All ages

The sinuses are air-filled spaces in the face around the nose. Sinusitis is when the sinuses are swollen or infected. Most sinus infections start with a cold. A virus is the most common cause of sinusitis in tamariki (children) and rangatahi (young people).

Down syndrome is a condition where a baby is born with an extra copy of chromosome 21. This extra chromosome affects how the body and brain develop.

Sepsis can make tamariki (children) and rangatahi (young people) extremely unwell. Recovery often takes time. Many tamariki recover fully, but some can have ongoing effects after leaving hospital.

Sepsis is very serious. Knowing the symptoms and acting quickly can save lives. If your child seems very unwell or you feel something is wrong, get medical help straight away.

Paediatric feeding disorder (PFD) is a common problem in tamariki (children). It happens when feeding or eating issues cause tamariki to limit the amount and variety of food they eat.

Star charts are a simple, fun way to encourage tamariki (children) to learn new habits. Download and print the free KidsHealth star chart to try with your child.

Sore throats are common in tamariki (children) and rangatahi (young people). Most sore throats are caused by viruses and get better on their own.

Strep throat is common in tamariki (children) and rangatahi (young people). Symptoms include a sore throat, fever and swollen neck glands.

Explore the full collection of KidsHealth animations, including those translated into te reo Māori, Samoan, and Tongan.

A lung biopsy helps doctors diagnose and manage lung problems. Learn more about what a lung biopsy involves.

Muscular dystrophy (MD) refers to a group of conditions that cause muscle weakness that gets worse over time. Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is the most common form of muscular dystrophy.

Mesenteric adenitis is a common cause of tummy pain in tamariki (children). A viral infection is the most common cause.

Children’s interstitial lung disease (ChILD) is a rare group of lung conditions. It occurs when there is inflammation or scarring in the small airways and air sacs of the lungs.

Bronchiolitis obliterans is not the same as the common viral bronchiolitis that young pēpi (babies) and tamariki (children) get. Bronchiolitis obliterans is when the small airways in the lungs become scarred and narrowed. It is very rare.

Lung transplants are very rare in Aotearoa New Zealand. Most people with lung problems will never need a lung transplant. A lung transplant is only considered when a child has a serious, long-term lung problem that is getting much worse.

Boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) receive high dose steroids long term. Find out about taking steroid medicine when a child with DMD is unwell or having planned surgery.