Some children are slow to learn language skills. They may not say words until they are 2 years old. It may also be hard to understand them. They may have Specific Language Impairment (SLI). SLI is a language disorder. It is not associated with any developmental delays or hearing loss. Read more…
Viruses can cause colds, which can make it hard to breathe. Asthma is also a condition that makes it hard to breathe. Both can cause you to cough, wheeze, or become short of breath. In babies, viral infections are common. But, not all lead to asthma. In babies, if an Read more…
Diarrhea is loose, watery stools. Some common causes include infections, drugs, and some types of sugar. It often lasts just a couple of days. But, sometimes it can last longer. When this happens, it may mean be a sign of something more serious. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration (always feeling Read more…
We know what causes some diseases, like chicken pox and measles. As a result, we know how to treat them. We also know vaccines can prevent them. Gene changes can also cause diseases. Sometimes we are born with these gene changes. But gene changes also happen after we are born. Read more…
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons in the shoulder. They help move your arm all around. You use them when you reach up, or reach your back. A rotator cuff tear is a tear in one of the tendons. Wear and tear or age can weaken Read more…
A disease is defined by a certain set of symptoms or test results. A rare, or orphan, disease affects only a small number of people. There are thousands of rare diseases. But, only a few hundred have any treatments. Rare diseases are often hard to diagnose. Sometimes, we cannot make Read more…
DNA contains the instructions for making all living things. This includes everything from bacteria and plants to humans. Proteins package DNA into chromosomes so it will fit in our cells. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes. We get one set from our mother. This includes one X chromosome. We get Read more…
In the last 15 years, scientists have linked many gene changes with specific diseases. We now have better ways to treat or prevent disease. We also know that gene changes can affect drug response, or how the body processes drugs. This means more people are getting the best drug for Read more…
Heart attacks are the leading cause of death in the United States. Many factors can lead to a heart attack. A high fat diet, high blood pressure, diabetes and smoking can all increase your risk of a heart attack. Family history may also play a part. Scientists found that certain Read more…
Pancreatitis is when your pancreas becomes swollen and tender. Your pancreas is a long, flat gland found behind the stomach. It makes hormones that help control how your body breaks down sugar. It also makes proteins that help you digest food. These proteins travel to the small intestine where they Read more…