Specialties & Conditions

Condition

2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

An outbreak of a novel coronavirus (also called 2019-nCoV or Covid ) recently began in Wuhan, China. It is a new type of coronavirus not previously known to cause disease in humans. Read more.

Condition

22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome

A genetic disorder caused by the partial deletion of genetic material on one copy of a person’s chromosome 22.

Program

4GUT Program

The Lurie Children’s 4GUT Program combines the expertise of both pediatric surgery and pediatric gastroenterology to help assess and manage patients with complex disorders of the foregut. Learn more.

Condition

5-alpha Reductase Deficiency

A deficiency causing fetuses to develop with what are called “ambiguous genitalia,” not clearly male or female.

Condition

Accessory Navicular

An extra piece of bone attached to the navicular bone, located on the inside of the foot just above the arch.

Condition

Achalasia

A disorder of the esophagus, impairing the ability to push food down toward the stomach.

Condition

Achilles Tendonitis

An inflammation of the Achilles tendon, the thick, fibrous, connective tissue that attaches the calf muscles to the heel bone.

Condition

Acne

Pimples with redness and discomfort caused by hair follicles becoming plugged with dead skin cells, sebum and bacteria.

Condition

Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM)

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

Condition

Adjustment Disorders

Adjustment disorder in children is common and is characterized by an excessive reaction to stress. Learn more about adjustment disorder symptoms & treatment here.

Program

Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Program

Lurie Children's Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders launched the Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Program to provide top-quality care to adolescents using our pediatric protocols.

Specialty

Adolescent & Young Adult Medicine

The Potocsnak Family Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine provides medical and mental health services for children and adolescents up to age 25, including primary care, behavioral health, and gender development care.

Program

Adolescent Behavioral Health Program

The behavioral health services in the Division of Adolescent Medicine aim to provide psychological assessment, psychotherapy and psychiatric care in select subspecialty services and programs.

Program

Adult Congenital Heart Disease Program

When children with congenital heart disease become adults, they need to see adult congenital heart disease specialists. Lurie Children’s has an ACHD program.

Specialty

Advanced General Pediatrics & Primary Care

Lurie Children's Division of Advanced General Pediatrics and Primary Care offers primary care medicine and a broad range of pediatric specialties related to a child's environment and general well-being.

Program

Aerodigestive Program

A multi-disciplinary team of specialists in Lurie Children’s Aerodigestive Program treat diseases of the respiratory and upper digestive tract, including the lips, mouth, tongue, nose, throat, vocal cords, esophagus and windpipe.

Condition

Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum

The corpus callosum — a collection of many millions of nerve fibers in the middle of the brain — is the largest connection between the two sides of the brain, or hemispheres. Agenesis (absence) of the corpus callosum is a condition in which this structure is either partially or completely missing. Read more.

Condition

Alagille Syndrome

Alagille syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes bile to build up in the liver because there are too few bile ducts, resulting in liver damage. Learn more.

Condition

Allergic Rhinitis

An inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the nose, often due to an allergy to pollen, dust or other airborne substances.

Program

Allergic Rhinitis Program

Our experts provide thorough evaluation and comprehensive testing for allergic rhinitis, including education on avoiding common allergens and extensive treatment options.

Condition

Allergies

An acquired, abnormal immune response to a substance and can cause a broad range of inflammatory reactions.

Specialty

Allergy & Immunology

The Division of Allergy and Immunology treats more children for allergies and asthma than any other hospital in Illinois, with allergist/immunologists who are leaders in their field.

Condition

Alopecia Areata

Condition characterized by loss of hair, usually in a localized patch or multiple patches, due to immune attack on the hair follicles.

Condition

Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

Amblyopia is when your child’s brain is not fully learning how to use one or both of the eyes. Learn more.

Condition

Amniotic Band Birth Defects

A group of birth defects thought to have a common origin in a malfunction of the amnion part of the pregnancy membranes.

Condition

Anemia

A lower than the normal number of red blood cells, which carry oxygen from the lungs and distribute it throughout the entire body.

Specialty

Anesthesiology

The board certified pediatric anesthesiologists at Lurie Children's use the highest safety standards when administering anesthesia to children.

Condition

Aneurysmal Bone Cysts (ABCs)

Learn about aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs), benign yet destructive tumors commonly found in knees, pelvis, or spine, mainly affecting children and adolescents.

Condition

Anomalous Aortic Origin of the Coronary Artery (AAOCA)

A congenital heart defect in which one of the arteries that bring blood to the heart muscle is not attached in the normal position.

Condition

Anomalous Left Coronary Artery Arising from the Pulmonary Artery (ALCAPA)

Anomalous left coronary artery arising from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) is a rare pediatric heart condition that Lurie Children’s treats.

Condition

Anorectal Malformations

Abnormal position of the anus, rectum, lower spinal cord, and the genitourinary tract.

Condition

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury

An injury to a stabilizing ligament of the knee that keeps the tibia from sliding forward, especially with twisting or pivoting motions.

Condition

Antibody Deficiency

A lack of antibodies in the blood creating conditions where the body does not respond normally to foreign substances in the body.

Condition

Anxiety

A normal stress reaction to our surroundings, triggering the body to physically and mentally prepare for possible danger.

Condition

Aortic Valve Stenosis

Aortic valve stenosis (also referred to as aortic stenosis) occurs when the aortic valve is narrowed or thickened and causes obstruction. Learn more.

Program

Aortic Valve Stenosis Program

Our Aortic Valve Stenosis Program includes a multidisciplinary team of experts dedicated to working with families to provide the best, individualized treatment to all children with aortic valve stenosis. Learn more.

Condition

Aortopathy: Dilated Root & Aorta Abnormalities

Learn about aortopathy and abnormalities of the aorta, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for pediatric patients.

Condition

Apophysitis of the Pelvis/Hip

Irritation or inflammation of a growth plate, which provides a point for a muscle to attach to bone, most commonly affecting adolescents.

Condition

Appendicitis

An infection or inflammation of the appendix, a pinkie-sized organ at the junction of the small and large intestines.

Program

Aquatic Therapy Program

The aquatic therapy program is a great supplement to land therapy to help children meet their strength, range of motion/flexibility, balance, coordination, endurance, and walking goals. Learn More.

Condition

Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC)

ARVC is a rare, heart condition linked to sudden death. We’re experts at genetic diagnosis and treatment for children and families with ARVC.

Condition

Arterial Tortuosity Syndrome (ATS)

Arterial tortuosity syndrome is a rare disease affecting the connective tissue of the body, causing twists in the arteries. Learn more about ATS in children.

Condition

Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC)

Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC) is a syndrome of multiple joint contractures and webbing because of decreased movement in utero. Learn more here.

Condition

Asthma

Asthma is common chronic illness in children, with symptoms such as cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, and more. Learn more about children's asthma.

Program

Asthma Program

Lurie Children’s Asthma Program treats more kids with asthma than any other area hospital or medical center. Learn more about available treatment options.

Condition

Ataxia

Childhood ataxia is an abnormal performance of voluntary acts, especially abnormal walking. Learn more about types, causes, and treatment.

Condition

Athlete Burnout

A condition in which an athlete experiences fatigue and declining performance in his/her sport despite continuing or increased training.

Condition

Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)

Learn about atrial septal defect (ASD) at Lurie Children's, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for this heart condition in children.

Condition

Atrioventricular Canal

When the common valve between the upper and lower chambers doesn't close properly, allowing blood to leak backward from the heart's lower chambers to the upper ones.

Condition

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)

A type of ADHD not combined with extreme physical activity, characterized by a lack of working memory, language problems, slow reaction times, low motivation, boredom, and low arousal.

Condition

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD)

A condition used to describe children, adolescents and some adults who are inattentive, easily distracted, hyperactive and impulsive in their behavior.

Condition

Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome

An extremely rare disease causing clots in the blood vessels of the kidneys, which can restrict blood flow causing kidney damage and ultimately kidney failure.

Specialty

Audiology

The certified pediatric audiologists at Lurie Children's specialize in early diagnosis and care for children who are hard of hearing.

Program

Aural (Re)Habilitation Therapy Program

Lurie Children's Aural (Re)Habilitation Therapy Program therapists specialize in helping children with hearing loss maximize the benefit they receive from their hearing aids or cochlear implants.

Condition

Autism

A neurological and developmental disorder appearing during the first three years of life that affects communication, social interaction, and creative or imaginative play.

Condition

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a range of symptoms, skills, and disability levels, and includes conditions such as Asperger syndrome. Learn more here.

Condition

Autoimmune Disorders of the Brain & Peripheral Nervous System

Some disorders are caused by the body's immune system attacking the brain, spinal cord and/or nerves, causing them to lose the ability to transmit signals.

Condition

Autonomic Disorders

Disorders resulting in a failure of the various bodily functioning normally controlled by the autonomic (or “involuntary”) nervous system or their excessive or overactive functioning.

Specialty

Autonomic Medicine

Lurie Children's Center for Autonomic Medicine is an interdisciplinary program studying diseases of the autonomic nervous system, which regulates breathing, body temperature, heart-rate, blood pressure, gut motility and more.

Condition

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay/Nursing Caries

A condition, sometimes referred to as “bottle mouth,” indicated by discoloration and pitting of the front teeth, occuring when infants are allowed to sleep with a bottle.

Condition

Back Pain

A common complaint, affecting 8 in 10 individuals during their lives, ranging from dull and constant to sharp and sudden, known as “chronic” if lasting more than three months and “acute” if less.

Program

Bariatric Surgery Program

The Pediatric Bariatric Surgery Program offers a solution that resolves over 80% of patients' weight-related health issues. Learn more at Lurie Children's.

Condition

Batten Disease

A group of diseases including late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, a neurodegenerative disease causing cognitive impairment, vision loss, seizures and poor motor function.

Condition

Benign (Noncancerous) Brain Tumors

Slow-growing tumors not likely to spread, which can often be treated and/or removed. Though called “benign,” can still cause severe pain, brain damage, and do occasionally become malignant.

Condition

Bicuspid Aortic Valve

Most common form of congenital heart disease, the valve is malformed and opens abnormally, becomes obstructed, or leaks, increasing the risk of an enlarged aorta, aneurysm, dissection, or rupture.

Program

Bicuspid Aortic Valve Program

Lurie Children’s cares for more than 100 infants, children and teenagers with bicuspid aortic valve disease, the most common form of congenital heart disease.

Condition

Biliary Atresia

Biliary atresia is a chronic liver disease where bile ducts of the liver are blocked, causing damage and loss of vital body functions. Learn more here.

Condition

Binder's Syndrome

A rare congenital condition, also known as maxillonasal dysplasia, in which the bones of the face are underdeveloped, causing a sunken mid-face and an extremely flattened nose.

Condition

Black Eye (Ecchymosis)

Usually occurring from some type of trauma to the eye, causing the tissue around the eye to become bruised.

Program

Bladder and Cloacal Exstrophy Program

Combining the expertise of multiple surgeons with extensive experience in complex reconstructive genitourinary surgery provides a unique approach to tackle bladder and cloacal exstrophy.

Condition

Bladder Exstrophy

A severe deformity of the bladder requiring major reconstructive surgery at delivery.

Program

Bladder Function Improvement Training (BFIT) Program

The BFIT program at Lurie Children's is a comprehensive approach to managing dysfunctional urinating and nighttime wetting.

Condition

Bladder Stones (Calculi)

Deposits of minerals such as calcium and magnesium that crystallize, sometimes causing severe pain in the lower abdomen and back, difficult or frequent urination, blood in the urine, and fever.

Condition

Blepharitis (Chalazion, Hordeolum/Stye)

Blepharitis is an inflammation in the meibomian glands in the eyelids and eyelashes. Read more.

Condition

Blistering Skin Disorders

Also called vesicles or bullae, small patches of separated skin layers, with fluid between them, most commonly caused by friction. Can also be reaction to heat, chemical, and allergic reaction.

Condition

Blocked Tear Ducts (Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction)

A blocked tear duct occurs when the tears can not drain properly from your eyes. Learn more.

Condition

Blood inside the Eye (Hyphema)

A hyphema is blood in the front section of the eye (anterior chamber). Learn more.

Program

Bone Health Program

Lurie Children’s Bone Health Program treats children and adolescents for a wide range of bone disorders including genetic and metabolic conditions. Learn more.

Condition

Bone Marrow Failure

Occurring when the marrow ceases to produce enough white blood cells to fight infection, platelets to stop bleeding, and red blood cells to provide oxygen to the body.

Treatment

Bone-Anchored Hearing Device

The bone-anchored hearing device (BAHA, for its original name, the bone-anchored hearing aid) is an implant system for children and adults who have conductive (middle ear) hearing loss and cannot be successfully fit with hearing aids.

Condition

Botulism

Disease caused by a nerve toxin formed from a germ called Clostridium botulinum, which is found in soil, characterized differently by its means of exposure.

Condition

Bowed Legs (Genu Varum)

Outward curve of the legs when sitting, standing or walking; normal in the first 12 months of life; occasionally due to abnormality of the growth plate at the top of the shinbone, or infection.

Condition

Boxer Fracture

A break in one of the metacarpal bones, forming the knuckles and connecting the finger bones to the wrist bone, usually involving the ring and little fingers.

Condition

Brachial Plexus Palsy

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves which run from the cervical spinal cord to the muscles of the upper limb or arm. Brachial plexus palsy refers to an injury to this network of nerves. Learn more.

Program

Brachial Plexus Program

We offer Illinois's most comprehensive multidisciplinary program for infants and children with brachial plexus palsy, treating from birth through adolescence.

Program

Brain Tumor Program

Lurie Children’s Brain Tumor Center offers highly specialized, state-of the-art care for children with brain tumors, the most common solid tumor diagnosed in children.

Condition

Brain Tumors

Abnormal growths of cells in the brain or central nervous system, classified by where they start from and whether they are benign or malignant.

Condition

Branchial Cleft Abnormality

An irregularity that occurs during fetal development that results in malformations in the side of the neck, appearing anywhere from the ear, along the line of the jaw, to the throat.

Condition

Breast Abnormalities

Including growth disturbances such as macromastia, breast asymmetry, breast enlargement in boys called gynecomastia, breast masses and extra nipples in both boys and girls.

Condition

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD)/Chronic Lung Disease (CLD)

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a condition that can develop in premature infants when their lungs are not fully developed, leading to breathing problems.

Program

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Program

The Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) Program at Lurie Children's is dedicated to the care, investigation and outcomes of infants with chronic respiratory failure.

Condition

Brucellosis

An infectious disease caused by the group Brucella, primarily passed among animals, infecting humans when they come in contact with animals or animal products that are contaminated.

Condition

Bunion Deformity (Juvenile Hallux Valgus)

Occurring in children and adults, a bunion is the development of a large bump on the inside of the foot where the great toe meets the end of the foot.

Condition

Buried (Concealed, Hidden) Penis

Partially or completely concealed beneath the scrotum or excess skin or fat in the pubic area, typically of normal size and function.

Treatment

Burn Care

Lurie Children’s provides burn care for patients who arrive at the Kenneth and Anne Griffin Emergency Care Center with minor burns. Learn more here.

Condition

Burns

Coming from many sources: scalds from steam, hot bath water, hot beverage spills, hot foods, cooking fluids, are the number one source. Other causes include flames and hot objects.

Condition

Cancer

An abnormal growth of cells, rapidly reproducing despite restriction of space, nutrients shared by other cells or signals sent from the body to stop reproduction.

Specialty

Cancer & Blood Disorders

Lurie Children's specializes in pediatric oncology, hematology, and neuro-oncology. Learn more about our cancer and blood disorder treatment services here.

Program

Cancer Predisposition Program

Lurie Children’s Cancer Predisposition Program provides comprehensive genetic counseling and testing services to pediatric oncology patients and families at risk of hereditary cancer syndromes.

Condition

Capillary Malformation - Arteriovenous Malformation Syndrome (CM-AVM)

An inherited syndrome, with a combination of both capillary and arteriovenous malformations, located in the soft tissue of the body or in the central nervous system.

Condition

Capillary Malformation - Port Wine Stain

Port wine stains (capillary malformations) are permanent, flat, pink, red, or purple birthmarks on the skin. Learn about causes and what treatments are available.

Program

CAR T-Cell Therapy Program

Discover the innovative CAR T-Cell Therapy Program at Lurie Children’s for treating pediatric cancer patients.

Condition

Cardiac Ablation

Cardiac ablation is a treatment for children with arrhythmia, or an abnormal heart beat. We have excellent ablation outcomes and low complication rates.

Condition

Cardiac Arrhythmias

Our electrophysiologists diagnose and treat every kind of pediatric arrhythmia, including heartbeats that are too fast (tachycardia) or too slow (bradycardia).

Program

Cardiac Imaging

Lurie Children's is a leader in pediatric cardiac imaging, performing more than 18,000 echocardiograms and 2,000 fetal echos annually to diagnose heart conditions.

Condition

Cardiofaciocutaneous Syndrome (CFC)

Get more information on Cardiofaciocutaneous Syndrome, its symptoms, and treatment options at Lurie Children's.

Specialty

Cardiology & Cardiac Surgery

The pediatric cardiologists and cardiac surgeons at Lurie Children's Heart Center are highly skilled in treating complex heart conditions in children. Learn more.

Program

Cardiology & Cardiac Surgery Second Opinion Program

Our cardiac second opinion program offers second opinions to parents of children diagnosed with serious heart conditions. Learn more about your options here.

Condition

Cardiomyopathy

Cardiomyopathy can appear suddenly (acute) or can be present for many years or even since birth (chronic/congenital), and can lead to heart failure. Learn more here.

Program

Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Program

Lurie Children’s team of respiratory therapists, physical therapists and occupational therapist work together to ensure the best outcomes for patients after treatment for heart and lung injury, disease or malformation.

Program

Cardiovascular Bridge Program

The Cardiovascular Bridge Program at Lurie Children’s Heart Center works with patients with bicuspid aortic valve disease in transition to the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at Northwestern Medicine.

Program

Cardiovascular Genetics Center

Lurie Children's Cardiovascular Genetics Center, with experts in pediatric and adult cardiology, as well as genetics, is designed to evaluate and treat families with genetic heart disease.

Program

Cardiovascular-Thoracic Surgery

Our cardiothoracic surgery team provides comprehensive surgical care for all congenital and acquired cardiac defects. Learn about pediatric heart surgery here.

Condition

Cataracts

A clouding or opaque area over the lens of the eye, preventing light passing through the lens to the retina, the light-sensitive lining in the back of the eye (uncommon in children).

Condition

Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia (CPVT)

CPVT is a rare heart condition linked to rhythm problems and sudden death. We’re experts at genetic diagnosis and treating children and families with CPVT.

Condition

Cavernoma

Clusters of abnormally dilated thin-walled blood vessels, most often found in the brain and spinal cord; risk of hemorrhage over a lifetime is related to the location and number of clusters.

Condition

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is a chronic immune disorder where ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. Learn more about causes, diagnosis, and treatment.

Condition

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a skin infection that can affect children of all ages. It's caused by bacteria that enter the skin through a break in the skin. Learn more here.

Program

Center for Childhood Resilience

Lurie Children's Center for Childhood Resilience is dedicated to promoting access to high-quality mental health services for children and adolescents across Illinois and nationwide.

Treatment

Central Line Care

If your child has a central line, it's important to know how to properly care for it. Learn more about how to change the dressing and flush a central line.

Condition

Central Nervous System Tumors

Tumors of the brain and spinal cord; can be benign or malignant. CNS tumors are dangerous as any growth can affect the functioning of the nervous system tissues around it.

Condition

Cerebral Aneurysm

A weak or thin spot on a blood vessel in the brain that balloons out and fills with blood; can occur anywhere in the brain; more common in adults than in children.

Condition

Cerebral Palsy

A group of neurological (brain) disorders; a life-long condition affecting communication between the brain and the muscles, causing uncoordinated movement and posturing.

Condition

Chalazion

A painless persistent bump or swelling of the upper or lower eyelid, caused by a blockage of one of the glands in the eyelid. Treatment for a chalazion and a stye are similar.

Condition

Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease

Children with CMT disease may have difficulty with walking and navigating stairs, decreased endurance, trouble fastening buttons, writing or sustaining a grip on objects.

Condition

Chemical Burns of the Eye

A medical emergency, the child should receive immediate medical care as chemical burns can result in a loss of vision and even a loss of the eye itself, if not treated promptly.

Condition

Cherubism

A rare, early childhood condition where cheeks appear rounded and swollen; caused by cyst-like growths in the upper and lower jaw; may cause vision, breathing, speech, and swallowing issues.

Condition

Chest & Mediastinal Masses

Rare cysts and tumors forming between the sternum and the spinal column. In infants and young children, often form in the back of the mediastinum and are more often benign.

Condition

Chest Pain

Chest pain in children and teenagers is most commonly musculoskeletal, pulmonary, or idiopathic. It is rarely due to cardiac disease. Learn more about here.

Program

Chest Wall Deformities Program

Lurie Children’s Chest Wall Deformities Program offers comprehensive care for children with chest wall abnormalities such as pectus excavatum (sunken chest) and pectus carinatum (pigeon chest).

Condition

Chiari Malformations

Defect in the back of the skull where the brain meets the spinal column, allowing a part of the cerebellum, the lowest portion of the brain, to protrude into the spinal column.

Specialty

Chicago Area Pediatrics

Learn more about the comprehensive pediatric care and services available at Lurie Children's Chicago Area Pediatrics.

Program

Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center (CCAC) Clinic Partnership

The Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center (CCAC) is partnering with Lurie Children's to provide services for children impacted by abuse. Read more.

Condition

Child Abuse

"Any recent act or failure to act on the part of a parent or caretaker which results in death, serious physical or emotional harm, sexual abuse or exploitation"

Specialty

Child Abuse Pediatrics

Lurie Children's specializes in child abuse prevention, treatment and research by collaborating with social services in the community.

Condition

Childhood Abdominal Pain

Children's abdominal pain is one of the most common gastrointestinal issues, especially in kids under 11. Learn more about the causes of stomach pain in kids.

Condition

Childhood Behavior Problems

Arguing, aggression, anger, and defiance are normal during growing years. However, a behavioral disorder may be diagnosed when disruptive behaviors last longer or become severe.

Condition

Childhood Glaucoma

A condition where the normal fluid pressure inside the eyes slowly rises — which normally flows in and out of the eye — not draining properly.

Condition

Childhood Heart Disease & Congenital Heart Defects

Childhood heart conditions can range from the most common to the most complex. Learn more about types of heart disease in children, signs, treatment and more.

Condition

Childhood Neuropathies

Neuropathy describes several diseases of, damage to, or malfunctions of the nervous system. Learn more about causes and treatment of childhood neuropathies.

Program

Children’s OCD/Anxiety Spectrum & Tic Disorders (COAST) Program

Discover comprehensive care for OCD, anxiety, and tic disorders at Lurie Children's. Our specialized program offers expert diagnosis, treatment, and support for children and adolescents.

Condition

Cholestasis

A condition in which bile is not properly transported from the liver to the small intestine, which can be caused by several childhood diseases.

Condition

Cholesteatoma

Cholesteatoma (pronounced co-les-tee-ah-tow-mah) is a benign growth that must be removed because it damages the ear and may cause serious complications. Learn more.

Condition

Chordee

A condition where the penis curves in a downward direction, typically developing while the child is still in the womb. Severe cases can impact the functioning of the penis.

Condition

Chorea

A movement disorder where muscles of the face, arms and hands involuntarily contract in a random, uncontrolled way. There are two types of chorea, Huntington’s and Sydenham’s.

Condition

Chronic Cough

A cough lasting for eight weeks or longer. Sometimes accompanied by a stuffy nose, excessive mucus in the throat, shortness of breath, wheezing, or heartburn.

Condition

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

When fatigue persists longer than six months, has no obvious cause and is associated with complaints such as “mental fogginess,” a sense of not feeling well after exertion or sleep.

Program

Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD) Program

Lurie Children’s Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD) Program is well-equipped to treat this serious condition, a known complication of allogeneic stem cell transplant.

Condition

Chronic Granulomatous Disease

A disorder that causes the immune system to malfunction, resulting in a form of immunodeficiency, developing inflamed areas in parts of the body, causing tissue damage.

Condition

Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in children prevents the kidneys from properly filtering wastes out of blood. Learn more about causes, symptoms and treatment.

Condition

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain in children often involves headache, abdominal pain, chest pain, neuropathic pain, back pain or cancer pain.

Program

Chronic Pain Treatment Program

Lurie Children's Chronic Pain Treatment Program is one of the nation's leading programs for innovative pain medicine evaluation and treatment of children.

Condition

Circadian Rhythm Disorders

Circadian rhythm disorders (circadian rhythm sleep disorders or circadian sleep disorders) are abnormalities in the regular day-night/sleep-wake cycle.

Program

Circumcision

The Newborn Circumcision Clinic at Lurie Children’s offers expert surgical skills to perform the circumcision and detailed follow-up care. Learn more.

Condition

Clavicle Fracture/Broken Collar Bone

The most frequently fractured bone during childhood, the clavicle is an S-shaped bone that connects the breastbone to the shoulder blade; most fractures occur in the middle of the bone.

Condition

Cleft Lip & Cleft Palate

Cleft lip or cleft palate is a condition in which parts of the lip and/or palate (the roof of the mouth) do not develop properly early in a pregnancy. Learn more.

Program

Cleft Lip & Palate Repair Program

Our multidisciplinary team lead by plastic surgeons provides a full spectrum of care to children with cleft lip and cleft palate from birth through adulthood.

Program

Cleft Palate Speech & Resonance Program

Lurie Children’s Pediatric Speech-Resonance Team is a multidisciplinary program specializing in the evaluation and treatment of children with resonance disorders.

Treatment

Clinical Neurophysiology Laboratory

Specialists from Lurie Children’s Division of Neurology analyze and monitor the nervous system function of patients with neurological diseases and conditions to optimize treatment.

Condition

Cloacal Anomalies

Congenital malformations of the female genitourinary and anorectal anatomy. The most common is persistent cloaca where openings to the bladder, vagina, and rectum are fused.

Condition

CLOVES Syndrome

One of a group of syndromes known as overgrowth syndromes. CLOVES is an acronym and each letter represents a characteristic seen in the syndrome.

Condition

Clubfoot

A foot deformity in which the foot is twisted and bent. Detected at birth, it affects the bones, muscles, tendons, and blood vessels and can affect one or both feet.

Program

Clubfoot Program

Lurie Children’s offers a comprehensive and multidisciplinary program for clubfoot, a congenital condition that can affect one or both feet in newborns.

Condition

Coarctation of the Aorta

Coarctation of the aorta occurs when the aorta is pinched or constricted. This constriction is usually occurs between the upper and lower half of the body.

Program

Cochlear Implant Program

Lurie Children’s Cochlear Implant Program is one of the largest pediatric implant and most experienced programs in the world, performing more than 1,000 cochlear procedures since 1991.

Condition

Colic

A problem affecting some babies during the first three to four months of life; prolonged or excessive crying in an infant who is otherwise well.

Program

Collaborative Advanced Reconstructive Evaluation (CARE) Clinic

We provide comprehensive care for children with complex medical needs at Lurie Children's CARE Clinic. Learn more today.

Program

Colorectal Center

The Colorectal Center treats colorectal conditions, Hirschsprung's disease, anorectal malformations and associated spinal cord anomalies. Learn how we can help.

Condition

Combined Immunodeficiency

A group of rare disorders, caused by a genetic mutation, making newborns very susceptible to severe infections, though they appear healthy at birth.

Condition

Complement Deficiency

A rare genetic disorder that causes the immune system to malfunction, causing individuals not to be able to fight off infections from bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Condition

Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (CAIS)

Learn about Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (CAIS), a genetic condition where 46,XY individuals have typical female external genitalia due to testosterone insensitivity. Learn about its causes, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Condition

Complete or Partial Gonadal Dysgenesis

A congenital disorder affecting the development of external genitalia, from genetically male individuals having either nearly complete female genitalia or nearly complete male genitalia.

Program

Complex Care Program

Learn about our comprehensive support and coordination for children with complex medical needs at Lurie Children's Complex Care Program.

Program

Complex Congenital Heart Disease Care Center

Lurie Children’s Complex Congenital Heart Disease Care Center offers a multidisciplinary approach to care for children with a wide range of complex congenital heart defects.

Program

Complex Movement Disorders Program

Lurie Children’s Pediatric Complex Movement Disorders Program provides comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of disorders leading to too much movement, too little movement or problems with balance and coordination.

Condition

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Previously known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), is a chronic condition with pain out of proportion to the severity of the initial injury, typically getting worse with time.

Program

Comprehensive Chronic Abdominal Pain Program

Abdominal pain impacts many kids and teenagers and is one of the most common reasons for referral to pediatric gastroenterology – accounting for almost 50% of all referrals. Learn more about treatment offered through Lurie Children's Chronic Abdominal Pain Program.

Program

Comprehensive Hepatobiliary Surgical Program

Learn more about the Hepatobiliary Surgical Program at Lurie Children's, one of the world's premier programs for complex pediatric liver and bile tract surgery.

Treatment

Computerized Tomography (CT)

A CT scan, also called a CAT scan, gives your doctor a closer look at your child's internal organs, bony anatomy, blood vessels and soft tissues, with more detail than a general x-ray.

Condition

Concussion

A concussion is a brain injury that temporarily changes the way the brain works. The symptoms can be subtle. Learn more about concussions in kids and teens.

Program

Concussion Program

The concussion clinic at Lurie Children’s Institute for Sports Medicine is uniquely qualified to evaluate, manage & treat concussions in children & adolescents.

Condition

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

A disorder in which the body’s two adrenal glands have an enzyme-making defect. Without the enzymes, the adrenals can't make the hormones cortisol, aldosterone and androgens.

Condition

Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome

A genetic condition in which the brain fails to control breathing to maintain healthy levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide, causing oxygen to decrease and carbon dioxide to increase.

Condition

Congenital Contractural Arachnodactyly

A genetic disorder that may affect many areas of the body: Long limbs and long and slender fingers and toes, joints permanently bent, muscles underdeveloped and heart defects.

Condition

Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia

CDH is a defect that develops during the formation of the diaphragm, which does not completely close, creating a gap between the chest and the abdominal cavities.

Condition

Congenital Eye Diseases

Congenital eye diseases can affect any part of the eye and are often associated with cloudiness, increased eye pressure, irregularly shaped pupil, opacities in the lens, abnormalities of the retina and under development of the optic nerve.

Condition

Congenital Hand Differences

Abnormalities of the hand are common (occurring in 2.3 per 1,000 births), taking many forms, but most of these conditions are relatively minor, not affecting function.

Condition

Congenital Hemangioma

A tumor made up of blood vessels, present when a child is born and usually not continuing to grow after birth; less common than infantile hemangiomas.

Condition

Congenital Muscular Torticollis

Learn tips to prevent congenital muscular torticollis (wryneck, fibromatosis colli/pseudotumor of infancy), a condition causing an infant's neck to twist.

Condition

Congenital Portosystemic Shunts (Abernethy Malformation)

The Abernethy malformation, or a congenital (from birth) portosystemic venous shunt, is a rare deformity of the blood vessels in the abdomen. Learn more.

Condition

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis, also known as "pink eye," is an inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye. Learn more about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

Program

Connective Tissue Disorders Program

Lurie Children’s Connective Tissue Disorder Program provides comprehensive care and genetic counseling to more than 200 patients with disorders of the connective tissue, such as Marfan syndrome.

Condition

Constipation

Constipation in kids is quite common, but can lead to complications. Learn more about the causes and symptoms of children's constipation, and remedies to help.

Program

Constipation Management Program (iPoop)

Our Constipation Management Program (iPoop) uses up-to-date evidence-based guidelines to treat chronic constipation in pediatric patients. Learn more here.

Program

Cooperative Sickle Cell Donor Program

The Sickle Cell Donor Program was started by Lurie Children’s and the American Red Cross to improve transfusion support for children with sickle cell disease.

Condition

Corneal Abrasions

A corneal abrasion is a scratch or injury to the cornea, which is the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. Learn more about treatment in kids.

Condition

Corneal Infection (Keratitis, Corneal Ulcer)

A corneal infection (also referred to as keratitis) is wide-spread inflammation or infection of the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. A corneal ulcer is infection in a specific area of the cornea and is often found with a corneal abrasion (or scratch). Learn more.

Program

Coronary Artery Anomalies Program

Lurie Children’s Coronary Artery Anomalies Program is dedicated to the diagnosis and ongoing monitoring of children with coronary artery anomalies.

Condition

Costello Syndrome

Costello syndrome is a genetic disorder that is a part of a larger group of conditions called RASopathies. Learn more about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

Condition

Cranial & Facial Asymmetry

Very common condition in newborns due to the “softness” of the skull bones at birth; most cases are solved by simple changes in sleeping habits and a few special exercises.

Condition

Craniofacial Fibrous Dysplasia

A rare bone disease in which the bones of the face and skull are replaced by fibrous tissue. A variant of fibrous dysplasia, which occurs elsewhere. Not hereditary or malignant.

Specialty

Critical Care

The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Lurie Children's uses innovative equipment and top quality care to save the lives of critically ill children.

Condition

Crohn's Disease

A chronic inflammatory bowel disease usually involving the small intestine, most often the lower part called the ileum. Also called ileitis or enteritis.

Condition

Crossed-Eyes (Strabismus)

Strabismus (crossed eyes) is a condition in which the eyes do not point in the same direction. Learn more about different types, causes, diagnosis, treatment.

Condition

Croup

Croup is a viral infection most common in children that causes swelling of the upper airway and respiratory issues including a barking cough.

Condition

Cutis Laxa: Symptoms & Treatment

Cutis laxa is a rare genetic disorder affecting connective tissues. Learn more about symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

Condition

Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome

Characterized by recurrent spells of severe nausea and intense vomiting, a common disorder affecting many children today, usually between the ages of three and seven.

Condition

Cystic Fibrosis

A genetic disease that causes the body to make thick, sticky mucus. In the lungs, causes infections and loss of function. In the pancreas, keeps enzymes from digesting food.

Program

Cystic Fibrosis Center

Lurie Children's has the largest accredited treatment center in Illinois committed to customized treatment of cystic fibrosis in children.

Treatment

Cystic Fibrosis Genetic Carrier Testing for Parents

Medical technology now offers information about the future health of individuals and can be used to detect cystic fibrosis.

Condition

Cystinosis

A condition in which cystine builds up and forms crystals in the cells. These crystals cause damage in many organs and tissues, especially the kidneys and the eyes.

Condition

Cysts & Tumors of the Face & Jaws

Cysts (fluid-filled sacs) and tumors (lumps of tissue) cause swelling, pain and tenderness. Sometimes discovered on dental x-rays and others on examination.

Condition

Delayed Puberty (Late Puberty)

When the body's timing for sexual maturity is later than usual, a concern may be that puberty does not start or that it stalls after it started.

Condition

Dental Cavities

Holes or structural damage in the teeth, normally caused by decay brought on by the presence of bacteria, acid, food pieces and saliva, which combine to form plaque on teeth.

Condition

Dental Infections (Odontogenic Infection)

Caused by bacteria penetrating deep into the tooth or gums, typically including dental caries and periodontal diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Can spread elsewhere in the body.

Specialty

Dentistry

Lurie Children's Division of Pediatric Dentistry provides comprehensive and preventive oral health care for infants, children and teens and patients with special needs, treating more pediatric patients than any other dental service in Illinois.

Specialty

Department of Surgery

The Department of Surgery at Lurie Children’s is led by Thomas H. Inge, MD, PhD.

Specialty

Dermatology

Lurie Children's provides pediatric dermatology services, diagnostics and therapeutics for infants, children and adolescents with skin disorders. Learn more.

Condition

Dermoid Cysts

A dermoid cyst is a benign growth made up of hairs, sweat glands and sebaceous glands. Learn more about the symptoms and treatment of pediatric dermoid cysts.

Specialty

Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics

The Division of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics provides care for children with conditions associated with developmental delay and/or behavior concerns.

Condition

Developmental Coordination Disorder

A disorder characterized by poor motor coordination that interferes with the child’s daily activities and academic achievements.

Condition

Developmental Delays

There are several kinds of developmental delays a child may experience, some of which have biological causes, others may be environmental in nature. Learn more.

Treatment

Developmental Evaluations

Similar to neuropsychological evaluations, developmental evaluations use psychological tests to examine a child's mental abilities in order to diagnose and manage conditions affecting brain functioning.

Condition

Deviated Septum

Deviated septum is an abnormal shape of the cartilage that divides the nose, and may cause congestion, problems with breathing, or nasal discharge. Learn more.

Condition

Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is the most common type of diabetes in children and teens. Type 2 diabetes has also become a health problem for children and teens in recent years.

Program

Diabetes Program

By offering medical consultation, diagnosis, education, advice, guidelines and support, our diabetes program helps children with diabetes lead successful lives.

Condition

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the retina of the eye due to long-term high blood sugars. Learn more.

Treatment

Diagnostic Tests for Digestive & Liver Conditions

Lurie Children's offers diagnostic procedures for various digestive and liver conditions.

Program

Dialysis Program

Lurie Children’s Dialysis Program provides in-center hemodialysis, as well as training and care for home-based peritoneal and hemodialysis.

Condition

Diaper Rash

Physical irritation or infection due to urine changing the skin pH level, allowing bacteria and fungi to grow.

Treatment

Diaphragm Pacing

Diaphragm pacing, a form of artificial ventilation, uses implanted electrodes to stimulate the muscles of the diaphragm to contract, helping patients breathe.

Condition

Diarrhea

Watery stool or increased frequency of bowel movements (or both) when compared to a normal amount.

Condition

Differences of Sex Development

A fetus may develop along a path that is not the typical one for a boy or a girl. When sex development follows a less common path, the result is a difference of sex development.

Condition

Double Inlet Left Ventricle (DILV)

Learn about Double inlet left ventricle, a rare congenital heart defect in which the child develops only one ventricle - the pumping chamber of the heart.

Condition

Double Outlet Right Ventricle (DORV)

Double Outlet Right Ventricle (DORV) is a congenital heart defect in which both the aorta and the pulmonary artery are connected to the right ventricle.

Program

Down Syndrome Clinic

The Down Syndrome Clinic, a subspecialty program within the Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, offers specialized services as well as interdisciplinary and comprehensive evaluations for children with Down syndrome and their families, providing care from birth through late adolescence.

Program

Dravet Clinic

The Dravet Clinic at Lurie Children’s Epilepsy Center is committed to providing high-quality care to patients with Dravet syndrome.

Condition

Droopy Eyelid (Ptosis)

Droopy eyelids (also known as ptosis) may be a congenital or acquired condition. Learn more.

Condition

Drug Allergy

A group of symptoms caused by a reaction to a medication where the body's immune system may produce antibodies against a drug.

Condition

Dry Skin

Dryness may be caused by or accompanied by several behaviors, environmental factors or health conditions.

Condition

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

A form of muscular dystrophy, an inherited disease occurring in about 1 out of every 3,600 male infants. It worsens more quickly than other types of muscular dystrophy.

Condition

Duplicated Collecting System (Also Duplicated Kidney)

Two ureters for one kidney, each one draining separately into the bladder.

Condition

Dural Sinus Malformations

Dural sinus malformations (DSMs), a type of AV shunt, are very rare congenital cerebrovascular malformation. Learn more about causes, diagnosis, and treatment.

Condition

Dysfunctional Voiding

Voiding dysfunction is a condition where the bladder does not empty correctly. Learn more about void dysfunction causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment here.

Condition

Dysphagia

The inability of food or liquids to pass easily from the mouth, into the throat and down into the esophagus to the stomach during the process of swallowing.

Condition

Dystonia

A movement disorder in which the muscles receive incorrect signals from the brain, causing them to contract and twist uncontrollably and sometimes painfully.

Condition

Ear Deformities

Currently, up to 30% of births result in ear deformities. Of this number, 70% of the deformities stay the same or get worse as the baby grows.

Treatment

Ear Tube Placement

Ear tubes are small tubes that are surgically placed into your child's eardrum by an ear, nose and throat surgeon during a myringotomy. Learn more.

Condition

Earwax Buildup (Cerumen Impaction)

Earwax buildup can block the ear canal and lead to ringing in the ear, itching, hearing loss, pain, discharge, odor and cough.

Program

Eating Disorder Program

Eating disorders affect many children and adolescents. Learn how our Eating Disorder Program offers comprehensive care tailored to your family's needs.

Condition

Ebola

Not as contagious as the flu because it doesn’t spread through the air, ebola is spread only through direct contact with the infected person’s blood and body fluids.

Condition

Ebstein's Anomaly

A congenital downward displacement of the tricuspid valve (between the heart's upper and lower chambers on the right side) into the heart's right bottom chamber (or right ventricle).

Treatment

Echocardiogram

An echocardiogram, echo or heart ultrasound, is a non-invasive procedure that uses sound waves provide cardiologists with moving images of your child's heart.

Treatment

ECMO

Pediatric ECMO is a temporary cardiopulmonary bypass to support a patients with heart or lung failure. Learn more here.

Condition

Ectopic Ureter

A rare condition where the ureter (the tube that moves urine from the kidney to the bladder) does not attach correctly to the top of the bladder but to some other location instead.

Condition

Eczema

Atopic dermatitis, an inflammation that causes dry, itchy skin.

Program

Eczema Program

Our experts provide thorough evaluation and comprehensive treatment of your child’s eczema (atopic dermatitis).

Condition

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

Also called cutis elastic, a group of genetic disorders affecting the connective tissues of the body, especially the skin, joints, and the walls of blood vessels.

Treatment

Electrocardiogram

An electrocardiogram is one of the simplest procedures used to evaluate the heart, taking only five to 10 minutes. The tracings allow the physician to see abnormal heartbeats that may indicate a heart problem.

Program

Electrophysiology Program

The Electrophysiology (EP) Program team at Lurie Children’s diagnoses and treats abnormal heart rhythms. We also provide invasive correction of the heart rhythm through cardiac ablation and implantation of cardiac rhythm devices. Learn more.

Specialty

Emergency Medicine

The board certified team in the pediatric emergency room at Lurie Children's perform life saving services to children 24 hours a day.

Condition

Encephalitis

Encephalitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the brain, usually resulting from an infection. Learn more about encephalitis in children here.

Condition

Encopresis

A problem that children can develop due to chronic constipation. When a child has fewer bowel movements, they can be difficult to pass, causing a vicious cycle to develop.

Condition

Endocarditis

Endocarditis is an inflammation of the layer of cells lining the inside of the heart muscle and valves, and can be infective or noninfective. Learn more here.

Specialty

Endocrinology

The pediatric endocrinologists at Lurie Children's rank nationally for techniques shown to improve outcomes for children with endocrine disorders. Learn more.

Program

Endoscopic Ear Surgery Program

The Endoscopic Ear Surgery Program is led by Stephen R. Hoff, MD, FACS, FAAP, a Pediatric Otolaryngologist with expertise in transcanal endoscopic ear surgery.

Treatment

Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

The purpose of endoscopic sinus surgery is to open the passages of the sinuses allowing for proper drainage to the nose.

Specialty

ENT (Otolaryngology)

The Division of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery provides medical & surgical treatment for children with disorders of the ears, nose and throat (ENT).

Condition

Enuresis (Nighttime Wetting)

Nighttime wetting (also known as enuresis) is the involuntary emptying of the bladder.

Condition

Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic allergic disease of the esophagus, marked by food impaction, difficulty swallowing, and acid reflux. Learn more here.

Program

Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Diseases Program

Lurie Children's Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Diseases (EGID) Program is devoted to the comprehensive care and research of pediatric EGID. Learn more.

Condition

Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders

Chronic, inflammatory diseases characterized by an elevated number of eosinophils — a type of white blood cell — in one or more areas in the digestive system.

Condition

Epidermolysis Bullosa

A rare genetic condition causing fragile skin that blisters and tears with only minor friction or trauma. Internal organs can also be affected by certain variations of this disease.

Condition

Epididymitis/Orchitis

Inflammation of the epididymis (the tube that carries semen out of the testicles), or inflammation of the testicle, most often following from infection of the epididymis.

Condition

Epilepsy

Childhood epilepsy is a condition in which two or more seizures occur without a specific cause. Learn about pediatric epilepsy causes, symptoms and treatment.

Program

Epilepsy Genetics Testing & Consultation Clinic

The epilepsy genetic consultation provides a consultation for children with known genetic epilepsy syndromes. The epilepsy genetics testing clinic provides evaluation and support for children and families with known or suspected genetic epilepsy syndrome.

Program

Epilepsy Neuro-Oncology Clinic

The Epilepsy Neuro-Oncology Clinic provides comprehensive care to patients with brain tumor related epilepsy by offering coordinated care for epilepsy, oncology, and neurosurgery.

Program

Epilepsy Program

The Pediatric Epilepsy Center at Lurie Children's provides the highest quality treatment of epilepsy in children. Learn about the center here.

Program

Epilepsy Surgery

In the best cases, medication can be used to manage seizures. But when it doesn't, surgery may offer the best option for control or elimination of seizures.

Program

Epilepsy Tuberous Sclerosis Clinic

Lurie Children’s Epilepsy Multidisciplinary TSC Clinic’s goal is to provide quality care to individuals with TSC, manage research that will contribute to better treatment and a cure for TSC, and provide a complete medical team to coordinate treatment for all aspects of TSC.

Condition

Epispadias

A term used to describe when the urethral opening is in an abnormal location. In males, the opening is usually on the topside of the penis and not the tip.

Condition

Esophageal Duplication or Masses

A rare inherited condition in which a mass of cells forms alongside the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach) during fetal development.

Program

Ethics Program

When you face an ethical dilemma concerning your child's care, Lurie Children's Ethics Advisory Board is here to help.

Condition

Ewing Sarcoma

A cancer that occurs primarily in the bone or soft tissue, most often found in the extremities and can involve muscle and the soft tissues around the tumor site.

Condition

Excessive Thoracic Kyphosis

“Kyphosis” refers to the contour of the upper spine. Excessive thoracic kyphosis, a condition common in adolescents, gives people a “humpbacked” appearance.

Treatment

Exercise Laboratory & Stress Test

An exercise stress test measures the heart's response to stress or exercise. An electrocardiogram (ECG) is monitored while children exercise on a treadmill or stationary bike.

Condition

Exercise-Induced Asthma

A condition triggered by physical activity, it causes the small breathing tubes to tighten, making it difficult for air to leave the lungs. Also called exercise-induced bronchospasm.

Condition

Extra Teeth (Supernumerary Teeth, Hyperdontia)

A condition in which the jaws contain more teeth – usually permanent teeth – than usual. Extra teeth are usually categorized in two ways, by their shape and by their position.

Program

Extracorporeal Photopheresis (ECP) Program

Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is a temporary cardiopulmonary bypass to support a patient with heart or lung failure. Learn more here.

Condition

Eyelid Lacerations

Eyelid lacerations are cuts to the eyelid caused by trauma. These cuts often require surgery to ensure the eyelid heals well and functions properly.

Condition

Fabry Disease

Fabry disease is a rare genetic disease that runs in families. People affected by the disease cannot breakdown (metabolize) a fat called globotriaosylcermide (GL3). Read more.

Condition

Facial Paralysis in Children

A condition that may be present at birth, such as Moebius syndrome, or acquired later, such as following removal of facial tumors near the nerves that move the facial muscles.

Condition

Facial Trauma

Facial trauma includes any injury to the face including the bones of the upper face and jaw, or lower jaw, caused by blunt force or be the result of a wound caused by car crash, sports, etc.

Condition

Failure to Thrive

A condition that occurs when a baby does not gain weight and grow normally; caused by many factors, including disease or poor nutrition.

Program

Families with Cardiomyopathy Clinic

Lurie Children's Families with Cardiomyopathy Clinic offers evaluation and treatment for patients with familial cardiomyopathy. In our unique approach, the whole family is seen during the same clinic visit.

Condition

Fanconi Anemia

A bone-marrow-failure disorder that may cause deformities and abnormalities throughout the body.

Condition

Febrile Seizure

A febrile seizure is a seizure that occurs in a child with a fever or elevated temperature. Learn more.

Treatment

Feed & Swaddle for MRI and CT Exams

For infants referred to Lurie Children's for an MRI or CT exam, we use a technique called "feed and swaddle" to help babies remain still for the exam without having to give them medication or anesthesia

Condition

Feeding & Swallowing Problems

Both behavioral and physiological issues can affect childhood eating, resulting in either the refusal or inability to eat foods normally.

Treatment

Feeding & Swallowing Therapy

If your child is experiencing feeding and/or swallowing difficulties, Lurie Children's Feeding & Swallowing Therapy specialists can assess your child's eating and develop a plan for treatment.

Program

Feeding & Swallowing Therapy Program

If your child is experiencing feeding and/or swallowing difficulties, schedule an evaluation with a speech-language pathologist with Lurie Children's Feeding & Swallowing Therapy Program to develop a plan for treatment.

Condition

Feeding Aversion/Disorder

Including the inability or refusal to eat certain foods, possibly leading to nutrition problems and other developmental and psychological issues.

Treatment

Feeding Tube Care

Children with feeding tubes need care tailored to their specific needs. Learn about Lurie Children's recommendations for caring for children with feeding tubes.

Program

Feeding, Swallowing & Nutrition Disorders Program

Lurie Children's Feeding, Swallowing & Nutrition Disorders Program evaluates and treats children with conditions that include dysphagia, feeding aversion, failure to thrive and related disorders.

Condition

Female Athlete Triad

A syndrome consisting of three related conditions: disordered eating habits, irregular or absent menstrual periods, and osteopenia (thinning of the bones).

Treatment

Feminizing Hormone Therapy

Learn more about the effects that estrogen may have on your body and an approximate timeline of these changes during feminizing hormone therapy.

Condition

Femoral Anteversion

A common developmental problem in children, also called intoeing, where the top of the thigh bone (femur) is rotated, causing the foot to turn in.

Program

Fertility & Hormone Preservation & Restoration Program

Lurie Children’s fertility program is the only one of its kind for pediatric patients in the state of Illinois, offering solutions to both male and female cancer survivors with fertility issues.

Program

Fetal & Neonatal Cardiology

The Fetal Cardiology Program ensures that families expecting a baby with heart concerns receive the best diagnostic and counseling care available.

Program

Fetal & Neonatal Neurology Program

Lurie Children's Division of Neurology offers access to fetal and neonatal neurologists who provide innovative, individualized treatments with the goal of helping newborns achieve their best outcomes.

Condition

Fetal Abdominal Cysts

A fetal abdominal cyst is a generic term that describes an abnormal fluid-filled bubble-like mass in the fetal abdomen. Learn more.

Condition

Fetal Ascites

Fetal ascites is an abnormal fluid collection in the fetal peritoneal cavity, which can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. Learn more today.

Condition

Fetal Cardiac Arrhythmia

Fetal arrhythmia refers to an irregular heartbeat or an abnormal heart rhythm in an unborn baby. Learn more about detection, prevention and treatment.

Condition

Fetal Chronic Idiopathic Pseudo-obstruction

A disorder in which part of the intestines function poorly as if they are obstructed, but there is no mechanical cause for the dysfunction.

Condition

Fetal Craniosynostosis

A congenital defect characterized by the bones of the skull closing too early, before brain growth is complete. The brain then grows into areas of the skull that have not yet closed.

Condition

Fetal Duplication of Collection Systems

The development of two ureters for one kidney, each one draining separately into the bladder, often associated with fetal ureterocele, a malformation of the ureter entering the bladder.

Treatment

Fetal Echocardiogram

A fetal echocardiogram (or echo) is a specialized ultrasound examination of the unborn baby’s heart used to identify fetal heart defects. Learn more here.

Condition

Fetal Gastroschisis

A congenital defect in a baby's abdominal wall that allows the infant's intestines to protrude into the amniotic sac, causing them to cease their normal movement.

Specialty

Fetal Health

The Chicago Institute for Fetal Health offers comprehensive pre-birth counseling and pediatric care planning for pregnant women with fetal complications.

Condition

Fetal Hydrocephalus

The buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, resulting from a lack of absorption, blockage or overproduction. Can cause increased pressure and expansion of the skull.

Condition

Fetal Hydronephrosis

Fetal hydronephrosis is the swelling of the kidney when too much urine collects in the pelvis (or basin) of the kidney. Learn more about causes and symptoms.

Treatment

Fetal Imaging

The Chicago Institute for Fetal Health can provide additional imaging when physicians or patients would like a second opinion or advanced imaging during pregnancy.

Condition

Fetal Intestinal Atresia

A congenital defect in which a part of the intestines fails to form properly, resulting in an obstruction or blockage.

Condition

Fetal Lung Lesions: CPAM, BPS & Hybrid Lesions

There are three types of fetal lung lesions: congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM), bronchopulmonary sequestration (BPS) and hybrid lesions. Read more.

Condition

Fetal Lung Masses & Cysts

There are two different types of fetal lung masses: the first is a congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation and the other is a bronchopulmonary sequestration.

Condition

Fetal Multicystic Dysplastic Kidney

A malformation of the kidney during fetal development, resulting in irregular cysts that resemble a bunch of grapes. The cysts serve no function, rendering the kidney useless.

Condition

Fetal Omphalocele

A congenital defect of the abdominal wall allowing some abdominal organs to protrude through it. A translucent membrane or sac covers the protruding organs.

Condition

Fetal Pelvic Kidney & Horseshoe Kidney

A condition that results when the kidneys fail to ascend to their normal position above the waist and remain in the pelvis because they are blocked by blood vessels in the aorta.

Condition

Fetal Posterior Urethral Valves

A congenital defect in males, resulting in obstruction of the bladder due to extra tissue projecting into the urethra. Excess tissue blocks the free flow of urine from the bladder.

Condition

Fetal Pyelectasis/Pelviectasis

A mild enlargement of the center of the kidney, not to be confused with fetal hydronephrosis, which is an extreme ballooning of the kidney.

Condition

Fetal Tracheoesophageal Fistula

A congenital defect in which the trachea and the esophagus (which start out as one tube), do not split successfully into two separate tubes, leaving an abnormal connection.

Condition

Fetal Ureterocele

A balloon-like malformation of the area where a ureter, the tube from the kidney, enters the bladder. This causes problems by blocking the normal flow of urine from the kidney.

Condition

Fetal Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction

When the urine cannot flow freely into the ureter due to a blockage, such as a kink in the ureter or a narrowing where the ureter meets the renal pelvis, the “ureteropelvic junction.”

Condition

Fetal Urinary Reflux

When urine flows “backward” in the system, possibly causing infection and pressure damage to the sensitive tissues of the kidney. It is often corrected by surgery.

Condition

Fetal Ventriculomegaly

A congenital brain condition, causing enlargement of the fluid-filled spaces in the brain, inadequate brain development or destruction of brain tissue.

Treatment

Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES)

Lurie Children's multidisciplinary Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) service provides comprehensive evaluation and management of children with swallowing problems such as dysphagia and choking on food.

Condition

Flexible Flat Feet (Pes Planus)

When the arch seems to disappear as the foot comes in contact with the ground, causing the ankle to roll inward (pronation).

Program

Fluency & Stuttering Therapy Program

Evaluations at Lurie Children's are done by speech-language pathologists certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and specializing in diagnosing and treating preschool, school-age and adolescents who stutter.

Program

Fluorescence-Guided Surgery Program

Fluorescence-guided surgery at Lurie Children’s is an enhancement of traditional surgical techniques that provides surgeons with new layers of information to improve surgical safety and clinical outcomes. Learn more.

Condition

Focal Segmental Glomerular Sclerosis (FSGS)

A pattern of kidney damage and a common cause of nephrotic syndrome, occurring when the body loses large amounts of protein into the urine, resulting in swelling of the body.

Program

Fontan Futures℠ Initiative

Working with Prentice Women’s Hospital and the Heart Center at Lurie Children’s, this Initiative helps families expecting a child with only one ventricle save cord blood and heart tissue for use in emerging therapies in coming years.

Condition

Food Allergy

Food allergy is caused by an immune response that occurs after exposure to a specific food. There are now about 6 million children in the U.S. with food allergy. Learn more.

Program

Food Allergy Program

The experts at Lurie Children's Food Allergy Program provide evaluation services and comprehensive treatment for children with food allergies.

Program

Food Allergy Support & Education (FASE) Program

Lurie Children's Food Allergy Support and Education Program educates and supports our patients and families affected by food protein-induced immune disorders.

Treatment

Food Elimination Diets

The specialists at Lurie Children's treat pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis.

Condition

Foot & Ankle Pain

Foot and ankle pain in kids can be symptoms of a variety of foot or ankle conditions. Learn more about potential causes of foot and ankle pain in children.

Condition

Foreign Bodies in the Ear

Anything that enters the ear that doesn’t belong there. Typically food, toy parts, small household items, or items from nature. Most can be removed by a physician in the office.

Condition

Foreign Bodies in the Eyes

Objects such as dust and sand may be flushed out with eye drops or water. If vision decreases, eyes are red or painful, there is discharge, trauma or bulging, see a healthcare provider.

Condition

Foreign Bodies in the Nose and Airway

Anything that enters the body that doesn’t belong there. Typically food, toy parts, small household items, or items from nature. Most can be removed by a physician in the office.

Program

Forensic Assessment for Immigration Relief (FAIR) Clinic

The FAIR Clinic is a staff-run clinic dedicated to providing forensic medical and psychological evaluations free of charge to child and adolescent survivors of torture, persecution, or other human rights abuses who are seeking asylum in the United States. Learn more.

Program

Fracture Clinic

Fractures in children are a common occurrence that may require surgery and/or casting. Learn more about the pediatric fracture clinic at Lurie Children's here.

Condition

Fragility Fractures

Fragility fractures are broken bones, or fractures, that happen following a low trauma event. Examples of low trauma events would be falls from a standing height or less. Learn more.

Condition

Freiberg Infraction

A condition affecting the metatarsal bones of the foot, most commonly the bone underneath the second toe. The rounded end or ‘head’ of the bone collapses and flattens.

Condition

Functional Neurological Disorder

Discover symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for children and adolescents with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND).

Condition

Gait Abnormalities

Pediatric gait abnormalities are problems with the way a child or teen walks, such as toe-walking or limping. Learn more about abnormal gait in children here.

Condition

Ganglion Cysts

Lumps that form under the skin, usually on top of the wrist, usually round or oval shape, and varying from the size of a pea to about an inch in diameter.

Specialty

Gastroenterology & GI Surgery

The nationally ranked Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition offers cutting-edge treatments for pediatric digestive disorders. Learn more here.

Condition

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

A digestive disorder caused by gastric acid flowing from the stomach into the esophagus. Gastroesophageal refers to the stomach and esophagus, and reflux is backflow.

Condition

Gaucher Disease

A deficiency of the enzyme beta-glucosidase, which breaks down a specific fatty substance, allowing it to accumulate in the body, resulting in anemia, low platelet count, etc.

Program

Gender Development Program

Lurie Children’s outpatient services are here to support the physical, mental and social health of youth as they progress through gender identity.

Program

Gene and Cellular Medicine Program

The Center for Genetic and Cellular Medicine at Lurie Children's is committed to advancing treatment of conditions amenable to gene and cell-based therapy.

Program

Genetic Counselors & Genetic Counseling

Lurie Children's Genetic Counselors help families with genetic conditions by providing education, support, and advocacy.

Treatment

Genetic Screening

Contact your physician if you have symptoms or physical signs that you suspect may be related to a genetic disorder.

Treatment

Genetics Laboratory Services

Licensed physicians at Lurie Children's perform laboratory procedures upon request.

Specialty

Genetics, Genomics & Metabolism

Lurie Children's Division of Genetics, Genomics and Metabolism provides a full range of services for the diagnosis & treatment of pediatric genetic disorders.

Condition

Germ Cell Tumors

Malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous) tumors that are composed mostly of germ cells — cells in the unborn baby that become the reproductive system.

Condition

Giant Congenital Nevi

When a birthmark, or nevus, covers more than 2% of a patient’s total body surface area, or if it is larger than the palm of a child’s hand, it is considered a giant nevus.

Condition

Glomerulonephropathy and Glomerulonephritis

Diseases of the glomeruli — the mass of tiny, semipermeable tubes deep in the kidneys through which the blood passes, filtering out water and soluble wastes.

Condition

Glucose Intolerance

A metabolic condition also known as impaired glucose tolerance in which the body cannot absorb or metabolize sugars from carbohydrates sufficiently.

Condition

Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD)

Resulting when a patient receives transplanted tissue from another person, most often occurring after a stem cell (bone marrow) transplant from a donor other than oneself.

Condition

Growing Pains

A common pain syndrome that occurs in children. Not a result of a disease or other condition, nor do they lead to any injury or damage to the bones or joints.

Condition

Growth Problems

Growth rate is influenced by heredity, gender, environmental factors and nutrition. Sometimes, medical conditions stop a child from growing at a normal rate.

Program

Guidance & Planning in Advanced CKD (GAP) Program

Learn about the GAP Program at Lurie Children’s, providing expert guidance and care planning for children with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Condition

Guillain-Barré Syndrome

A rare auto-immune disorder which damages the coverings of the peripheral nerves and causes muscle weakness and occasionally paralysis.

Condition

Gymnast’s Wrist (Distal Radial Epiphysitis)

Irritation and inflammation of the growth plate (epiphysis) at the end of the radius (forearm bone) where it connects to the hand to form the wrist.

Condition

Hand & Wrist Tendon Injuries

Injuries to the tendons of the hand and wrist can be caused by several things, from repetitive motion to tears to deep lacerations.

Program

Head & Neck Surgery Program

The Lurie Children’s Head & Neck Surgery Program is a national leader in the treatment of children with congenital and acquired lesions of the head, neck, and face.

Condition

Head Injury in Babies & Children

Most head injuries in children and babies are not life-threatening, but should still be monitored carefully. Learn more about symptoms and when to seek help.

Condition

Head Lice

Insects that invade the scalp and cause the child to itch and scratch the scalp. Lice eggs (nits) firmly attach to the hair and appear as small white dots.

Condition

Head Shape Anomalies

In the first two years of age, a child's skull is soft and vulnerable, leaving them at risk for developing abnormal head shapes. If untreated, these may cause medical issues later.

Program

Head Shape Evaluation Program

Lurie Children's Head Shape Program offers a team of medical and surgical professionals who evaluate and treat infants with cranial asymmetry from any cause.

Program

Headache Program

Pediatric headache and migraine are common complaints among children requiring special attention. Lurie Children’s Pediatric Headache Program aims to find the most therapeutic treatment plan for every patient.

Condition

Headaches

Headaches in kids can be single or recurrent in nature and localized to one or more areas. Learn more about types of headaches, as well as causes and treatment.

Treatment

Hearing Aids

Any child who has a hearing loss that may interfere with speech and language development, or who has a loss that interferes with their classroom performance, may need to wear a hearing aid.

Condition

Heart Attack

Heart attack in teens is rare, but congenital heart conditions can cause sudden cardiac arrest. We diagnose and treat these conditions.

Condition

Heart Block

Heart block causes an abnormal heartbeat. A baby can be born with it, or a person may acquire later. Our electrophysiologists diagnose and treat heart block.

Condition

Heart Failure

Pediatric heart failure occurs when the heart isn’t pumping enough blood to the body. Children in heart failure need help from experienced pediatric specialists.

Condition

Heart Murmur

Heart murmur is the sound of blood flow in the chest heard through a stethoscope, and does not necessarily mean an abnormality. Learn about heart murmurs in kids.

Program

Heart Transplant Program

The Pediatric Heart Failure & Transplantation Program at Lurie Children's in Chicago provides life-saving children's heart transplant treatments. Learn more.

Condition

Heart Tumors

Heart tumors, including rhabdomyoma, are rare in kids and usually benign. We’re able to treat even the most complex tumors that require surgery.

Condition

Heat Illness

A group of conditions which occur when the body is heated at a high rate and cannot cool itself fast enough.

Condition

Helicobacter Pylori

A spiral-shaped bacterium found in the stomach, which (along with acid secretion) damages stomach and duodenal tissue, causing inflammation and peptic ulcers.

Condition

Hemangiomas

Collections of extra blood vessels in the skin. One of the most common skin problems in the first year of life.

Program

Hematological Malignancy Program

Learn more about pediatric blood cancer treatment at Lurie Children's, where families can find advanced treatments and compassionate support tailored to young patients.

Condition

Hematometrocolpos

A rare condition which occurs when the uterus fills with menstrual blood. Symptoms are typically a lack of a menstrual period, recurrent pelvic pain, and a pelvic mass.

Condition

Hematuria

Pediatric hematuria is the presence of blood in the urine in children. It can be caused by many things, including, infections and kidney diseases. Learn more.

Condition

Hemifacial Microsomia

A condition in which a child is born with the lower half of their face underdeveloped, most commonly their ears, jaw and mouth; eyes, cheeks and neck may also be affected.

Condition

Hemolytic Anemia

A general term describing a condition in which red blood cells are broken down faster than the bone marrow is able to produce them.

Condition

Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome

A kidney disease caused by an overabundance of damaged red blood cells filling the kidneys, hindering them from doing their normal function of filtering.

Condition

Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)

A rare blood disorder, seen more often in children than adults, in which the body produces too many immune cells, which then attack the body’s own tissues and organs.

Condition

Hemophilia

An inherited bleeding disorder characterized by low levels or complete absence of specific proteins in the blood that are necessary for prevention of excessive bleeding.

Program

Hemophilia Program

Lurie Children's Hemophilia Program provides dedicated services in a family-friendly environment to promote the health and well-being of children and adolescents with hemophilia, von Willebrand disease or platelet disorders.

Condition

Hepatitis

Inflammation of the liver resulting in liver cell damage and destruction. Hepatitis often originates from a virus and can be spread from your child to others.

Condition

Hepatoblastoma

A very rare cancerous tumor that originates in the liver. Its cells can spread to other areas of the body, commonly the lungs, abdomen and rarely to the bones and central nervous system.

Program

Hepatoblastoma Program

Lurie Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders treats more children with cancer and blood disorders than any other hospital in Illinois, caring for children with this rare cancer originating in the liver.

Condition

Hernias

A protrusion of tissue or an organ through an opening or weakness in the muscle wall that usually contains it. Infants can be born with them.

Condition

Heterotaxy

A condition in which the organs of the chest and abdomen are abnormally located, usually opposite their usual places. Typically affects the heart, lungs, liver, spleen, and intestines.

Condition

High Ankle Sprain (Syndesmosis Sprain)

An injury to the ligaments connecting the tibia and fibula just above the ankle joint. Compared to lateral ankle sprains, high ankle sprains are less common and longer to heal.

Program

High-Risk Asthma Program

Read more about the High-Risk Asthma Program at Lurie Children’s, offering specialized care for children with severe asthma.

Condition

Hip Disorders

Common and with many causes. Not always easy to diagnose and may include hip pain, irritability, and difficulty in movement.

Condition

Hip Dysplasia

Occuring when a child’s hip joint has not formed properly, can range from the hip being slightly displaced to being dislocated easily.

Treatment

Hip Spica Cast Care

Hip spica casts are applied after various types of leg surgeries. Learn more about the cast care.

Condition

Hirschsprung Disease

A condition which occurs when the intestinal wall is missing the cells which signal the muscles in the large intestine to push stool towards the anus, causing an intestinal blockage.

Treatment

HIV & STI Screening

The Division of Adolescent Medicine provides walk-in HIV/STI Screening for anyone age 12-24. Certified counselors will provide on-site, free, confidential tests as well as safer sex counseling.

Program

HIV Prevention Program

Lurie Children's specialists are leaders in HIV prevention methods in children and research.

Condition

HIV/AIDS

A disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus which kills or impairs immune system cells and progressively destroys the body's ability to fight infections and cancers.

Condition

Hives (Urticaria)

A condition in which red, itchy, and swollen areas appear on the skin usually as an allergic reaction from eating certain foods or taking certain medications.

Program

Hives Program

Get access to comprehensive care and treatment options for pediatric hives at Lurie Children's Hives Program.

Condition

Hodgkin Lymphoma

A type of cancer in the lymphatic system, part of the immune system that functions to fight disease and infections. Hodgkin lymphoma cells can spread to other organs and tissue.

Treatment

Holter & Event Monitoring

Holter monitoring & event monitoring are tests used to record a child's heartbeats for 24 hours or longer, allowing physicians to see abnormal beats or rhythms.

Condition

Horseshoe Kidney & Pelvic Kidney

Conditions that either result when the kidneys fail to ascend to their normal position above the waist and remain in the pelvis or when the developing kidneys fuse together.

Specialty

Hospital-Based Medicine

Lurie Children's hospitalists are board-eligible/board-certified pediatricians who specialize in caring for hospitalized infants, children, and adolescents.

Treatment

Hydration Assessment in Short Bowel Syndrome

Learn how to properly assess and hydrate children with short bowel syndrome with a short video produced by Lurie Children's.

Condition

Hydrocele

A space filled with fluid occurring below or next to a testicle in the male scrotum. It is usually painless, and is not to be confused with a hernia, but may occur along with one.

Condition

Hydrocephalus

The lack of absorption, blockage of flow, or overproduction of the cerebrospinal fluid that is found inside of the ventricles (fluid-filled areas) inside of the brain.

Condition

Hypercalcemia

Learn about hypercalcemia and its symptoms, causes, and treatments, and how our experts manage high calcium levels in children.

Condition

Hypertension

Usually used to mean elevated blood pressure, caused by resistance to blood flow in the body. May result from certain types of medication, anxiety, or kidney problems.

Condition

Hyperthyroidism

Too much thyroid hormone, pushing the body’s metabolism to unhealthy levels.

Condition

Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis

A narrowing of the lower portion of the stomach that leads into the small intestine, resulting in food not moving easily into the intestine for digestion.

Condition

Hypocalcemia

Learn about hypocalcemia, its causes, symptoms, and treatments. Discover how we diagnose and manage low calcium levels to support your child's health.

Condition

Hypopituitarism

When a child's pituitary gland has lost its ability to make one, some or all pituitary hormones. The condition is often permanent, but very treatable.

Condition

Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome

In hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), the left side of the heart, including the aorta, aortic valve, left ventricle and mitral valve, is underdeveloped.

Condition

Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome

A congenital heart defect in which the parts of the right side of the heart — the valves, right ventricle, and pulmonary artery — do not develop fully during pregnancy.

Condition

Hypospadias

Hypospadias is a condition in which the end of the urethra (the tube in the penis through which urine passes out of the body) is not located at the tip of the penis.

Condition

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism in children occurs when thyroid gland is underactive and fails to make enough thyroid hormone. Learn more about causes, symptoms and treatment.

Condition

Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy

Death or long-term disability possibly caused by lack of blood flow or oxygen before, during or after birth, from a ruptured uterus, bleeding from the placenta, or cord accidents.

Condition

Ichthyosis

A genetic condition with thick, leathery skin, “ichthy” coming from the Greek word for fish, this condition is so named as the skin sometimes appears like fish scales.

Condition

Idiopathic Toe-walking

Persistent walking on the toes or the balls of the feet, fairly common in kids who are learning to walk.

Condition

Iliotibial (IT) Band Friction Syndrome

One of the leading causes of knee pain in runners, occurs when this tendon gets irritated or inflamed from overuse, causing pain and snapping on the outside of the knee.

Program

Immediate Care

Lurie Children's pediatric immediate care centers have extended hours and provide urgent care services for children with unexpected illnesses and injuries.

Condition

Immune Thrombocytopenia Pupura

In mild cases, scattered small purple spots on the skin, progressing to increased bruising and nosebleeds and, rarely, bleeding in the GI tract, urinary tract and in the brain.

Treatment

Indwelling Feeding Tubes

Lurie Children’s assists parents and caregivers in the proper use of this thin tube inserted into the nose or mouth, through the esophagus and into the stomach, delivering nourishment when other feeding methods are not available.

Condition

Infantile Hemangiomas

The most common vascular growth that is seen in infancy, a collection of enlarged blood vessels, may be present at birth but most develop within the first few weeks.

Program

Infantile Spasms Clinic

The team behind Lurie Children’s Infantile Spasms (IS) Clinic has established a guideline and clinic for the diagnosis, etiological work-up, treatment, monitoring, and follow-up of infantile spasms that is supported by the best evidence and expert recommendations.

Condition

Infections in Newborns

A fetus and a newborn baby have limited ability to prevent and fight infectious diseases. Special care may be needed for babies who develop an infection before, during, or after birth.

Specialty

Infectious Diseases

The board-certified physicians at Lurie Children's specialize in treating common and rare pediatric infectious diseases.

Condition

Infectious Mononucleosis

Infectious mononucleosis, usually called simply “mono,” usually strikes between 15 and 25 years of age, but can be caught younger. Learn more.

Program

Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program

Lurie Children's Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program is a multidisciplinary program focusing on the care of children diagnosed with bowel disorders.

Condition

Influenza

Influenza, commonly referred to as "the flu," is a highly contagious respiratory virus that is common during the winter and early spring. Learn more about symptoms, treatment and prevention.

Treatment

Influenza (Flu) Vaccine

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the influenza (flu) vaccination every year for most people age 6 months and older. Read more.

Program

Inpatient Psychiatric Services

Lurie Children's Inpatient Psychiatric Program is a family-centered setting focusing on crisis stabilization, intensive evaluation and short-term treatment for problems affecting children and adolescents, ages 3-17.

Condition

Insomnia

A condition in which the child has trouble going to sleep or remaining asleep. It is common but not generally considered serious unless it causes issues with daytime functioning.

Program

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

The Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is a space for children to attend therapy more frequently than traditional outpatient approaches and focus on anxiety, depressive, and obsessive-compulsive disorders.

Program

Intermediate Care Unit

Lurie Children’s is now one of a handful of pediatric hospitals in the country that operates an Intermediate Care Unit (IMCU) – continuing on our mission to provide the right care for every patient.

Condition

Internal Snapping Hip Syndrome

Snapping sound occurring with flexion or extension of the hip, coming from the tendon of the hip flexor muscle as it moves through its normal motion across the hip joint.

Program

International Adoptee Program

Lurie Children's Division of Infectious Diseases offers medical evaluations, review of immunization records and screening tests for diagnosis and treatment of diseases a child may have contracted in its country of birth.

Program

Interventional Cardiology & Catheterization

Lurie Children's Heart Center team of interventional physicians performs more than 1,000 cardiac catheterizations on young patients with congenital heart disease each year.

Program

Interventional Radiology

The pediatric interventional radiology division at Lurie Children's performs a full range of therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. Learn more today.

Condition

Intestinal Malrotation & Volvulus

A birth defect involving a malformation of the intestinal tract; it occurs while a fetus is forming in its mother's uterus.

Program

Intestinal Rehabilitation Program

Lurie Children's Intestinal Rehabilitation Program is devoted to avoiding transplantation when possible using medical, surgical and nutritional rehabilitation strategies.

Program

Intestinal Transplantation Program

Lurie Children's provides one of the rare treatment programs for children suffering from an improperly functioning small bowel.

Condition

Intussusception

The most common cause of intestinal obstruction in children between the ages of 3 months and 3 years, when one segment of the intestine slips inside another.

Condition

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a group of symptoms affecting the large intestine (large bowel). Learn more about common symptoms and treatment in children.

Condition

Iselin Disease (Apophysitis of the Fifth Metatarsal)

Painful irritation and inflammation of the apophysis (growth plate) at the base of the 5th metatarsal (foot bone), where one of the calf muscles inserts.

Condition

Jaundice

Jaundice is a yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes due to high levels of bilirubin in the bloodstream, and can be a sign of liver disease in children.

Condition

Jaw Deformities

Present at birth or appearing as the child grows, can cause chewing and eating problems, abnormal speech and eventually lead to the early loss of the child’s teeth.

Condition

Joint Hypermobility Syndrome

Describing joints that easily move beyond the normal range. It is commonly called being ‘double-jointed,’ although these individuals do not have two separate joints.

Condition

Juvenile Huntington Disease

A rare form of Huntington Disease that begins before the age of 20, occurring in about 10% of Huntington cases, a hereditary, degenerative disease.

Condition

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (juvenile rheumatoid arthritis) is form of arthritis in children 16 or younger. Learn about causes, symptoms & treatment.

Condition

Juvenile Inflammatory Myopathy

A group of diseases causing muscle weakness, joint pain, fatigue, clumsiness, a rash on the face and around joints, irritability, weight loss and ulcers in the mouth.

Condition

Juvenile Myositis

Depending on which muscles are weak (the stomach, arm, back and thigh muscles), the child may have trouble reaching up, bending down or climbing. A rash may be present.

Condition

Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma (JNA)

Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) is an aggressive but rare and benign (non-cancerous) tumor of the nasopharynx, the space behind the nose that connects it to the mouth. Learn more.

Condition

Juvenile Osteochondritis Dissecans

A disorder occurring in young people with growth plates not closed yet; a loosening of a piece of bone and the cartilage that covers it; can lead to early arthritis.

Condition

Juvenile Osteoporosis

In children, the term osteoporosis is used when the density of the bones is significantly below normal (noted on the DXA scan) and they have a fracture history. Learn more.

Condition

Juvenile Rheumatoid-Arthritis-Related Jaw Disorders

Also called juvenile idiopathic arthritis, may affect many joints in the body, may cause abnormalities in the growth of joint surfaces, leading to growth issues and pain.

Condition

Kasabach-Merritt Phenomenon (KMP)

A condition that causes problems with blood clotting, caused by a blood vessel tumor, either a tufted angioma or kaposiform hemangioendothelioma.

Condition

Kawasaki Disease

Kawasaki disease is A serious pediatric illness that causes inflammation of the blood vessels and can damage the coronary arteries of the heart. Learn more.

Program

Kawasaki Disease Center

The Center for Kawasaki Disease at Lurie Children's is internationally known as one of the most active centers for clinical, educational and research programs.

Condition

Keratitis

An inflammation or infection of the cornea of the eye, which is the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye.

Condition

Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a rare, progressive disorder of the cornea (the clear, front part of the eye) that causes thinning, steepening, high astigmatism, and can lead to scarring and permanent vision loss. Learn more.

Condition

Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis pilaris is a common skin condition that causes small bumps on the skin. It is harmless and is treated with a variety of over-the-counter medications.

Program

Ketogenic Diet Program

Learn how a keto diet can help control childhood epilepsy and seizures, and why the Lurie children's Ketogenic Diet Program one of the best programs of its kind.

Program

Kidney Genetics Program

The clinic for the Kidney Genetics (Nephrogenetics) Program includes a team of specialists at Lurie Children’s who have different areas of expertise. The Program was developed to provide the best possible comprehensive care for patients with genetic kidney diseases and their families. What Can Genetics Tell Us About Kidney Disease? We know there...

Condition

Kidney Stones

A hard deposit of mineral and acid crystals that sometimes forms inside a kidney, can cause extreme pain while it passes.

Program

Kidney Transplant Program

Lurie Children's Pediatric Kidney Transplant Program has outcomes among the best programs in the country. Learn more today about how we can help.

Treatment

Kidney Transplants

Explore Lurie Children’s kidney transplant program, offering comprehensive care and support for pediatric patients in need of kidney transplants.

Condition

Klinefelter Syndrome

Learn about Klinefelter syndrome, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options at Lurie Children's. Access expert care and resources to support individuals and families affected by this genetic condition for better health outcomes.

Program

Klinefelter Syndrome Program

The Klinefelter Syndrome Program (also referred to as 47,XXY) offers interdisciplinary care spanning from prenatal consultation to young adulthood. Learn more.

Program

Knee Injury Prevention Program (KIPP®)

Lurie Children's Institute for Sports Medicine offers the Knee Injury Prevention Program, a neuromuscular training program designed to reduce the risk of ACL injuries among female adolescent athletes.

Condition

Knock Knees (Genu Valgum)

When some children stand, run or walk, their knees seem very close together (or even touch each other) and their ankles are further apart.

Condition

Kyphoscoliotic Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (kEDS)

Kyphoscoliotic Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (kEDS) is one of the different subtypes of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). Learn more.

Condition

Labial Adhesions

Also known as “synechia vulvae” or “labial agglutination,” a closure of the opening to the vagina, may occur in the first few months of life or, even more rarely, at a later time.

Condition

Lactose Intolerance

A condition in which a lack of an enzyme called lactase causes the inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk products.

Condition

Laryngeal Cleft

A laryngeal cleft is a gap in the tissues at the back of the voice box, which sometimes extends further down into the tissues that separate the windpipe and esophagus.

Condition

Laryngeal Web

Children can be born with a laryngeal web, or it can be acquired as a scar between the vocal cords where they meet.

Condition

Laryngomalacia

Laryngomalacia is a malformation of the top of the voice box at birth, which causes floppiness of the upper airway above the vocal cords.

Treatment

Lead Evaluation

Lurie Children’s knows that lead poisoning is a common environmental disease of young children and has developed a program to detect and care for children with lead exposure.

Condition

Legg-Calve-Perthes Syndrome

A condition involving the bones of the hip joint, when there is not enough blood delivered to the femoral head, the round ball at the top of the thighbone (femur).

Condition

Leukemia

Cancer of the blood, beginning in the bone marrow, the soft, spongy center of the long bones that produces the three major blood cells: white, red, and platelets.

Condition

Leukodystrophy

A group of disorders that damage the covering of the nerve cells in the brain and spinal column, so they can no longer transmit signals between the brain and the body.

Program

Leukodystrophy Care Program

Lurie Children's Leukodystrophy Care Program is a multidisciplinary program providing the best possible comprehensive care to patients with leukodystrophies and their families at every stage of their disease.

Condition

Limb Deformities

Review treatment options for limb deformities in children, provided by the experts at Lurie Children's.

Condition

Lip Tie

Lip tie occurs when a piece of tissue (a frenulum) behind the upper lip is short and tight. Learn more.

Condition

Little League Elbow (Medial Epicondylar Apophysitis)

Irritation and inflammation of the growth plate on the inner side of the elbow, occurring in young baseball players and in other sports where players throw often.

Condition

Little League Shoulder (Proximal Humeral Epiphysitis)

Irritation and inflammation of the growth plate in the upper arm bone, occurring most often in pitchers and other athletes who do repetitive overhead movements with their arms.

Program

Liver Center

The Pediatric Liver Center at Lurie Children’s brings together leaders in pediatric hepatology, pediatric surgery, transplant surgery, pathology, infectious disease, oncology and medical imaging to collectively treat patients with a range of liver conditions.

Condition

Liver Encephalopathy

A condition in which confusion, mental dullness, drowsiness and even coma can be caused by a failure of the liver to function normally.

Condition

Liver Enlargement

Liver enlargement, also known as enlarged liver or hepatomegaly, is a larger than normal swelling of the liver, and can be caused by many conditions. Learn more.

Condition

Liver Failure

Also called hepatic insufficiency, when the liver can no longer produce bile, filter blood, store vitamins, iron, glucose, break down hemoglobin, insulin, and old red blood cells.

Program

Liver Transplantation Program

Lurie Children’s has one of the largest and most experienced pediatric liver transplant surgery teams in the country. Learn more about our holistic treatment.

Treatment

Liver Transplants

A pediatric liver transplant is recommended when a child with serious liver disease will not be able to live without having part or all of the liver replaced.

Condition

Loeys-Dietz Syndrome: Symptoms & Causes

Loeys-Dietz Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder of the connective tissue similar to Marfan Syndrome. Learn more about causes, signs, types, and management.

Condition

Low Bone Density

Low bone density or decreased bone density means that your bones are not as dense or strong as they should be. Learn more.

Condition

Lower Urinary Tract Obstruction (LUTO)

Learn about Lower Urinary Tract Obstruction (LUTO), diagnosis, treatment options, and more here at Lurie Children's.

Condition

Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)

Systemic lupus erythematosus, or simply lupus, is an autoimmune disease characterized by episodes of inflammation that can affect multiple systems of the body.

Program

Lurie Children's Little Ones

Lurie Children's Little Ones is a comprehensive program for children ages birth to four years old in the Pritzker Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health. Learn more.

Condition

Lymphadenopathy

Lymphadenopathy is the swelling of the lymph nodes, which are the bean-shaped organs found in the underarm, groin, neck, chest and abdomen. Learn more about causes.

Program

Lymphatic Drainage Disorders Program

Our Lymphatic Drainage Disorders Program offers an outstanding multidisciplinary care team and state-of-the-art facilities to provide the best care for children with lymphatic disorders. Learn more.

Condition

Lymphatic Malformations

Lymphatic malformations (LMs) are masses that result from an abnormal formation of small tube-like vessels that collect and transfer fluid in the body's tissue and are part of the immune system. Learn more.

Condition

Macrocephaly-Capillary Malformation Syndrome

A persistent nevus simplex (port wine stain) as well as a large head. Children also have developmental delays and other malformations, such as extra or enlarged fingers or toes.

Condition

Maffucci Syndrome

Vascular malformations in the skin and internal organs and tumors occurring in the bone, causing blue, soft skin lesions on one side of the body, often on the hands and feet.

Treatment

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRI is an imaging technique that uses a large magnet, radio frequencies and a computer to produce two- or three-dimensional images of the body.

Condition

Malformed Teeth

May result from several conditions including congenital syphilis, cerebral palsy, ectodermal dysplasia, incontinentia pigmenti achromians, cleidocranial dysostosis, for example.

Condition

Mallet Finger

An injury involving the last joint of the finger caused either by injury to the extensor tendon or to the bone where it inserts. The extensor tendon straightens the last joint.

Condition

Marfan Syndrome

Marfan syndrome is a condition that affects the connective tissues of the entire body, including joints, eyes, heart, blood vessels, lungs, bones & spinal cord.

Treatment

Masculinizing Hormone Therapy

For transgender or non-binary patients seeking masculinizing changes, the main form of hormonal treatment is testosterone (masculinizing hormone therapy).

Condition

Mastoiditis

A bacterial infection within the mastoid, a bone that contains a series of air spaces that connect to the middle ear space.

Condition

Meatal Stenosis

A narrowing of the urethral opening (at the tip of the penis where urine comes out), sometimes causing the urine stream to be slow or aim upwards.

Condition

Meconium Aspiration Syndrome

Meconium aspiration syndrome is a condition that occurs when a newborn infant breathes in a mixture of meconium and amniotic fluid. Learn about treatment here.

Condition

Medial Collateral Ligament Injuries

Injury to one of the four major ligaments of the knee, connecting the thigh bone to the shinbone, typically by a blow to the outside of the knee or an inward twisting of the knee.

Condition

Medial Epicondyle Avulsion Fracture

An elbow injury that occurs most often in young baseball players. These fractures of the bony protrusion inside the elbow, are the most common elbow injury during adolescence.

Condition

Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (Shin Splints)

A condition that causes pain over the shin bone, the most common cause of “shin splints,” the general term used to describe sports-related pain over that bone.

Condition

Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome

Also called celiac axis syndrome and Dunbar syndrome, a rare condition resulting in severe abdominal pain after eating, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss.

Specialty

Medical Imaging

The Medical Imaging team provides imaging services to children throughout the hospital, using minimally invasive and low-dose radiation techniques.

Condition

Megameatus

In megameatus, the “meatus” or the external opening of the urethra may be located but appears as a large cleft in the underside of the tip of the penis and an overly large urethral opening.

Condition

Megaureter

A megaureter is an expanded or widened ureter that does not function normally. The size of a megaureter is usually greater than 7 millimeters in diameter.

Condition

Meningitis

An inflammation of the covering (the “meninges”) of the brain and spinal cord, can be caused by bacteria or a virus, the more common form being viral.

Condition

Meniscus Injuries

Athletes most commonly tear the meniscus during a sudden twisting, pivoting, cutting or decelerating motion of the knee with the foot planted on the ground. Learn more.

Treatment

Menstrual Suppression

For gender-diverse youth who have started to menstruate (have periods), bleeding can be a source of distress. Learn more about options for menstrual suppression.

Treatment

Mental Health Support for Transgender & Gender Questioning Youth

Our team has specialized training in psychosocial and mental health issues related to gender development, and they can provide support in a number of ways.

Condition

Mesenteric Cysts & Tumors

Rare conditions occurring in the folds of tissue that attach the organs of the body to the inside of the abdominal wall, usually treated by surgical removal.

Condition

Metabolic Bone Disease

A group of disorders affecting bone metabolism, usually caused by abnormalities in calcium or phosphorus and vitamin D, may lead to reduced growth, deformities, and fractures.

Condition

Metabolic Disorders

When several organs and glands (the liver, pancreas, and endocrine glands, for example) do not function correctly, causing an imbalance of enzymes or hormones in the cells.

Program

Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (Fatty Liver Disease) Program

Lurie Children's Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis Program's team of liver specialists, a registered dietitian, nurses and a social worker conducts laboratory and clinical research projects to help promote patient care and better educate families.

Condition

Metatarsal Stress Fractures

Fractures occurring in the second, third and fourth metatarsal bones of the foot, usually caused by repetitive, high-impact, weight-bearing activities.

Condition

Methicillin-Resistant Staphyloccus Aureus (MRSA)

A type of bacteria resistant to certain antibiotics, including methicillin and other more common antibiotics such as oxacillin, penicillin and amoxicillin.

Condition

Micropenis

A micropenis, or microphallus, is a normally structured penis that is smaller than the normal size range for an infant. Learn more about

Condition

Microtia & Aural Atresia

A small, abnormally shaped ear, ranging from a minimally deformed small ear to a complete absence of the ear, and the absence of the ear canal; commonly found together.

Program

Microtia and Aural Atresia Program

Lurie Children's Microtia Program treats infants and children with the ear deformities, hearing loss, and speech and language difficulties that come with microtia and aural atresia.

Condition

Migraines

A common childhood complaint with symptoms of moderate to severe intensity, usually described as “throbbing,” may include vision changes, tiredness and mood changes.

Treatment

Minimally Invasive Injections for Painful Conditions of the Spine

At Lurie Children's, our Neurointerventional Radiology team performs different procedures to treat painful conditions of the spine caused by either disease or injury. Learn more.

Treatment

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Instead of traditional incisions, requiring weeks for healing, minimally invasive procedures use instruments to see inside the body and perform procedures with small incisions that heal more rapidly.

Program

Minimally Invasive Urology Surgery

Urologic surgeons at Lurie Children’s have performed over 350 robot-assisted minimally invasive surgeries, even for babies as young as six months.

Condition

Mitral Valve Prolapse

Caused when the left ventricle of the heart contracts, part of the valve falls back into the left atrium, allowing blood to leak back through the valve into the atrium.

Condition

Mixed Vascular Malformations

Mixed vascular malformations are quite common in children. Learn more about pediatric mixed vascular malformations and available treatment options here.

Condition

Molluscum Contagiosum

Smooth, pearly, flesh-colored skin growths, beginning as small bumps, found on the face and body but may grow in the mouth or on the eyelid.

Condition

Mood & Anxiety Disorders

Many children can have behaviors resulting from feelings that are very difficult for them to cope with. Learn more.

Program

Mood & Anxiety Program

Lurie Children's Mood and Anxiety Program provides evidence-based assessment and treatment of mood and anxiety disorders in children and adolescents.

Condition

Mood Disorders (Affective Disorders)

Mood disorders (affective disorders) are a category of mental health problems that include depressive disorders. Learn more about mood disorders in children.

Program

Mood, Anxiety, ADHD Collaborative Care (MAACC) Program

The goal of the Mood, Anxiety, ADHD Collaborative Care (MAACC) program is to work with you and your pediatrician, using a team-based approach known as collaborative care, to personalize your child’s treatment and monitor your child’s progress.

Condition

Morton Neuroma (Intermetatarsal Neuropathy/Perineural Fibroma)

A swelling and growth of tissue surrounding the nerves between the bones of the foot, resulting from consistent irritation, injury or occurring for unknown reasons.

Condition

Mosaic RASopathies

RASopathies are a group of genetic conditions so named because they are caused by problems in the RAS pathway. Learn more.

Treatment

Motor Milestones Therapy

Lurie Children's treats children who are behind in developing their gross and fine motor skills, whether from known conditions such as cerebral palsy, or with those otherwise healthy who struggle to achieve common milestones.

Condition

Movement Dysfunction

Affecting the ability to walk, maintain balance, and participate in athletics; chronic pain and decreased range of motion are usually also present.

Condition

Moyamoya Disease

A rare, progressive cerebrovascular disorder, the name (in Japanese) describing the look of the tangle of tiny vessels formed to compensate for the blockage.

Condition

Mucopolysaccharidoses

Disorders caused by the deficiency of an enzyme that breaks down mucopolysaccharides, which then accumulate in the tissues of the body, causing various symptoms.

Program

Mucopolysaccharidoses & Mucolipidoses Treatment Program

Lurie Children's Mucopolysaccharidoses and Mucolipidoses Treatment Program provides comprehensive care and assists patients and families in the management of these complex conditions.

Condition

Multicystic Dysplastic Kidney (MCDK)

A condition that results from the malformation of the kidney during fetal development, consisting of irregular cysts of varying sizes that resemble a bunch of grapes.

Program

Multidisciplinary Valves Program

Lurie Children’s Multidisciplinary Valves Program (MVP) Clinic is the most experienced comprehensive pediatric clinic in the region treating this rare urological condition in infants and children. Learn more.

Condition

Multiple Fractures

If a child has had two or more long bone fractures under the age of 10 years or three long bone fractures under the age of 19 years, this would be considered a significant history of multiple fractures. Learn more.

Condition

Muscle Contusion

An injury to the soft tissue (muscle fibers, connective tissue and/or blood vessels and nerves) of the upper leg, with the most commonly involved muscle being the quadriceps.

Condition

Muscular Dystrophies

Thirty or more genetic diseases characterized by progressive weakness and degeneration of the skeletal muscles that control movement.

Program

Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Clinic

Lurie Children’s works with the Muscular Dystrophy Association in clinical partnership to improve the care of children living with neuromuscular diseases.

Condition

Myasthenia Gravis (congenital and acquired)

A life-long condition in which the immune system fights its own body, causing problems with nerves that communicate with the muscles, resulting in muscle weakness.

Condition

Myelodysplastic Syndrome

A bone marrow disorder sometimes seen in younger patients. It is characterized by a failure of the bone marrow to produce mature healthy blood cells.

Condition

Myocardial Bridging: Symptoms and Treatment

Myocardial bridging is a congenital anomaly in which the arteries that feed the muscles of the heart form inside the heart muscle instead of on the outer surface.

Condition

Myocarditis/Pericarditis

Inflammation of the heart muscle or of the lining outside the heart, the immune system causing inflammation to get rid of infection or in response to some other trigger.

Condition

Myoclonus

The sudden involuntary contraction or relaxation of a muscle or group of muscles.

Condition

Myopia (Nearsightedness)

Myopia (nearsightedness) is a common eye problem with increasing prevalence world-wide. Learn more.

Condition

Nager Syndrome

A rare genetic condition causing physical abnormalities, most commonly in the face, hands, and arms. Small or missing thumbs are a usual feature of this syndrome.

Condition

Narcolepsy

A sleep condition affecting 1 in 2,000 people, characterized by inappropriate sleep patterns and excessive – at times irresistible – daytime sleepiness.

Condition

Nasal & Jaw Deformities

Genetic conditions resulting in malformations of the face, head and jaw, in some cases only cosmetic, in other cases affecting breathing, eating, hearing and vision.

Condition

Nasal Fracture (Broken Nose)

Possible signs of nasal fracture (broken nose) include bruising of the nose and under the eyes, nosebleeds after injury, swelling of the nose or a crooked appearance of the nose. Learn more.

Condition

Natal Teeth

Understand the causes, symptoms, and treatment of natal teeth in infants with insights from Lurie Children’s specialists.

Condition

Navicular Stress Fracture

An overuse injury of one of the bones in the midfoot, resulting from too much repetitive stress placed on a bone, causing swelling, weakening and cracking.

Condition

Neck Abscess

A mass of pus (yellowish-white fluid filled with dead white blood cells) from an infection that collects in spaces between the structures of the neck.

Condition

Necrotizing Enterocolitis

A serious intestinal illness in babies, involving damage to intestinal tissues, which can lead to a hole in the intestines, allowing bacteria in the intestine to leak into the abdomen.

Program

Neonatal Cardiac Surgery

Neonatal cardiac surgery is heart surgery performed on newborn children to repair congenital heart defects. Learn more about our experts and procedures.

Condition

Neonatal Hemochromatosis

A serious and usually fatal condition in which fetuses and infants under one month accumulate iron in the liver and other tissues, typically resulting in liver failure.

Condition

Neonatal Sepsis

A blood infection common in preterm, low-birth-weight babies, can be caused by bacteria or virus, commonly Group B streptococcus but most dangerously by E. coli.

Specialty

Neonatology

The Division of Neonatology at Lurie Children's has a top-ranked Level IV neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for critically ill newborns. Learn more.

Specialty

Nephrology (Kidney Diseases)

The Division of Pediatric Nephrology at Lurie Children's provides top-ranked care for pediatric kidney diseases and kidney failure. Learn more here.

Condition

Nephrosis

A group of symptoms affecting both kidneys, usually with no obvious cause, indicated by high albumin in the urine, high blood cholesterol and fluid retention throughout the body.

Condition

Neuroblastoma

A cancerous tumor beginning in nerve tissue of infants and very young children, rare in children older than 10-years-old, but occasionally occurring in adults.

Program

Neurocritical Care Program

Lurie Children's Neurocritical Care Program includes physicians, nurses and scientists from Neurology, Critical Care, Neurosurgery, Medical Psychology, Neuroradiology, and Rehabilitation, treating infants and children with brain injuries.

Condition

Neurofibromatosis

An inherited condition characterized by benign tumors in the cells surrounding nerves, occurring in two types: Type 1 found in younger children, and Type 2 in the older child.

Program

Neurofibromatosis Program

Lurie Children's Neurofibromatosis Program brings together a team of ophthalmologists, orthopaedic surgeons, neurosurgeons and oncologists, seeing more than 300 patients with neurofibromatosis a year.

Condition

Neurogenic Bladder

A complex condition in which the nerves and muscles of the bladder can’t work together, preventing the bladder and sphincter muscles from functioning properly.

Treatment

Neuroimaging

State-of-the-art neuroimaging includes computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and advanced neuroimaging techniques such functional MRI (fMRI).

Program

Neurointerventional Radiology

Pediatric Neurointerventional Radiology refers to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for the brain, spine, head, and neck. Learn more at Lurie Children's.

Program

Neurointestinal and Motility Program

The pediatric motility specialists at our Neurointestinal and Motility Program provide comprehensive diagnostic evaluation and treatment for motility disorders.

Condition

Neurologic Disorders & Injuries

Any structural, chemical or electrical disturbances in the central nervous system can result in weakness, paralysis, lack of coordination or sensation, confusion or pain.

Specialty

Neurology

Lurie Children's pediatric neurology ranks nationally for the advanced treatment of neurological conditions in children. Learn more about our expert care here.

Program

Neuromodulation Clinic (VNS & RNS)

The Neuromodulation Clinic (VNS & RNS) at Lurie Children’s focuses on alternative surgical intervention, including Vagal Nerve Stimulation and Responsive Neurostimulation.

Program

Neuromuscular Program

Lurie Children’s Mazza Foundation Neuromuscular Program provides specialized care to families and children with medically challenging neuromuscular conditions and advances research to find new therapies.

Treatment

Neuromuscular Rehabilitation & Therapy

Lurie Children's Neuromuscular Rehabilitation Services are part of the multidisciplinary Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Program, currently the only MDA clinic in the Chicago area focusing solely on pediatrics.

Program

Neuropsychiatry Program

Our Neuropsychiatry Program provides psychiatric services to patients with neurologic disorders such as seizures, tumors, brain injury and cerebral palsy.

Specialty

Neurosurgery

Lurie Children's is nationally ranked in pediatric neurosurgery for the advanced treatment of neurologic conditions in children. Learn more here.

Program

Neurovascular Disease and Stroke Program

The Neurovascular Disease and Stroke Program provides comprehensive treatments and services in all areas of neurovascular care for patients ranging in age from infancy through adulthood.

Program

Neuropsychology Testing

Neuropsychological testing evaluates a patient’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses. Learn more about pediatric neurospych testing at Lurie Children's.

Condition

Neutropenia

Neutropenia in children is a condition in which the body does not have enough neutrophils — a type of white blood cell that helps fight bacterial infections.

Condition

Nevi

Plural of nevus, a skin marking present at birth or appearing within a few weeks of birth, occurring anywhere and very common in infants. Most are harmless.

Condition

Nevus Simplex

A type of capillary malformation when the small blood vessels are larger than normal, and since capillaries are close to the surface of the skin, the area appears more pink or red.

Program

New Onset Seizure Clinic

The New Onset Epilepsy Clinic at Lurie Children’s addresses the need for prompt appointments for children who have had their first seizure or a new diagnosis of epilepsy.

Treatment

Newborn Screening for Cystic Fibrosis

Working with the State of Illinois and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Lurie Children’s offers rapid testing, counseling and initiation of care for infants with positive newborn screening tests.

Program

NICU-Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Program

The NICU-Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Program (NCNP) at Lurie Children's evaluates and cares for children from birth to adulthood. Learn more.

Program

NICU-Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Program: Child & Adolescent Clinic

Lurie Children's NICU-Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Program: Child & Adolescent Clinic is one of only a few programs nationwide providing care for infants and young children through the Neonatal and Cardiac Intensive Care Follow-Up Clinic and to school-age.

Program

NICU-Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Program: Early Childhood Clinic

Lurie Children’s NICU-Cardiac Neurodevelopmental Program: Early Childhood Clinic is a developmental follow-up service, supporting your child’s development from infancy through preschool.

Condition

Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis

A more severe condition of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease that adds inflammation and scarring to a fatty liver and can lead to liver cirrhosis.

Condition

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

A cancer in the lymphatic system, including three types: Lymphoblastic non-Hodgkin, Burkitt or non-Burkitt, and Large cell or non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Condition

Noonan Syndrome

Learn about Noonan Syndrome, its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options from the experts at Lurie Children’s.

Condition

Noonan Syndrome with Multiple Lentigines

Learn about Noonan Syndrome with Multiple Lentigines, its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options at Lurie Children’s.

Condition

Norovirus

Norovirus is a contagious virus that causes vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps and other symptoms. Learn more.

Condition

Nosebleed

Bleeding from the nose; a common occurrence in young children.

Treatment

Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine scans use tiny amounts of radioactive materials (isotopes), a special camera and a computer to create images from various parts of the body.

Specialty

Nutrition

The Department of Clinical Nutrition’s dietitians provide a wide range of services for patients of all ages, including assessment, developing care plans, monitoring and education.

Condition

Nystagmus

Nystagmus is involuntary eye movements that make the eyes look like they are shaking. Learn more.

Condition

Obesity

A Body Mass Index (BMI) at or above the 95th percentile for children of the same age and gender, possibly resulting in high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, asthma, etc.

Condition

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) starts in adolescence or young adulthood and involves both thoughts and behaviors that are hard to control. Learn more.

Condition

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)

Intervals of no airflow through the nose and mouth during sleep despite continued attempts to breathe in and out.

Condition

Obstructive Uropathy

A broad term referring to any disease of the upper or lower urinary tract that restricts the flow of urine, among common congenital urinary tract abnormalities in children.

Specialty

Occupational Therapy

Lurie Children's provides specialized pediatric occupational therapy services for children of all ages, from infancy to adolescence.

Condition

Oculo-Auriculo-Vertebral Spectrum (Goldenhar Syndrome, Craniofacial Microsomia)

An assortment of congenital malformations that affect various parts of the head and upper body.

Specialty

Ophthalmology

The pediatric ophthalmologists at Lurie Children's provide world-class treatment for eye disorders, trauma, and vision problems in children.

Condition

Optic Neuritis

Optic neuritis is the inflammation and swelling of the optic nerve. The optic nerve connects the back of the eye to the brain and transmits signals allowing sight.

Program

Oral Immunotherapy Program

Oral immunotherapy (OIT) “retrains” the immune system to be less reactive to allergenic foods by feeding a patient increasing doses of the allergen over time.

Condition

Orbital Fractures

An orbital fracture is a condition where one or more bones surrounding the eye are broken. Learn more.

Program

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy Program

Lurie Children's Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy Program specialists are trained in the evaluation and treatment of swallowing and disorders of the structures of the lips, tongue, jaw, cheeks and palate.

Specialty

Orthopaedics

Orthopedic Surgery at Lurie Children’s provides a range of services for children with bone, joint, muscle, ligament, tendon and nerve (musculoskeletal) disorders.

Specialty

Orthotics & Prosthetics

The pediatric orthotics team at Lurie Children's combines science and innovative techniques to create customized prosthetics and leg braces for children.

Condition

Os Trigonum Syndrome

When a small bone in the back of the ankle and its tendons are injured, inflamed and painful by repeated pointing of the toes, as in soccer, basketball and dance.

Condition

Osgood-Schlatter Disease

Irritation and inflammation of the growth plate at the top of the shin bone, where the patella tendon inserts, commonly occurring in children between 9 and 15.

Condition

Osteogenesis Imperfecta

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is sometimes called brittle bone disease. It is a genetic disorder that affects the quality (and sometimes the quantity) of the bone. Learn more.

Condition

Osteoid Osteoma

An osteoid osteoma is a common, benign (non-cancerous) tumor that usually develops in the femur and tibia, but can also occur on the spine. Learn more.

Condition

Osteomyelitis

An infection in the bone, usually in the long bones but can affect any bone in the body, most commonly in premature infants and babies born with complications.

Condition

Osteosarcoma in Children

Osteosarcoma is one of the most common types of pediatric bone cancer usually occurring in the arms, legs and pelvis. Learn more about diagnosis and treatment.

Condition

Otitis Media (Ear Infection)

Inflammation of the middle ear, often occurring with a viral upper respiratory tract illness, and is one of the most common diagnoses for U.S. children.

Condition

Otorrhea (Ear Drainage)

Otorrhea, or drainage from the ear, can occur after a ruptured ear drum from an acute ear infection, if the ear(s) become infected after tympanostomy tube (ear tube) placement, and from external ear infections.

Program

Outpatient Psychiatric Services

Lurie Children's Outpatient Psychiatric Services Program provides more than 18,000 clinical visits yearly, for anxiety disorders, psychoses, behavior problems, school problems, affective disorders, PTSD, developmental delay and adjustment problems.

Treatment

Ovarian Cryopreservation Procedure

Ovarian cryopreservation for fertility is a procedure needed due to childhood cancer treatment. Learn more about ovarian tissue freezing here.

Condition

Ovarian Cysts

An accumulation of fluid in the ovary encapsulated inside a thin wall of tissue, very common especially in women of childbearing age, and usually harmless.

Condition

Ovarian Torsion

When the ovary twists on its axis, twisting its venous and lymphatic vessels and thus shutting down its blood supply, causing severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.

Condition

Ovotesticular Difference of Sexual Development

The rarest of sex development abnormalities, in which both female ovaries and male testicles are present in the child at birth.

Condition

Oxalosis

A rare metabolic disorder characterized by recurrent kidney and bladder stones, caused by an overproduction of oxalate.

Program

Pain Management

Learn about our different methods of making your child comfortable. Our anesthesiologists strive to make sure your child feels the least amount of pain possible during and after procedures.

Specialty

Palliative Care

Lurie Children's Pediatric Palliative Care team focuses on improving the quality of life for children and their families.

Condition

Palpitations

Heart palpitations in children, the uncomfortable awareness of heartbeats, are a common complaint. Learn more about palpitation causes, diagnosis and treatment.

Condition

Panner Disease

A condition affecting the growth plate at the end of the upper arm bone, in which it loses its blood supply and the nearby bone softens and collapses.

Condition

Parasomnia

Sleep disorders among children are common. Issues that disrupt sleep once it has started, such as sleepwalking and night terrors, are known as “parasomnias.”

Condition

Parathyroid Disorders

The parathyroid glands control the levels of calcium and phosphorus stored in the bones and circulated in the blood. Disorders occur either when the glands become either overactive or underactive. Learn more.

Condition

Parkinsonism

A group of symptoms usually including tremor, slowness of movement, rigidity, and postural instability, similar to Parkinson's disease, but resulting from several causes.

Condition

Partial Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (PAIS)

A genetic defect causing the undifferentiated genitals of the developing baby to fail to respond correctly to male sex hormones, and not develop fully male characteristics.

Program

Partial Hospitalization Program

Lurie Children's Partial Hospitalization Program is an intensive, five-day treatment program serving children ages 10-14 requiring more intense treatment for psychiatric problems but can be safely maintained at home.

Condition

Patella Tendonitis

When the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shinbone and the tissues that surround it become irritated and painful from overuse, especially from jumping.

Condition

Patellar Dislocation (Kneecap Dislocation)

When the kneecap pops out of its usual place in the groove at the end of the thigh bone, often with sudden onset of pain and swelling.

Condition

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner's Knee)

A common knee problem involving pain under and around the kneecap, usually in the soft-tissue supporting structures (patellar ligaments, bursae, and tendons).

Condition

Patent Ductus Arteriosus

A tube-like connection between the aorta and pulmonary artery, which usually closes shortly after birth, but sometimes doesn't close, commonly in premature infants.

Specialty

Pathology & Laboratory Medicine

Lurie Children's Pathology and Laboratory department offer expertise and state-of-the-art technology to deliver efficient, timely and high-quality services.

Treatment

Pavlik Harness

A brace used to treat long-term developmental problems of the hip, including a shallow hip socket or a dislocated hip.

Program

PCOS Clinic

Our Multidisciplinary PCOS Program is the only multidisciplinary clinic in Chicago dedicated to teens & young adults. Learn how our specialists can help.

Condition

Pectus Carinatum

Pectus Carinatum, or pigeon chest, causes the sternum, or breastbone, to protrude out in front of the rest of the chest. Get information on treatment here.

Condition

Pectus Excavatum

Pectus exacavatum, known as sunken chest or funnel chest, occurs in 1 in 400 births. Get information on chest wall deformity treatment here.

Treatment

Pediatric Concussion Evaluation

Pediatric concussion evaluations are conducted by a multidisciplinary team of healthcare providers with expertise in concussion care. Learn what to expect here.

Condition

Pediatric Long QT Syndrome

Long QT syndromes, a condition affecting heart rhythm that can be fatal if not quickly controlled. Learn more about pediatric long QT syndrome.

Condition

Pediatric Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Pediatric multiple sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system that causes decreased muscle control or sensation. Learn more about MS in children.

Condition

Pediatric Neuromuscular Disorders

Pediatric neuromuscular disorders are conditions that affect the control of voluntary muscles. They can be temporary or chronic and can last into adulthood.

Program

Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Program

Lurie Children's offers physical therapy (PT) for our patients with pelvic floor dysfunction. Learn more.

Condition

Penile Skin Bridge - Penile Adhesions

Can result from a procedure such as circumcision if the skin around the head of the penis is not retracted during healing, but can also occur in uncircumcised young boys.

Program

Perinatal Palliative Care

The Perinatal Palliative Care Program offers support for families who have received a fetal diagnosis that is potentially life-threatening or life-limiting.

Condition

Periodic Fevers

The body's reaction to infection, common in children, most of the time going away in 2–3 days. Fevers in newborns and infants should, however, be evaluated by a physician.

Condition

Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension

Also called persistent pulmonary hypertension in the newborn or persistent fetal circulation syndrome, a serious breathing condition for newborns. Its cause is unknown.

Treatment

PET/CT Scan

A imaging test to detect cancer and neurological diseases, using special pictures taken after a tiny amount of a radioactive liquid is injected into a vein.

Condition

PHACE(S) Syndrome

An acronym for the syndrome: Posterior fossa malformations, Hemangioma, Arterial anomalies, Cardiac anomalies, Eye abnormalities, and Sternal clefting and supraumbilical raphe.

Program

Pharmacogenomics Program

What is Pharmacogenomics? Genetic differences are called variants. Many variants have little to no effect on how the body works, but some are related to health problems. Further, some variants are related to how our bodies process or respond to medicines. Pharmacogenomics (PGx, for short) is the field of medicine that studies this - how genes and...

Condition

Pharyngitis & Tonsillitis

An infection of the pharynx and/or tonsils, very common in children, and usually caused by the Streptococcus virus, thus commonly referred to as “strep throat.”

Condition

Phenylketonuria (PKU)

An enzyme deficiency which prevents the metabolizing of one of the normal amino acids found in meat, bread, eggs, dairy, nuts and some fruits and vegetables.

Treatment

PHOX2B Gene Test

PHOX2B gene testing is performed by the Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory at Lurie Children's to detect mutations associated with Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome-like symptoms.

Specialty

Physical Therapy

Our pediatric physical therapy team treats children with health issues associated with motor development and movement dysfunction due to disease or injury.

Treatment

Physical Therapy for Children in the NICU/CCU

Our physical therapists treat babies in the NICU and CCU who have had surgery or are diagnosed with a range of conditions.

Treatment

Physical Therapy for Torticollis

For children with torticollis, Lurie Children's physical therapists assess the needs of each child and provide treatment, home exercise and positioning suggestions.

Condition

Pierre Robin Sequence

A rare group of deformities affecting the head and jaw, sometimes connected with other abnormal developments in other parts of the body.

Program

Pigmented Lesion Center

The Pediatric Pigmented Lesion Clinic at Lurie Children’s provides the best possible care to children with complex pigmented lesions. Learn more.

Condition

Pilonidal Cyst

An abnormal pocket in the skin of the lower back, usually near the tailbone at the top of the cleft of the buttocks.

Condition

Pityriasis Rosea

A common disorder in children and young adults, characterized by scaly, pink, and inflamed skin.

Condition

Plantar Fasciitis

Inflammation and irritation of the plantar fascia, a band of tough, fibrous tissue that runs from the heel to the ball of the foot, providing support for the arch of the foot.

Specialty

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

The Division of Plastic Surgery at Lurie Children's compassionately treats congenital defects in all children, from infancy to adolescence.

Condition

Pneumonia

An inflammation of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses or chemical irritants.

Condition

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a group of symptoms that occur when the ovaries or adrenal glands produce too much male hormone. Learn more about PCOS in teens.

Condition

Pompe Disease

A rare genetic disease of the heart and skeletal muscles caused by a lack alpha-glucosidase which results in the build-up of glycogen, disabling heart and skeletal muscles.

Treatment

Ponseti Method

The Ponseti Method includes three phases of treatment for clubfoot: casting, Achilles tendon release and bracing.

Condition

Popliteal (Baker's) Cyst

Learn about Baker's cysts, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options at Lurie Children's. Find expert care and resources for managing this common condition in children.

Condition

Portal Hypertension

Pediatric portal hypertension is high blood pressure in the portal vein that carries blood to the liver. Learn about causes, symptoms & treatment options here.

Condition

Portal Vein Thrombosis

Portal vein thrombosis is a rare disorder in which a clot forms blocking the main portal vein going into the liver. Learn more.

Condition

Posterior Urethral Valves

Abnormal valves that prevent the normal release of urine, causing the kidneys and collecting systems to become overfilled and expanded.

Condition

Posthemorrhagic Hydrocephalus (PHH)

A build-up of fluid due to damage to blood vessels within the brain during the birth process and afterward.

Condition

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

A chronic condition most often seen after the onset of puberty, usually indicated by the elevation of heart rate upon standing, causing dizziness and palpitations.

Program

POTS Program

The POTS Program at Lurie Children’s provides comprehensive care to patients with cardiovascular symptoms of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). Learn more.

Condition

Precocious (Early) Puberty

When the body’s changes toward sexual maturity start much sooner than usual: before girls are eight years old and before boys are nine years old.

Program

Preventive Cardiology Program

The Preventive Cardiology Program is committed to improving the health of children at risk for heart disease. We care for children who have cardiac risk factors for heart and vascular disease which may include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, and a family history of heart attacks and strokes.

Specialty

Primary Care Pediatrics

When your child comes down with a common illness or requires a routine check-up, you want to make sure they’re in expert hands. Lurie Children’s primary care services offer the right care in the right place at the right time.

Program

Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) Center of Excellence

Lurie Children’s is one of a handful of institutions in the country – and the first in Illinois – to offer a Pediatric Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) Center of Excellence accredited by the PCD Foundation.

Condition

Primary Immune Deficiencies (PID)

Primary immunodeficiency (PID) disorders are rare, genetic disorders that impair the immune system. There are more than 200 difference forms of PID.

Program

Program in Inflammation, Immunity, and the Microbiome

The Program in Inflammation, Immunity, and the Microbiome (PrIIMe) is dedicated to meeting the needs of pediatric patients with complex disorders of the immune system that affect multiple body systems. Learn more.

Condition

Proteus Syndrome

A rare, progressive overgrowth syndrome, involving different tissues, such as the nervous system, the skin and tissue below the skin, connective tissue and organs.

Treatment

Proton Therapy

Proton Therapy is offered through the Northwestern Medicine Chicago Proton Center.

Condition

Prune Belly Syndrome

Also called Eagle-Barrett syndrome or Obrinsky syndrome, characterized by poor development of abdominal muscles, undescended testicles, and urinary tract problems.

Condition

Pseudotumor Cerebri (Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension)

A condition caused by pressure around the brain that mimics a tumor when there is no tumor, thought to be caused by a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain.

Condition

Psoriasis

Childhood psoriasis is a chronic skin condition characterized by inflamed, red, raised areas that develop silvery scales. Learn more about causes and treatment.

Specialty

Psychiatry

Lurie Children's specializes in care for complex pediatric behavioral and mental health disorders by pediatric psychiatrists and psychologists.

Condition

Psychogenic Non-neurological Syndromes

Seizures, fainting, and other movement disorders which may have both organic and psychological causes.

Condition

Psychoses

Conditions that cause a loss of connection with reality, with symptoms including delusions, hallucinations, incoherent speech or nonsensical behavior.

Condition

PTEN Hamartoma Tumor Syndrome

A group of rare syndromes that result from mutations in the PTEN gene, a gene that normally stops cells from growing and dividing uncontrolled (“suppressor genes”).

Treatment

Pubertal Suppression Therapy

Pubertal suppression therapy is a non-invasive, reversible process for transgender and gender-questioning adolescents also referred to as “puberty blocking”.

Condition

Pulmonary Atresia

A heart malformation in which the valve from the right side of the heart that would normally allow the movement of blood from the heart to the lungs does not form.

Program

Pulmonary Habilitation Program

Many of Lurie Children's Pulmonary Habilitation Program patients come from neonatal or pediatric intensive care units throughout the Midwest, typically needing ventilators to help them breathe.

Condition

Pulmonary Hypertension

High blood pressure in the lungs, a disease of the very small blood vessels in the lungs, affecting not only the lungs but the heart as well.

Program

Pulmonary Hypertension Service

Lurie Children’s Pulmonary Hypertension Service cares for children of all ages with pulmonary hypertension, a disease of the very small blood vessels within the lungs, with expertise from Pulmonary Medicine, the Heart Center and Neonatology.

Specialty

Pulmonary Medicine

Our pediatric pulmonology department ranks nationally for pediatric pulmonary care. Learn more about our approach to pediatric pulmonary medicine & lung care.

Condition

Pulmonary Stenosis

A pulmonary valve that doesn't open properly, causing the right ventricle of the heart to pump harder, restricting the amount of blood reaching the lungs for oxygenation.

Program

Pulmonary Valve Replacement

When replacement of the pulmonary valve is recommended, it can be achieved two ways: surgery and catheterization. Lurie Children’s has experts in both areas so all patients can be managed successfully.

Condition

Pulmonary Vein Stenosis

Pulmonary vein stenosis is a rare but serious problem in which the veins that connect the lungs to the heart become narrowed. Learn more.

Program

Pulmonary Vein Stenosis Program

Lurie Children's Pulmonary Vein Stenosis Program is dedicated to working with families to provide the best, individualized treatment to all children with pulmonary vein stenosis. Learn more.

Treatment

Pulsed Dye Laser

Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) is used to treat various blood vessel conditions of the skin.

Condition

Rapid-onset Obesity with Hypothalamic Dysfunction, Hypoventilation & Autonomic Dysregulation (ROHHAD)

A large weight gain in a short amount of time, accompanied by the dysfunction of the hypothalamus; a very rare disorder.

Program

RASopathy Program

RASopathies impact numerous body systems, including the cardiovascular, endocrine and nervous systems. The RASopathy Program team at Lurie Children’s helps children and families coordinate appointments with different specialists, both within and outside of Lurie Children’s.

Condition

Receptive & Expressive Language Difficulties

Indicated by problems understanding what people say, following spoken directions, organizing thoughts, putting words into sentences, or finding the right words.

Program

Reconstructive Microsurgery Program

Lurie Children’s Reconstructive Microsurgery Program treats deformities resulting from trauma, tumors, burns or congenital conditions.

Program

Reconstructive Urology

Lurie Children’s nationally ranked Pediatric Reconstructive Urology Program treats congenital abnormalities of the kidney, bladder and genitalia.

Condition

Recurrent Clostridium Difficile

One of several serious infections commonly transmitted in health care environments, with those most at risk being the elderly, those taking antibiotics, and those immunosuppressed.

Condition

Recurrent Pneumothorax

Occurring when air gets between the lung and the inside of the chest wall, causing the lung itself to collapse, tending to occur in young adults, especially those tall and thin.

Condition

Refractive Errors

Conditions which affect vision and may require corrective lenses for correction or improvement, including astigmatism, hyperopia and myopia.

Specialty

Rehabilitative Services

Lurie Children's specializes in pediatric rehabilitation for children with speech, hearing and movement conditions.

Condition

Repetitive Shoulder Strain Injuries

An injury caused by a task that is done repeatedly, such as prolonged manual wheelchair use, causing pain and injury of the upper extremities, especially the shoulders.

Condition

Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Also called Hyaline Membrane Disease, a condition of premature infant lungs due to insufficient surfactant, a substance in the lungs that helps the air sacs stay open.

Condition

Respiratory Failure

A condition in which the lungs are unable to absorb enough oxygen and expel enough carbon dioxide to maintain the health of the rest of the body’s organs.

Condition

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), whose symptoms are similar to those of many other common illnesses, infects most children before the age of two. Learn more.

Condition

Retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma is a rare eye cancer found in children which tends to run in families. Learn about retinoblastoma symptoms and treatment from Lurie Children's.

Condition

Retinopathy of Prematurity

A disorder of the blood vessels of the light-sensitive part of the eye, most common in premature babies.

Program

Retinopathy of Prematurity Program

Lurie Children’s provides world-class treatment and care for a full range of pediatric eye disorders, including Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP). In addition to treating and managing care for babies with ROP, the division is committed to advancing care through research. Learn more.

Condition

Retractile Testes

A testicle that moves in and out of the scrotum, instead of resting in the scrotum at all times.

Condition

Rhabdomyosarcoma

Rhabdomyosarcoma is a cancerous tumor in the soft tissues of the body. Learn more.

Specialty

Rheumatology

Lurie Children's Division of Rheumatology provides state-of-the-art diagnoses and care for children who have been diagnosed with rheumatic conditions.

Condition

Rib Lesions

Rare structural changes in the ribs arising from several causes including congenital bone dysplasia, an acquired metabolic disease, trauma, infection, or tumors.

Condition

Rickets

Also called osteomalacia, rachitis, a condition in which bones become soft or deformed due to lack of calcium and phosphorus, caused by a deficiency of vitamin D.

Condition

Ringworm

A common childhood fungal infection causing scaly and ring-shaped lesions on the skin with a central clearing and raised edges.

Program

Robotic Surgery Program

Lurie Children's is one of the only pediatric centers in the world that is home to a comprehensive robotic surgery program using the latest Intuitive Da Vinci surgical system. Learn more.

Condition

Rotator Cuff Tendinitis

Inflammation or irritation in the tendons of the shoulder joint, rare in children and adolescents.

Condition

Rotavirus

Rotavirus is a virus that causes diarrhea; the most common cause of infectious diarrhea in the United States especially in kids younger than two years old.

Program

Safety & Well-Being (SAW) Clinic

The Safety and Well-Being (SAW) Clinic at Lurie Children's provides a wide range of clinical services and support to patients and families in cases where child maltreatment is either suspected or has been identified. Learn more.

Condition

Salter-Harris I Fracture of the Distal Fibula

A fracture that goes through the plane of the growth plate of the ankle, without injuring the mature bone, the mildest fracture that can occur to a growth plate.

Program

Same-day Ear Tubes Procedure Program

Lurie Children’s Pediatric Ear-Nose-and-Throat surgeons can evaluate your child’s ear infection and insert ear tube the same day, resulting in less time away from school and life.

Program

Sarcoma Program

Lurie Children’s sarcoma team offers comprehensive multidisciplinary care for children and adolescents diagnosed with bone and soft tissue sarcomas.

Condition

Scaphoid Fracture

A break in one of the eight small bones of the wrist, most often occurring during a fall when the landing point is on the base of the outstretched hand.

Condition

Scleroderma Syndromes

A group of rare, chronic, possibly autoimmune diseases which are typically characterized by excessive deposits of collagen in the skin or other organs.

Condition

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a spine condition causing the back to curve to the side. Learn more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of scoliosis in children.

Program

Scoliosis Program

Our Scoliosis Program is staffed by pediatric scoliosis specialists that provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary care, evaluation and management of scoliosis.

Program

Second Opinions

Consider getting a second opinion from the pediatric specialists at Lurie Children's. A second opinion can offer peace of mind that your child is receiving appropriate medical care.

Condition

Seizures in Children

A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance occurring in the brain. There are many different types of seizures. Learn more.

Condition

Selective Intrauterine Growth Restriction (sIUGR)

Selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR) is a condition that complicates 10-15% of monochorionic twin pregnancies, where unequal sharing of a single placenta causes inadequate growth in one twin.

Condition

Sensory Processing Disorders

Conditions in which the child has problems processing and organizing sensation coming from the body and the environment.

Condition

Sever Disease (Calcaneal Apophysitis)

A painful irritation and inflammation of the growth plate at the back of the heel bone, where the Achilles tendon connects.

Condition

Severe Aplastic Anemia

When bone marrow fails to produce enough blood cells because the stem cells that normally become the three types of blood cells (red, white and platelets) are damaged.

Program

Sexuality Education Program

Lurie Children's Sexuality Education Program combines the expertise of multidisciplinary staff with a youth-centered and engaging curriculum. Learn more.

Condition

Shoulder Instability

When the structures of the shoulder don’t hold the bones together tightly, allowing the humerus to partially slide out of its socket or come all the way out of its socket.

Condition

Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome (SDS)

A rare, inherited condition that has effects throughout the body, causing poor absorption of fats, bone-marrow dysfunction and skeletal malformations.

Condition

Sickle Cell Disease

An inherited blood disorder characterized by abnormal hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the tissues.

Program

Sickle Cell Disease Program

Lurie Children's Sickle Cell Disease Program is a nationally recognized center of excellence providing comprehensive care to manage the disease and prevent its complications.

Condition

Sinding-Larsen-Johansson Syndrome

Irritation and inflammation of the growth plate at the bottom of the kneecap, where the patella tendon inserts.

Condition

Single Coronary Artery

A very rare congenital cardiac abnormality in which only one artery feeds blood to the heart muscle.

Condition

Single Ventricle

Single ventricle defect is an umbrella term for several different types of congenital heart diseases in which the heart has only one functional pumping chamber.

Program

Single Ventricle Center of Excellence

Lurie Children’s Single Ventricle Center of Excellence offers comprehensive treatment for infants, children and adults born with a single functional ventricle pumping blood to the entire body.

Condition

Sinusitis

An infection of the sinuses near the nose, usually occurring after a cold or after an allergic inflammation.

Condition

Skeletal Dysplasia

Also known as skeletal dysplasia, achondroplasia, or dwarfism, a group of about 400 congenital disorders characterized by abnormal growth of cartilage and bones.

Condition

Skier's or Gamekeeper's Thumb

An injury to the ulnar collateral ligament, which links the metacarpal bone at the base of the thumb with the middle thumb bone.

Condition

Skin Infection

Very common, caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites.

Program

Skull Base Program

The Skull Base Program at Lurie Children's uses a minimally invasive surgery technique that uses an endoscope introduced through the nose to provide access to the midline cranial base.

Program

Sleep Medicine

Lurie Children's sleep medicine specialists provide sleep studies and research for children with sleep disorders.

Condition

Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis

A hip condition that occurs in adolescents, when the ball at the top of the thighbone slips backward through the growth plate in the hip.

Condition

Slow-Flow Malformations

Slow-flow malformations are abnormally formed veins or lymphatic channels that can happen anywhere in the body (excluding the brain). Learn more.

Condition

Smallpox

A highly infectious viral disease caused by the variola virus, with symptoms including high fever, fatigue, head and back aches.

Program

Solid Tumor Program

The Solid Tumor Program at Lurie Children’s is a multidisciplinary program dedicated to providing world-class care to children, adolescents and young adults with cancer.

Treatment

Sound Experience

Lurie Children's Sound Experience is a social experience for families of children with hearing loss. Learn more.

Program

Spanish Clinic for Epilepsy Patients

Lurie Children’s Epilepsy Center offers a dedicated epilepsy clinic for families whose preferred language is Spanish. Learn More.

Condition

Spasticity

Spasticity is a condition caused by damage to the nerve pathways that control muscle movement, causing muscles to become overly excited and not allowing them to relax.

Treatment

Speaking Valve Evaluations

A tracheostomy tube can impact a child’s ability to speak. Lurie Children's has speech-language pathologists to help determine if a speaking valve may be appropriate for your child.

Treatment

Speech & Language Evaluations to Measure Communication Skills

Learn what is tested in a speech and language evaluations.

Program

Speech & Language Therapy Program

Lurie Children’s Speech-Language Team specializes in evaluating and treating children from birth to 18 years of age who have difficulty communicating for a variety of reasons.

Condition

Speech Impairment

Conditions in which a person has problems forming speech sounds necessary to communicate with others.

Specialty

Speech-Language Pathology

Lurie Children's highly qualified pediatric speech therapy specialists treat children with communication and feeding-swallowing disorders.

Condition

Spermatocele (Epididymal Cyst)

A small, harmless lump that occurs on top of one of the testes inside the scrotum. It occurs in the epididymis, the thin tube that connects the testis with the vas deferens.

Condition

Spina Bifida

A spinal column defect occurring in three forms: spina bifida occulta, which has no effect on function; meningocele; and myelomeningocele, the most serious kind.

Program

Spina Bifida Center

Lurie Children's experts treat children with spina bifida in a family-centered environment.

Condition

Spinal CSF Leak

Cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) is a clear, colorless bodily fluid that acts as a natural shock absorber for the brain and spine and protects them from the jolts and knocks the body endures throughout the day. Learn more.

Condition

Spinal Disc Herniation

When some of the gel inside the disc has leaked from its outer covering, leading to irritation and possibly compression of the spinal cord itself.

Condition

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)

A genetic disease affecting the part of the nervous system that controls our ability to move our muscles voluntarily.

Condition

Spondylolysis & Spondylolisthesis

Defects and resulting dislocations in the bones that make up the spinal column, typically causing pain and muscle spasms.

Specialty

Sports Medicine

Lurie Children's provides high-quality care for kids with sports-related conditions, focusing on the needs of growing children.

Treatment

Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplants

During a pediatric stem cell transplant, a patient's diseased or damaged bone marrow is replaced with healthy blood stem cells. Learn more about the process.

Program

Stem Cell Transplantation Program

Lurie Children's is the nation's largest stem cell transplant center for children with damaged bone marrow. Learn more about pediatric stem cell transplants.

Condition

Stickler Syndrome: Symptoms & Treatment

Learn about Stickler Syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting connective tissues and causes eye and hearing problems, midfacial underdevelopment and other issues.

Condition

Stinger or Burner Injury

Two terms for the same condition, a stretching or pinching of one or more of the nerves branching off the spinal cord, causing tingling/numbness in arms and fingers.

Condition

Stool Retention

Lack of bowel movements, usually caused by both environmental and behavioral factors, resulting in impaction and accidental leakage.

Treatment

Stool Retention Prevention

Learn about the guidelines that can prevent stool retention over longer periods of time.

Condition

Stridor

Stridor is the term for noisy breathing that comes from the upper airway (trachea and voice box) and can be heard without a stethoscope

Condition

Stroke

A condition in which the blood supply to any part of the brain is interrupted by a blockage in a blood vessel or if the blood vessel bursts.

Condition

Structural Kidney Disease

Either inherited or the result of a functional disease that has not been treated, such as urinary reflux or sepsis-induced kidney injury, usually necessitating dialysis or transplant.

Condition

Sturge-Weber Syndrome

About 8% of infants with facial port-wine stains of the upper face and forehead will have SWS, which also may include seizures, headaches, visual changes, and cognitive and developmental delays.

Condition

Stye

Also known as a hordeolum, an inflammation of the eyelid margin, seen more often in children than in adults, caused by an infection in the sweat glands in the eyelid.

Treatment

STEP Procedure

The Serial Transverse Enteroplasty Procedure (STEP) is a surgical technique to increase bowel length so it can function more efficiently, decreasing infections and improving nutrition for our patients.

Condition

Subglottic Stenosis (SGS)

Subglottic stenosis is a narrowing of the lowest part of the voice box, below the vocal cords.

Program

Substance Use & Prevention Program

The Substance Use and Prevention Program (SUPP) offers pediatric addiction medicine and services through age 25. Learn about the prevention program here.

Condition

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

The sudden and unexplained death of an infant under one year of age, also referred to as “crib death.”

Condition

Suicide

Suicide is when a person causes his or her own death on purpose. Before attempting to take his or her own life, a person may have thoughts of wanting to die. This is called suicidal ideation. Learn more.

Program

Supportive Program for a Range of Urogenital Traits

Our Supportive Program for a Range of Urogenital Traits (SPROUT) unites pediatric urologists, endocrinologists, surgeons, ethicists & psychologists experienced in differences in sexual development.

Condition

Supraventricular Tachycardia

SVT is an arrhythmia where the heart beats abnormally fast. It doesn’t always need treatment, but we use medication and cardiac ablation to treat when needed.

Specialty

Surgery

Lurie Children's specializes in pediatric surgery to treat conditions from before birth to adolescence. Learn why we're a leader in pediatric surgery.

Treatment

Surgical & Laser Treatments

Lurie Children's pediatric dermatologists pioneered the surgical removal of skin lesions and laser treatment for a variety of vascular and pigmented skin lesions and have successfully practiced these approaches for more than a decade.

Program

Surgical Oncology Program

Our Pediatric Surgical Oncology Program offers multidisciplinary care for children diagnosed with solid organ tumors, including sarcomas, kidney tumors, liver tumors, neuroblastoma, gonadal (ovarian and testicular) tumors and thyroid tumors, among other rare conditions.

Program

Survivors Taking Action and Responsibility (STAR) Program

Lurie Children's STAR Program participates in research to improve care and quality of life of survivors and addresses late effects of pediatric cancer and hematopoietic stem cell transplant treatment in children and young adults.

Condition

Swimmer's Ear

Also called otitis externa, a commonly occurring infection of the part of the ear canal between the outside of the ear and the eardrum.

Condition

Syncope

The sudden loss of consciousness previously called a swoon but now commonly called a fainting spell.

Condition

Tachycardia

Tachycardia is a fast heart rate and there are several types that affect babies and children. All are treatable, but some are less serious than others.

Program

TARGET Program

TARGET is a group treatment program within the Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry that helps kids, adolescents and teens get connected to mental health treatment more quickly than if they were to wait for treatment with an individual provider.

Condition

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