Diseases & Conditions

What Is Milk Allergy? When someone has a milk allergy, the body’s immune system, which normally fights infections, overreacts to proteins in milk. If the person drinks or eats a product that contains milk, the body thinks these proteins are harmful invaders. The immune system responds by working very hard to fight off the invader. …

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What Is Kawasaki Disease? Kawasaki disease is an illness that causes inflammation (swelling and redness) in blood vessels throughout the body. It happens in three phases, and a lasting fever usually is the first sign. The condition most often affects kids younger than 5 years old. When symptoms are noticed early and treated, kids with Kawasaki disease …

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What Is an Insect Sting Allergy? Insect stings usually are minor annoyances. But they can cause serious reactions in people who are allergic to them. Insects that can trigger allergic reactions include honeybees, yellowjackets, hornets, wasps, and fire ants. When they sting, they inject venom into the skin. Allergic reactions to stings usually don’t happen when a child …

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What Is Inflammation? Inflammation is one way the body reacts to infection, injury, or other medical conditions. What Are the Different Kinds of Inflammation? Inflammation (in-fluh-MAY-shin) can be acute or chronic: Acute inflammation lasts a few days and helps the body heal after an infection or injury. Chronic inflammation happens if the illness or infection doesn’t go …

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What Is Immune Thrombocytopenia? Immune thrombocytopenia — or immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) — happens when the immune system, which fights germs and infections, attacks the body’s platelets. Platelets are cells that stop bleeding by forming blood clots. Without enough platelets, kids with the condition bleed easily. In most children, immune thrombocytopenia (throm-buh-sye-tuh-PEE-nee-uh) goes away within 6 months. But …

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My child has food allergies — what should I look for when reading food labels? – Alyson Always avoid any food whose label says it contains your child’s allergen. And keep these tips in mind: Check ingredient lists and look for advisory statements such as “Contains peanuts.” Some companies also voluntarily share cross-contamination warnings, such as “May …

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What Are Hives? Hives are red raised bumps or welts on the skin. Hives (or urticaria ) is a common skin reaction to something like an allergen (a substance that causes allergies). The spots can appear anywhere on the body and can look like tiny little spots, blotches, or large connected bumps. Individual hives can last anywhere …

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What Is Henoch-Schönlein Purpura? Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HEH-nok SHOON-line PURR-pyuh-ruh) is a condition that makes small blood vessels get swollen and irritated. This inflammation is called vasculitis (vas-kyuh-LY-tis). It usually affects blood vessels in the skin, joints, intestines, and kidneys. The inflamed blood vessels can leak blood cells into the skin, mucous membranes, or internal organs, causing a rash called purpura. …

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Young kids with food allergies can stay safe at school, but it takes organization, preparation, and education. Here are tips on keeping your child safe during the school year — and all year long: Springtime: Now’s the time to make a summertime appointment to see your child’s allergist . And set up a meeting for the end …

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What Are Food Allergies? Milk, eggs, soy, wheat, tree nuts, peanuts, fish, and shellfish are among the most common foods that cause allergies. Food allergies can cause serious and even deadly reactions. So it’s important to know how to recognize an allergic reaction and to be prepared if one happens. What Are the Signs & Symptoms of a …

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