Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a condition present at birth in which an opening forms in the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen. Through this opening, abdominal organs such as the stomach, intestines, or liver move into the chest cavity. When this happens, the developing lungs do not have enough space to …
Henoch–Schönlein purpura is a form of systemic vasculitis that most often affects children. It involves inflammation of small blood vessels and typically appears after a common infection such as a cold or sore throat. What draws attention first is usually the skin. Purplish spots that resemble bruises suddenly appear, most often on the legs or …
Kernicterus is a severe neurological complication that can develop when newborn jaundice becomes dangerously high. In this condition, excessive levels of indirect (unconjugated) bilirubin enter the brain and settle in vulnerable brain regions. Once this happens, the damage can be permanent. Newborns, especially those born prematurely, are particularly sensitive because the natural barrier that protects …
Imperforate anus is a congenital condition in which a newborn is born without a normal anal opening, or the anus is present but not connected correctly to the rectum. Under normal circumstances, meconium, the baby’s first stool, is passed within the first day of life. When this does not happen and the abdomen begins to …
Tetralogy of Fallot is one of the most common cyanotic congenital heart conditions. It is present at birth and involves four structural differences in the heart that affect how blood flows to the lungs and the rest of the body. The most noticeable result is reduced oxygen delivery, which often shows up as bluish discoloration …
Tic disorder is a condition where a child repeatedly makes movements or sounds without meaning to. Common examples include frequent eye blinking, facial grimacing, shoulder shrugging, sniffing, throat clearing, or short vocal noises. These behaviors are not habits done on purpose. Children often describe a strong urge that builds up before the tic, followed by …
During pregnancy, even small choices can quietly shape how a baby grows. Alcohol is one of those exposures that does not stop at the mother’s body. It passes directly through the placenta, reaching the developing fetus at the same concentration found in the mother’s blood. Because a fetus cannot process alcohol the way an adult …
At first, the signs often look subtle. A newborn may breathe faster than expected or seem unusually tired during feeding. The lips or fingertips may take on a bluish tint, especially when crying or exerting effort. These changes are sometimes mistaken for temporary adjustment after birth. As days or weeks pass, however, the breathing becomes …
At first, it can feel like simple breathlessness. Maybe climbing stairs suddenly feels harder, or a dry cough lingers longer than usual. Some people notice a faint whistling sound when they breathe out, especially at night or early in the morning. Others describe a tight, heavy feeling in the chest that comes and goes. These …
At first, the signs are not always obvious. Some babies are born with a noticeable opening or soft sac on the lower back, while others seem relatively stable during the first days of life. Over time, small differences begin to stand out. A baby may not move both legs equally, or their posture may look …