All genders

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is an eye condition that may affect pēpi (babies) who are preterm (born early). An eye exam is the only way to diagnose ROP. Find out what happens before, during and after the eye exam.

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.

There is good evidence for the safe and effective use of creatine monohydrate in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

COVID-19 is a viral infection caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 affects the lungs, airways and other organs. It spreads easily and can make some people very sick.

Scoliosis is a condition that causes the spine to curve sideways. Most cases of scoliosis in tamariki (children) are mild and don’t need treatment.

A congenital breathing problem happens when the lungs or parts of the airway don’t grow normally before birth.

Developmental hip dysplasia is a condition where a baby's hip joint doesn't develop correctly. This can cause the hip joint to be unstable and to dislocate occasionally.

Perthes disease is a rare condition affecting the hip joint in tamariki (children) and rangatahi (young people). Common symptoms include a limp and pain in the hip, leg or knee.

Toddler’s diarrhoea is common in young tamariki (children). It can cause tamariki to have 3 or more episodes of loose, watery poo a day.