Health Conditions Directory
Comprehensive information about various health conditions, symptoms, and treatments.
A
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) is a dangerous ballooning of the aorta in the abdomen due to weakened arterial walls, often caused by atherosclerosis and increased risk from smoking.
Acne
Acne vulgaris, a chronic inflammatory skin condition, arises from clogged hair follicles due to excess sebum, dead skin cells, bacteria, hormones, genetics, diet, stress, or medications.
Acoustic Neuroma (Vestibular Schwannoma)
Acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor on the vestibulocochlear nerve, causing hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance issues; mostly sporadic, but sometimes linked to genetics like NF2.
Acquired Immune Deficiencies
Acquired immune deficiencies, developing post-birth from infections, malnutrition, cancers, or immunosuppressive treatments, weaken the immune system's ability to defend against disease.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder causing cognitive decline, with genetic, lifestyle, and environmental risk factors, ultimately impacting daily functioning and independence.
Amaurosis Fugax
Amaurosis fugax is transient vision loss in one eye, often a warning sign of vascular issues like stroke, caused by temporary retinal artery blockage from clots or plaque.
Anemia
Anemia, characterized by a low red blood cell count, leads to fatigue and weakness due to reduced oxygen delivery; causes include blood loss, decreased production, and chronic diseases.
Anti-Cardiolipin Syndrome (APS)
Anti-Cardiolipin Syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder where antibodies target blood-clotting phospholipids, increasing the risk of thrombosis and pregnancy complications, either alone or with other autoimmune diseases.
Aortoiliac Disease
Aortoiliac disease, a PAD form, narrows the aorta/iliac arteries via atherosclerosis, restricting blood flow to lower extremities, causing pain, tissue damage, and potentially limb loss, exacerbated by smoking, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
Asthma
Asthma, a chronic lung disease, causes airway inflammation and narrowing, resulting in wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath, triggered by allergens, irritants, infections, or stress.
Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation, a common arrhythmia characterized by rapid, irregular heartbeats, increases risk of stroke and heart failure, often linked to age, hypertension, and heart disease.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by inattention, hyperactivity, and/or impulsivity, stemming from complex interactions between genetics, brain differences, and environmental factors, not poor parenting.
B
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or enlarged prostate, is a common, non-cancerous condition in aging men causing urinary symptoms due to prostate growth pressing on the urethra.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder, characterized by alternating manic/hypomanic and depressive episodes impacting mood, energy, and daily function, is likely caused by a mix of genetics, brain factors, and triggers.
Bronchiectasis
Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung disease involving permanent airway dilation and scarring, resulting in mucus buildup, recurrent infections, inflammation, and often stemming from lung infections or underlying medical conditions.
C
Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy encompasses diseases weakening the heart muscle, impairing its ability to pump blood efficiently, potentially leading to heart failure, arrhythmias, and other complications.
Carotid Artery Disease
Carotid artery disease, caused by plaque buildup (atherosclerosis) narrowing neck arteries, reduces brain blood flow and increases stroke risk, often due to hypertension, high cholesterol, and smoking.
Cataracts
Cataracts cloud the eye's lens, causing blurred vision, glare sensitivity, and night vision difficulties, primarily due to aging and exacerbated by diabetes, injury, or UV exposure.
Celiac Sprue (Celiac Disease)
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten in genetically predisposed individuals, damaging the small intestine and leading to malnutrition if untreated with a gluten-free diet.
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy, the most common motor disability in childhood, stems from brain damage or abnormal development before, during, or shortly after birth, impacting movement and posture.
Chronic Headaches
Chronic headaches, occurring 15+ days monthly, significantly impact life quality and involve various types like chronic migraine and tension-type headaches, requiring tailored management.
Chronic Hepatitis
Chronic hepatitis, a long-term liver inflammation often caused by viral infections, autoimmune disorders, or metabolic issues, can lead to serious complications if undiagnosed.
Chronic Leukemia
Chronic leukemia, a slow-progressing cancer of the bone marrow, involves the gradual accumulation of abnormal, mature white blood cells, eventually crowding out healthy blood cells and causing complications.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
COPD, a progressive lung disease causing irreversible airflow limitation, encompassing emphysema and chronic bronchitis, is primarily driven by irritant exposure like smoking, leading to shortness of breath and chronic cough.
Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is irreversible, late-stage liver disease where scar tissue replaces healthy tissue, impairing its vital functions like filtering toxins and often caused by alcohol abuse or hepatitis.
Collagenous Colitis
Collagenous colitis, a microscopic inflammatory bowel disease primarily affecting older women, causes chronic watery diarrhea due to a thickened collagen layer in the colon, impairing water absorption.
Colon Polyps
Colon polyps, often asymptomatic, can develop into colon cancer; regular screening and removal of precancerous adenomas are essential for early detection and prevention.
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) results from plaque buildup in coronary arteries (atherosclerosis), restricting blood flow and potentially causing angina, heart attack, or heart failure, influenced by factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol.
Crohn’s disease
Crohn's disease, an inflammatory bowel disease, causes chronic digestive tract inflammation due to genetic, immune, and environmental factors, leading to debilitating symptoms and complications.
D
Deep Venous Thrombophlebitis
Deep venous thrombophlebitis (DVT) involves blood clot formation in deep veins, often in legs/pelvis, posing a pulmonary embolism risk due to disrupted blood flow.
Dermatitis
Dermatitis is skin inflammation with varied causes, including irritants, allergens, genetics (eczema), yeast overgrowth, or poor circulation, resulting in itchy rashes and dryness.
Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar due to impaired insulin production or use, leading to potential long-term health complications including heart and kidney disease.
Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy, a complication of diabetes caused by high blood sugar, damages nerves, leading to pain, numbness, and issues affecting various bodily systems, especially in extremities.
Down Syndrome
Down syndrome, a common chromosomal disorder, arises from an extra chromosome 21 copy, causing varying degrees of intellectual disability, developmental delays, and increased risk of specific health conditions.
E
Esophageal Varices
Esophageal varices are enlarged esophageal veins caused by blocked liver blood flow (often cirrhosis), leading to portal hypertension and posing a risk of severe, life-threatening bleeding.
F
Fatty Liver Disease
Fatty liver disease, marked by excessive fat accumulation in the liver, can stem from alcohol abuse or factors like obesity and insulin resistance, potentially causing liver damage.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition causing widespread pain, fatigue, sleep issues, and cognitive difficulties, likely stemming from genetic, infectious, traumatic, and central nervous system factors.
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Gastritis
Gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining caused by factors like H. pylori, NSAIDs, or alcohol, can be acute or chronic and may lead to ulcers or cancer.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
GERD is a chronic digestive disorder where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and potentially leading to serious complications if untreated.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) involves persistent, excessive worry about everyday things, impacting daily life, and likely stemming from genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and environmental factors.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma encompasses eye conditions damaging the optic nerve, often due to elevated eye pressure, leading to irreversible vision loss if untreated; early detection is crucial.
H
Hay Fever
Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, triggers immune overreactions to airborne allergens like pollen, causing symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes, managed through avoidance and treatments.
Heart Failure Due to Coronary Artery Disease
Heart failure stemming from coronary artery disease arises from narrowed arteries restricting blood flow, weakening or stiffening the heart muscle and reducing its pumping efficiency.
Hemochromatosis
Hemochromatosis involves excessive iron absorption, leading to iron buildup in organs and potential damage; it's often hereditary due to gene mutations affecting iron regulation.
Hives (Urticaria)
Hives (urticaria) are itchy, raised welts caused by histamine release, triggered by allergens, physical stimuli, medications, infections, stress, or sometimes, unknown factors.
Hypercholesterolemia
Hypercholesterolemia, marked by elevated blood cholesterol, especially LDL, can cause arterial plaque buildup and cardiovascular diseases due to diet, inactivity, and genetics.
Hypercoagulation States
Hypercoagulation states (thrombophilias) increase the risk of abnormal blood clots due to disrupted clotting factor balance, arising from genetic or acquired causes, potentially leading to serious cardiovascular events.
Hyperparathyroidism
Hyperparathyroidism occurs when overactive parathyroid glands produce excess PTH, causing high calcium levels and potential complications in bones, kidneys, and other bodily systems.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism, characterized by excessive thyroid hormone production, accelerates metabolism and can result from Graves' disease, toxic goiter, thyroiditis, or excessive iodine intake.
Hypertriglyceridemia
Hypertriglyceridemia, characterized by elevated blood triglycerides, arises from genetic predisposition, lifestyle factors like obesity and diet, and increases risk of heart disease and pancreatitis.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism, often caused by Hashimoto's, thyroiditis, or hyperthyroidism treatments, results from insufficient thyroid hormone production due to autoimmune issues, medication, or iodine deficiency.
I
Impaired Fasting Glucose
Impaired Fasting Glucose, or prediabetes, signifies elevated blood sugar after fasting, signaling insulin resistance or insufficient insulin, increasing risks for Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Inflammatory Arthritis
Inflammatory arthritis encompasses autoimmune diseases where the immune system attacks joint tissues, causing inflammation, pain, and potential damage, influenced by genetics and environmental factors.
Iritis (Anterior Uveitis)
Iritis (anterior uveitis) is inflammation of the iris and ciliary body, causing pain, redness, light sensitivity, and blurred vision, often linked to autoimmune conditions or infections.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gut disorder characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and altered bowel habits, potentially stemming from gut-brain interactions, infection, or food sensitivities.
L
Laryngeal Reflux Disease (LPR)
Laryngeal Reflux Disease (LPR) involves stomach content backflow into the throat, often without heartburn, irritating the larynx and upper airway due to sphincter dysfunction and lifestyle factors.
Leiden Mutation
The Factor V Leiden mutation, a common inherited genetic condition, causes Factor V resistance to Protein C, increasing the risk of abnormal blood clots, especially in the legs and lungs.
Lumbosacral Radiculopathy
Lumbosacral radiculopathy, often called sciatica, causes pain, numbness, or weakness down the leg due to nerve compression or irritation in the lower back, often stemming from disc issues or spinal stenosis.
Lupus Anticoagulant
Lupus anticoagulant is an antibody causing paradoxical prolonged clotting tests yet increasing thrombosis risk, linked to antiphospholipid syndrome and autoimmune diseases, despite not always requiring lupus diagnosis.
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a cancer of lymphocytes in the immune system, leading to uncontrolled growth and tumor formation, with various types, causes, and associations to infections and toxins.
M
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
MDD is a prevalent mood disorder causing persistent sadness and loss of interest, stemming from biological, psychological, and environmental factors, impacting daily life.
Menopausal Genitourinary Syndrome (GSM)
GSM, a chronic condition stemming from estrogen decline (often post-menopause), affects the vulva, vagina, and lower urinary tract, causing discomforting symptoms beyond simple vaginal atrophy.
Migraine
Migraine is a debilitating neurological condition causing recurrent headaches with throbbing pain, nausea, and light/sound sensitivity, likely stemming from complex brain, nerve, and blood vessel interactions.
Mixed Hyperlipidemia
Mixed hyperlipidemia involves elevated LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, significantly increasing cardiovascular risk due to genetic and lifestyle factors impacting lipid metabolism, requiring early detection.
N
Neutropenia
Neutropenia, a deficiency of infection-fighting neutrophils, arises from impaired bone marrow production (congenital/acquired), increased destruction (autoimmune), infections, medications, or toxin exposure.
Nicotine Dependence
Nicotine dependence is a chronic brain disease driven by repeated nicotine use, altering brain chemistry, causing compulsive use despite harm, and influenced by genetics, environment, and coping mechanisms.
O
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, a common degenerative joint disease, causes pain, stiffness, and reduced motion due to cartilage breakdown from aging, genetics, obesity, injuries, or repetitive stress.
Osteopenia
Osteopenia is reduced bone density, increasing osteoporosis and fracture risk, often stemming from aging, hormonal changes, diet, medication, lifestyle, or family history.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis weakens bones due to age, hormonal changes, poor diet, medications, certain medical conditions, and lifestyle factors, increasing fracture risk even from minor incidents.
P
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder caused by dopamine neuron degeneration, resulting in motor and non-motor symptoms; it's often idiopathic but influenced by genetics and environmental factors.
Peptic Ulcer Disease
Peptic Ulcer Disease involves painful sores in the digestive tract, primarily caused by *H. pylori* infection or long-term NSAID use, eroding the protective mucus layer.
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a common circulatory issue where narrowed arteries reduce limb blood flow, often causing leg pain and signifying increased heart attack/stroke risk, primarily due to atherosclerosis.
Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Polymyalgia Rheumatica causes muscle pain and stiffness in older adults, often in the shoulders, neck, and hips, possibly triggered by autoimmune reactions and genetic or environmental factors.
Portal Hypertension
Portal hypertension, an elevated pressure in the portal vein due to blockage often from cirrhosis or other pre-hepatic causes, can lead to serious complications like bleeding and ascites.
Post-Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN)
Post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a chronic nerve pain that can develop after a shingles outbreak, caused by the varicella-zoster virus damaging nerve fibers.
Postnasal Drip Syndrome
Postnasal drip syndrome, or UACS, involves excess mucus dripping down the throat, often caused by allergies, irritants, infections, or reflux, leading to throat irritation and cough.
Ptosis (Drooping Eyelid)
Ptosis, or drooping eyelid, occurs due to muscle weakness, nerve damage, or structural issues, potentially obstructing vision and stemming from congenital factors, aging, or neurological conditions.
R
Renal Calculi (Kidney Stones)
Kidney stones, hard mineral deposits forming in the kidneys due to concentrated urine often caused by dehydration, diet, obesity, or digestive issues, can cause pain and complications.
Rhinitis
Rhinitis, or inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane, presents with symptoms like a runny nose and congestion, stemming from allergies, irritants, infections, or hormonal changes.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition causing facial redness, visible blood vessels, and acne-like bumps, potentially triggered by genetics, environment, or immune response.
S
Seasonal Allergies (Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis)
Seasonal allergies, or allergic rhinitis, are triggered by seasonal airborne allergens like pollen, causing symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes during specific times of the year.
Secondary Pulmonary Hypertension
Secondary pulmonary hypertension, unlike its primary form, arises from underlying conditions such as heart/lung disease, blood clots, or connective tissue disorders, increasing lung artery pressure.
Seizures
Seizures are sudden brain disturbances caused by abnormal electrical activity, manifesting in various symptoms and linked to conditions like epilepsy, injury, infection, or imbalances.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis involves sinus inflammation and blockage due to infections, allergies, or structural issues, causing facial pain, pressure, and congestion, often following colds or triggered by allergens.
Stroke
A stroke, caused by interrupted brain blood supply from blockage (ischemic) or bleeding (hemorrhagic), is a medical emergency requiring prompt treatment to minimize brain damage.
Supraventricular Tachycardia
Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) is a rapid heart rhythm originating above the ventricles, often caused by re-entry circuits, leading to palpitations and dizziness, significantly impacting quality of life.
T
Temporal Arteritis (Giant Cell Arteritis)
Temporal Arteritis (Giant Cell Arteritis) is an autoimmune inflammatory condition affecting large/medium arteries, often temporal, risking vision loss, primarily affecting older women of Northern European descent.
Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ)
TMJ syndrome involves pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and muscles due to factors like injury, teeth grinding, stress, arthritis, disk issues, and muscle problems.
Thrombocytopenia
Thrombocytopenia, a condition of low platelet count (below 150,000/microliter), can cause easy bruising and bleeding due to impaired clotting from decreased production, increased destruction, or splenic sequestration.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus, the perception of sound without an external source, is often linked to hearing loss, ear conditions, or vascular disorders, presenting as ringing, buzzing, or other noises.
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Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease causing ulcers and inflammation in the colon and rectum, driven by immune dysfunction, genetics, and environmental factors, leading to symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain.
V
Valvular Heart Disease
Valvular heart disease involves damaged heart valves causing blood flow issues via stenosis, regurgitation, or prolapse, potentially leading to heart failure, arrhythmias, and congenital or acquired origins.
Venous Ulcer Disease
Venous ulcer disease involves open sores on the lower legs due to poor blood circulation caused by venous insufficiency, often exacerbated by DVT, obesity, or inactivity.
Ventricular Tachycardia (VFib)
Ventricular tachycardia, a rapid arrhythmia originating in the ventricles, can be life-threatening due to inadequate blood pumping, often linked to heart conditions or electrolyte imbalances.
Vertigo
Vertigo, a spinning sensation distinct from dizziness, often stems from inner ear or brain issues like BPPV or Meniere's, sometimes triggered by head trauma or medication.