Condition Lookup

Severe, life-threatening allergic reactions (Anaphylaxis)

Sub-category: Anaphylaxis

Symptoms:
difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; hives or rash; rapid or weak pulse; nausea or vomiting; dizziness or fainting; loss of consciousness

Root Cause:
An overreaction of the immune system to an allergen (e.g., food, insect stings, or medications) leading to widespread histamine release, causing severe inflammation and systemic effects.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Based on clinical presentation and patient history of exposure to allergens; skin or blood tests may identify specific allergens.

Treatment:
Immediate administration of epinephrine (via EpiPen), followed by antihistamines, corticosteroids, and emergency medical care. Long-term management includes allergen avoidance and carrying an epinephrine auto-injector.

Medications:
Epinephrine auto-injectors (e.g., EpiPen, Auvi-Q), antihistamines (e.g., Diphenhydramine ), and corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Anaphylaxis affects 1-2% of the population; prevalence is increasing, particularly among children.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
History of allergies, asthma, prior anaphylactic reactions, family history of allergies, and exposure to common triggers like peanuts, shellfish, or insect stings.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with prompt treatment, but recurrent episodes may occur without appropriate allergen avoidance.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe airway obstruction, cardiovascular collapse, shock, and death if untreated.

Mastocytosis

Specialty: Allergies and Immunology

Category: Other Related Disorders

Sub-category: Mast Cell Disorders

Symptoms:
flushing; itching; skin lesions (urticaria pigmentosa); abdominal pain; diarrhea; low blood pressure; anaphylaxis

Root Cause:
Abnormal accumulation and activation of mast cells in the skin, bone marrow, or other organs, leading to excessive histamine release.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Skin or bone marrow biopsy showing increased mast cells, blood tryptase levels, and genetic testing (e.g., KIT mutation).

Treatment:
Symptom management with antihistamines, leukotriene inhibitors, mast cell stabilizers (e.g., cromolyn sodium), and avoidance of triggers. Severe cases may require tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Medications:
Antihistamines (e.g., Cetirizine , Diphenhydramine ), mast cell stabilizers (e.g., Cromolyn Sodium), and epinephrine for anaphylaxis.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; estimated to affect 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 20,000 individuals.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Mutations in the KIT gene, certain environmental triggers, and other immune or systemic disorders.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies; indolent forms have a good prognosis, while aggressive forms can lead to organ dysfunction.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Osteoporosis, organ failure, and anaphylaxis due to mast cell degranulation.

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)

Specialty: Allergies and Immunology

Category: Other Related Disorders

Sub-category: Mast Cell Disorders

Symptoms:
flushing; hives; low blood pressure; abdominal cramping; diarrhea; brain fog; fatigue; anaphylaxis

Root Cause:
Dysfunctional activation of mast cells causing excessive release of histamine and other mediators, leading to recurrent allergic-like symptoms.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical criteria include symptoms consistent with mast cell activation, elevated mediators (e.g., tryptase, histamine), and symptom improvement with medications like antihistamines.

Treatment:
Antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, leukotriene receptor antagonists, and avoidance of known triggers.

Medications:
H1 and H2 blockers (e.g., Cetirizine , Ranitidine), mast cell stabilizers (e.g., Cromolyn Sodium), and epinephrine for severe reactions.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Precise prevalence unknown; considered an underdiagnosed condition.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic predisposition, coexisting allergic disorders, chronic infections, and environmental triggers.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic but manageable with lifestyle adjustments and medications; quality of life can vary widely.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Anaphylaxis, organ damage due to chronic inflammation, and significant impact on daily functioning.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)

Specialty: Allergies and Immunology

Category: Other Related Disorders

Sub-category: Eosinophilic Disorders

Symptoms:
difficulty swallowing; food impaction; chest pain; heartburn; abdominal pain; vomiting in children; failure to thrive in children

Root Cause:
Chronic immune-mediated inflammation of the esophagus with eosinophil infiltration, often triggered by food allergens.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Upper endoscopy with esophageal biopsy showing eosinophilic infiltration; allergy testing may identify triggers.

Treatment:
Elimination diets, proton pump inhibitors, corticosteroids (topical or systemic), and esophageal dilation for strictures.

Medications:
Proton pump inhibitors (e.g., Omeprazole ), topical corticosteroids (e.g., Fluticasone ), and elimination diets.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 1 in 2,000 individuals in the U.S.; more common in males.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Personal or family history of allergic diseases, including asthma, eczema, or food allergies.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with proper treatment, but symptoms often recur if treatment is stopped.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Esophageal strictures, food impaction, and chronic inflammation leading to fibrosis.

Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis

Specialty: Allergies and Immunology

Category: Other Related Disorders

Sub-category: Eosinophilic Disorders

Symptoms:
abdominal pain; nausea; diarrhea; vomiting; weight loss; fatigue; anemia

Root Cause:
Eosinophilic infiltration of the gastrointestinal tract, likely triggered by food or environmental allergens.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Endoscopy with biopsy showing eosinophilic infiltration, imaging studies, and blood tests for eosinophilia.

Treatment:
Elimination diets, corticosteroids, and symptom management (e.g., anti-nausea medications).

Medications:
Corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone ) and dietary modifications.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; precise prevalence is unknown.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Allergic diseases, family history of eosinophilic disorders, and certain infections.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic but manageable with treatment; symptoms may relapse without ongoing management.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Bowel obstruction, malabsorption, and perforation in severe cases.

Chronic Urticaria

Specialty: Allergies and Immunology

Category: Other Related Disorders

Sub-category: Chronic Inflammatory Disorders

Symptoms:
itchy hives lasting longer than six weeks; angioedema (swelling beneath the skin); recurrent flare-ups without clear triggers

Root Cause:
Persistent activation of mast cells and histamine release in the skin without an identifiable allergen.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed clinically by recurrent hives lasting >6 weeks without identifiable triggers.

Treatment:
Treated with antihistamines, leukotriene receptor antagonists, and immunomodulators (e.g., omalizumab).

Medications:
H1 antihistamines (e.g., Cetirizine , Loratadine ), H2 blockers (e.g., Ranitidine), and biologics (e.g., Omalizumab ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 1% of the population; more common in women and young adults.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Autoimmune disorders; Chronic stress; Thyroid disease; Infections

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Most cases resolve within 1–5 years; some may persist for decades.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Impaired quality of life; Sleep disturbances; Emotional distress; Anaphylaxis (rare in chronic idiopathic cases)

Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP)

Specialty: Allergies and Immunology

Category: Other Related Disorders

Sub-category: Chronic Inflammatory Disorders

Symptoms:
nasal congestion; loss of smell; runny nose; facial pain or pressure; recurrent sinus infections

Root Cause:
Persistent inflammation of the nasal and sinus mucosa, often involving Type 2 inflammation (elevated eosinophils and IgE).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
.Diagnosed via clinical exam, nasal endoscopy, and CT imaging.

Treatment:
Treated with intranasal corticosteroids, biologics (e.g., dupilumab), and sometimes surgical removal of polyps.

Medications:
Intranasal corticosteroids (e.g., Fluticasone ), leukotriene receptor antagonists (e.g., Montelukast ), and biologics (e.g., Dupilumab ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects up to 4% of the general population; higher in adults over 40 years.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Asthma; Aspirin sensitivity; Allergies; Cystic fibrosis; Smoking

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with appropriate management, but polyps may recur even after surgery.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic sinus infections; Asthma exacerbations; Obstructive sleep apnea

Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)

Specialty: Allergies and Immunology

Category: Other Related Disorders

Sub-category: Immune System Dysregulation Disorders

Symptoms:
persistent high fever; hepatosplenomegaly (enlarged liver and spleen); cytopenias (low blood counts); lymphadenopathy; neurological symptoms (e.g., seizures, confusion)

Root Cause:
Overactivation of the immune system causing excessive inflammation and tissue damage due to failure of cytotoxic T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells to regulate immune response.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed using HLH diagnostic criteria (e.g., ferritin, bone marrow biopsy, genetic testing).

Treatment:
Treated with immunosuppressive therapy, chemotherapy (e.g., etoposide), and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in severe cases.

Medications:
Immunosuppressive therapy (e.g., Dexamethasone , Etoposide ) and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; estimated at 1 in 800,000 in familial cases; higher in children.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic mutations; Viral infections (e.g., Epstein-Barr Virus); Autoimmune diseases; Cancer

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Life-threatening if untreated; early intervention improves survival to 50–70%.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Multiorgan failure; Neurological damage; Recurrent HLH episodes in genetic cases

Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome (ALPS)

Specialty: Allergies and Immunology

Category: Other Related Disorders

Sub-category: Immune System Dysregulation Disorders

Symptoms:
chronic lymphadenopathy; splenomegaly; autoimmune cytopenias (e.g., anemia, thrombocytopenia); recurrent infections

Root Cause:
Genetic mutations in apoptosis-regulating genes (e.g., FAS) causing failure to eliminate self-reactive lymphocytes, leading to autoimmunity and lymphoproliferation.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed through clinical symptoms, flow cytometry (e.g., elevated double-negative T cells), and genetic testing.

Treatment:
Treated with immunosuppressive agents (e.g., steroids) and biologics (e.g., rituximab).

Medications:
Immunosuppressants (e.g., Mycophenolate Mofetil), corticosteroids, and biologics (e.g., Rituximab ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; exact prevalence unknown but more common in children.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of autoimmune diseases or genetic mutations in apoptosis pathways.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good with treatment but requires lifelong monitoring for complications.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Increased risk of lymphoma; Recurrent infections; Severe autoimmune episodes

Hereditary Angioedema (HAE)

Specialty: Allergies and Immunology

Category: Other Related Disorders

Symptoms:
swelling of the skin and mucosal tissues; abdominal pain; nausea; vomiting; difficulty breathing; laryngeal swelling that may lead to airway obstruction

Root Cause:
Genetic mutation leading to a deficiency or dysfunction of C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH), causing uncontrolled activation of the complement system and increased bradykinin production.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests measuring C1-INH levels and function, complement component C4 levels, and genetic testing for mutations in the SERPING1 gene.

Treatment:
C1-INH replacement therapy, bradykinin receptor antagonists (e.g., icatibant), kallikrein inhibitors (e.g., lanadelumab), and prophylactic medications for preventing attacks.

Medications:
C1 esterase inhibitor replacement therapy, bradykinin receptor antagonists (e.g., Icatibant ), and androgens (e.g., Danazol ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Estimated at 1 in 50,000 to 1 in 100,000 individuals worldwide.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of HAE (autosomal dominant inheritance), stress, trauma, infections, hormonal changes, certain medications (e.g., ACE inhibitors).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With proper management, most patients can lead normal lives; untreated cases may result in life-threatening airway obstruction.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Potentially fatal laryngeal edema, psychological distress due to unpredictable swelling episodes, reduced quality of life, and delays in diagnosis.

Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA)

Specialty: Allergies and Immunology

Category: Other Related Disorders

Symptoms:
chronic cough; wheezing; shortness of breath; fever; brownish mucus plugs; recurrent asthma exacerbations

Root Cause:
Hypersensitivity reaction to Aspergillus fumigatus spores, leading to immune-mediated lung inflammation and airway damage.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Elevated total serum IgE levels, specific IgE and IgG antibodies against Aspergillus fumigatus, imaging studies (CT or X-rays) showing central bronchiectasis or mucus impaction, and pulmonary function tests.

Treatment:
Oral corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, antifungal therapy (e.g., itraconazole or voriconazole) to control fungal load, and bronchodilators for symptomatic relief.

Medications:
Corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone ), antifungals (e.g., Itraconazole ), and biologics (e.g., Omalizumab ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1-2% of individuals with asthma and 2-15% of individuals with cystic fibrosis.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Asthma, cystic fibrosis, environmental exposure to Aspergillus spores, and underlying atopic conditions.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies depending on early diagnosis and treatment; progression to chronic pulmonary aspergillosis or permanent lung damage is possible without treatment.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Bronchiectasis, chronic respiratory insufficiency, recurrent lung infections, pulmonary fibrosis, and reduced lung function.

Long COVID-related Hypersensitivity or Autoimmune-like Syndromes

Specialty: Allergies and Immunology

Category: Other Related Disorders

Sub-category: Post-COVID-19 Immune Dysregulation

Symptoms:
persistent fatigue; brain fog; joint pain; palpitations; skin rashes; worsened allergies

Root Cause:
Post-viral immune dysregulation leading to hypersensitivity or autoimmunity in genetically predisposed individuals.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed based on persistent post-COVID symptoms and exclusion of other conditions.

Treatment:
Treated with supportive care, immunomodulators, or targeted therapy for specific symptoms.

Medications:
Symptomatic treatment with antihistamines (e.g., Loratadine ), corticosteroids, and immunomodulators as needed.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Estimated in 10–30% of people recovering from COVID-19, depending on study populations.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Severe COVID-19 illness; Female sex; Preexisting allergies or autoimmune diseases

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Highly variable; most recover gradually over months, but some experience prolonged symptoms.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Reduced quality of life; Disability; Secondary autoimmune conditions

Vaccine Adjuvant Allergy

Specialty: Allergies and Immunology

Category: Other Related Disorders

Sub-category: Vaccine-related Allergies

Symptoms:
redness and swelling at the injection site; urticaria; angioedema; anaphylaxis (rare); systemic symptoms (e.g., fever, malaise)

Root Cause:
Hypersensitivity to vaccine adjuvants (e.g., aluminum salts, polyethylene glycol), which are used to enhance the immune response.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed via clinical history and allergy testing (e.g., skin tests or blood tests for adjuvants).

Treatment:
Treated with desensitization protocols, alternative vaccines, or premedication strategies.

Medications:
Antihistamines (e.g., Cetirizine ) and corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone ) for mild reactions, with avoidance strategies for severe cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; exact rates are unknown.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
History of allergic reactions to medications or cosmetics; Multiple allergies; Previous vaccine reactions

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Manageable with alternative vaccination strategies; reactions can often be prevented or minimized.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Missed vaccinations; Anaphylaxis (if undiagnosed); Reduced immunity to preventable diseases

PEG (Polyethylene Glycol) or Polysorbate Allergy

Specialty: Allergies and Immunology

Category: Other Related Disorders

Sub-category: Vaccine-related Allergies

Symptoms:
urticaria; angioedema; anaphylaxis; respiratory distress

Root Cause:
Hypersensitivity reaction to PEG or polysorbates, commonly used as excipients in medications, cosmetics, and vaccines.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Skin testing, oral or intramuscular challenge under medical supervision, and review of reaction history.

Treatment:
Avoidance of PEG or polysorbate-containing products, use of alternative formulations, and epinephrine for anaphylactic reactions.

Medications:
Epinephrine for severe reactions and careful evaluation before re-exposure or alternative formulations.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Extremely rare; true prevalence is unknown but increasing awareness due to vaccine reactions.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Prior exposure to PEG or polysorbates, history of drug allergies, and atopic conditions.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with avoidance strategies and alternative therapies.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe allergic reactions with accidental exposure.