Condition Lookup

Psoriasis

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.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

Specialty: Pediatrics

Category: Immunologic and Rheumatologic Disorders

Sub-category: Autoimmune Disorders

Symptoms:
butterfly-shaped rash on the face; joint pain; fever; fatigue; photosensitivity; hair loss; mouth sores; kidney problems; chest pain

Root Cause:
SLE is a chronic autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks healthy tissues, including skin, joints, kidneys, and other organs.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis involves a combination of clinical signs, laboratory tests (e.g., ANA, anti-dsDNA, anti-Smith), and organ-specific testing (e.g., urinalysis for kidney involvement).

Treatment:
Treatment typically includes corticosteroids, immunosuppressive drugs (e.g., hydroxychloroquine, azathioprine), and biologic agents like belimumab.

Medications:
Medications may include hydroxychloroquine (an antimalarial that modulates immune function), corticosteroids (such as prednisone ), and immunosuppressive drugs (e.g., cyclophosphamide , azathioprine ) to control inflammation and prevent flare-ups.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
SLE is rare in children, affecting approximately 0.1-0.3 per 100,000 children annually, and is more common in females, particularly in adolescence.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic predisposition (e.g., certain HLA types), environmental factors (e.g., sun exposure), hormonal influences (e.g., more common in females).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With modern treatments, many children can live normal or near-normal lives, though the disease may still cause organ damage, especially kidney involvement.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Kidney failure (lupus nephritis), cardiovascular problems, infections due to immunosuppressive therapy, and increased risk of blood clots.

Vasculitis (e.g., Henoch-Schönlein Purpura)

Specialty: Pediatrics

Category: Immunologic and Rheumatologic Disorders

Sub-category: Autoimmune Disorders

Symptoms:
purple spots on the skin (purpura); abdominal pain; joint pain; kidney involvement (hematuria); vomiting; diarrhea

Root Cause:
Vasculitis in Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks small blood vessels, leading to inflammation and leakage of blood into the skin and other organs.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is based on clinical presentation (rash, joint pain, abdominal symptoms) and laboratory tests (e.g., urine analysis for kidney involvement, elevated ESR/CRP).

Treatment:
Treatment is typically supportive, including NSAIDs for joint pain and corticosteroids for more severe cases or to prevent kidney damage.

Medications:
NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen ) for pain and inflammation, corticosteroids (such as prednisone ) for more severe symptoms or kidney involvement.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
HSP is the most common form of vasculitis in children, with an incidence of 10-20 per 100,000 children per year.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Typically follows an upper respiratory infection (e.g., streptococcal infection), genetic predisposition.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Most children recover fully without long-term consequences; however, kidney damage can occur in a small percentage, leading to chronic kidney disease.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Kidney involvement (e.g., glomerulonephritis), gastrointestinal bleeding, and long-term joint pain.

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

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.