Condition Lookup
Category:
Immunologic Disorders
Number of Conditions: 18
Psoriasis
Specialty: Allergies and Immunology
Category: Immunologic Disorders
Sub-category: Autoimmune Disorders
Symptoms:
red, scaly patches of skin; itching; cracking or bleeding skin; nail changes (pitting, discoloration); joint pain (in psoriatic arthritis)
Root Cause:
Chronic autoimmune disease causing rapid skin cell turnover and inflammation.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination of skin lesions, skin biopsy in uncertain cases.
Treatment:
Topical therapies (e.g., corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs), phototherapy, systemic medications (e.g., methotrexate, biologics).
Medications:
Topical corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs (e.g., Calcipotriol), systemic immunosuppressants (e.g., Methotrexate , Cyclosporine ), and biologics (e.g., Adalimumab , Ustekinumab ).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects about 2–3% of the global population.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, infections (e.g., strep throat), stress, obesity, smoking, certain medications.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic condition; manageable with treatment, but symptoms can wax and wane.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, depression, metabolic syndrome.
Celiac Disease
Specialty: Allergies and Immunology
Category: Immunologic Disorders
Sub-category: Autoimmune Disorders
Symptoms:
diarrhea; abdominal pain; bloating; weight loss; iron deficiency anemia; fatigue; dermatitis herpetiformis (skin rash)
Root Cause:
Autoimmune reaction to gluten, causing damage to the small intestine lining and nutrient malabsorption.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests for anti-tTG or EMA antibodies, endoscopic biopsy of the small intestine.
Treatment:
Strict lifelong gluten-free diet.
Medications:
Gluten-free diet and supplements for nutrient deficiencies.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1% of the population globally.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic predisposition (HLA-DQ2/DQ8), family history, other autoimmune disorders.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with adherence to a gluten-free diet; untreated cases can lead to serious complications.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Malnutrition, osteoporosis, infertility, small intestinal cancer, other autoimmune disorders.
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Specialty: Allergies and Immunology
Category: Immunologic Disorders
Sub-category: Autoimmune Disorders
Symptoms:
increased thirst; frequent urination; unintended weight loss; fatigue; blurred vision; slow-healing wounds
Root Cause:
Autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, leading to insufficient insulin production.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests for fasting glucose, HbA1c, random glucose levels, or autoantibody testing.
Treatment:
Lifelong insulin therapy (injections or pumps), blood sugar monitoring, healthy diet, and exercise.
Medications:
Insulin therapy and immunomodulatory treatments in experimental stages (e.g., Teplizumab ).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Accounts for 5–10% of diabetes cases worldwide; often diagnosed in childhood or adolescence.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic predisposition (HLA genes), family history, certain viral infections, low vitamin D levels.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Lifelong condition; manageable with proper treatment, but risk of complications increases with poor glucose control.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Diabetic ketoacidosis, cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy.
Sjögren’s Syndrome
Specialty: Allergies and Immunology
Category: Immunologic Disorders
Sub-category: Autoimmune Disorders
Symptoms:
dry eyes; dry mouth; joint pain; fatigue; swollen salivary glands; difficulty swallowing; vaginal dryness (in women)
Root Cause:
Autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks moisture-producing glands and other parts of the body.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history, physical examination, blood tests (e.g., ANA, SS-A, SS-B antibodies), salivary gland biopsy, Schirmer’s test (tear production), and imaging (e.g., salivary gland scintigraphy).
Treatment:
Symptom management with artificial tears, saliva substitutes, medications like hydroxychloroquine or pilocarpine, and immunosuppressants for severe cases.
Medications:
Artificial tears, cholinergic agonists (e.g., Pilocarpine ), and immunosuppressants (e.g., Hydroxychloroquine , Methotrexate ).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 0.1–0.6% of the population, more common in women, especially over 40.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Female gender, middle age, family history of autoimmune diseases.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic condition that is manageable but can reduce quality of life; systemic complications may occur.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Increased risk of lymphoma, dental cavities, oral yeast infections, kidney disease, and systemic organ involvement.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Specialty: Allergies and Immunology
Category: Immunologic Disorders
Sub-category: Autoimmune Disorders
Symptoms:
muscle weakness; vision problems; numbness or tingling; fatigue; balance and coordination issues; cognitive problems
Root Cause:
Autoimmune attack on the myelin sheath of nerves in the central nervous system, causing communication disruptions.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
MRI of the brain and spinal cord, lumbar puncture, evoked potential tests, and clinical examination.
Treatment:
Disease-modifying therapies (e.g., interferons, ocrelizumab), corticosteroids for flare-ups, physical therapy, symptomatic management.
Medications:
Disease-modifying therapies (e.g., Interferon beta, Glatiramer acetate, Ocrelizumab ).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 2.8 million people globally; more common in women and people of Northern European descent.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Female gender, family history, Epstein-Barr virus infection, vitamin D deficiency, smoking.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; some have mild symptoms, while others may experience significant disability over time.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Progressive disability, depression, bladder dysfunction, spasticity, and increased risk of infections.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Specialty: Allergies and Immunology
Category: Immunologic Disorders
Sub-category: Autoimmune Disorders
Symptoms:
joint pain, swelling, and stiffness; morning stiffness lasting over an hour; fatigue; low-grade fever
Root Cause:
Autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks joint linings, causing inflammation and joint damage.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-CCP antibodies; X-rays or MRI of joints; Elevated ESR or CRP (inflammatory markers)
Treatment:
DMARDs (e.g., methotrexate); biologic agents (e.g., TNF inhibitors); NSAIDs; physical therapy
Medications:
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) (e.g., Methotrexate ), biologics (e.g., Adalimumab , Etanercept ), and corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone ).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 0.5-1% of the global population, more common in women and older adults.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history; smoking; female sex; obesity
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic condition; early treatment improves outcomes and prevents severe joint deformities.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Joint deformities; osteoporosis; cardiovascular disease; lung disease
Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID)
Specialty: Allergies and Immunology
Category: Immunologic Disorders
Sub-category: Primary Immunodeficiency Disorders (PIDD)
Symptoms:
frequent bacterial infections (sinuses, lungs, ears); chronic diarrhea; autoimmune disorders; fatigue
Root Cause:
Deficient production of immunoglobulins due to impaired B-cell differentiation and antibody production.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Low immunoglobulin (IgG, IgA, and/or IgM) levels; poor vaccine response; exclusion of other causes of hypogammaglobulinemia
Treatment:
Immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IVIG or SCIG); antibiotic prophylaxis for recurrent infections
Medications:
Immunoglobulin replacement therapy (e.g., IVIG, SCIG), prophylactic antibiotics, and treatment for specific infections.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 1 in 25,000 individuals.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of CVID; genetic predispositions
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; many lead a normal life with treatment, though increased risk of infections and complications persists.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic lung disease (bronchiectasis); autoimmune disorders; lymphoma or other cancers
X-Linked Agammaglobulinemia (Bruton’s Disease)
Specialty: Allergies and Immunology
Category: Immunologic Disorders
Sub-category: Primary Immunodeficiency Disorders (PIDD)
Symptoms:
recurrent bacterial infections; otitis media; sinusitis; pneumonia
Root Cause:
Mutation in the BTK gene causing failure of B-cell maturation and antibody production.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Markedly low immunoglobulin levels; absent or very low B cells in flow cytometry; BTK genetic testing
Treatment:
Lifelong immunoglobulin replacement therapy; antibiotic prophylaxis
Medications:
Immunoglobulin replacement therapy (e.g., IVIG, SCIG) and prophylactic antibiotics.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; approximately 1 in 200,000 live births.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Male infants with a family history of XLA.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with early diagnosis and regular immunoglobulin therapy; untreated leads to severe infections and complications.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic infections; bronchiectasis; autoimmune conditions
Hyper IgE Syndrome (HIES)
Specialty: Allergies and Immunology
Category: Immunologic Disorders
Sub-category: Primary Immunodeficiency Disorders (PIDD)
Symptoms:
recurrent skin abscesses; eczema; recurrent pneumonias; elevated serum ige levels
Root Cause:
Genetic mutations affecting immune pathways (e.g., STAT3) causing impaired neutrophil function and immune dysregulation.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Elevated serum IgE (>2000 IU/mL); genetic testing for STAT3 mutations; clinical features like recurrent infections and facial/skeletal abnormalities
Treatment:
Prophylactic antibiotics; antifungals; skin care for eczema; management of infections
Medications:
Prophylactic antibiotics (e.g., Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole), antifungal medications (e.g., Itraconazole ), and supportive treatments for skin infections.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Extremely rare; less than 1 in 1,000,000.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of HIES or specific genetic mutations.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; early intervention improves outcomes. Risk of severe lung and skin infections.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic lung damage (bronchiectasis); fungal infections; osteopenia/fractures
Selective IgA Deficiency
Specialty: Allergies and Immunology
Category: Immunologic Disorders
Sub-category: Primary Immunodeficiency Disorders (PIDD)
Symptoms:
frequent respiratory infections (sinusitis, bronchitis); gastrointestinal infections; allergies; asymptomatic in many cases
Root Cause:
Deficient production of immunoglobulin A (IgA), which is critical for mucosal immunity.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Low serum IgA levels (<7 mg/dL) with normal IgG and IgM; absence of other immune deficiencies
Treatment:
Management of infections with antibiotics; avoidance of blood products with IgA to prevent anaphylaxis
Medications:
Symptomatic treatment for infections (e.g., antibiotics) and careful monitoring of autoimmune complications.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Most common primary immunodeficiency, occurring in approximately 1 in 500 to 1 in 700 people.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of IgA deficiency; associated with autoimmune diseases like celiac disease and lupus
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good; most individuals are asymptomatic, but some develop complications.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Increased susceptibility to infections; autoimmune diseases; allergic disorders
Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome
Specialty: Allergies and Immunology
Category: Immunologic Disorders
Sub-category: Primary Immunodeficiency Disorders (PIDD)
Symptoms:
recurrent infections; eczema; thrombocytopenia (low platelet count); easy bruising or bleeding
Root Cause:
Mutation in the WAS gene affecting cytoskeletal regulation in immune cells, leading to immune dysfunction and low platelets.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Low platelet count and small platelets on blood smear; genetic testing for WAS mutation; flow cytometry for WAS protein
Treatment:
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT); prophylactic antibiotics and antivirals; immunoglobulin replacement therapy
Medications:
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), prophylactic antibiotics, and immunoglobulin replacement therapy.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; approximately 1 in 100,000 live births.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Male infants with a family history of Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Without HSCT, prognosis is poor due to infections, bleeding, or malignancies. With HSCT, prognosis is significantly improved.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe infections; autoimmune diseases; increased risk of lymphoma or leukemia
DiGeorge Syndrome (22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome)
Specialty: Allergies and Immunology
Category: Immunologic Disorders
Sub-category: Primary Immunodeficiency Disorders (PIDD)
Symptoms:
congenital heart defects; cleft palate; hypocalcemia (low calcium levels); immune deficiency; developmental delays
Root Cause:
Deletion of a portion of chromosome 22 (22q11.2) causing underdevelopment of the thymus, parathyroid glands, and other structures.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) or microarray for 22q11.2 deletion; low T-cell count; clinical features like heart defects and facial anomalies
Treatment:
Calcium supplementation for hypocalcemia; surgical correction of heart defects and cleft palate; thymus transplant or HSCT for severe immune deficiency
Medications:
Calcium and vitamin D supplementation, prophylactic antimicrobials, and in severe cases, thymus transplantation.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 1 in 4,000 live births.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Usually de novo mutations, though familial inheritance occurs in about 10% of cases.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; depends on severity of heart defects and immune dysfunction. Early interventions improve outcomes.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe infections; developmental and learning disabilities; psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia
Immunodeficiency due to HIV/AIDS
Specialty: Allergies and Immunology
Category: Immunologic Disorders
Sub-category: Secondary Immunodeficiency Disorders
Symptoms:
persistent fatigue; frequent infections; weight loss; swollen lymph nodes; night sweats; fever; opportunistic infections like pneumocystis pneumonia or kaposi's sarcoma
Root Cause:
HIV infects and destroys CD4+ T cells, leading to a weakened immune system and vulnerability to infections and cancers.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
HIV antibody/antigen tests; CD4+ T cell count; Viral load testing; AIDS diagnosis based on specific opportunistic infections or CD4 count below 200 cells/mm³
Treatment:
Antiretroviral therapy (ART); Prophylaxis for opportunistic infections; Immune-boosting treatments in some cases
Medications:
Antiretroviral therapy (ART), prophylactic antibiotics (e.g., Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole), and vaccines as appropriate.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 39 million people living with HIV globally as of 2022.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Unprotected sexual activity; IV drug use; Mother-to-child transmission; Contaminated blood transfusions
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With ART, individuals can lead near-normal life spans; untreated HIV progresses to AIDS, leading to high mortality.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Opportunistic infections; Cancers (e.g., Kaposi's sarcoma); Neurological disorders; Wasting syndrome
Cancer-related Immunodeficiency
Specialty: Allergies and Immunology
Category: Immunologic Disorders
Sub-category: Secondary Immunodeficiency Disorders
Symptoms:
increased susceptibility to infections; delayed wound healing; fatigue; low blood counts
Root Cause:
Cancer itself or treatments like chemotherapy can suppress the immune system by damaging bone marrow or reducing immune cell function.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Complete blood count (CBC); Immunoglobulin level testing; Bone marrow biopsy in some cases
Treatment:
Addressing the underlying cancer; Prophylactic antibiotics or antivirals; Immunoglobulin replacement therapy (IVIG); Supportive care to boost immunity
Medications:
Prophylactic antibiotics, antifungals, and colony-stimulating factors (e.g., Filgrastim ) to boost white blood cell counts.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common among cancer patients, particularly those with leukemia, lymphoma, or undergoing chemotherapy.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Type of cancer; intensity of treatment (e.g., chemo, radiation); malnutrition; comorbidities
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Dependent on cancer type, stage, and immune recovery post-treatment.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Sepsis; opportunistic infections; delayed cancer treatments due to infections
Immunodeficiency from Chemotherapy or Immunosuppressive Therapy
Specialty: Allergies and Immunology
Category: Immunologic Disorders
Sub-category: Secondary Immunodeficiency Disorders
Symptoms:
frequent infections; fevers; slow wound healing; mouth sores; low energy
Root Cause:
Chemotherapy or immunosuppressive drugs suppress bone marrow and reduce immune cell production.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
CBC to monitor white blood cell count; Immunoglobulin levels; Clinical history of recurrent infections
Treatment:
Discontinuation or adjustment of immunosuppressive therapy; G-CSF (granulocyte colony-stimulating factor) to boost white blood cells; Prophylactic antibiotics
Medications:
Colony-stimulating factors (e.g., Filgrastim ), prophylactic antimicrobials, and immunoglobulin replacement if necessary.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects most individuals undergoing intensive chemotherapy or organ transplant recipients on immunosuppressive drugs.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Type and duration of treatment; older age; malnutrition; coexisting conditions like diabetes
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally reversible after stopping immunosuppressive therapy; longer recovery if bone marrow is severely affected.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Sepsis; severe infections; delayed recovery of immune function
Immunodeficiency related to Organ Transplantation
Specialty: Allergies and Immunology
Category: Immunologic Disorders
Sub-category: Secondary Immunodeficiency Disorders
Symptoms:
recurrent infections; poor wound healing; fevers; opportunistic infections like cytomegalovirus (cmv)
Root Cause:
Long-term use of immunosuppressive drugs to prevent organ rejection reduces immune surveillance and response.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
CBC; immunoglobulin levels; monitoring for infections
Treatment:
Balancing immunosuppressive drug levels; Prophylactic antimicrobial treatments; Vaccinations prior to transplantation
Medications:
Immunosuppressive medications (e.g., Tacrolimus , Mycophenolate Mofetil) and prophylactic antimicrobials.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common among all organ transplant recipients.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Type of transplant; intensity of immunosuppression; underlying comorbidities
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Long-term survival depends on infection control and organ function; frequent monitoring required.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic infections; opportunistic infections; increased cancer risk
Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)
Specialty: Allergies and Immunology
Category: Immunologic Disorders
Sub-category: Autoimmune Disorders
Symptoms:
fatigue; joint pain and swelling; skin rash (especially butterfly-shaped on face); photosensitivity; mouth ulcers; fever
Root Cause:
Autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks healthy tissues, causing inflammation and organ damage.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
ANA (antinuclear antibody) test; Anti-dsDNA and anti-Sm antibodies; CBC and inflammatory markers; Clinical criteria (e.g., organ involvement)
Treatment:
Corticosteroids; immunosuppressive drugs; hydroxychloroquine; NSAIDs; targeted biologics (e.g., belimumab)
Medications:
Hydroxychloroquine , corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone ), immunosuppressants (e.g., Methotrexate , Mycophenolate Mofetil), and biologics (e.g., Belimumab ).
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 20-150 per 100,000 people, more common in women (especially of childbearing age).
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Female sex; African-American or Asian descent; family history of autoimmune diseases
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Highly variable; controlled with treatment but may involve relapses. Severe cases can affect organs like kidneys or the brain.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Lupus nephritis; blood clots; cardiovascular disease; infections from immunosuppression
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Specialty: Allergies and Immunology
Category: Immunologic Disorders
Sub-category: Autoimmune Disorders
Symptoms:
fatigue; weight gain; cold intolerance; constipation; dry skin; hair thinning; hoarseness; goiter
Root Cause:
Autoimmune destruction of the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests for TSH, free T4, and thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies; physical exam for goiter.
Treatment:
Lifelong thyroid hormone replacement (levothyroxine).
Medications:
Levothyroxine for thyroid hormone replacement.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common; affects up to 5% of the population, especially women aged 30–50.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Female gender, family history, other autoimmune conditions, iodine deficiency or excess.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with proper treatment; untreated cases can lead to severe hypothyroidism (myxedema).
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Goiter, cardiovascular problems, infertility, myxedema, rarely thyroid lymphoma.