What Is Appendicitis? Appendicitis is when the appendix gets blocked and becomes infected. The appendix is a small organ attached to the large intestine in the lower right side of the belly. Appendicitis is an emergency. It’s important to know what to look for and get medical care right away. What Causes Appendicitis? When the appendix gets blocked, too …
What Is Chlamydia? Chlamydia (kluh-MID-ee-uh) is a common, curable sexually transmitted disease (STD). Treatment can stop the spread of the infection and help prevent long-lasting problems. What Are STDs? STDs (also called sexually transmitted infections or STIs) are infections that spread through sex (vaginal, oral, or anal). Some STDs can spread through close contact with the …
What Is Acanthosis Nigricans? Acanthosis nigricans (ah-kan-THO-sis NY-gruh-kans) is a skin condition. It causes thicker and darker patches or streaks, usually in skin creases and folds, such as the sides and back of the neck, armpits, elbow pits, and groin. But it can show up anywhere on the body. It may look velvety or warty, …
Zika is a virus that a person can catch through the bite of an infected mosquito. Outbreaks of the virus have happened throughout the world, particularly in tropical areas where certain types of mosquitoes live. Women who are pregnant — or who are considering becoming pregnant — may be worried about the Zika virus. The virus …
What Do Vaccines Do? Vaccines work by preparing the body to fight illness. Each vaccine contains either a dead or a weakened germ (or parts of it) that causes a particular disease. The body practices fighting the disease by making antibodies that recognize specific parts of that germ. This permanent or long-lasting response means that …
What Is Athlete’s Foot? Athlete’s foot is a type of fungal skin infection. Fungi (the plural of fungus) are microscopic organisms that thrive in damp, warm environments. They’re usually not dangerous, but sometimes can cause disease. When they infect the skin, they cause mild but annoying rashes. Fungal skin infections are also known as tinea infections. …
What Is Pinkeye? The eye infection conjunctivitis (kun-junk-tih-VY-tus) — often called pinkeye — is common in young kids. It’s usually contagious, and breakouts can sweep through preschools and playgrounds. But even teens and adults can get pinkeye. Pinkeye is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the white part of the eye and the inner eyelids. It’s a minor infection …
What Is Ear Tube Surgery? Ear tubes are tiny tubes made of metal or plastic. During ear tube surgery, a small hole is made in the eardrums and the tubes are inserted. The opening to the middle ear (the area behind the eardrum) lets air flow in and out. This keeps air pressure even between …
What Is Bronchitis? Bronchitis is when the lining of the large breathing tubes get inflamed (swollen and red). These airways, called the bronchial tubes, connect the windpipe to the lungs. Their delicate lining makes mucus, and covers and protects the organs and tissues involved in breathing. Bronchitis (brong-KYE-tis) can: Make it hard for air to pass …
What Are Adenoviruses? Adenoviruses are a group of viruses that can cause infections. Adenovirus (add-eh-noe-VY-rus) infections can happen in kids of any age, but are more common in babies and young children. Most kids have had at least one adenovirus infection before age 10. There are many different types of adenoviruses, so people can get infected …
