Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), also referred to as acute lymphocytic leukemia, is the most common type of childhood cancer.
Children's Hospital of Orange County
Conditions Library
Anal fissures are tears or cracks in the anus. Fissures result from stretching the anal mucosa beyond its normal capacity.
CHOC pediatric general surgeons are experts in repairing anorectal malformations, including imperforate anus, in children—even newborn babies.
Learn about the signs, symptoms, and treatment options for Generalized Anxiety Disorder in children and teens.
Aortic stenosis may be present in varying degrees, graded according to how much obstruction to blood flow is present. A child with severe aortic stenosis will be quite ill.
Apert syndrome, also known as acrocephalosyndactyly type 1 (ACS1), is a rare genetic disorder that occurs when the bones in the skull fuse together sooner than normal.
Appendicitis is a painful swelling and infection of the appendix. It is a medical emergency. CHOC’s pediatric surgeons are ready 24 hours a day.
A brain cyst is a balloon-like sphere found in the brain. The most common—the arachnoid cyst—is full of cerebrospinal fluid.
An arrhythmia is an abnormal rhythm of the heart that can cause the heart to pump less effectively.
Ascites is a condition in which fluid collects in spaces within the abdomen caused by cirrhosis of the liver or, in some cases, cancer.
When your child has asthma, the airways of the lungs become sensitive to triggers (allergens and irritants).
An atrial septal defect is an opening in the atrial septum, or dividing wall between the two upper chambers of the heart, known as the right and left atria.
Atrioventricular canal (AV Canal or AVC) defect is a congenital heart defect. That means it is present at birth.
Learn about ADHD, its signs and symptoms, treatment and medication, and tips for managing ADHD in children from CHOC mental health experts.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by problems with social communication/interactions and restricted, repetitive behaviors.
Bedwetting (nocturnal enuresis) and daytime incontinence can be a source of frustration for parents and children. Children, especially as they get older, can feel embarrassed, anxious, ashamed and even angry about their day- and night-time wetting.
Biliary atresia is a chronic, progressive liver disease that is caused by blocked bile ducts and becomes evident shortly after birth.
Birthmarks are areas of discolored and/or raised skin that are apparent at birth or within a few weeks of birth.
Brain tumors can be found throughout these parts and start in the cells of the brain. They can be benign or malignant.
Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that reduces the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively.
Celiac disease is a digestive condition that interferes with the absorption of nutrients due to the body’s reaction to gluten. When people with celiac disease eat foods containing gluten, their immune system responds by damaging the small intestine.
CHOC explains symptoms and treatments for cerebral palsy (CP), a broad term that describes a group of non-progressive brain injuries.
Cerebrovascular disease, also called neurovascular disease, refers to a group of disorders that affect the flow of blood to the brain.
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) develops because of a defective gene that causes abnormalities in the nerves that go to the feet, legs, hands and arms.
A Chiari malformation is a condition where brain tissue squeezes through an opening, at the base of a child’s skull, into the spinal canal.
Learn how to the liver works in the body and learn the signs and symptoms of child liver disease, such as jaundice, cholestasis, liver failure and others.
Cholestasis is a condition that causes the normal flow of bile to be slowed or stopped. “Chole” refers to bile and “stasis” means “not moving.”
A chondroblastoma is a rare type of noncancerous bone tumor that originates from cartilage.
Experts at the CHOC Colorectal and Urogenital Center provide the highest quality care for kids with chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO).
CHOC offers the only multidisciplinary, comprehensive program for kids with chronic lung disease in the region.
A duplicated kidney, also referred to as an ureteral duplication or duplicated collecting system, means that a kidney has two ureters draining the kidney rather than the normal one.
Cirrhosis is a late stage of progressive liver scarring (fibrosis), which can cause liver distortion or regenerative nodules. In early stages, it can be reversible.
Cloacal anomalies refer to a collection of defects that occur during fetal development in a female’s lower abdominal structures.
Clubfoot is an abnormality that is usually present at birth, when the foot points downward and the toes turn inward.
Coarctation of the aorta is a congenital (present at birth) heart defect involving a narrowing of the aorta.
Cognitive-communication disorders are those in which a person has difficulty communicating because of injury to the brain that controls the ability to think.
Colic affects some babies during the first three to four months of life and usually includes sudden, loud and continuous crying.
A concussion is an injury caused by a blow or a jolt to the head that results in a change in brain function.
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is one of the most common genetic disorders of sexual differentiation and irregular genitalia in newborns.
A congenital cystic pulmonary malformation (CPAM) is a lesion on a fetus’ lung. It is benign (non-cancerous) and can appear as a cyst or a lump in the chest.
A congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a hole in the diaphragm that occurs during fetal development.
A congenital heart defect, also referred to as congenital heart disease or CHD, is a heart problem that is present at birth and is caused by an error in the development of the heart.
Pulmonary stenosis is a congenital (present at birth) defect that occurs due to abnormal development of the fetal heart during the first eight weeks of pregnancy.
Congenital spine deformities are disorders of the spine that develop in utero.
Constipation in children occurs when a child has painful or infrequent bowel movements. Find out constipation causes, symptoms & when to see a doctor.
Craniosynostosis is a condition in which the sutures in a child’s skull close too early, causing problems with head growth.
Crohn’s disease is type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) causing inflammation of the digestive system, most commonly the small intestine.
CHOC has the only cystic fibrosis center in Orange County for kids. We provide the best CF treatments so your child lives a long, healthy life.
Depression is more than just a bad mood—it is a period(s) of irritability, intense hopelessness, anger or frustration that can last for weeks, months or longer.
Diarrhea is defined either as watery stool or increased frequency of stool (or both) when compared to a normal amount. It is a common problem in kids and can be either acute (temporary) or chronic (long-term).
Understanding the causes and risk factors of cerebral palsy in children
A duplicated kidney, also referred to as an ureteral duplication or duplicated collecting system, means that a kidney has two ureters draining the kidney rather than the normal one.
Bladder dysfunction refers to problems with urination. Some children will have a dysfunctional bladder due to behavioral habits while others may have a nerve or mechanical reasoning.
Dysplasia of the hip is a condition of the hip joint when the ball of the long leg bone slips in and out of the hip socket.
Middle ear infections are the most common cause of earaches in children. About three-fourths of children have had at least one infection by the time they are 3 years old. The infections develop when bacteria or viruses infect fluid that builds up in the middle ear.
Many children have health issues that require the removal of their tonsils, adenoids or both. We know you are the ultimate protector of your children’s health, and it can be overwhelming to find the best place to treat enlarged tonsils and/or adenoids.
Encephalocele is a protrusion of brain matter, fluids and the covering membrane from an opening in an infant’s skull caused by the incomplete closure of the neural tube during pregnancy.
An enchondroma is a type of noncancerous bone tumor that originates from cartilage, and most commonly affects kids in the 10 to 20 age range.
Encopresis is a problem that children age four or older can develop due to long-term constipation.
Eosinophilic esophagitis also known as EoE, is a relatively newly recognized disease characterized by eosinophils (allergy cells) building up in the lining of the esophagus.
Seizures and epilepsy affect children at different ages and in different ways.
Epileptic encephalopathy is the name used to describe severe cases of epilepsy that result in reduced cognitive and behavioral function
Esophageal achalasia is a motility problem in the esophagus treated by the Gastrointestinal Motility Program at CHOC.
Esophagitis is the irritation and inflammation of the lining of the esophagus, or food pipe. Esophagitis can cause difficulty swallowing and can result in the esophagus narrowing or bleeding.
Exstrophy of the bladder is a complex combination of disorders that occurs during fetal development.
The most common cause for facial paralysis is Bell’s palsy, where the facial muscles become weak or paralyzed.
Failure to thrive is defined as slowed or halted (stopped) physical growth in babies and kids. It can have many different causes but is always caused by nutrition deficiency.
Fatty liver disease causes fat deposits inside the liver, preventing the liver from removing toxins from the blood.
A child with fecal incontinence is unable to hold feces (stool) in his or her rectum until they get to a toilet.
A fecal microbiota transplant is a procedure in which fecal matter from a healthy person is transplanted into a person with a recurrent C. difficile infection.
Swallowing disorders are also referred to as dysphagia, which means difficulty swallowing. It is 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.
Femoral anteversion is an inward twisting of the thigh bone, also known as the femur.
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a condition where there is too much friction in the hip joint from bony irregularities, causing pain and decreased range of hip motion.
Flatfoot in children is often flexible, with arches appearing when tiptoeing. Diagnosis may involve exams and X-rays.
between 4 percent and 8 percent of children under the age of 5 years have food allergies. At CHOC we work with children and their families to diagnose food allergies and provide multidisciplinary care to help alleviate allergy symptoms.
Gas in the digestive tract is produced by swallowing air or the breakdown of certain foods by the bacteria present in the colon. Bacteria in the large intestine release gases that contain sulfur and produce an unpleasant odor.
Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining and can cause stomach pain, bleeding, nausea, vomiting and other GI symptoms in children.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive disorder that can cause heartburn. Learn signs, symptoms and how to treat GERD in children.
Gastroparesis is a stomach disorder in which the stomach takes too long in emptying its contents. If food remains in the stomach for too long, it can cause problems such as bacterial overgrowth from the fermentation of the food.
Find help and information about gastroschisis, a birth defect where the abdominal wall doesn’t form properly. Schedule a consultation today.
A giant cell tumor is one that is made up of a large number of noncancerous cells that form an aggressive tumor, usually near the end of the bone near a joint.
Glycogen storage disease (GSD) is a rare condition that changes the way the body uses and stores glycogen, a form of sugar or glucose.
Headaches are pain or discomfort experienced in the head or face area.
For years, routine hearing tests took place only when children entered school. However, hearing loss can cause serious problems much earlier. The most significant is the delayed development of language and speech.
Get information about children’s heart conditions from CHOC, including congenital and acquired defects affecting 1 in 100 kids in the U.S.
Heart failure, also called congestive heart failure, is a condition in which the heart fails to pump enough blood for all of the body’s organs.
Heart murmurs are extra or unusual sounds made by blood circulating through the heart’s chambers or valves, or through blood vessels near the heart.
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a spiral-shaped bacterium found in the stomach, which (along with acid secretion) damages stomach and duodenal tissue, causing inflammation and peptic ulcers.
Hemifacial microsomia is a condition in which the tissue on one side of the face is underdeveloped, usually affecting the ear, mouth and jaw.
Hemorrhoids are veins, normally present in and around the anus and lower rectum that have become swollen due to stretching under pressure.
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by a virus and can result in liver cell damage and destruction.
Blood pressures vary depending on the age of your child, as well as according to his or her height, weight, and gender. Before determining that your child has high blood pressure, a doctor or nurse will take several readings when your child is calm.
Hirschsprung’s disease occurs when some of the nerve cells that are normally present in the intestine do not form properly while a baby is developing during pregnancy.
Histiocytosis is a rare blood disease caused by abnormal increase in the number of immune cells called histiocytes.
Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a cancer that starts in the lymphatic nodes, and later can spread over different organs and systems throughout the body.
Horseshoe kidney occurs during fetal development where the two kidneys are fused or joined together at the lower end, forming a U shape.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted virus that is preventable. Read about the symptoms, treatment, diagnosis and prevention here.
Hydrocephalus is a condition in which excessive fluid accumulates in and around the brain.
Hydronephrosis is a treatable condition in which urine gets trapped in the kidney and drains slower than it should into the bladder.
Hyperbilirubinemia is a condition in which there is too much bilirubin in the blood, which leads to jaundice, or a yellow discoloration in the skin.
Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a combination of several abnormalities of the heart and great blood vessels. It is a congenital (present at birth) syndrome.
Infantile spasms are a neurological seizure disorder that occurs in babies.
Inguinal hernias are relatively common, and are safely and quickly repaired, especially in the hands of a pediatric specialty surgeon.
Children older than 6 months should sleep through the night. If they have trouble sleeping, they may have childhood insomnia, a condition treated at CHOC.
CHOC specializes in treating kids with interstitial lung disease. We are a top children’s hospital for pulmonology by U.S. News & World Report.
CHOC pediatric general surgeons are experts in repairing intestinal atresia, including duodenal atresia and jejunoileal atresia, in newborns.
Intestinal malrotation is a birth defect involving a malformation of the intestinal tract in which the intestine does not make correct turns.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is when functional abdominal pain is accompanied with changes in bowel movement habits, such as diarrhea and/or constipation.
Kawasaki disease, also known as Kawasaki syndrome, is a form of vasculitis, or blood vessel inflammation, that primarily affects children. Read more to learn about the symptoms, treatment and more about it.
A kidney stone is a hard mass that develops when chemicals in the urine crystallize or form into a stone within the kidney.
A spine affected by kyphosis has a forward curvature in the upper back area, giving the child an abnormally rounded appearance.
Lactose intolerance is a condition caused by a deficiency of an enzyme called lactase, which causes the body to be unable to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and milk products.
Expressive language disorder is one in which the child struggles to get their meaning or messages across to other people. A receptive language disorder is one in which a child struggles to understand and process the messages and information they receive from others.
Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease is a temporary condition in children in which the ball-shaped head of the thigh bone loses its blood supply.
Lymphatic malformations (LM) are benign masses filled with fluid that stem from the abnormal formation of lymphatic vessels.
At CHOC, we specialize in performing mandibular distraction. We are one of a small number of hospitals to offer this unique procedure, with the goal of correcting the problem early in a baby’s life and avoiding more complex treatments and complications.
Meckel’s diverticulum is a small pouch in the wall of the intestine, where the small and large intestines meet. It is the most common birth defect of the digestive system.
Megaureter (dilated ureter) is an abnormality of one or both of the ureters of a child. A megaureter refers to an expanded or widened ureter that does not function normally.
Metatarsus adductus is a common foot deformity noted at birth that causes the front half of the foot to turn inward.
Micropenis is defined as a normally structured penis that is below the normal size range by more than 2 standard deviations.
A motor speech disorder is present when a child struggles to produce speech because of problems with motor planning or muscle tone needed to speak.
Movement disorders are a group of neurological conditions that cause involuntary changes in the nature or quality of movement.
Moyamoya is a rare brain disease caused by a blockage in the artery supplying blood to the brain.
The mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) are a group of related lysosomal storage diseases. Lysosomes are compartments in cells that break down molecules and remove waste products from cells. Normally, different enzymes in the lysosomes break down complex sugars called glycosaminoglycans, also known as mucopolysaccharides. In MPS, glycosaminoglycans are not broken down because of a deficiency in one of those lysosomal enzymes.
Muscular dystrophy is a group of inherited diseases that are characterized by weakness and wasting away of muscle tissue.
A musculoskeletal tumor is an abnormal growth that develops in the bones, muscles or soft tissues of the body.
At CHOC’s Sleep Disorder Center, we provide overnight monitoring to test children for narcolepsy, as well as the latest treatments to manage the symptoms.
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious illness and is one of the most common GI emergencies in newborns and youth. Read about causes, symptoms and treatments.
Neural tube defects (NTDs) are birth defects of the spine, spinal cord or brain.
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common genetic disorder that can affect the skin, brain and eyes. It occurs in about one in 3,000 to 4,000 births in the U.S. It is sometimes called Von Recklinghausen’s disease. The most common symptom of NF1 is birthmarks, and most children show this symptom only with no other problems.
Neurogenic bladder, also known as neuropathic bladder, is caused when the nerves that carry messages from the brain to the muscles of the bladder to hold or release urine do not function properly.
Learn about the types of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs), including Batten disease, from the experts at CHOC.
Night terrors in children are harmless, but still frightening to witness. Follow these tips from CHOC’s experts on how to handle your child’s night terrors.
We understand that a non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis can be overwhelming for families. CHOC’s specialists are dedicated to provide exceptional care for kids.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder. A child with OCD can have obsessive thoughts, feelings and fears that are not wanted and/or do repeated behaviors called compulsions (also called rituals) to make those fears go away.
CHOC’s pediatric surgeons can expertly repair an omphalocele, which is a birth defect when organs protrude through an opening near a baby’s umbilical cord.
What is oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)? Discover ODD causes, symptoms, and treatment here.
Osteochondroma is an overgrowth of cartilage and bone near the end of the bone near the growth plate.
Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), also known as brittle-bone disease, is a genetic (inherited) disorder characterized by bones that break easily without a specific cause.
Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating that can affect the entire body, but often occurs in the hands or feet.
Pancreatitis is the inflammation and autodigestion of the pancreas. It can be sudden (acute) or ongoing (chronic) and may lead to life threatening if left untreated.
Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) is a heart problem that is usually noted in the first few weeks or months after birth.
Get answers from CHOC experts to the most frequently asked questions about pectus excavatum and the Nuss procedure.
A duplicated kidney, also referred to as an ureteral duplication or duplicated collecting system, means that a kidney has two ureters draining the kidney rather than the normal one.
Tibial torsion causes the child’s feet to turn inward, or have what is known as a “pigeon-toed” appearance.
Plagiocephaly, or Flat Head Syndrome, is when babies develop a lasting flat spot on one side of the head or the back of the head.
Portal hypertension is high blood pressure of the portal vein in the abdomen. The portal vein collects nutrient-rich blood from the intestines to the liver.
What is PTSD? Read more to learn about PTSD in children, signs, symptoms, treatments and coping skills.
Posterior urethral valves (PUV), occur in males and are excess flaps of tissue in the posterior urethra, which is the tube that drains urine from the bladder to the outside of the body for elimination.
Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare inherited condition that causes the cilia in the airways not to work properly. Cilia are hair-like structures that create a wave-like motion to help move particles out of our bodies.
Prune belly syndrome is also known as triad syndrome or Eagle-Barrett syndrome. It is characterized by the presence of three abnormalities.
Learn about ptosis, or droopy eyelids, in children and how CHOC’s ophthalmology team provides specialized care to protect and restore vision.
Pulmonary atresia (PA) is a heart defect that occurs due to abnormal development of the fetal heart during the first eight weeks of pregnancy.
Pyloric stenosis is a problem that affects babies between birth and six months of age and causes forceful vomiting that can lead to dehydration.
Renal failure refers to temporary or permanent damage to the kidneys that results in loss of normal kidney function. There are two different types of renal failure: acute and chronic.
RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs) and pneumonia in babies.
Retractile testicles are commonly described as testicle that do not always rest down in his scrotum but will often be seen there when he is in the bath or asleep.
CHOC pediatric general surgeons are experts in repairing sacrococcygeal teratoma, a tumor in the tailbone, in newborns.
Learn what the spine experts at CHOC are doing to treat scoliosis like spinal fusion, bracing and back exercises.
Understand self-harm in kids and teens, including types, signs, prevention and treatment. Learn more from the mental health experts at CHOC.
At the CHOC Sleep Center, our multidisciplinary team specializes in diagnosing and treating children with obstructive sleep apnea.
Sleepwalking in children is usually harmless, but there are steps parents can take to manage this condition. Follow these tips from CHOC’s sleep experts.
Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is a condition of the hip joint when the ball at the top of the thigh bone slips off the neck of the thigh bone.
Discover effective treatments for spasticity caused by cerebral palsy. Our neurosurgeons specialize in innovative surgical options to improve muscle control and enhance quality of life.
As young children learn language skills, it’s normal for them to have some difficulty saying words correctly. Their speech skills develop over time, and by age 8, most children have learned how to master all word sounds. But some children have speech sound disorders.
Spina bifida is a neural tube birth defect in which there is abnormal development of the back bones, spinal cord, surrounding nerves and the fluid-filled sac that surrounds the spinal cord.
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic disease that affects the spinal cord and nerves, resulting in muscle wasting and weakness.
Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis are injuries to the lower back. Spondylolysis refers to a fracture and spondylolisthesis refers to a slippage of a disc in this area.
Most sports injuries can be prevented by proper training, protective gear and spreading out athletic activities so that parts of the body are not overused.
An ulcer is an open sore, or lesion. An ulcer in the lining of the stomach or duodenum, where hydrochloric acid and pepsin are present, is referred to as a peptic ulcer.
A stroke is a brain injury caused by the interruption of blood flow to part of the brain.
Stuttering, sometimes referred to as stammering or diffluent speech, is a speech disorder. This is different than normal repetition of words that children may do when learning to speak.
Swallowing disorders are also referred to as dysphagia, which means difficulty swallowing. It is 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.
Syncope is a temporary loss of consciousness and muscle tone caused by inadequate blood supply to the brain. Syncope is commonly called fainting.
Testicular torsion occurs when the testicles and spermatic cord twist, causing decreased blood flow to the testes.
A tethered spinal cord happens when the spinal cord is fixed to the spinal canal, instead of floating free as it normally does.
A congenital heart defect, also referred to as congenital heart disease or CHD, is a heart problem that is present at birth and is caused by an error in the development of the heart.
Learn about tic disorders and their symptoms. Discover the difference between simple tics and Tourette syndrome.
Many children have health issues that require the removal of their tonsils, adenoids or both. We know you are the ultimate protector of your children’s health, and it can be overwhelming to find the best place to treat enlarged tonsils and/or adenoids.
CHOC surgeons expertly repair tracheoesophageal fistula, when the esophagus and trachea have an abnormal connection, and esophageal atresia, when the esophagus abnormally forms in two parts.
Transposition of the great arteries (TGA) is a congenital (present at birth) heart defect. (It is also often referred to as “transposition of the great vessels.”)
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are injuries sustained to the brain by a mechanical force either directly to the head or to the body that is then transmitted to the head.
Treacher Collins syndrome, also called mandibulofacial dysostosis and Franceschetti-Zwalen-Klein syndrome, is a rare genetic disorder that causes the facial bones and tissues to develop abnormally.
Truncus arteriosus is a congenital (present at birth) defect that occurs due to abnormal development of the fetal heart during the first eight weeks of pregnancy.
Tuberous sclerosis (TSC) is a rare genetic disorder that causes noncancerous tubers (tumors, or growths of abnormal tissue) to grow in many parts of the body, such as the brain, eyes, heart, kidneys, lungs and skin.
Ulcerative colitis is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in which the inner lining of the large intestine (colon or bowel) and rectum become inflamed.
Find out more about umbilical hernias in children, including how they are diagnosed, their potential complications, and treatment options.
Undescended testes are a condition seen most commonly in newborns when one or both of the male testes have not passed down into the scrotal sac.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be common in children but when left untreated, a UTI can develop into more serious kidney problems. While it is difficult to spot the signs of UTI in children, CHOC Urology Center have experts to effectively diagnose, treat and create prevention plans.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be common in children but when left untreated, a UTI can develop into more serious kidney problems. While it is difficult to spot the signs of UTI in children, CHOC Urology Center have experts to effectively diagnose, treat and create prevention plans.
A urogenital sinus (UG sinus) is a defect in females that occurs during fetal development. The defect involves the genitourinary tracts.
A ventricular septal defect (VSD) is an opening in the ventricular septum, or dividing wall between the two lower chambers of the heart known as the right and left ventricles.
Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a pediatric condition where urine flows backward—from the bladder to the kidneys – through one or both ureters.
Viruses, bacteria and parasites are living organisms that are found all around us. Some bacteria live in and on our bodies and do not cause problems. Other kinds of bacteria (as well as parasites and viruses) can make us quite ill if they invade our bodies.
Vocal nodules are callous-like bumps on the vocal cords. They can form on one or both of the cords. During normal speech, the vocal cords should press firmly together. However, if nodules are present the cords cannot close completely.
Learn about voice disorders and their impact on communication. Discover the signs, causes, and treatment options for various voice problems.