Condition Lookup
Category:
Chronic Diseases and Multimorbidity
Number of Conditions: 21
Asthma
Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics
Category: Chronic Diseases and Multimorbidity
Sub-category: Respiratory Diseases
Symptoms:
wheezing; shortness of breath; chest tightness; coughing, especially at night or early morning
Root Cause:
Chronic inflammation of the airways, leading to narrowing and obstruction. Triggered by allergens, irritants, or respiratory infections.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Spirometry (to assess airflow and lung function), peak flow measurement, allergy tests, and clinical history.
Treatment:
Avoiding triggers, inhaled corticosteroids, bronchodilators, leukotriene modifiers, and biologics for severe cases.
Medications:
Short-acting beta-agonists (like albuterol ), long-acting beta-agonists (like salmeterol ), inhaled corticosteroids (like budesonide ), leukotriene modifiers (like montelukast ).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Asthma affects approximately 10% of the global population, with higher prevalence in children and young adults.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of asthma, exposure to allergens (pollen, dust mites, pet dander), respiratory infections during childhood, air pollution, smoking.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With proper management, asthma can often be controlled, though it may persist into adulthood or worsen with age.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe asthma attacks, respiratory failure, and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics
Category: Chronic Diseases and Multimorbidity
Sub-category: Respiratory Diseases
Symptoms:
shortness of breath; chronic cough; wheezing; chest tightness; frequent respiratory infections; fatigue
Root Cause:
Progressive airflow limitation due to inflammation and narrowing of the airways, often caused by smoking or long-term exposure to lung irritants.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Pulmonary function tests (spirometry) to measure lung capacity and airflow, chest X-ray, and blood tests (ABGs - arterial blood gases).
Treatment:
Smoking cessation, bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids, oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, and in severe cases, lung surgery or transplantation.
Medications:
Short-acting bronchodilators (like albuterol ), long-acting bronchodilators (like salmeterol ), inhaled corticosteroids (like fluticasone ), and phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors (like roflumilast ).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
COPD affects around 10% of the global adult population, with a higher prevalence in older adults and smokers.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Smoking (primary risk factor), exposure to secondhand smoke, air pollution, occupational dust and chemicals, genetic factors (e.g., alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
COPD is progressive and irreversible; however, treatment can manage symptoms and slow progression. Prognosis varies based on severity and adherence to treatment.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Respiratory infections, heart problems (e.g., cor pulmonale), lung cancer, chronic respiratory failure, and increased risk of pneumonia.
Atrial Fibrillation
Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics
Category: Chronic Diseases and Multimorbidity
Sub-category: Cardiovascular Diseases
Symptoms:
irregular heartbeats; palpitations; fatigue; dizziness; shortness of breath; chest pain
Root Cause:
An irregular and often rapid heart rate caused by abnormal electrical impulses in the heart's atria.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
ECG, Holter monitor, and echocardiogram to evaluate heart rhythm and identify underlying causes.
Treatment:
Anticoagulants (to prevent blood clots), antiarrhythmic drugs, rate or rhythm control medications, and sometimes cardioversion or ablation.
Medications:
Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin , Apixaban ) – Prevent clot formation to reduce stroke risk. Beta-blockers (e.g., Metoprolol ) – Help control heart rate and reduce palpitations. Calcium channel blockers (e.g., Diltiazem ) – Help control heart rate by blocking calcium channels in the heart.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 2-3% of the population; more common in older adults and those with heart disease.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, excessive alcohol use, family history, obesity.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Manageable with medication; however, if untreated, AF can increase the risk of stroke and heart failure.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Stroke, heart failure, blood clots, fatigue.
Hypothyroidism
Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics
Category: Chronic Diseases and Multimorbidity
Sub-category: Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders
Symptoms:
fatigue; weight gain; cold intolerance; constipation; dry skin; hair loss; depression
Root Cause:
Underactive thyroid gland that produces insufficient thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), leading to slowed metabolism.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests measuring levels of TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) and free T4.
Treatment:
Lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy, typically with levothyroxine.
Medications:
Levothyroxine (a synthetic form of T4) to replace missing thyroid hormone.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 4-5% of adults, with a higher prevalence in older adults, especially women.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Autoimmune diseases (e.g., Hashimoto's thyroiditis), age, gender (more common in women), and family history.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Well-controlled with appropriate medication. Untreated hypothyroidism can lead to serious complications.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Heart disease, infertility, nerve damage, myxedema coma (in severe cases).
Metabolic Syndrome
Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics
Category: Chronic Diseases and Multimorbidity
Sub-category: Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders
Symptoms:
high blood pressure; high blood sugar; abdominal obesity; high triglycerides; low hdl cholesterol
Root Cause:
A combination of metabolic risk factors (insulin resistance, high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, and obesity) that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis typically involves the presence of three or more of the following
Treatment:
Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, weight loss), medications to manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, and potentially insulin therapy.
Medications:
Statins for dyslipidemia, antihypertensive drugs (e.g., ACE inhibitors, diuretics), metformin for insulin resistance, and medications to control cholesterol and triglycerides .
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 25% of the global adult population, with increasing prevalence among older adults.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age, obesity, physical inactivity, high cholesterol, family history, and smoking.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
If untreated, metabolic syndrome increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. Effective management can prevent or delay complications.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
Vitamin D Deficiency
Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics
Category: Chronic Diseases and Multimorbidity
Sub-category: Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders
Symptoms:
fatigue; bone pain; muscle weakness; frequent infections; depression; hair loss
Root Cause:
Insufficient levels of vitamin D in the body, leading to poor calcium absorption, bone weakness, and muscle problems.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood test measuring levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D.
Treatment:
Vitamin D supplementation, increased sun exposure, and dietary changes (foods rich in vitamin D like fatty fish, fortified foods, etc.).
Medications:
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol ) supplements, either orally or through injections in severe cases.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects about 30-50% of the global population, with higher rates in older adults.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age, limited sun exposure, dark skin, obesity, certain medications, and poor dietary intake.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Timely diagnosis reduces the risk of fractures, falls, and associated complications, while also enhancing bone health, muscle strength, and overall quality of life.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Osteoporosis. Increased risk of fractures. Muscle weakness. Falls. Impaired immune function. Potential cardiovascular and cognitive issues.
Constipation
Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics
Category: Chronic Diseases and Multimorbidity
Sub-category: Gastrointestinal and Hepatic Disorders
Symptoms:
infrequent bowel movements; difficulty passing stools; abdominal discomfort; straining; hard or lumpy stools
Root Cause:
Slow transit through the colon or impaired rectal function.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Based on clinical symptoms, patient history, and sometimes colonoscopy or anorectal manometry.
Treatment:
Dietary fiber, increased fluid intake, laxatives, stool softeners, and possibly biofeedback therapy.
Medications:
Bulk-forming agents (e.g., psyllium), stool softeners (e.g., docusate), stimulant laxatives (e.g., bisacodyl ), osmotic laxatives (e.g., polyethylene glycol).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 10-20% of adults, with a higher prevalence in older adults.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Low-fiber diet, dehydration, lack of physical activity, certain medications (e.g., opioids), and aging.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally manageable with lifestyle modifications and occasional use of medications.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Hemorrhoids, anal fissures, fecal impaction, and rectal prolapse.
Osteoporosis
Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics
Category: Chronic Diseases and Multimorbidity
Sub-category: Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders
Symptoms:
often asymptomatic until a fracture occurs. in some cases, back pain, loss of height, or stooped posture.
Root Cause:
Loss of bone density and strength, leading to fragile bones and an increased risk of fractures.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Bone mineral density (BMD) test (DEXA scan).
Treatment:
Medications to increase bone density, weight-bearing exercises, calcium and vitamin D supplements.
Medications:
Bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate ), denosumab (RANKL inhibitor), and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) (e.g., raloxifene ).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men over the age of 50.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age, gender (more common in women), family history, low calcium or vitamin D intake, smoking, and physical inactivity.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Treatable and manageable with medication, lifestyle changes, and monitoring; untreated osteoporosis leads to an increased risk of fractures.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Fractures, especially hip, spine, and wrist fractures.
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics
Category: Chronic Diseases and Multimorbidity
Sub-category: Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders
Symptoms:
increased thirst; frequent urination; fatigue; blurred vision; slow wound healing; numbness or tingling in hands or feet
Root Cause:
Insulin resistance, where the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. The pancreas eventually cannot produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests including fasting blood glucose, HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin), or an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).
Treatment:
Lifestyle changes (diet and exercise), blood sugar monitoring, oral medications (e.g., metformin), and insulin therapy in some cases.
Medications:
Metformin (an oral biguanide that improves insulin sensitivity and reduces glucose production in the liver), sulfonylureas (e.g., glimepiride ), SGLT2 inhibitors (e.g., empagliflozin ), GLP-1 agonists (e.g., liraglutide ), and insulin.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 9.3% of the global population, with a higher prevalence in older adults.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age, family history, obesity, physical inactivity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and an unhealthy diet.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Can be managed with lifestyle changes and medications, though long-term complications can arise if blood sugar levels are not well-controlled.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, eye damage, poor wound healing, and increased risk of infections.
Chronic Diarrhea
Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics
Category: Chronic Diseases and Multimorbidity
Sub-category: Gastrointestinal and Hepatic Disorders
Symptoms:
frequent, loose stools; abdominal cramping; urgency; dehydration; fatigue
Root Cause:
Can result from a variety of causes including infections, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or malabsorption disorders.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Stool tests, colonoscopy, blood tests, and imaging studies.
Treatment:
Depending on the cause, treatment may involve antibiotics, anti-diarrheal medications, dietary changes, or corticosteroids.
Medications:
Anti-diarrheal agents (e.g., loperamide ), antibiotics (e.g., metronidazole for infections), anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., mesalamine for IBD).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 5-10% of the general population, more common in the elderly.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Inflammatory bowel disease, infections, irritable bowel syndrome, medications (e.g., antibiotics).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Depends on the underlying cause, but chronic diarrhea can often be managed effectively.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Dehydration, malnutrition, and electrolyte imbalances.
Congestive Heart Failure
Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics
Category: Chronic Diseases and Multimorbidity
Sub-category: Cardiovascular Diseases
Symptoms:
shortness of breath; fatigue; swelling in legs and ankles; coughing or wheezing; rapid or irregular heartbeat
Root Cause:
The heart's inability to pump blood efficiently, leading to fluid accumulation in the lungs and other parts of the body.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is based on physical exam, medical history, and tests such as echocardiograms, chest X-rays, and BNP blood tests.
Treatment:
Medications to reduce fluid overload (diuretics), ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and lifestyle changes. In severe cases, heart transplant may be considered.
Medications:
Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide ) – Help reduce fluid buildup by increasing urination. ACE inhibitors (e.g., Enalapril , Ramipril ) – Help relax blood vessels and reduce the heart’s workload. Beta-blockers (e.g., Carvedilol , Bisoprolol ) – Help the heart pump more efficiently by slowing the heart rate. Aldosterone antagonists (e.g., Spironolactone ) – Help reduce fluid retention.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 2% of the population; more common in older adults and those with a history of heart disease.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Previous heart attack, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, smoking, alcohol use, family history.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With proper management, many people with CHF can live for years, but the condition may worsen over time without treatment.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Kidney failure, liver damage, arrhythmias, stroke, severe fluid retention.
Peripheral Artery Disease
Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics
Category: Chronic Diseases and Multimorbidity
Sub-category: Cardiovascular Diseases
Symptoms:
leg pain while walking; numbness or weakness in the legs; cold legs or feet; delayed wound healing; shiny skin on legs
Root Cause:
Narrowing or blockages of arteries in the legs due to plaque buildup, reducing blood flow.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination, ankle-brachial index (ABI), ultrasound, and angiography.
Treatment:
Lifestyle changes, medications to improve blood flow, and surgical options such as bypass surgery or angioplasty.
Medications:
Antiplatelet agents (e.g., Aspirin , Clopidogrel ) – Prevent blood clot formation and improve blood flow. Statins (e.g., Atorvastatin ) – Lower cholesterol to reduce plaque buildup. Vasodilators (e.g., Cilostazol ) – Improve blood flow by relaxing blood vessels.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects about 10-20% of individuals over 60; more common in individuals with diabetes or smoking history.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Smoking, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, family history, older age.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Treatment improves quality
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Critical limb ischemia. non-healing wounds. infections. An increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
Valvular Heart Disease (e.g., Aortic Stenosis)
Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics
Category: Chronic Diseases and Multimorbidity
Sub-category: Cardiovascular Diseases
Symptoms:
chest pain; shortness of breath; fatigue; dizziness; fainting; heart murmur
Root Cause:
Narrowing, leaking, or dysfunction of the heart valves, which impairs the heart's ability to pump blood effectively.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination, echocardiogram, chest X-ray, and electrocardiogram (ECG).
Treatment:
Valve repair or replacement surgery (e.g., aortic valve replacement), lifestyle modifications, medications to manage symptoms such as diuretics and beta-blockers.
Medications:
Diuretics (e.g., Furosemide ) – Help reduce fluid buildup and lower blood pressure. Beta-blockers (e.g., Metoprolol ) – Reduce the heart's workload by slowing the heart rate. ACE inhibitors (e.g., Lisinopril ) – Relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure. Anticoagulants (e.g., Warfarin ) – Prevent blood clots in cases of valve dysfunction leading to increased clotting risk.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Aortic stenosis affects approximately 2% of people over 65, with a higher prevalence in elderly individuals.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age, history of rheumatic fever, congenital heart defects, hypertension, high cholesterol, and smoking.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
If untreated, valvular heart disease can lead to heart failure and other serious complications; valve replacement surgery can greatly improve symptoms and prognosis.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Heart failure, arrhythmias, stroke, endocarditis, blood clots, and sudden cardiac arrest.
Hyperlipidemia (Dyslipidemia)
Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics
Category: Chronic Diseases and Multimorbidity
Sub-category: Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders
Symptoms:
generally asymptomatic, but may lead to atherosclerosis or other cardiovascular problems.
Root Cause:
Elevated levels of cholesterol and/or triglycerides in the blood, leading to the buildup of plaques in arteries and increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests that measure levels of total cholesterol, LDL (low-density lipoprotein), HDL (high-density lipoprotein), and triglycerides.
Treatment:
Dietary changes, weight loss, increased physical activity, and medications (statins, fibrates, etc.).
Medications:
Statins (e.g., atorvastatin ) to reduce LDL cholesterol, fibrates (e.g., gemfibrozil ) for triglycerides , and niacin (vitamin B3) to improve HDL levels.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 40-50% of adults, with higher rates in older populations.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, obesity, high-fat diet, physical inactivity, diabetes, and smoking.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With effective treatment and lifestyle changes, individuals can manage hyperlipidemia and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Atherosclerosis, heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.
Pulmonary Fibrosis
Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics
Category: Chronic Diseases and Multimorbidity
Sub-category: Respiratory Diseases
Symptoms:
shortness of breath; chronic dry cough; fatigue; unexplained weight loss; clubbing of fingers
Root Cause:
Scarring of the lung tissue due to inflammation, often resulting from an unknown cause (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis), environmental exposures, or secondary to other conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
High-resolution CT scans of the chest, pulmonary function tests, and sometimes a lung biopsy.
Treatment:
No cure, but treatments include antifibrotic medications (pirfenidone, nintedanib), oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, and lung transplantation in severe cases.
Medications:
Antifibrotic agents (pirfenidone , nintedanib ), corticosteroids for inflammation management in some cases, oxygen therapy for advanced stages.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 3-5 in 100,000 people globally; more common in older adults, especially those over 60.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age, smoking, environmental exposures (e.g., asbestos, silica), genetics, underlying autoimmune diseases.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
The prognosis is often poor, with a median survival time of 3-5 years post-diagnosis, although some patients can live longer with treatment.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Respiratory failure, pulmonary hypertension, lung infections, and heart problems due to strain on the heart from reduced lung function.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics
Category: Chronic Diseases and Multimorbidity
Sub-category: Respiratory Diseases
Symptoms:
loud snoring; excessive daytime sleepiness; waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat; morning headaches; difficulty concentrating
Root Cause:
Repeated episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep, leading to reduced oxygen levels and disrupted sleep.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Polysomnography (sleep study) to monitor breathing patterns and oxygen levels during sleep, home sleep apnea tests.
Treatment:
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, lifestyle changes (weight loss, sleep position), oral appliances, surgery in severe cases.
Medications:
No specific medications for sleep apnea, but sedatives or nasal decongestants may be prescribed in some cases to help with symptoms.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 2-9% of adults, with higher prevalence in older adults and those with obesity.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Obesity, age, family history, male gender, smoking, alcohol consumption, nasal congestion.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Treatable with CPAP therapy, but untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious cardiovascular complications and poor quality of life.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Cardiovascular diseases (e.g., hypertension, heart attack), stroke, daytime fatigue, cognitive impairments, and metabolic disorders (e.g., diabetes).
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics
Category: Chronic Diseases and Multimorbidity
Sub-category: Gastrointestinal and Hepatic Disorders
Symptoms:
heartburn; regurgitation; chest pain; difficulty swallowing; chronic cough; sore throat; acidic taste in mouth
Root Cause:
A malfunctioning lower esophageal sphincter (LES) allows stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus, causing irritation.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is based on clinical history, symptoms, and may involve tests like endoscopy, 24-hour pH monitoring, or esophageal manometry.
Treatment:
Lifestyle changes (diet modification, weight loss, elevating the head of the bed), proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 blockers, antacids, and sometimes surgery (fundoplication).
Medications:
Proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole ), H2 blockers (e.g., ranitidine), antacids (e.g., calcium carbonate), and prokinetic agents (e.g., metoclopramide ).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 20-30% of the adult population in the United States.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Obesity, pregnancy, smoking, alcohol use, hiatal hernia, and certain foods (spicy foods, citrus, etc.).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic condition with a potential for symptom control, though complications like esophagitis or Barrett's esophagus can develop.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Esophagitis, strictures, Barrett's esophagus, esophageal cancer, respiratory problems (e.g., asthma, pneumonia).
Peptic ulcer disease
Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics
Category: Chronic Diseases and Multimorbidity
Sub-category: Gastrointestinal and Hepatic Disorders
Symptoms:
abdominal pain; bloating; nausea; vomiting; heartburn; loss of appetite; weight loss
Root Cause:
Ulcers in the stomach lining or the first part of the small intestine caused by an imbalance between stomach acid and protective factors.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Based on symptoms, endoscopy, and tests for H. pylori infection (blood, breath, or stool tests).
Treatment:
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), antibiotics for H. pylori infection, antacids, and sometimes surgery.
Medications:
Proton pump inhibitors (e.g., lansoprazole ), H2 blockers (e.g., ranitidine), antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin , amoxicillin for H. pylori), and antacids.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 10-15% of people at some point in their lives, more common in those aged 55-70.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
H. pylori infection, long-term NSAID use, alcohol use, smoking, stress, and spicy foods.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With appropriate treatment, most ulcers heal within a few weeks; recurrence is common if risk factors are not managed.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Gastrointestinal bleeding, perforation, gastric cancer.
Diverticulosis/Diverticulitis
Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics
Category: Chronic Diseases and Multimorbidity
Sub-category: Gastrointestinal and Hepatic Disorders
Symptoms:
abdominal pain; fever; nausea; change in bowel habits; constipation or diarrhea; bloating; rectal bleeding
Root Cause:
Diverticulosis is the formation of small pouches in the colon; diverticulitis occurs when these pouches become inflamed or infected.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Colonoscopy, CT scan, or abdominal ultrasound.
Treatment:
Antibiotics for infection, dietary modifications (high-fiber diet), and pain relief; in severe cases, surgery.
Medications:
Antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin , metronidazole ), pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen ), and antispasmodics (e.g., dicyclomine ).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 50-60% of individuals aged 60 and older in Western populations.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age, low-fiber diet, obesity, physical inactivity, and smoking.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally manageable with lifestyle changes, but recurrent episodes of diverticulitis may require surgical intervention.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Abscesses, perforation, peritonitis, fistulas, and bleeding.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics
Category: Chronic Diseases and Multimorbidity
Sub-category: Gastrointestinal and Hepatic Disorders
Symptoms:
fatigue; abdominal discomfort; right upper quadrant pain; elevated liver enzymes; hepatomegaly
Root Cause:
Accumulation of fat in liver cells not related to alcohol consumption, often associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Liver function tests, imaging (e.g., ultrasound), liver biopsy in some cases.
Treatment:
Weight loss, dietary changes, exercise, controlling underlying conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension).
Medications:
No specific medications for NAFLD; vitamin E (antioxidant) and pioglitazone are sometimes used in certain cases.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 25% of the global population; more common in those with obesity or diabetes.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally manageable with lifestyle changes; however, progression to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis is possible.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and cardiovascular disease.
Hepatitis (Chronic, e.g., Hepatitis C)
Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics
Category: Chronic Diseases and Multimorbidity
Sub-category: Gastrointestinal and Hepatic Disorders
Symptoms:
fatigue; jaundice; abdominal pain; dark urine; loss of appetite; nausea; itchy skin
Root Cause:
Chronic inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), leading to potential liver damage over time.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests to detect HCV antibodies and RNA, liver function tests, and liver biopsy or elastography for assessing liver damage.
Treatment:
Antiviral medications such as direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), and lifestyle changes to manage symptoms.
Medications:
Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) such as sofosbuvir , ledipasvir , glecaprevir /pibrentasvir , ribavirin in some cases.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Hepatitis C affects approximately 1-2% of the global population, with higher prevalence among older adults and those with a history of intravenous drug use.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
History of intravenous drug use, blood transfusions prior to 1992, needle sharing, unprotected sex, and tattoos or piercings in unsanitary conditions.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With appropriate antiviral therapy, the infection can be cured, but chronic infection can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer if untreated.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Cirrhosis, liver failure, liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma), and portal hypertension.