

Kids with ataxic CP have trouble with balance. They may walk with their legs farther apart than other kids. And they can have trouble knowing exactly where something is.

Bell's palsy is a temporary weakness or paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face. Though it can be alarming, it typically goes away in a matter of weeks.

Kids with benign rolandic epilepsy have seizures that involve twitching, numbness, or tingling of the face or tongue.

These cancers are the most common type of cancer in children. When discovered early, they often can be cured.

Burners (or stingers) are injuries to the nerve network in the shoulder, arm, forearm, hand, and fingers. They're pretty common in sports and usually go away quickly.

Cardiofaciocutaneous (CFC) syndrome is a rare genetic condition. It affects the heart, facial features, and skin.

Cerebral palsy (CP) affects a child's muscle tone, movement, and more. This article explains causes, diagnosis, treatment, and coping.

Are you raising a child with cerebral palsy? This guide offers advice, resources, and support so that you can help your child reach his or her full potential.

Ira has cerebral palsy (CP), but it doesn't interfere with his love of sports or his dream of being a broadcaster. Check out this video.

Get advice from parents raising kids with cerebral palsy. Learn what works, what doesn’t, and what helped these families the most.

Shannon has cerebral palsy, which limits many abilities. But her wheelchair and her communication device give her the freedom to explore, and a voice to be heard.

Many kids with this brain condition aren't bothered by it. Those who have symptoms can often find relief with medicines or surgery.

Concussions are serious injuries that can be even more serious if kids don't get the time and rest needed to heal them completely.

Costello syndrome is a very rare disorder that affects multiple organ systems. It causes causes problems that affect a child's heart, muscles, bones, skin, brain, and spinal cord.

A craniopharyngioma is a rare type of benign brain tumor. Most people treated for a craniopharyngioma are cured.

Dyskinetic CP, or athetoid CP, is a type of CP. Kids with dyskinetic CP have trouble controlling muscle movement.

An ependymoma is a kind of tumor that forms in the brain or spinal cord. Learn about the signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and care team members.

Epilepsy causes electrical signals in the brain to misfire, which can lead to multiple seizures. Anyone can get epilepsy at any age, but most new diagnoses are in kids.

Epilepsy surgery is an operation done on the brain to reduce or stop seizures.

Fainting is a temporary loss of consciousness. Someone who has fainted will usually recover quickly.

Febrile seizures are full-body convulsions caused by high fevers that affect young kids. Although they can be frightening, they usually stop on their own and don't cause any other health problems.

If a woman drinks alcohol during her pregnancy, her baby could be born with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), which causes a wide range of physical, behavioral, and learning problems.

Focal aware seizures is a seizure that happens while a person is awake and alert and aware of what is going on.

During a focal impaired awareness aware seizure, the person isn’t aware of what is going on around them.

During a generalized tonic-clonic seizure, the person loses consciousness and has stiffening and jerking of the muscles. These seizures usually are generalized, starting on both sides of the brain.

A glioma is a type of brain tumor that starts in glial cells, which support the nerve cells of the brain and spinal cord. Doctors treat most gliomas with surgery alone or combinations of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare medical condition that affects the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. Luckily, most people who get GBS recover.

Headaches affect kids as well as adults. Learn about common causes and when to talk to a doctor.

Often called "water on the brain," hydrocephalus can cause babies' and young children's heads to swell to make room for excess cerebrospinal fluid. Learn how this condition is managed.

Infantile spasms is a seizure disorder in babies. The spasms usually go away by age 4, but many babies go on to have other kinds of epilepsy later.

Intractable epilepsy is when a child's seizures can't be controlled by medicines. Doctors may recommend surgery or other treatments for intractable seizures.

Many scientific studies have shown that there is no link between vaccines — or any of their ingredients — and autism.

Kids with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy have myoclonic seizures that usually begin during the teenage years. Seizures may happen less often in adulthood, but medicine will likely be needed for life.

A ketogenic diet is a strict high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that can reduce, and sometimes stop, seizures.

Long-term exposure to lead can cause serious health problems, particularly in young kids, so it's important to find out whether your child might be at risk for lead exposure.

Legius syndrome is a rare genetic condition. Kids who have it have multiple café-au-lait spots on their skin and might be slower to walk, talk, and reach other milestones than most kids.

Lennox-Gastaut syndrome is a rare type of epilepsy. Children with the condition have several different kinds of seizures.

Lyme disease can affect the skin, joints, nervous system, and other organ systems. If Lyme disease is diagnosed quickly and treated with antibiotics, most people feel better quickly.

Medulloblastoma is a type of brain tumor. Most brain tumors in children are medulloblastoma.

Migraine headaches can cause severe pain and other symptoms. Read about migraine causes, treatments, prevention tips, and lots more.

Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a disease that affects the central nervous system. The symptoms of MS vary depending on which nerves are affected.

Myasthenia gravis (or myasthenia) happens when voluntary muscles get weaker. Treatments can help symptoms.

Neurocutaneous syndromes are genetic disorders that lead to tumor growth in various parts of the body. Learn how to maximize the quality of life for children with these diseases.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic condition that causes benign tumors in and under the skin, often with bone, hormone, and other problems. Learn more about how it's diagnosed and treated.

During childbirth, a brachial plexus injury can happen if the baby's neck is stretched to one side.

Pompe disease is a rare genetic condition that makes muscles get weaker over time.

RASopathies are a group of genetic conditions caused by problems in the RAS pathway, which is one way cells in the body communicate.

Sanfilippo syndrome is a rare condition in which the body can't break down certain carbohydrates (sugars) in the blood, leading to serious problems in the brain and nervous system.

Seizures are caused by a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain. Find out what you need to know about seizures and what to do if your child has one.

Kids with spastic CP have stiff muscles in the upper part of the body, the lower part, or both.

Spina bifida is a birth defect that involves the incomplete development of the spinal cord or its coverings. It's usually detected before a baby is born and treated right away.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a condition that causes muscle weakness and atrophy. There's no cure, but therapy and other treatments can help most people who have SMA.

A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain stops, even for a second. Often, kids who have a stroke can learn to use their arms and legs and speak again through brain retraining.

Kids with temporal lobe epilepsy have seizures that start in one of the temporal lobes of the brain. Seizures usually get better with medicine.

Tourette syndrome is a condition that causes uncontrolled sudden, repetitive muscle movements and sounds known as tics.

Tuberous sclerosis complex is a genetic condition that causes the growth of benign tumors. Symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) therapy is a treatment for epilepsy. It helps prevent or shorten the length of seizures.

A VP shunt is a small plastic tube that helps drain extra cerebrospinal fluid from the brain. Most VP shunts are placed to treat hydrocephalus.

If your child’s school or daycare reported lead in their drinking water, here are some things to consider that can help you decide what to do.

Within a few days of a concussion, most students are ready return to school. Here's how parents can help.

After a concussion, athletes often ask how soon they can start playing again. Usually, they can return to sports when all symptoms are gone and a health care provider gives the OK.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common type of childhood cancer. Because it develops and gets worse quickly, prompt treatment is very important. With treatment, most kids are cured.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) happens when the body makes too many immature white blood cells. Among kids with leukemia, 20% have this type. With treatment, most recover.

An astrocytoma is a kind of tumor that forms in the brain or spinal cord. Learn about the signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and care team members.

Cancer medicines and radiation treatment can weaken bones. Find out what can help improve a child’s bone health after cancer treatment.

These cancers are the most common type of cancer in children. When discovered early, they often can be cured.

While some cancer treatments have little to no effect on reproductive health, others are more likely cause temporary or permanent infertility.

Cardiofaciocutaneous (CFC) syndrome is a rare genetic condition. It affects the heart, facial features, and skin.

Chemotherapy (chemo) is treatment with medicines that stop the growth of cancer cells.

Different kinds of childhood cancer have different signs, symptoms, treatments, and outcomes. But today, most kids with cancer get better.

While this type of blood cancer is more common in adults, it affects children, too. Thanks to advances in therapy, most kids with CML can be cured.

Costello syndrome is a very rare disorder that affects multiple organ systems. It causes causes problems that affect a child's heart, muscles, bones, skin, brain, and spinal cord.

A craniopharyngioma is a rare type of benign brain tumor. Most people treated for a craniopharyngioma are cured.

An ependymoma is a kind of tumor that forms in the brain or spinal cord. Learn about the signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and care team members.

This type of cancer mainly develops in the arms, legs, ribs, spinal column, and pelvis. Early diagnosis and treatment mean most kids have a good chance of recovery.

Germ cell tumors happen when reproductive cells in an unborn baby don't develop as they should.

A glioma is a type of brain tumor that starts in glial cells, which support the nerve cells of the brain and spinal cord. Doctors treat most gliomas with surgery alone or combinations of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Hepatoblastoma is a rare type of cancer that affects the liver but rarely spreads beyond it. Most cases are in children younger than 3.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a type of liver cancer. It's treated by a health care team of specialists in many areas.

Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. Most kids and teens who get Hodgkin lymphoma get better.

Learn about this rare type of cancer, which usually affects kids under 4 years old.

Long-term side effects, or late effects, happen to many cancer survivors. With early diagnosis and proper follow-up care, most late effects can be treated or cured.

Legius syndrome is a rare genetic condition. Kids who have it have multiple café-au-lait spots on their skin and might be slower to walk, talk, and reach other milestones than most kids.

Leukemia refers to cancers of the white blood cells. With the proper treatment, the outlook for kids with leukemia is quite good.

Tumors happen when cells form a mass or growth. Liver tumors can be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Lymphoma is cancer that begins in the body's lymphatic tissue. It's a common type of cancer in children, but most recover from it.

Medulloblastoma is a type of brain tumor. Most brain tumors in children are medulloblastoma.

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. Find out how to lower your family's risk of getting melanoma and how doctors treat it.

MIBG is a molecule that doctors combine with low-dose radioactive iodine to look for neuroblastoma. Given with higher-dose radioactive iodine, it can treat this cancer.

Learn about neuroblastoma, a rare type of childhood cancer that develops in infants and young children.

Neurocutaneous syndromes are genetic disorders that lead to tumor growth in various parts of the body. Learn how to maximize the quality of life for children with these diseases.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic condition that causes benign tumors in and under the skin, often with bone, hormone, and other problems. Learn more about how it's diagnosed and treated.

Certain cancers, or cancer treatment, can weaken the immune system, requiring a child to stay home to avoid exposure to germs. Here are ways to help your child make the best of it.

Osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer. It happens most often in the arms and legs but can happen in other bones too.

Proton therapy is an advanced type of radiation therapy. It's an effective treatment for many childhood cancers.

Radiation therapy, also called radiotherapy, irradiation, or X-ray therapy, is one of the most common forms of cancer treatment.

Radioembolization is a procedure used to treat some kinds of liver tumors. A radioactive material works on the tumor, not the healthy tissue around it.

RASopathies are a group of genetic conditions caused by problems in the RAS pathway, which is one way cells in the body communicate.

Retinoblastoma is a childhood cancer that affects the retina, the area of the eye responsible for sensing light and sending nerve signals to the brain.

A rhabdoid tumor of the liver is a cancer that often spreads quickly to other parts of the body. Most of these very rare tumors happen in babies and toddlers.

Rhabdomyosarcoma is a cancerous tumor that shows up in the body's soft tissues. With early diagnosis and timely treatment, most kids make a full recovery.

Side effects of cancer treatment can include flu-like symptoms, hair loss, and blood clotting problems. After treatment ends, most side effects go away.

A sinonasal tumor is a growth in the nose, the space behind the nose, or in the sinuses. The tumors can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer).

Skull base surgery is done to remove tumors and other growths that appear at the bottom of the skull.

Stem cells help rebuild a weakened immune system. Stem cell transplants are effective treatments for a wide range of diseases, including cancer.

Testicular cancer is uncommon in boys. Most cases are in young and middle-aged men. It responds well to treatment, especially when it’s found early.

Thrombocytopenia is when someone has too few platelets in their bloodstream. Many things can cause it and most can be treated.

Thyroid cancer is uncommon in kids. Most who develop it do very well when the cancer is found and treated early.

Undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver (UESL) is a rare kind of liver cancer that happens mostly in children.

Wilms tumor is a cancer of the kidneys that usually affects newborns and the very young. Fortunately, most kids with Wilms tumor survive and go on to live normal, healthy lives.

An antegrade continence enema, or ACE, is a different way to give an enema. Enemas can help someone poop if they become constipated or have another problem moving their bowels.

Learn the basics of an appendectomy so you know what to expect if your child has this surgery.

Biliary atresia is when a newborn has blocked bile ducts in the liver. If a baby’s jaundice doesn’t improve by 2 weeks of age, doctors might suspect the condition.

Celiac disease happens when someone has a food intolerance to gluten. Here's how to manage symptoms and prevent damage to the intestines.

Chylous ascites is when chyle collects in the belly. Depending on what's causing it, doctors can treat chylous ascites and often cure it.

Chyluria is when there is chyle in the pee. Depending on what's causing it, chyluria can be treated and often can be cured.

Constipation is a very common problem among kids, and it usually occurs because a child's diet doesn't include enough fluids and fiber. In most cases, simple changes can help kids go.

Crohn's disease is a chronic condition that causes parts of the bowel to get red and swollen. The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms, prevent other problems, and avoid flare-ups.

Most kids battle diarrhea from time to time, so it's important to know what to do to relieve and even prevent it.

Eosinophilic esophagitis is inflammation of the esophagus. Most people with the condition improve with treatment.

An epigastric hernia is when a little piece of fat from inside the belly pushes through the abdominal muscles between the belly button and the chest. Many are small, cause no symptoms, and don't need treatment.

A fetal abdominal cyst is a bubble of fluid in a balloon-like bag in the belly of an unborn baby.

Functional abdominal pain is lasting belly pain that doesn't respond to treatment. Many school-age kids have it at some point, but get better without lasting problems.

Some babies are born with the metabolic disorder glactosemia. They must drink soy-based formula instead of breast milk or a cow's milk-based formula.

When babies have reflux, they spit up. Often, this happens after a feeding. Some simple feeding changes can help most babies with reflux spit up less.

When symptoms of heartburn or acid indigestion happen a lot, it could be gastroesophageal reflux (GER). And it can be a problem for kids.

Gastroschisis is when a baby is born with the intestines, and sometimes other organs, sticking out through a hole in the belly wall near the umbilical cord.

Hernias are fairly common in kids, and hernia repair is one of the most common pediatric surgeries.

Children with Hirschsprung disease aren't able to pass a bowel movement, or do so with difficulty. Treatment almost always requires surgery.

A baby probably isn't constipated if their stool (poop) is soft, no matter how often the bowel movements happen or if the baby strains to pass them.

In an imperforate anus, the anal sphincter (a group of muscles in the anus that controls the release of poop) usually forms in the right place but without the normal opening.

Indigestion is an upset stomach that most often happens because someone eats too much or too fast, or has foods that don't agree with them.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to two chronic diseases that cause intestinal inflammation: ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Although they have features in common, there are some important differences.

An inguinal hernia happens when part of the intestines pushes through an opening in the lower part of the abdomen. Doctors fix these hernias with surgery.

Malrotation is a type of obstruction caused by abnormal development of the intestines while a fetus is in the womb. Find out more about this condition and the complications it can cause.

Intussusception is the most common cause of bowel blockages in very young children. Quick treatment can help them recover without lasting problems.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common intestinal problem that can cause cramps, gas, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. Certain foods can trigger these problems. So can anxiety, stress, and infections.

Many kids have lactose intolerance - trouble digesting lactose, the main sugar in milk and milk products - which can cause cramps, diarrhea, and gas.

Laryngomalacia is a common cause of noisy breathing in infants.

If your child needs a liver transplant, you're probably feeling lots of emotions. Fortunately, most kids who have liver transplants go on to live normal, healthy lives.

An NG tube goes through the nose, down the throat, and into the stomach to deliver formula or medicine.

Necrotizing enterocolitis is an intestinal disease that usually affects preemies. Medicines and therapy can help babies with NEC.

Nutrition therapy is an alternative to medicines that doctors use to ease the symptoms of Crohn's disease. It can help improve nutrition and growth, ease inflammation, and heal the gastrointestinal tract.

For some digestive system problems, surgeons do a procedure called an ostomy that lets waste leave the body through a small opening in the skin of the belly.

Pancreatitis is sometimes mistaken for a stomach virus because symptoms can include fever, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Symptoms usually get better on their own, but sometimes treatment is needed.

Bacteria cause most peptic ulcers. Usually, they can be cured.

Protein-losing enteropathy is when too much protein leaks into the intestines, often because of a chronic health condition. The condition usually can be treated.

Pyloric stenosis can make a baby vomit forcefully and often. It can lead to serious problems like dehydration, and needs medical treatment right away.

Short bowel syndrome happens when the small intestine is too short to fully absorb nutrients as it should. Kids with the condition often need to get nutrition through a special IV into a vein.

If your child has bowel movements in places other than the toilet, you know how frustrating it can be. Many kids who soil beyond the years of toilet teaching have a condition known as encopresis.

Kids can have stomach pain for lots of reasons - not all of them related to the digestive system. Here are some clues about what could be going on.

Tapeworms are usually more upsetting to think about than to deal with. Tapeworm infections are rare in the United States, and they're usually easy to treat.

Most teens with Crohn's disease should transition to an adult health care provider when they're between 18 and 21 years old. Here's how parents can help them do that.

Most teens with IBD should transition to an adult health care provider when they're between 18 and 21 years old. Here's how parents can help them do that.

Most teens with ulcerative colitis should transition to an adult health care provider when they're between 18 and 21 years old. Here's how parents can help them do that.

Gastroschisis is when a baby is born with the intestines, and sometimes other organs, sticking out through a hole in the belly wall near the umbilical cord. A gastroschisis silo allow the intestines to slowly move into the belly.

An inguinal hernia happens when part of the intestines slips into the groin (where the belly meets the upper leg) instead of staying in the belly as it should. Doctors fix inguinal (IN-gwuh-nul) hernias with surgery.

Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that happens only in the colon. It causes the inner lining of the colon to get red and swollen with sores called ulcers.

An umbilical hernia shows up as a bump under the belly button. If a hernia doesn't go away by age 4 or 5 or causes problems, doctors may recommend surgery.

Vaccines are safe to give to kids and teens with IBD and won't make their symptoms worse. Here are the ones they need.

Watch a short video to learn what a double barrel ostomy is and how it works.

An appendectomy is surgery to remove the appendix. Surgeons remove the appendix when it gets blocked and becomes infected. A laparoscopic appendectomy lets surgeons remove the appendix with the help of a tiny video camera called a laparoscope.

Watch a short video to learn what a loop ostomy is and how it works.

Watch a short video to learn what an end ostomy is and how it works.

An upper GI X-ray can help find the cause of swallowing problems, unexplained vomiting, abdominal discomfort, severe indigestion, ulcers, reflux, hiatal hernia, or blockages.

Learn about bullous myringitis, an infection of the tympanic membrane (eardrum).

Adenoids trap germs, so sometimes they swell while fighting an infection. If they get infected, tonsils and adenoids might be removed in a surgery at the same time.

Anotia is when a baby’s ear doesn’t form normally, so the baby is born with the outer part of their ear missing.

An auditory brainstem response (ABR) test is a safe and painless test that gives health care providers information about possible hearing loss.

Kids with APD can't understand what they hear in the same way other kids do. That's because their ears and brain don't fully coordinate. But early diagnosis and a variety of strategies can help them.

Aural atresia is a condition that happens before birth in which a baby’s ear canal doesn’t form. It causes hearing loss, but treatments can help most children hear better.

Most kids stumble and fall from time to time, but a child who often loses their balance might have a balance disorder.

A cholesteatoma is a growth behind the eardrum that can damage the bones of the middle ear. Treating it can help prevent hearing loss.

Cochlear implants can help many kids with severe hearing loss. Find out how they work and who can get them.

Constricted ears is when the outer part of the ear is either wrinkled, folded, or flat. They don’t cause any medical problems, but if parents or the child want the ears fixed, treatments can help.

Cryptotia is when the top part of the ear is underneath the skin. If needed, treatments can reshape the ear.

An ear anomaly is when the size or shape of the outer, middle, or inner ear is different than usual. It can change how the ear looks and how a child hears.

Ear canal stenosis is a narrow ear canal. If it leads to hearing loss or other problems, surgery can help.

Ear injuries not only can affect a child's hearing, but sense of balance too. That's because our ears also help keep us steady on our feet.

An ear pit is a small opening (about the size of a pinhead) in front of the ear. They're common and usually don’t cause problems or need treatment.

An ear tag is a small lump of skin, fat, or cartilage in front of the ear. They’re painless, but doctors can remove them with surgery.

Many kids get middle ear infections (otitis media). Doctors may suggest ear tube surgery for those with multiple infections or a hearing loss or speech delay.

A "popped" eardrum is more than just painful - it can sometimes lead to hearing loss. Learn about ruptured eardrums and how to prevent them.

Hearing may be the ears' main job, but it's not all they do. Learn all about the ears in this Body Basics article.

That weird ear-popping sensation is a normal part of air travel. Here's how to help equalize the air pressure in your child's ears to prevent or decrease ear pain.

Hearing aids are the main treatment for a type of hearing loss called sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). They work by making sounds louder.

Kids who have hearing loss, or hearing impairment, have trouble hearing or understanding some or all sounds. It’s best to catch hearing problems right away, because treatment is more successful if it starts early.

What teachers should know about hearing impairments, and how to help students who have one succeed in school.

Hearing problems can be overcome if they're caught early, so it's important to get your child's hearing screened early and checked regularly.

Misuse of the vocal cords — caused by such things as repetitive screaming, yelling, or using the voice in an unnatural way — can lead to a hoarse voice. Learn how to get the voice back into perfect pitch.

Tips for parents on getting drops into a child's ear.

A juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma is a growth in the area behind the nose. They're benign but can damage nerves and bones and block ear and sinus drainage. Almost all JNAs are in teenage boys.

Laryngomalacia is a common cause of noisy breathing in infants.

Microtia is when the outside part of the ear smaller than normal and, sometimes, misshapen. Children with microtia usually have normal hearing. If needed, treatments can reshape the ear.

Morquio A syndrome causes growth problems and also can affect the heart and cause hearing and vision problems. Medical care and treatments can help with these problems.

A nasopharyngoscopy is an exam doctors do to view the back of the throat.

Ototoxicity is when a person develops hearing or balance problems. Learn about this side effect of taking certain medicines.

Older kids and teens with tonsilitis sometimes develop this painful abscess, a pus-filled tissue at the back of the mouth.

Protruding ears is when ears stick out from the side of the head. They don’t cause any medical problems, but if parents or the child want the ears fixed, treatments can help.

A sinonasal tumor is a growth in the nose, the space behind the nose, or in the sinuses. The tumors can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer).

Working with a certified speech-language pathologist can help a child with speech or language difficulties.

Speech-language pathologists help kids with speech problems related to a cleft palate. Find out what they do.

Many young kids go through a stage when they stutter. Stuttering usually goes away on its own but in some cases lasts longer.

A tonsillectomy is surgery to remove the tonsils. It's one of the most common surgeries kids and teens get. Find out more.

Tympanoplasty is a surgery to repair a hole in the eardrum that doesn’t close on its own. It can improve hearing and prevent water from getting into the middle ear.

Children with cochlear implants have a higher risk than other kids of getting some types of bacterial meningitis. Vaccines can help protect them.

When sound and air leaks into the nasal cavity during speech, it's called velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD).

Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) means that the vocal cords partially close during breathing, so air has more trouble getting through.

A cochlear implant is a surgically placed device that helps a person with severe hearing loss hear sounds. Doctors consider cochlear implants for children under 12 months of age with profound hearing loss in both ears. Older children with serious hearing loss also may get cochlear implants.

A nasopharyngoscopy is a quick procedure that uses a special camera to help a doctor look at the back of the throat.

A doctor might suggest ear tube surgery if a child gets many ear infections that don't clear up easily or the ear infections seem to be causing hearing loss or speech delay. Ear tube surgery can drain fluid from the middle ear, prevent future infections, and help the child hear properly again.

Failure to thrive refers to a child's inability to gain weight and grow as expected for kids of the same age and gender. Most diagnoses are made in the first few years of life.

Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a condition that causes the skin to thicken and darken in places. AN is not harmful or contagious, but can be a sign of certain other medical conditions.

Adrenal insufficiency is a condition that happens when the adrenal glands do not work as they should.

Parents want to protect their kids from everything, which is virtually impossible, of course. But can you prevent your child from getting diabetes?

Making smart choices when it comes to carbs and following the diabetes care plan can help keep your child's blood sugars under control.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) affects the adrenal glands, which make important hormones. Symptoms depend on a child's age, sex, and which hormones the adrenal glands make too little or too much of.

Some babies are born with a thyroid gland that didn't develop correctly or doesn't work as it should. This is called congenital hypothyroidism.

A craniopharyngioma is a rare type of benign brain tumor. Most people treated for a craniopharyngioma are cured.

Cushing syndrome can happen when there are too many glucocorticoid hormones in the body.

Puberty usually begins in girls 8-14, and in boys 9-15. If kids pass this normal age range without showing any signs of body changes, it's called delayed puberty.

A diabetes to-go kit holds the supplies your child needs for daily and emergency care. Keep it filled and ready, so you have everything you need at a moment’s notice.

If you haven’t used a babysitter since your child was diagnosed with diabetes, you might have some questions about what to do. Here’s how to be prepared.

Diabetic ketoacidosis happens when the body uses fat for energy instead of sugar. People with diabetes can get it if their blood sugar levels are too high for too long and they don’t have enough insulin in their system.

Kids with diabetes don't have to follow a special diabetes diet, but they may need to pay more attention to when they eat and how much is on their plates.

Most kids grow well but some have ”failure to thrive.” This means they don't gain weight as expected and may not grow as tall as they should.

Gestational diabetes is a kind of diabetes that comes on during pregnancy. When a woman has it, her blood sugar levels are high. That makes the unborn baby's blood sugar levels higher too.

Sometimes, if someone with diabetes has very low blood sugar, they need a dose of glucagon to get their blood sugar back to a healthy range.

An enlarged thyroid gland is a lump that can be felt under the skin at the front of the neck. When it's big enough to see easily, it's called a goiter. A thyroid nodule is a lump or enlarged area in the thyroid gland.

When the body doesn't make enough growth hormone to allow a child to grow at a normal pace, it's called growth hormone deficiency. Learn how doctors check for and treat this problem.

Learn all you can about diabetes so you'll be better prepared to talk about it with your child.

Kids with type 1 diabetes can play sports and exercise at the same level as other kids.

Diabetes doesn't have to get in the way of exercise and sports competition. Like anyone else, kids with diabetes are healthier if they get plenty of exercise.

This step-by-step graphic shows how to give an insulin injection.

When blood glucose levels (also called blood sugar levels) are too high, it's called hyperglycemia. A major goal in controlling diabetes is to keep blood sugar levels as close to the healthy range as possible.

Hyperthyroidism happens when the thyroid gland sends too much thyroid hormone into the blood. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves' disease.

When blood glucose levels drop too low, it's called hypoglycemia. Very low blood sugar levels can cause severe symptoms that require immediate treatment.

An underactive thyroid makes too little thyroid hormone, causing hypothyroidism. Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which causes most cases of hypothyroidism in kids and teens, is a condition in which the immune system attacks the thyroid.

Before giving an insulin injection, know the basics so you can set up and do it safely and with confidence.

Insulin resistance happens when the body does not respond properly to insulin. It can can raise a child's risk for type 2 diabetes and other health problems.

Intrauterine growth restriction is when a baby in the womb doesn't grow at the expected rate during the pregnancy. Women with IUGR should eat a healthy diet; get enough sleep; and avoid alcohol, drugs, and tobacco.

A juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma is a growth in the area behind the nose. They're benign but can damage nerves and bones and block ear and sinus drainage. Almost all JNAs are in teenage boys.

To keep blood sugar levels under control, you have to check them regularly. Learn about checking and recording your child's blood sugar levels.

Dining out should be fun for you and your child with diabetes. The key is to find out the nutritional value of food options and keep portions healthy.

Boys with this condition have an extra "X" chromosome that prevents them from developing normally during puberty. But hormone treatments, counseling, and other therapies can help.

Blood tests and insulin injections can be a challenge for kids with diabetes and their parents. Here are some tips for coping with these.

You've probably heard your child's doctor talk a lot about diabetes control. What is it and why is it important?

Whether your child is taking insulin or pills (or both) to control diabetes, it's important to learn how diabetes medicines work.

Metabolic syndrome is a group of health problems that put kids at risk for heart disease and diabetes. With lifestyle changes, many kids improve their health and reduce their risk of disease.

Pancreatitis is sometimes mistaken for a stomach virus because symptoms can include fever, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Symptoms usually get better on their own, but sometimes treatment is needed.

Most teens with diabetes should switch to an adult health care provider when they're between 18 and 21 years old. Here's how parents can help them get ready in the years leading up to the switch.

Some people with diabetes need to take insulin to help keep their blood sugars in a healthy range.

Thyroid cancer is uncommon in kids. Most who develop it do very well when the cancer is found and treated early.

The thyroid gland makes the hormones that help control metabolism and growth. A thyroid that isn't working properly can cause thyroid disease.

Thyroid blood tests check thyroid function and can help doctors diagnose thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

For kids diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, it's important to create a diabetes management plan to help them manage the condition and stay healthy and active.

Kids who are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes follow a diabetes care plan to help them manage the condition and stay healthy and active.

Diabetes is a disease that affects how the body uses glucose (say: GLOO-kose), a sugar that is the body's main source of fuel. Your body needs glucose to keep running.

An insulin pump is a wearable device that some people with diabetes use to get insulin, instead of getting it from an injection.

In type 1 diabetes, the body can’t use glucose for energy, making blood sugar levels get too high. People with diabetes need insulin shots or an insulin pump.

Learning what you can about type 2 diabetes will let you help your child manage and live with the disease. Here are the basics.

Williams syndrome is a disorder that causes developmental delays, learning problems, and heart and blood vessel problems. But kids who have it usually have good verbal skills and are friendly and social.

Amblyopia interferes with the way the eye and the brain work together. The result is poor vision. Treatment may involve glasses, patches, eye drops, or surgery.

In astigmatism, the cornea or lens of the eye has an abnormal shape, which may make things look blurry or wavy.

A black eye is bruising around the eyes that can look purple, black, or dark blue. Usually, they get better in a week or so.

A baby with congenital cataracts has clouding in one or both eyes. Doctors do surgery to treat them.

Pinkeye, or conjunctivitis, is the most common eye infection affecting kids. Learn more about pinkeye and how to prevent it from spreading.

The eyes are small compared with most of the body's other organs, but their structure is incredibly complex. Learn more about eyes, vision, and common problems with both.

Farsightedness (hyperopia) is a vision problem that makes it hard to see nearby objects clearly.

Pinkeye is an inflammation of the white part of the eye and the inner eyelids. Although some kinds of pinkeye go away on their own, others require treatment.

Glaucoma damages the optic nerve. The condition gets worse over time and leads to a loss of vision if not treated.

Looking at a solar eclipse without eye protection can be dangerous. Find out the risks and how to watch one safely.

Some eye injuries can be treated at home, while others require a visit to the doctor or emergency room. Find out what to do if your child has eye pain.

Morquio A syndrome causes growth problems and also can affect the heart and cause hearing and vision problems. Medical care and treatments can help with these problems.

Nearsightedness (myopia) is a vision problem that makes it hard to see distant objects clearly.

Eye injuries in kids can lead to serious vision problems, even blindness. Wearing protective eyewear can prevent most eye injuries.

Ptosis is drooping of the upper eyelid. Many things can cause it.

Retinitis pigmentosa is a genetic condition that leads to vision loss over time.

Retinoblastoma is a childhood cancer that affects the retina, the area of the eye responsible for sensing light and sending nerve signals to the brain.

Retinopathy of prematurity, which can happen in premature babies, causes abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina. Some children will need surgery to prevent vision loss or blindness.

Strabismus causes eyes to wander or cross. Treatment may include glasses, patches, eye drops, or surgery.

A subconjunctival hemorrhage is a red spot on the white of the eye. It can look scary, but is usually harmless, doesn’t hurt, and won’t affect vision.

Blocked tear ducts are a fairly common problem in infants. The earlier they're discovered, the less likely it is that infection will result or surgery will be necessary.

Blocked tear ducts are a fairly common problem in infants. A common procedure called a tear duct probe can open the blockage.

Blocked tear ducts are a fairly common problem in infants. If your child has a blocked tear duct, your doctor may show you how to massage the eye several times a day at home for a few months. Massaging can help open the blockage.

It's important for kids to have their eyes examined regularly, as many vision problems and eye diseases can be detected and treated early.

22q11.2 deletion syndrome (also called DiGeorge Syndrome) is a genetic condition that can cause a variety of physical and behavioral problems.

Achondroplasia is a condition that causes short stature (an adult height less than 4 feet, 10 inches). Treatment can help with related problems, and new research offers hope for even better treatments.

Humans, animals, and even plants can have albinism, a condition that gives people a kind of pale appearance. Find out more about albinism here.

Alpha thalassemia is a blood disorder in which the body has a problem producing alpha globin, a component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout the body.

Ataxia telangiectasia is a rare genetic condition. Children with the condition have uncoordinated movements that get worse over time.

Beta thalassemia is a blood disorder in which the body has a problem producing beta globin, a component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout the body.

Some birth defects are minor and cause no problems. Others can be serious and require lifelong treatment.

People with campomelic dysplasia usually have bent long bones and can have severe breathing problems. A team of specialists will care for a child when medical problems come up.

Cardiofaciocutaneous (CFC) syndrome is a rare genetic condition. It affects the heart, facial features, and skin.

Kids with cartilage hair hypoplasia have differences with the growth of their bones. With regular medical care, most kids can live a full, healthy life.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a neurological disorder that causes muscle weakness and numbness, most often in the arms and legs.

CLOVES syndrome is a very rare genetic disorder that causes vascular, skin, spinal, and bone or joint abnormalities.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) affects the adrenal glands, which make important hormones. Symptoms depend on a child's age, sex, and which hormones the adrenal glands make too little or too much of.

Some babies are born with a thyroid gland that didn't develop correctly or doesn't work as it should. This is called congenital hypothyroidism.

Costello syndrome is a very rare disorder that affects multiple organ systems. It causes causes problems that affect a child's heart, muscles, bones, skin, brain, and spinal cord.

Diamond-Blackfan anemia happens when bone marrow doesn’t make enough red blood cells. It also can cause physical changes in their heart, head, and upper body.

Diastrophic dysplasia is a skeletal dysplasia. People who have it are generally shorter than average in height.

In Down syndrome, an extra chromosome causes delays in the way a child develops, mentally and physically. But many resources are available to help kids who have it and their families.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy is the most common form of muscular dystrophy. It gradually makes the body's muscles weaker.

Dwarfism is a condition that is characterized by short stature. Many of the possible complications of dwarfism are treatable, and people of short stature lead healthy, active lives.

Ellis-van Creveld dysplasia is a type of skeletal dysplasia, causing very short stature (dwarfism), short arms and legs, and a narrow chest. Regular care from medical specialists can help with problems it can cause.

Epigenetics - the idea that environmental factors can change the health not only of the people who are exposed to them, but also the health of their descendants - is something we'll be hearing more about.

Familial hypercholesterolemia is a genetic condition that causes very high levels of LDL ("bad" cholesterol).

Fanconi anemia is an inherited condition in which the bone marrow doesn’t work normally. A child with the condition needs lifelong medical care.

G6PD deficiency an inherited condition in which someone doesn't have enough of the enzyme G6PD, which protects red blood cells.

Some babies are born with the metabolic disorder glactosemia. They must drink soy-based formula instead of breast milk or a cow's milk-based formula.

A gene mutation is a change in one or more genes. Some mutations can lead to genetic disorders or illnesses.

Genetic counseling is a way for people to understand how genetic illnesses can affect them and their family.

Advances in genetic testing help doctors diagnose and treat certain illnesses. The type of test done depends on which condition a doctor checks for.

Genetics is the study of genes, which carry information that gets passed from one generation to the next.

An enlarged thyroid gland is a lump that can be felt under the skin at the front of the neck. When it's big enough to see easily, it's called a goiter. A thyroid nodule is a lump or enlarged area in the thyroid gland.

Hemophilia is a rare bleeding disorder that prevents the blood from clotting properly. With modern treatment, most kids who have it can lead full, healthy lives.

Kids with hemophilia can bleed easily or longer than normal. So it's important for parents to know how to handle bleeding when it happens.

This genetic disease causes the body to store too much iron. Learn more about hemochromatosis.

Hydroxyurea is a medicine that can help kids and teens who have sickle cell disease. Find out how it works.

Hyperthyroidism happens when the thyroid gland sends too much thyroid hormone into the blood. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves' disease.

Hypochondroplasia is a condition that affects the growth of bone and cartilage. Kids who have it are shorter than other kids of the same age).

An underactive thyroid makes too little thyroid hormone, causing hypothyroidism. Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which causes most cases of hypothyroidism in kids and teens, is a condition in which the immune system attacks the thyroid.

If your child has a birth defect, you don't have to go it alone - many people and resources are available to help you.

Boys with this condition have an extra "X" chromosome that prevents them from developing normally during puberty. But hormone treatments, counseling, and other therapies can help.

Kniest dysplasia is a type of skeletal dysplasia, causing short stature (dwarfism) and other bone problems, along with vision and hearing problems.

Legius syndrome is a rare genetic condition. Kids who have it have multiple café-au-lait spots on their skin and might be slower to walk, talk, and reach other milestones than most kids.

Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is a rare metabolic disorder that some babies are born with.

Marfan syndrome affects the body's connective tissue and can cause problems in the eyes, joints, and heart. Even though the disease has no cure, doctors can successfully treat just about all of its symptoms.

Morquio A syndrome causes growth problems and also can affect the heart and cause hearing and vision problems. Medical care and treatments can help with these problems.

Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia is a type of skeletal dysplasia. It affects the ends of the long bones, leading to short stature, joint pain and stiffness, and other bone problems.

Muscular dystrophy is a disorder that weakens a person's muscles over time. People who have the disease can gradually lose the ability to do everyday tasks.

Neurocutaneous syndromes are genetic disorders that lead to tumor growth in various parts of the body. Learn how to maximize the quality of life for children with these diseases.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic condition that causes benign tumors in and under the skin, often with bone, hormone, and other problems. Learn more about how it's diagnosed and treated.

Newborn screening tests look for health conditions that aren't apparent at birth. Find out which tests are done.

Noonan syndrome is a condition that some babies are born with. It causes changes in the face and chest, and usually includes heart problems.

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a metabolic disorder caused by a defect in the enzyme that breaks down an amino acid. PKU is treatable when it is found early.

Babies born with Pierre Robin Sequence have a smaller-than-normal jaw. They need special treatment to keep the airway open, help with feeding and prevent serious problems.

People with primordial dwarfism have slowed growth that begins before birth and continues throughout life. Sometimes they have other health problems too.

Pseudoachondroplasia is a skeletal dysplasia that causes dwarfism and arms and legs that are short compared with the body. Children who have it can live long and productive lives.

Pyruvate kinase deficiency is a condition that can lead to anemia. Most people with the condition lead a healthy life.

RASopathies are a group of genetic conditions caused by problems in the RAS pathway, which is one way cells in the body communicate.

Sanfilippo syndrome is a rare condition in which the body can't break down certain carbohydrates (sugars) in the blood, leading to serious problems in the brain and nervous system.

Children who inherit one sickle cell gene have sickle cell trait. They usually don't get symptoms of sickle cell disease.

Spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita is a type of skeletal dysplasia, causing short stature (dwarfism) and other bone problems, along with vision and hearing problems.

A baby with Tay-Sachs disease is born without an important enzyme, so fatty proteins build up in the brain, hurting the baby's sight, hearing, movement, and mental development.

The thyroid gland makes the hormones that help control metabolism and growth. A thyroid that isn't working properly can cause thyroid disease.

Thyroid blood tests check thyroid function and can help doctors diagnose thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

Treacher Collins syndrome (TCS) refers to a group of facial features that some babies are born with. TCS causes distinctive abnormalities of the head and face, but doesn't affect intelligence or lifespan.

Triple X syndrome (also known as XXX syndrome, 47,XXX, and trisomy X) is a genetic condition found in girls only. Girls who have it may be taller than average, but the symptoms can vary greatly.

Tuberous sclerosis complex is a genetic condition that causes the growth of benign tumors. Symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Girls with Turner syndrome, a genetic condition, usually are shorter than average and infertile due to early loss of ovarian function. Early diagnosis and treatments can help most of them.

Williams syndrome is a disorder that causes developmental delays, learning problems, and heart and blood vessel problems. But kids who have it usually have good verbal skills and are friendly and social.

XYY syndrome is a rare genetic condition that affects only males. Boys who have it may be taller than average, but the symptoms can vary greatly.

Learn about genetic disorders and diseases and conditions that affect the blood.

Anemia happens when there aren't enough healthy red blood cells in the body. It can be caused by many things, including dietary problems, medical treatments, and inherited conditions.

An aortic aneurysm is weak spot in the large artery that carries blood from the heart (the aorta). Kids who have one need regular checkups and care to prevent emergencies.

Aortic stenosis means the aortic valve is too small, narrow, or stiff. Many people have no symptoms, but kids with more severe cases will need surgery so that blood flows properly through the body.

Aplastic anemia happens when the body can't make enough blood cells. A person can develop anemia, infections, and bleeding. Treatments can help with most kinds of aplastic anemia.

An arrhythmia is an abnormal heartbeat usually caused by an electrical "short circuit" in the heart. Many are minor and not a health threat, but some can indicate a more serious problem.

An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is an abnormal connection between an artery and a vein. Large AVMs or multiple AVMs usually needs medical treatment.

Atrial septal defect (ASD) — also known as a "hole in the heart" — is a type of congenital heart defect. Most ASDs are diagnosed and treated successfully.

An atrioventricular canal defect (AV canal) is a heart problem in which the center of a baby's heart does not form normally before birth.

Beta thalassemia is a blood disorder in which the body has a problem producing beta globin, a component of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout the body.

Categorizing blood according to type helps prevent reactions when someone gets a blood transfusion. Find out how blood types work.

Learn how this amazing muscle pumps blood throughout the body.

Cardiac arrest is when changes in the normal electrical activity of the heart make it suddenly stop beating. Quick medical care is essential.

Cardiac catheterization helps doctors perform diagnostic tests on the heart and even treat some heart conditions.

Cardiac stents are very small mesh wire tubes that hold blood vessels open so that blood can flow through the vessels normally. Find out about the procedure to place a stent.

Cardiomyopathy is when the heart muscle becomes weak and enlarged. This makes it hard for the heart to pump blood through the body. Treatments can help with the symptoms and sometimes stop it from getting worse, but usually there's no cure.

Chylous ascites is when chyle collects in the belly. Depending on what's causing it, doctors can treat chylous ascites and often cure it.

Coarctation of the aorta (COA) is a narrowing of the aorta, the major blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart to the body.

Heart defects happen when there's a problem with a baby's heart development during pregnancy. Most heart defects can be treated during infancy.

A hemangioma is a growth of tangled blood vessels. A congenital hemangioma is one that a baby is born with. They're usually a bluish or purple circle or oval.

Heart failure is when the heart can’t pump blood the way it should. Congestive heart failure (CHF) is when blood backs up in the heart.

Doctor may recommend the DASH diet for kids who've had a blood pressure reading that was higher than normal. The DASH diet is not a strict diet, but more of a lifestyle.

The aorta is the major blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart to the rest of the body.

A Blalock-Taussig-Thomas (BTT) shunt is a small, soft tube that lets blood in the body be redirected.

Blood pressure is a measurement that tells how hard the heart is pumping to move blood through the blood vessels.

A heart transplant is a surgery where doctors remove a person's sick heart and replace it with a healthy donor heart.

The inferior vena cava is the large vein that returns blood from the legs and abdomen to the heart.

Babies with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) need three surgeries. The time between the first and second surgeries is called the interstage period.

The left atrium receives blood full of oxygen from the lungs and then empties the blood into the left ventricle.

The left ventricle pumps blood full of oxygen out to the body.

Open-heart surgery is surgery that involves opening the chest and heart. A heart-lung machine does the work for the heart and lungs during the procedure.

The right atrium receives blood low in oxygen from the body and then empties the blood into the right ventricle.

The right ventricle pumps blood low in oxygen to the lungs.

A Sano shunt is a small, soft tube that lets blood in the body be redirected.

Having a single ventricle means that only one of the heart's two ventricles (pumping chambers) works well enough to pump blood.

The superior vena cava is the large vein that returns blood from the head and arms to the heart.

Double outlet right ventricle (DORV) is a heart defect where the aorta connects to the heart in the wrong place.

Ebstein anomaly is a rare heart defect that affects the tricuspid valve. It can cause problems that range from very mild to very serious.

An echocardiogram (also called an echo or cardiac ultrasound) uses sound waves to create pictures of the heart. It shows the structure of the heart and its parts and how well they’re working.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is the use of a machine to do the work that the heart and lungs normally do.

Familial hypercholesterolemia is a genetic condition that causes very high levels of LDL ("bad" cholesterol).

A fetal echocardiogram (also called a fetal echo) uses sound waves to create pictures of an unborn baby's heart.

G6PD deficiency an inherited condition in which someone doesn't have enough of the enzyme G6PD, which protects red blood cells.

The heart and circulatory system are our body's lifeline, delivering blood to the body's tissues..

Heart murmurs are very common, and most are no cause for concern and won't affect a child's health.

Heart palpitations are rapid or irregular heartbeats that make it feel like the heart is racing or fluttering. They usually aren't a sign of a health problem, and most kids who have them won't need to limit their physical activity.

If your child needs a heart transplant, you're probably feeling lots of emotions. Fortunately, many kids who undergo heart transplants go on to live normal, healthy lives.

Hemolytic anemia is a type of anemia that happens when red blood cells break down faster than the body can make them.

Hemophilia is a rare bleeding disorder that prevents the blood from clotting properly. With modern treatment, most kids who have it can lead full, healthy lives.

Kids with hemophilia can bleed easily or longer than normal. So it's important for parents to know how to handle bleeding when it happens.

Most kids who develop this inflammation of the blood vessels (marked by a raised red and purple rash) make a full recovery and have no long-term problems.

Hereditary spherocytosis is an inherited blood disorder. Treatments can help with symptoms.

When someone has hypertension (high blood pressure), the heart has to pump harder and the arteries are under more strain as they carry blood.

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a birth defect of a baby’s heart. The left side of the heart doesn’t grow as it should, making it smaller and weaker than normal.

A hemangioma is a growth of tangled blood vessels. An infantile hemangioma becomes visible in the first few weeks after birth.

An interrupted aortic arch (IAA) is a rare heart condition in which the aorta doesn’t form completely. Surgery must be done within the first few days of a baby’s life to close the gap in the aorta.

Iron helps the body carry oxygen in the blood and plays a key role in brain and muscle function. Too little iron can lead to iron-deficiency anemia.

Kawasaki disease is an illness that causes inflammation in blood vessels throughout the body. When symptoms are noticed early and treated, kids begin to feel better within a few days.

Levo-transposition of the great arteries (L-TGA) is when the positions of the heart's ventricles are reversed. Some people with the condition never need treatment. Others are treated with medicines and surgery.

Long QT syndrome is a condition that affects the electrical system of the heart. Some kids have no symptoms, while others may feel changes in their heartbeat or feel lightheaded.

A lymphatic malformation is a clump of lymph vessels that form a growing, jumbled, spongy cluster. They're unusual growths, but are not cancerous.

Marfan syndrome affects the body's connective tissue and can cause problems in the eyes, joints, and heart. Even though the disease has no cure, doctors can successfully treat just about all of its symptoms.

Metabolic syndrome is a group of health problems that put kids at risk for heart disease and diabetes. With lifestyle changes, many kids improve their health and reduce their risk of disease.

Mitral valve prolapse (MVP) is a very common heart condition, but it isn't a critical heart problem or a sign of other serious medical conditions.

Morquio A syndrome causes growth problems and also can affect the heart and cause hearing and vision problems. Medical care and treatments can help with these problems.

The muscle that makes up the heart is called the myocardium. Myocarditis is when this muscle gets inflamed (swollen).

Noonan syndrome is a condition that some babies are born with. It causes changes in the face and chest, and usually includes heart problems.

The ductus arteriosus is a blood vessel that connects two major arteries before birth and normally closes after a baby is born. If it stays open, the result is a condition called patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).

The foramen ovale is a normal opening between the upper two chambers of an unborn baby’s heart. It usually closes soon after the baby’s birth — when it doesn't, it's called a patent foramen ovale.

For most kids, these birthmarks are no big deal — they're just part of who they are. Read about port-wine stains, how to care for them, and, if necessary, what treatments are available.

Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) happens when the autonomic nervous system — which controls things like heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing — doesn't work as it should.

A premature ventricular contraction (PVC) is an early heartbeat that happens between normal heartbeats. PVCs usually are harmless.

Pulmonary stenosis means the pulmonary valve is too small, narrow, or stiff. Many people have no symptoms, but kids with more severe cases will need surgery so that blood flows properly through the body.

Pulse oximetry, a simple test that measures the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream, may give the first clue that there is a heart or lung problem.

Raynaud's syndrome makes a person's fingers or toes temporarily feel cold, numb, tingly, or painful.

Sclerotherapy is a procedure in which medicine is injected into blood vessels or lymph vessels to make them close. It's used to treat vascular malformations.

Sickle cell disease is a blood disorder that makes red blood cells change shape and cause health problems. Find out how to help your child.

Usually, a heart has two working ventricles (pumping chambers). Having a single ventricle means that only one of the two ventricles works well enough to pump blood.

Splenic sequestration is when too many blood cells get stuck in the spleen. This medical emergency can happen to people, usually kids, who have sickle cell disease.

Stem cells help rebuild a weakened immune system. Stem cell transplants are effective treatments for a wide range of diseases, including cancer.

A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain stops, even for a second. Often, kids who have a stroke can learn to use their arms and legs and speak again through brain retraining.

Sturge-Weber syndrome is a problem with the way blood vessels grow in the skin, eyes, and brain. When a baby is born with a port-wine birthmark on the face, doctors will look for other signs of Sturge-Weber.

Supraventricular tachycardia is a type of abnormal heart rhythm in which the heart beats very quickly.

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a combination of problems caused by a birth defect that changes the way blood flows through the heart.

The Fontan procedure is open-heart surgery. Often, it's done as the third of three surgeries to treat hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS).

The Glenn procedure is an open-heart surgery. Often, it's done as the second of three surgeries to treat hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS).

The Norwood procedure is an open-heart surgery. It's the first of three surgeries to treat hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS).

Thrombocytopenia is when someone has too few platelets in their bloodstream. Many things can cause it and most can be treated.

Tricuspid atresia is a congenital heart defect. A baby born with tricuspid atresia often has serious symptoms soon after birth because blood flow to the lungs is much less than normal.

Truncus arteriosus is a heart defect that happens when a child is born with one large artery instead of two separate arteries.

Sickle cell disease is a blood disorder that makes red blood cells change shape. These sickle shaped cells get stuck together and block small blood vessels. This stops blood from moving as it should, which can lead to pain and organ damage.

A venous malformation (VM) is a place in the body where veins haven't grown the right way. VMs can be difficult to treat.

A ventricular assist device is a mechanical pump that takes over for the heart and pumps blood. This can give a weak or injured heart time to heal or support someone as they wait for a heart transplant.

Ventricular septal defect (VSD) — also known as a "hole in the heart" — is a congenital heart defect. Most VSDs are diagnosed and treated successfully.

Easy bruising and excessive bleeding can be signs of Von Willebrand disease, a genetic disorder that affects blood's ability to clot.

A cardiac catheterization is a procedure that cardiologists (heart doctors) do. They put a catheter (a long, thin tube) into a blood vessel, then guide it the heart. Cardiac catheterizations help doctors diagnose and treat many different heart problems.

An AED (automated external defibrillator) helps treat an abnormal heartbeat when someone has sudden cardiac arrest. Learn about this easy-to-use medical device.

An atrial septal defect (ASD) is a heart defect in which there is an abnormal opening in the dividing wall between the upper filling chambers of the heart.

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a problem that happens when the left side of a baby’s heart doesn't form as it should. It’s smaller than normal and can’t pump enough blood to the body. After the baby is born, doctors can treat the problem with medicines and several surgeries.

Williams syndrome is a disorder that causes developmental delays, learning problems, and heart and blood vessel problems. But kids who have it usually have good verbal skills and are friendly and social.

A guide to medical terms about the heart and circulatory system. In an easy A-Z format, find definitions on heart defects, heart conditions, treatments, and more.

A chest X-ray is a safe and painless test that uses a small amount of radiation to take a picture of a person's chest, including the heart, lungs, diaphragm, lymph nodes, upper spine, ribs, collarbone, and breastbone.

If there's blood in your child's pee, don't panic. Most of the time it's not serious. Find out what causes it and what to do about it.

When kidney disease becomes chronic, it means the kidneys are damaged and can't properly do their many important jobs. Find out what that means and how it's treated.

Parents of kids who have a chronic kidney disease often worry about what might happen next and what treatments are likely to be involved. Find answers here.

Chyluria is when there is chyle in the pee. Depending on what's causing it, chyluria can be treated and often can be cured.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) affects the adrenal glands, which make important hormones. Symptoms depend on a child's age, sex, and which hormones the adrenal glands make too little or too much of.

Dialysis is a medical treatment that can take over the job of cleaning the blood when the kidneys can't.

Glomerulonephritis happens when tiny filtering units in the kidneys stop working properly. Most cases get better on their own or with treatment.

Hemodialysis is a medical treatment that uses a machine with a special filter to take waste and extra water out of the blood.

Most kids who develop this inflammation of the blood vessels (marked by a raised red and purple rash) make a full recovery and have no long-term problems.

A hydrocele is a pouch of fluid around the testicle inside the scrotum. Hydroceles are common in newborns, especially preemies.

Hypospadias is when the urethra — the tube that drains pee from the bladder to outside the body — opens in a different place instead of at the tip of the penis.

The kidneys play a critical role in health. Find out about some kidney problems that can affect kids

Kidney stones mostly happen to adults, but sometimes kids and teens can get them. Find out what kidney stones are, how to treat them, and ways to help prevent them.

If your child needs a kidney transplant, you're probably feeling lots of emotions. Fortunately, many kids who undergo kidney transplants go on to live normal, healthy lives.

The bean-shaped kidneys, each about the size of a child's fist, are essential to our health. Their most important role is to filter blood and produce urine.

The meatus is the opening in the penis where the urine (pee) comes out. Meatal stenosis is when this is too small.

The treatment for meatal stenosis is a simple procedure to make the opening of the meatus bigger called a meatoplasty.

Nephrotic syndrome happens when tiny filtering units in the kidneys stop working properly. This can cause weight gain and other symptoms. Most kids eventually outgrow it.

This medical treatment helps people with kidney failure. It can be done at home, often overnight, to take over the kidneys' job of filtering blood.

Recurrent urinary tract infections can cause kidney damage if left untreated, especially in kids under age 6. Here's how to recognize the symptom of UTIs and get help for your child.

This kidney problem causes acid levels in the blood to become too high, causing fatigue, muscle weakness, and other kidney problems. The condition is usually treatable.

This emergency condition causes extreme genital pain and usually requires surgery to save a boy's testicle. If your son has groin pain, get him to a doctor right away.

A ureteral stent is a small plastic tube placed inside the ureter to help pee pass from a kidney into the bladder.

This problem with the urinary tract causes urine to flow backward from the bladder to the kidneys. Most cases can be treated effectively, and many kids outgrow the condition.

A hydrocele (HI-dro-seel) is a pouch of fluid around the testicle inside the scrotum. Hydroceles are common in newborns, especially in premature babies. Older boys and men can get them too.

Wilms tumor is a cancer of the kidneys that usually affects newborns and the very young. Fortunately, most kids with Wilms tumor survive and go on to live normal, healthy lives.

ADHD is a common medical condition that can affect kids at school, at home, and in friendships. Learn more about ADHD and how to help kids get the best diagnosis and care.

Medicine doesn’t cure ADHD. But it does help boost a child's ability to pay attention, slow down, and have more self-control. This article for parents has details on how ADHD medicines help.

Autism spectrum disorder affects a child's ability to communicate and learn. Early intervention and treatment can help kids improve skills and do their best.

Neurocutaneous syndromes are genetic disorders that lead to tumor growth in various parts of the body. Learn how to maximize the quality of life for children with these diseases.

Therapy is part of the treatment for most kids and teens diagnosed with ADHD. This article helps parents learn what to expect and how therapy works.

Dyslexia is a learning disability that makes it hard to learn to read and understand written language. Even kids with average or above-average intelligence can have dyslexia.

Apnea of prematurity (AOP) is a condition in which premature infants stop breathing for more than 15 to 20 seconds during sleep. AOP usually goes away on its own as a baby matures.

Asthma makes it hard to breathe. But with treatment, the condition can be managed so that kids can still do the things they love. Learn all about asthma.

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes. When a person has bronchitis, it may be harder for air to pass in and out of the lungs.

Babies who are born prematurely or who experience respiratory problems shortly after birth are at risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), sometimes called chronic lung disease.

A chlylothorax happens when chyle (lymphatic fluid) collects in the space around a lung.

Coughs are a common symptom, but most aren't a sign of a serious condition. Learn about different coughs, how to help your child feel better, and when to call your doctor.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and digestive system Kids who have it can get lung infections often and have trouble breathing.

Besides extra calories, kids with cystic fibrosis have some specific nutritional needs. Find out ways to help your child with CF grow healthy and strong.

Kids with cystic fibrosis have some special nutritional needs. Here's how parents can help them.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is the use of a machine to do the work that the heart and lungs normally do.

A fetal lung mass is an unusual lump that grows inside or next to an unborn baby’s lung. Some are treated before birth, while others are removed after the baby is born.

Babies and young children might wheeze due to viral infections (like a cold), but that doesn't mean they will develop asthma when they're older.

An incentive spirometer trains people to take slow, deep breaths. It's used during recovery from some types of surgery or as a way to manage illness. Find out how it works.

An intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is bleeding in and around the brain’s ventricles. Most babies with a mild IVH do well.

Laryngomalacia is a common cause of noisy breathing in infants.

We need the respiratory system for breathing. Find out how it works.

Asthma control can take a little time and energy to master, but it's worth the effort. Learn more about ways to manage your child's asthma.

Meconium aspiration can happen before, during, or after labor and delivery when a newborn inhales a mixture of meconium and amniotic fluid. Although it can be serious, most cases are not.

Plastic bronchitis happens when fluid collects in the lungs. Instead of draining out, it leaks into the airways and forms rubbery plugs called casts.

Wildfires are becoming more common due to changes in the environment. These tips can help you be ready when wildfires happen or the air quality is poor in your area.

Pulse oximetry, a simple test that measures the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream, may give the first clue that there is a heart or lung problem.

Sometimes when babies are born premature, they have trouble breathing. This can be caused by respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Learn what RDS is, and how babies can be helped.

Being a smoker is an obvious risk for kids and teens with asthma, but just being around people who smoke can cause problems too.

For some newborns, the first few breaths of life may be faster and more labored than normal because of a lung condition called transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN).

Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) means that the vocal cords partially close during breathing, so air has more trouble getting through.

Asthma is a condition that makes it hard to breath. Watch this video to find out what happens in the lungs when a person has asthma.

A chest X-ray is a safe and painless test that uses a small amount of radiation to take a picture of a person's chest, including the heart, lungs, diaphragm, lymph nodes, upper spine, ribs, collarbone, and breastbone.

See: Candidiasis.

A hydrocele is a pouch of fluid around the testicle inside the scrotum. Hydroceles are common in newborns, especially preemies.

Boys with this condition have an extra "X" chromosome that prevents them from developing normally during puberty. But hormone treatments, counseling, and other therapies can help.

Miscarriages are common, and in most cases aren't preventable. But you can take steps to increase your chances of having a healthy pregnancy.

Penile torsion is when the skin on a baby’s penis is twisted. Mild penile torsion is common and doesn’t cause any problems.

Most period problems are common and normal. But some might be a sign that there's something else going on.

Precocious puberty - when signs of puberty start before age 7 or 8 in girls and age 9 for boys - can be tough for kids. But it can be treated.

Your kids need to understand how STDs spread and how to protect themselves. Here's how to talk to them about sexually transmitted diseases.

This emergency condition causes extreme genital pain and usually requires surgery to save a boy's testicle. If your son has groin pain, get him to a doctor right away.

Girls with Turner syndrome, a genetic condition, usually are shorter than average and infertile due to early loss of ovarian function. Early diagnosis and treatments can help most of them.

Vaginal yeast infections are common among growing girls, and can cause some pain and discomfort. They usually clear up quickly with proper medical treatment.

Vaginitis is redness, soreness, or swelling in and around the vagina. It's common in girls of all ages, and usually can be treated at home.

A hydrocele (HI-dro-seel) is a pouch of fluid around the testicle inside the scrotum. Hydroceles are common in newborns, especially in premature babies. Older boys and men can get them too.

The idea of going to the gynecologist may make your daughter feel nervous. Here's how to make her feel more comfortable about a well-woman visit.

Not getting enough sleep can lead to physical and mental health problems in teens. By making a plan together, you can help your teen sleep better.

A night terror seems similar to a nightmare, but it's far more dramatic. Night terrors can be alarming, but aren't usually cause for concern or a sign of a medical issue.

Brief pauses in breathing during sleep can be normal. But when breathing stops often or for longer periods, it can be a cause for concern.

Teens need about 8–10 hours of sleep a night, but many don't get it. Keeping these tips in mind can help your teen get a good night’s sleep.

Although it can be unnerving to see, sleepwalking is actually very common in kids. Here's how to keep your young sleepwalker safe.