Comprehensive Symptom Navigator

Pneumonia

Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics

Symptoms:
cough; fever; chills; shortness of breath; chest pain; fatigue; sweating; nausea or vomiting

Root Cause:
Pneumonia is caused by infection (bacterial, viral, fungal) leading to inflammation in the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs, causing impaired oxygen exchange.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is confirmed through clinical evaluation, chest X-ray, blood tests, sputum culture, and sometimes a CT scan or pulse oximetry.

Treatment:
Treatment depends on the underlying cause (bacterial, viral, or fungal). Bacterial pneumonia typically requires antibiotics, while viral pneumonia is often managed with supportive care and antiviral medications in some cases.

Medications:
Common antibiotics like amoxicillin , azithromycin , or doxycycline for bacterial pneumonia; antiviral medications like oseltamivir (Tamiflu ) for viral causes; antifungal medications like fluconazole may be used if fungal infection is identified. These are classified as antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals, respectively.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Pneumonia is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly in older adults, with higher rates seen in those over 65. It is a common cause of hospitalization in geriatric patients.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Older age, weakened immune system, smoking, chronic respiratory conditions, recent viral infections (e.g., influenza), and residing in long-term care facilities.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With prompt treatment, the prognosis is generally good, although recovery can be slower in older adults. It may be fatal in severe cases or those with underlying health conditions.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Respiratory failure, sepsis, lung abscesses, pleuritis, and long-term lung damage in severe or untreated cases.

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.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Specialty: Gastrointestinal

Category: Esophageal Disorders

Sub-category: Inflammatory and Infectious Disorders

Symptoms:
heartburn; regurgitation of food or sour liquid; difficulty swallowing; chest pain; chronic cough; hoarseness; sensation of a lump in the throat

Root Cause:
The backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus due to a weak or dysfunctional lower esophageal sphincter (LES).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is made through clinical evaluation, endoscopy, pH monitoring, esophageal manometry, or barium swallow studies.

Treatment:
Lifestyle modifications (e.g., weight loss, dietary changes), medications, and surgery in severe cases (e.g., fundoplication).

Medications:
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) such as omeprazole or esomeprazole to reduce stomach acid; H2-receptor antagonists like ranitidine or famotidine for acid suppression; antacids for quick relief; prokinetic agents such as metoclopramide to improve esophageal motility.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 20% of adults in the Western world.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Obesity, pregnancy, hiatal hernia, smoking, alcohol consumption, and dietary factors such as high-fat or spicy foods.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Manageable with treatment; chronic GERD may lead to complications if untreated.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, strictures, and an increased risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Rheumatic Heart Disease

Specialty: Pediatrics

Category: Cardiovascular Disorders

Sub-category: Acquired Cardiovascular Disorders

Symptoms:
fatigue; shortness of breath; chest pain; heart palpitations; swollen joints; fever; unexplained weight loss; skin nodules or rash

Root Cause:
Chronic valvular damage caused by recurrent episodes of acute rheumatic fever, an autoimmune response to group A streptococcal infections (e.g., strep throat).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Echocardiography to detect valvular damage, clinical criteria (Jones criteria), history of streptococcal infection, elevated inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR), and antistreptolysin O (ASO) titers.

Treatment:
Long-term antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent recurrence (e.g., benzathine penicillin G), management of heart failure with medications, and surgical valve repair or replacement in severe cases.

Medications:
Antibiotics (e.g., benzathine penicillin G) - To eradicate streptococcal infection and prevent recurrent rheumatic fever. Diuretics (e.g., furosemide ) - To manage fluid retention in heart failure. Beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol ) - For arrhythmias or heart failure. Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin ) - For atrial fibrillation or prosthetic valves to prevent thromboembolism.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in low- and middle-income countries, affecting 15-20 million people worldwide. It primarily affects children aged 5-15 years.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Untreated or recurrent streptococcal infections, poor socioeconomic conditions, overcrowding, limited access to medical care.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With appropriate treatment and preventive care, progression can be controlled, but severe cases may require lifelong management. Without treatment, it can lead to heart failure and premature death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Heart failure, atrial fibrillation, infective endocarditis, stroke, and permanent disability due to valvular damage.

Myocarditis

Specialty: Cardiovascular

Category: Heart Diseases

Sub-category: Inflammatory and Infectious Heart Diseases

Symptoms:
chest pain; shortness of breath; fatigue; irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias); fever; leg swelling (in severe cases)

Root Cause:
Inflammation of the heart muscle, often caused by a viral infection, autoimmune response, or exposure to toxins.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed through clinical evaluation, electrocardiogram (ECG), cardiac biomarkers, echocardiography, cardiac MRI, and sometimes endomyocardial biopsy to confirm inflammation.

Treatment:
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity, including supportive care, medications like anti-inflammatory drugs, heart failure management, and addressing infections or autoimmune conditions when present.

Medications:
Anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., corticosteroids), immunosuppressants (e.g., azathioprine ), and medications for heart failure (e.g., ACE inhibitors like enalapril or beta-blockers like carvedilol ). In cases caused by infection, antibiotics or antivirals may be used.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Relatively rare; incidence is estimated at 10-20 cases per 100,000 people annually.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Recent viral infection; autoimmune disorders; exposure to toxins (alcohol, drugs); certain medications; weakened immune system

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies widely; some cases resolve completely, while others can lead to chronic heart failure or require a heart transplant.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Heart failure; arrhythmias; cardiogenic shock; sudden cardiac death; dilated cardiomyopathy

Hypertension in Children

Specialty: Pediatrics

Category: Cardiovascular Disorders

Sub-category: Acquired Cardiovascular Disorders

Symptoms:
headaches; fatigue; dizziness; nosebleeds; shortness of breath; blurred vision; chest pain; asymptomatic (common in mild cases)

Root Cause:
Elevated blood pressure due to either primary (essential) hypertension or secondary causes such as kidney disease, obesity, endocrine disorders, or congenital cardiovascular abnormalities.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Serial blood pressure measurements compared to age, sex, and height percentiles; ambulatory blood pressure monitoring; laboratory tests (e.g., kidney function tests, electrolytes); imaging studies (e.g., renal ultrasound, echocardiography).

Treatment:
Lifestyle modifications (e.g., diet, exercise, weight management) and medications for severe or secondary cases. Treating the underlying cause if identified (e.g., managing kidney disease).

Medications:
ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril ) - To lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels. Calcium channel blockers (e.g., amlodipine ) - To reduce blood vessel constriction. Diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide ) - To decrease fluid retention and lower blood pressure. Beta-blockers (e.g., atenolol ) - To reduce heart rate and blood pressure.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Increasing in prevalence due to rising rates of obesity; affects 2-5% of children and adolescents.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Obesity, family history of hypertension, sedentary lifestyle, high-sodium diet, chronic kidney disease, endocrine disorders.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with early detection and treatment, but untreated hypertension can lead to long-term complications like cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, and stroke.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Left ventricular hypertrophy, chronic kidney disease, atherosclerosis, stroke, and heart attack.

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.

Pulmonary Contusion

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Thoracic (Chest) Injuries

Sub-category: Blunt Chest Trauma

Symptoms:
chest pain; shortness of breath (dyspnea); coughing up blood (hemoptysis); low oxygen levels (hypoxemia); cyanosis; rapid breathing (tachypnea)

Root Cause:
Bruising or bleeding within the lung tissue caused by blunt trauma, resulting in reduced oxygen exchange and ventilation.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Chest X-rays, CT scans, and blood gas analysis to assess oxygen levels and severity. Physical examination may reveal crackles or diminished breath sounds.

Treatment:
Supportive care with oxygen therapy, pain control, and mechanical ventilation in severe cases. Avoiding excessive IV fluids is critical to prevent worsening pulmonary edema.

Medications:
Pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen . Bronchodilators may be used to improve airway function.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Occurs in up to 30-75% of patients with significant blunt chest trauma.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
High-energy impact injuries (e.g., car accidents, falls), anticoagulant use (increased bleeding risk).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Mild contusions often resolve within a few days, but severe cases can result in long-term lung dysfunction or respiratory failure.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), pneumonia, and secondary lung infections.

Ventricular Tachycardia (VT)

Specialty: Cardiovascular

Category: Heart Diseases

Sub-category: Arrhythmias (Heart Rhythm Disorders)

Symptoms:
rapid heartbeat; chest pain; dizziness; shortness of breath; loss of consciousness; palpitations

Root Cause:
Abnormal electrical signals originating in the ventricles cause rapid and ineffective contractions, impairing blood flow.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG), Holter monitor, cardiac MRI, or electrophysiology study.

Treatment:
Antiarrhythmic medications, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), or catheter ablation.

Medications:
Amiodarone (antiarrhythmic), lidocaine (sodium channel blocker), beta-blockers (e.g., carvedilol ), or magnesium sulfate (for Torsades de Pointes).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare in the general population; more common in patients with underlying heart disease or structural abnormalities.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Coronary artery disease, heart failure, previous myocardial infarction, electrolyte imbalances, and genetic conditions (e.g., long QT syndrome).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Can be life-threatening if untreated, but ICDs and medical therapy significantly improve survival.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Sudden cardiac arrest, heart failure, and syncope.

Cardiac Tamponade

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Thoracic (Chest) Injuries

Sub-category: Penetrating Chest Trauma

Symptoms:
chest pain; shortness of breath; hypotension; tachycardia (rapid heart rate); jugular venous distention; pulsus paradoxus (abnormally large drop in blood pressure during inhalation); muffled heart sounds

Root Cause:
Cardiac tamponade occurs when fluid, blood, or air accumulates in the pericardial sac (the membrane surrounding the heart), leading to increased pressure on the heart and restricting its ability to pump blood effectively.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is made through clinical examination, including the characteristic signs of jugular venous distention, hypotension, and muffled heart sounds. Imaging, such as echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart), is used to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment:
Immediate treatment involves pericardiocentesis (removal of fluid from the pericardium using a needle) to relieve the pressure. In some cases, surgery may be required to repair the underlying cause of the tamponade.

Medications:
Medications may include vasopressors to maintain blood pressure, analgesics for pain relief, and sedatives to reduce anxiety.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Cardiac tamponade occurs in approximately 2-4% of trauma patients, particularly those with blunt or penetrating chest trauma.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Trauma (especially penetrating injuries like stab wounds or gunshot wounds), heart surgery, cancer, or infections (e.g., pericarditis).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With rapid intervention, the prognosis is generally good, but delayed treatment can lead to death from circulatory collapse.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Complications include cardiac arrest, shock, or persistent heart failure if untreated.

Hypertensive Emergencies

Specialty: Emergency and Urgent Care

Category: Cardiac Emergencies

Sub-category: Hypertension-related Conditions

Symptoms:
severe headache; chest pain; shortness of breath; blurred vision; confusion; nausea or vomiting; seizures

Root Cause:
Critically elevated blood pressure (typically >180/120 mmHg) causing acute end-organ damage (e.g., heart, brain, kidneys, or eyes).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood pressure measurement, clinical signs of end-organ damage, lab tests (renal function, electrolytes), and imaging (e.g., CT for stroke, ECG for cardiac involvement).

Treatment:
Immediate blood pressure reduction using intravenous antihypertensives and addressing the specific end-organ damage.

Medications:
IV antihypertensives like nitroprusside (vasodilator), labetalol (beta-blocker), nicardipine (calcium channel blocker), or hydralazine . Oral antihypertensives are introduced later.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Occurs in about 1-2% of patients with chronic hypertension.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Poorly controlled hypertension, noncompliance with antihypertensive medications, kidney disease, and pregnancy (e.g., eclampsia).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Depends on promptness of treatment; delayed care can result in severe complications.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Stroke, myocardial infarction, aortic dissection, acute kidney injury, and retinal damage.

COVID-19 Complications

Specialty: Emergency and Urgent Care

Category: Respiratory Emergencies

Sub-category: Infectious Respiratory Conditions

Symptoms:
severe shortness of breath; high fever; persistent cough; chest pain; hypoxia; confusion; fatigue; multisystem organ failure; loss of taste or smell

Root Cause:
Severe respiratory distress or systemic involvement caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, leading to complications such as ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome), thromboembolic events, or cytokine storm.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Positive RT-PCR or antigen test for SARS-CoV-2, chest imaging (X-ray or CT), blood tests (D-dimer, CRP, ferritin), and pulse oximetry or arterial blood gas analysis.

Treatment:
Supportive care (oxygen therapy, ventilators for severe cases), antiviral drugs (e.g., remdesivir), anti-inflammatory treatments like dexamethasone, anticoagulants, and immunomodulators.

Medications:
Antivirals such as remdesivir (antiviral), corticosteroids like dexamethasone (anti-inflammatory), anticoagulants like enoxaparin (anticoagulant), and monoclonal antibodies like tocilizumab (immunomodulator).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Global pandemic with millions affected; complications occur in approximately 10-15% of cases, particularly in those with comorbidities.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Older age, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and immunosuppression.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies widely; mild cases recover fully, while severe cases may result in prolonged hospitalization, long-term organ damage, or death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
ARDS, sepsis, thromboembolic events (e.g., pulmonary embolism), myocarditis, kidney failure, and long COVID symptoms like fatigue and brain fog.

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)

Specialty: Hematology

Category: Coagulation, Hemostasis, and Disorders

Symptoms:
bleeding from multiple sites (e.g., gums, nose, surgical sites); bruising; blood clots; shortness of breath; chest pain; confusion or altered mental status; petechiae or purpura (small red or purple spots); organ dysfunction

Root Cause:
Abnormal activation of the coagulation cascade leads to widespread clot formation and consumption of clotting factors, resulting in bleeding and thrombosis.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed through blood tests including elevated D-dimer, prolonged PT and aPTT, decreased platelet count, and low fibrinogen levels.

Treatment:
Addressing the underlying cause, supportive care, and replacement of clotting factors.

Medications:
Anticoagulants

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Commonly seen in critically ill patients; exact prevalence depends on the underlying condition (e.g., sepsis, trauma).

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Sepsis, trauma, malignancy, obstetric complications, and severe infections.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis depends on the underlying cause; untreated DIC can lead to multi-organ failure and death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Organ failure, severe hemorrhage, and death.

Stimulant toxicity (e.g., cocaine, methamphetamine)

Specialty: Emergency and Urgent Care

Category: Toxicology and Overdose

Sub-category: Drug Overdoses

Symptoms:
tachycardia; hypertension; agitation; seizures; chest pain; hyperthermia

Root Cause:
Excessive stimulation of the central and sympathetic nervous systems due to increased dopamine and norepinephrine levels.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history, physical examination, urine toxicology, and supporting tests like ECG and serum chemistry.

Treatment:
Benzodiazepines for sedation and seizure control, cooling measures for hyperthermia, IV fluids, and supportive care for cardiovascular effects.

Medications:
Benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam or diazepam ) for agitation and seizures; beta-blockers are avoided due to unopposed alpha-adrenergic stimulation.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Cocaine and methamphetamine toxicity is prevalent among recreational users; associated with a high burden of emergency visits.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Recreational drug use, poly-drug abuse, and underlying cardiovascular conditions.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; mild cases resolve with supportive care, but severe cases with complications like stroke or cardiac arrest can be fatal.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Stroke, myocardial infarction, rhabdomyolysis, hyperthermia, and sudden death.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Specialty: Emergency and Urgent Care

Category: Toxicology and Overdose

Sub-category: Chemical Exposures

Symptoms:
headache; dizziness; nausea; shortness of breath; confusion; loss of consciousness; chest pain; seizures

Root Cause:
Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin with a higher affinity than oxygen, reducing oxygen delivery to tissues and causing hypoxia.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Measurement of carboxyhemoglobin levels in blood using co-oximetry, pulse CO-oximeter, or arterial blood gas analysis. Symptoms and exposure history also aid diagnosis.

Treatment:
Immediate removal from the CO exposure source, 100% oxygen therapy through a non-rebreather mask, or hyperbaric oxygen therapy in severe cases.

Medications:
No direct medications, but 100% oxygen therapy and hyperbaric oxygen are the main treatments. Hyperbaric oxygen is classified as a high-pressure oxygen delivery treatment.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
A leading cause of poisoning-related deaths worldwide, with an estimated 50,000 emergency department visits annually in the U.S.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Poorly ventilated spaces, faulty heating systems, exposure to fires, and use of charcoal or gas grills indoors.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with timely treatment; delayed or severe exposure may lead to long-term neurological complications.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Neurological sequelae (e.g., memory loss, difficulty concentrating), myocardial ischemia, arrhythmias, and death.

Esophageal or Gastrointestinal Obstruction

Specialty: Emergency and Urgent Care

Category: Miscellaneous Emergencies

Sub-category: Foreign Body Ingestion/Inhalation

Symptoms:
difficulty swallowing (dysphagia); chest pain; drooling; regurgitation; vomiting; abdominal pain; inability to pass gas or stool (in cases of complete obstruction)

Root Cause:
A blockage in the esophagus or gastrointestinal tract caused by ingested foreign objects, strictures, tumors, or impacted food.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history, physical examination, imaging studies (X-ray, CT scan, or ultrasound), endoscopy for direct visualization. Contrast studies may be used in some cases.

Treatment:
Removal of the obstruction via endoscopy, surgery for severe cases, and supportive care such as IV fluids or pain management. If caused by food impaction, smooth muscle relaxants or enzymatic agents may be used.

Medications:
Glucagon - Smooth muscle relaxant to assist with food impaction. Proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole ) - Reduce acid and prevent mucosal damage in prolonged obstructions. Antiemetics (e.g., ondansetron ) - To control vomiting during treatment.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common among young children (due to foreign object ingestion) and adults with esophageal disorders such as strictures or motility issues.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age (young children and elderly), neurological disorders, dental issues, alcohol intoxication, and eating too quickly.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good if treated promptly; delayed intervention can result in perforation, infection, or permanent damage to the gastrointestinal tract.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Perforation, infection (mediastinitis or peritonitis), aspiration pneumonia, esophageal stricture formation, or death in severe cases.

Bronchiectasis

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Obstructive Lung Diseases

Symptoms:
chronic cough; excessive mucus production; shortness of breath; recurrent respiratory infections; wheezing; fatigue; chest pain

Root Cause:
Permanent dilation and damage of the bronchial tubes due to chronic inflammation and infection, leading to impaired mucus clearance.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is made using chest CT scans (to visualize bronchial dilation), pulmonary function tests, sputum analysis for infections, and blood tests to check for underlying conditions.

Treatment:
Treatment includes airway clearance techniques, pulmonary rehabilitation, antibiotics for infections, and management of underlying conditions.

Medications:
Antibiotics (e.g., azithromycin , ciprofloxacin , or amoxicillin-clavulanate) for bacterial infections; bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol , salmeterol ) to ease breathing; inhaled corticosteroids (e.g., budesonide , fluticasone ) to reduce airway inflammation; and mucolytics (e.g., hypertonic saline, dornase alfa) to thin mucus.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Estimated to affect 350,000–500,000 people in the United States, with higher prevalence in older adults and those with underlying conditions.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Previous lung infections (e.g., tuberculosis, pneumonia), genetic conditions (e.g., cystic fibrosis), immune system disorders, chronic aspiration, and smoking.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With proper treatment, symptoms can be managed, and quality of life can improve, but the condition is chronic and progressive without a cure.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Recurrent lung infections, respiratory failure, hemoptysis (coughing up blood), pulmonary hypertension, and reduced quality of life.

Sarcoidosis

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Restrictive Lung Diseases

Sub-category: Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILD)

Symptoms:
shortness of breath; dry cough; fatigue; fever; chest pain; red or swollen patches on the skin; enlarged lymph nodes; eye irritation or vision problems

Root Cause:
Formation of granulomas (clusters of inflammatory cells) in multiple organs, particularly the lungs and lymph nodes, leading to inflammation and tissue damage.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Chest X-ray, HRCT, pulmonary function tests, biopsy showing non-caseating granulomas, blood tests (ACE levels, calcium), and exclusion of other granulomatous diseases.

Treatment:
Corticosteroids (mainstay of treatment), immunosuppressive agents (e.g., methotrexate), and symptom management.

Medications:
Prednisone (a corticosteroid) is commonly prescribed. Immunosuppressants like methotrexate , azathioprine , or mycophenolate mofetil may be used for steroid-sparing effects.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 10-40 per 100,000 people, more common in African Americans and women.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic predisposition, environmental exposures, and immune system dysregulation.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Many cases resolve spontaneously; some develop chronic disease, with about 10-15% of cases leading to permanent lung damage.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, heart involvement (sarcoid cardiomyopathy), and organ failure.

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM)

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Restrictive Lung Diseases

Sub-category: Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILD)

Symptoms:
shortness of breath; chest pain; cough; fatigue; pneumothorax; hemoptysis; abdominal pain

Root Cause:
Abnormal growth of smooth muscle cells in the lungs and lymphatic system, leading to cystic destruction of the lung tissue and airway obstruction. Most common in women of reproductive age and often associated with tuberous sclerosis complex.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
HRCT showing characteristic cystic lesions, pulmonary function tests showing restrictive lung pattern, and genetic testing for tuberous sclerosis (if suspected).

Treatment:
No definitive cure; treatment focuses on symptom management, including oxygen therapy and management of pneumothorax. In some cases, lung transplantation may be considered.

Medications:
Rapamycin (sirolimus ), an immunosuppressant, may be used to slow disease progression, particularly in tuberous sclerosis-associated LAM.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; affects about 1-2 women per 1,000,000 annually.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic predisposition, specifically in individuals with tuberous sclerosis complex.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Progressive with variable severity; lung transplantation may be necessary in advanced cases.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Pneumothorax, pulmonary hypertension, respiratory failure, and renal tumors associated with tuberous sclerosis.

Pulmonary Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (PLCH)

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Restrictive Lung Diseases

Sub-category: Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILD)

Symptoms:
cough; shortness of breath; chest pain; fatigue; fever; unexplained weight loss

Root Cause:
Abnormal proliferation of Langerhans cells (a type of immune cell) in the lungs, causing granulomatous inflammation and tissue damage, most often in heavy smokers.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
HRCT showing cystic and nodular lesions, biopsy revealing Langerhans cells and characteristic granulomas.

Treatment:
Smoking cessation, corticosteroids for inflammation, and chemotherapy or immunotherapy in severe cases.

Medications:
Prednisone (corticosteroid) for inflammation; other immunosuppressants like methotrexate may be used for refractory disease.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; primarily affects young adults, with a higher prevalence in smokers.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Smoking, possibly occupational exposures to certain chemicals or dust.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Often self-limiting in mild cases, but severe disease can progress to respiratory failure and fibrosis.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Pulmonary fibrosis, pneumothorax, and secondary infections.

Silicosis

Specialty: Toxicology

Category: Chronic Toxicity and Long-Term Exposures

Sub-category: Occupational and Environmental Exposures

Symptoms:
persistent cough; shortness of breath; chest pain; fatigue; loss of appetite; fever in advanced stages

Root Cause:
Inhalation of silica dust causes inflammation, scarring, and progressive fibrosis of the lungs.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Chest X-rays, high-resolution CT scans, pulmonary function tests, and occupational history.

Treatment:
There is no cure; treatment focuses on symptom management, pulmonary rehabilitation, and avoiding further exposure. Advanced cases may require oxygen therapy or lung transplantation.

Medications:
Anti-inflammatory medications like corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone ) may be used to reduce inflammation.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common among workers in mining, construction, and sandblasting industries; globally affects millions.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Occupational exposure to silica dust, smoking, and prolonged exposure duration.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Progressive and irreversible; prognosis depends on the stage at diagnosis. Chronic and accelerated forms have a better prognosis than acute silicosis.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Tuberculosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and respiratory failure.

Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (IPAH)

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Pulmonary Vascular Diseases

Sub-category: Pulmonary Hypertension (PH)

Symptoms:
shortness of breath; fatigue; chest pain; dizziness; fainting; swelling in ankles or legs (edema); palpitations; blue discoloration of lips or skin (cyanosis)

Root Cause:
Narrowing and stiffening of pulmonary arteries with no known cause, leading to increased pulmonary vascular resistance and high blood pressure in the lungs.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is made using echocardiography, right heart catheterization (gold standard), pulmonary function tests, chest X-ray, CT scan, and blood tests to rule out other causes.

Treatment:
Treatment includes medications to lower pulmonary blood pressure, improve exercise capacity, and prevent disease progression; oxygen therapy; and in severe cases, lung transplantation.

Medications:
Medications include phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil , tadalafil ), endothelin receptor antagonists (e.g., bosentan , ambrisentan , macitentan ), prostacyclin analogs (e.g., epoprostenol , treprostinil , iloprost ), soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators (e.g., riociguat ), and calcium channel blockers (e.g., nifedipine , diltiazem , only for specific cases).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; estimated prevalence is 1-2 cases per million annually, with a higher incidence in women aged 30-50 years.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Female gender, genetic predisposition (BMPR2 gene mutation), and autoimmune diseases.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; prognosis depends on the severity at diagnosis and response to therapy. Without treatment, survival is 2-3 years, but modern therapies improve long-term outcomes.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Right-sided heart failure, arrhythmias, blood clots, and potential death if untreated.

Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH)

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Pulmonary Vascular Diseases

Sub-category: Pulmonary Hypertension (PH)

Symptoms:
shortness of breath; fatigue; chest pain; dizziness; fainting; swelling in ankles or legs (edema); persistent cough; reduced exercise tolerance

Root Cause:
Chronic obstruction and remodeling of pulmonary arteries due to unresolved blood clots, causing high blood pressure in the lungs.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed using echocardiography, right heart catheterization (gold standard), ventilation-perfusion (V/Q) scan, CT pulmonary angiography, and pulmonary angiography. Blood tests and other imaging may rule out other causes.

Treatment:
Treatment options include pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) surgery, balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA), anticoagulation therapy, oxygen therapy, and medications to reduce pulmonary vascular resistance.

Medications:
Medications include anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin , rivaroxaban , apixaban ), soluble guanylate cyclase stimulators (e.g., riociguat ), and prostacyclin analogs or endothelin receptor antagonists in inoperable cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; affects approximately 3-5% of individuals who have had a pulmonary embolism.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
History of acute pulmonary embolism, inadequate anticoagulation treatment, thrombophilia, splenectomy, or chronic inflammatory diseases.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With successful pulmonary endarterectomy, prognosis is excellent. In inoperable cases, long-term medical management improves quality of life but prognosis varies.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Right-sided heart failure, arrhythmias, blood clots, and recurrent pulmonary embolism.

Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia (HAP)

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Infectious Diseases of the Respiratory System

Sub-category: Pneumonia

Symptoms:
fever; cough (productive or non-productive); chest pain; difficulty breathing or shortness of breath; fatigue; increased respiratory rate; sputum production (possibly purulent or bloody)

Root Cause:
A type of pneumonia acquired during hospitalization or after at least 48 hours of hospital admission, caused by pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination (e.g., lung auscultation for abnormal sounds). Chest X-ray or CT scan (to identify lung infiltrates). Blood cultures and sputum cultures (to isolate the causative microorganism). Bronchoscopy (if necessary, to obtain samples from the lungs directly). Complete blood count (CBC) and other inflammatory markers (e.g., C-reactive protein, procalcitonin).

Treatment:
Empiric antibiotic therapy (adjusted based on culture results and sensitivities). Ventilatory support if needed (e.g., oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation). Supportive care (hydration, nutrition). Possible drainage of pleural effusions if present.

Medications:
Antibiotics - Piperacillin-tazobactam, Meropenem , Vancomycin , Levofloxacin , and Cefepime (antibiotics used to treat resistant bacterial infections in hospital settings). Analgesics/Antipyretics - Acetaminophen or ibuprofen (used to manage fever and discomfort). Prevalence - HAP is one of the leading causes of death in hospitals. It occurs in approximately 0.5-1% of hospitalized patients. The incidence is higher in intensive care units (ICUs).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Prolonged hospital stay. Mechanical ventilation. Immunocompromised states (e.g., chemotherapy, HIV/AIDS). Previous antibiotic use (leading to resistance). Age (elderly patients are more vulnerable). Underlying chronic diseases (e.g., COPD, diabetes).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Mortality rates can be high, especially in patients with severe comorbidities or those requiring mechanical ventilation. Early identification and targeted antibiotic therapy improve outcomes.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Respiratory failure. Sepsis and septic shock. Pleural effusion and empyema (infection in the pleural space). Increased hospital stay and extended recovery time.

Active TB

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Infectious Diseases of the Respiratory System

Sub-category: Tuberculosis (TB)

Symptoms:
persistent cough; hemoptysis (coughing up blood); night sweats; weight loss; fatigue; fever; chest pain

Root Cause:
Active TB occurs when the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria multiply and spread, causing symptoms and tissue damage, most commonly in the lungs.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed with sputum smear microscopy, culture, chest X-ray, and molecular testing (e.g., GeneXpert). A positive tuberculin skin test or interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) may indicate latent TB or recent exposure.

Treatment:
Treatment involves a combination of antibiotics for 6-9 months, often including Isoniazid, Rifampin, Pyrazinamide, and Ethambutol.

Medications:
The main medications used are Isoniazid (a bactericidal antibiotic), Rifampin (an antitubercular), Pyrazinamide (a bactericidal drug that targets dormant bacteria), and Ethambutol (an antimycobacterial). All are classified as antituberculars.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
TB remains a significant global health issue with over 10 million people affected each year. It is more common in developing countries and among individuals with compromised immune systems.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
HIV infection, immunosuppressive therapy (e.g., corticosteroids, chemotherapy), living in or traveling to high-risk areas, close contact with someone with active TB, malnutrition, and poor living conditions.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
If diagnosed early and treated appropriately, the prognosis is generally good, with a high cure rate. However, drug-resistant TB can complicate treatment and worsen prognosis.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Complications may include drug-resistant TB, lung damage, pneumonia, pleural effusion, hemoptysis, and dissemination of TB to other organs (e.g., kidneys, bones, brain).

Histoplasmosis

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Fungal Infections

Symptoms:
fever; cough; chest pain; fatigue; shortness of breath; night sweats; weight loss

Root Cause:
Infection by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, commonly through inhalation of spores from contaminated soil or bird/bat droppings.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Antigen detection in blood or urine, fungal cultures, histopathology, and imaging studies like chest X-rays or CT scans.

Treatment:
Antifungal medications such as itraconazole (first-line for mild cases) or amphotericin B (for severe cases).

Medications:
Itraconazole (triazole antifungal) and amphotericin B (polyene antifungal) for more severe infections.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Endemic in certain areas like the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys in the United States; affects 500,000 people annually in the U.S.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Living in or traveling to endemic areas, immunosuppression, occupational exposure to bird/bat droppings.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Favorable in mild cases; chronic or disseminated histoplasmosis can be life-threatening without treatment.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic pulmonary histoplasmosis, disseminated histoplasmosis, pericarditis, or adrenal insufficiency in severe cases.

Blastomycosis

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Fungal Infections

Symptoms:
fever; cough; chest pain; fatigue; night sweats; skin lesions; muscle and joint pain

Root Cause:
Infection caused by the Blastomyces fungus, typically found in moist soil and decomposing organic matter; affects the lungs and can disseminate to other body parts.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Fungal culture, microscopy of sputum or tissue, urine antigen tests, chest X-rays, and biopsy.

Treatment:
Long-term antifungal therapy; severe cases may require intravenous medications.

Medications:
Itraconazole (antifungal triazole) for mild-to-moderate cases; Amphotericin B (antifungal polyene) for severe or disseminated disease.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Most common in areas near the Great Lakes, Mississippi, and Ohio River valleys; primarily affects people exposed to soil and vegetation.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Occupational or recreational exposure to soil and decomposing wood, immunosuppression.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good if treated early; untreated disseminated blastomycosis can be fatal.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic pulmonary disease, dissemination to the skin, bones, and central nervous system.

Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever)

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Infectious Diseases of the Respiratory System

Sub-category: Fungal Infections

Symptoms:
fever; cough; fatigue; chest pain; shortness of breath; rash; headache; joint pain

Root Cause:
Caused by inhaling spores of Coccidioides species, fungi found in desert soils in the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico and Central and South America.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests for antibodies, antigen detection, fungal cultures, imaging (chest X-ray or CT scan), or biopsy of affected tissues.

Treatment:
Mild cases often resolve without treatment; antifungal therapy is required for severe or chronic cases.

Medications:
Fluconazole or itraconazole (triazole antifungals) for most cases; amphotericin B (a polyene antifungal) for severe or disseminated infections.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Endemic to arid regions; affects tens of thousands annually in the U.S., particularly in Arizona and California.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Living in or traveling to endemic areas, occupational exposure to dust, pregnancy, and immune suppression.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good for acute cases; chronic or disseminated infections may require long-term treatment and carry a risk of complications.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic pulmonary disease, disseminated infection affecting bones, skin, or meninges, and severe respiratory distress.

Aspergillosis

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Fungal Infections

Symptoms:
fever; cough; shortness of breath; chest pain; fatigue; weight loss; sinus congestion; wheezing

Root Cause:
Infection caused by the Aspergillus fungus, which is found in soil, decaying organic matter, and indoor environments; affects individuals with weakened immune systems or underlying lung conditions.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests, imaging studies (CT or X-rays of lungs), sputum cultures, biopsy, galactomannan assay, and PCR for Aspergillus DNA.

Treatment:
Antifungal medications, surgical removal of fungal masses (if necessary), corticosteroids in allergic forms.

Medications:
Voriconazole (antifungal triazole), Amphotericin B (antifungal polyene), Itraconazole (antifungal triazole), and Posaconazole (antifungal triazole).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare in the general population; more common in individuals with compromised immune systems or chronic lung diseases.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Immunosuppression, long-term corticosteroid use, chemotherapy, solid organ transplants, hematologic malignancies, and existing lung diseases such as COPD or tuberculosis.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; invasive aspergillosis has a high mortality rate without prompt treatment, while allergic forms are manageable with proper therapy.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Respiratory failure, dissemination to other organs, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), chronic pulmonary aspergillosis.

Lung Abscess

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

Symptoms:
persistent cough with foul-smelling sputum; fever; chills; night sweats; chest pain; fatigue; weight loss; shortness of breath

Root Cause:
Localized collection of pus in the lung tissue due to necrosis caused by bacterial infection, often following aspiration or obstruction of airways.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis involves imaging studies (chest X-ray, CT scan) to identify cavities with air-fluid levels, sputum culture, bronchoscopy, and blood tests to detect infection markers.

Treatment:
Treatment typically involves prolonged antibiotic therapy, drainage of the abscess if needed, and supportive care such as oxygen therapy.

Medications:
Antibiotics - Beta-lactam antibiotics combined with beta-lactamase inhibitors (e.g., amoxicillin-clavulanate), clindamycin , or carbapenems. These are used for anaerobic and polymicrobial infections. Adjunct medications - Analgesics for pain management and antipyretics for fever.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Relatively rare; accounts for less than 1% of cases of pneumonia in developed countries, more common in individuals with risk factors like aspiration or immunosuppression.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Aspiration due to impaired swallowing or altered consciousness (e.g., alcohol use, anesthesia), poor dental hygiene, chronic lung diseases, or immunosuppression.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Most patients recover with appropriate antibiotic therapy; however, untreated cases can lead to severe complications. Mortality is higher in immunocompromised patients.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Empyema, bronchopleural fistula, sepsis, hemorrhage, and chronic lung disease.

Empyema (Pleural Infection)

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Infectious Diseases of the Respiratory System

Symptoms:
fever; chest pain; cough; shortness of breath; fatigue; weight loss; chills

Root Cause:
Accumulation of pus in the pleural cavity, often as a complication of pneumonia or lung infection, caused by bacterial pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae or Staphylococcus aureus.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Chest X-ray, ultrasound, or CT scan of the chest; thoracentesis to analyze pleural fluid; and blood tests to assess infection markers.

Treatment:
Antibiotics targeting the causative organism, drainage of the infected fluid via chest tube (thoracostomy), and occasionally surgical decortication if the infection is refractory.

Medications:
Empiric antibiotics such as vancomycin (glycopeptide antibiotic) and ceftriaxone (third-generation cephalosporin) are typically used initially. Specific antibiotics may be chosen based on culture results.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Occurs in approximately 20% of hospitalized patients with pneumonia; incidence varies by region and population.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Untreated or inadequately treated pneumonia, recent chest surgery or trauma, weakened immune system, diabetes, or chronic lung diseases.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With appropriate treatment, most patients recover, but delayed treatment can lead to severe outcomes. Mortality rates range from 5–20% depending on severity.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Septic shock, respiratory failure, pleural thickening, lung entrapment, and persistent infection requiring surgery.

Transudative Pleural Effusion

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Pleural Diseases

Sub-category: Pleural Effusion

Symptoms:
shortness of breath; chest pain; cough; reduced breath sounds on the affected side; dullness to percussion on physical exam

Root Cause:
An imbalance between hydrostatic and oncotic pressures, often due to conditions such as congestive heart failure (CHF) or hypoalbuminemia.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Chest X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, and thoracentesis (analysis of pleural fluid to confirm low protein and lactate dehydrogenase levels consistent with transudate).

Treatment:
Treating the underlying cause (e.g., diuretics for CHF, correcting hypoalbuminemia) and therapeutic thoracentesis if symptomatic relief is required.

Medications:
Diuretics, such as furosemide , are commonly prescribed to manage fluid overload in cases of CHF. Albumin infusions may be used if hypoalbuminemia is present.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common among patients with chronic heart failure and liver or kidney disease; precise prevalence varies by population and comorbidities.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Congestive heart failure, nephrotic syndrome, liver cirrhosis, and hypoalbuminemia.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good when the underlying condition is effectively treated, but recurrence is possible if the primary cause is not addressed.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Risk of lung compression, secondary infections, and respiratory failure if untreated.

Traumatic Pneumothorax

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Pleural Diseases

Sub-category: Pneumothorax

Symptoms:
chest pain; shortness of breath; difficulty breathing; visible chest injury; cyanosis (bluish skin); rapid heart rate

Root Cause:
Air enters the pleural space due to an external injury, such as blunt or penetrating chest trauma, causing lung collapse.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Chest X-ray, CT scan, or ultrasound to identify air in the pleural space; physical exam may show diminished breath sounds or tracheal deviation in severe cases.

Treatment:
Immediate needle decompression if life-threatening; chest tube placement to remove air and re-expand the lung; surgical repair for extensive injuries.

Medications:
Antibiotics to prevent or treat infections, and pain management with opioids or NSAIDs.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Incidence is variable, depending on trauma prevalence; more common in trauma centers and emergency settings.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
High-risk activities (e.g., motor vehicle accidents, contact sports), rib fractures, medical procedures like central line placement, or penetrating injuries.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Favorable with timely intervention, though recovery may take weeks depending on severity.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Infection, tension pneumothorax, and long-term lung scarring or reduced function.

Hemothorax

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Thoracic (Chest) Injuries

Sub-category: Penetrating Chest Trauma

Symptoms:
chest pain; difficulty breathing; rapid heart rate; low blood pressure; pale or clammy skin; coughing up blood; decreased breath sounds on one side

Root Cause:
Hemothorax occurs when blood accumulates in the pleural space (the area between the lung and the chest wall), usually due to trauma (e.g., stab wound or rib fractures) or rupture of blood vessels within the chest.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is typically confirmed through imaging, such as a chest X-ray or CT scan, showing blood in the pleural space. In some cases, a thoracentesis (needle insertion) may be performed to analyze the pleural fluid.

Treatment:
Treatment involves draining the blood through a chest tube (thoracostomy) to prevent further complications like lung compression. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to stop the bleeding and repair damaged structures.

Medications:
Pain management with analgesics like acetaminophen , NSAIDs, or opioids for more severe pain. In cases where bleeding is ongoing, clotting factors or blood transfusions may be required.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Hemothorax is a common consequence of trauma, particularly in motor vehicle accidents, with an estimated incidence of 20-30% in trauma patients with chest injuries.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Trauma (especially blunt or penetrating chest trauma), fractures of the ribs or sternum, high-impact accidents (e.g., motor vehicle crashes), or complications from anticoagulant medications.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With prompt treatment, the prognosis for hemothorax is generally good. However, delayed treatment or significant blood loss can lead to complications such as shock, infection, or impaired lung function.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Possible complications include infection (empyema), lung collapse, and difficulty in managing significant blood loss or shock. Chronic pleural effusion may occur if the blood does not fully resolve.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Pleural Diseases

Sub-category: Malignancies

Symptoms:
chest pain; shortness of breath; persistent cough; unexplained weight loss; fatigue; pleural effusion (fluid buildup)

Root Cause:
A rare, aggressive cancer caused by asbestos exposure, originating in the pleura (lining of the lungs).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed through imaging studies (chest X-ray, CT, PET scans), biopsy of pleural tissue, and blood tests for biomarkers like mesothelin.

Treatment:
Multimodal treatment includes surgery (e.g., pleurectomy/decortication or extrapleural pneumonectomy), chemotherapy (e.g., cisplatin with pemetrexed), and radiation therapy.

Medications:
Chemotherapy drugs such as cisplatin (a platinum-based agent) and pemetrexed (an antifolate agent) are commonly used. Immunotherapy agents like nivolumab may also be considered.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, with approximately 2,500 to 3,000 new cases annually in the U.S.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Prolonged asbestos exposure, older age, male gender, smoking (synergistic risk with asbestos).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Poor, with a median survival of 12-21 months post-diagnosis; earlier stages have better outcomes.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Respiratory failure, metastasis, pleural effusion, and severe chest pain.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

Specialty: Oncology

Category: Thoracic Cancers

Sub-category: Lung Cancer

Symptoms:
persistent cough; chest pain; shortness of breath; wheezing; unexplained weight loss; fatigue; hemoptysis (coughing up blood)

Root Cause:
Abnormal and uncontrolled growth of lung cells leading to tumor formation in the lung.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis typically involves imaging tests (CT scan, chest X-ray), biopsy (either via bronchoscopy, needle biopsy, or surgery), and molecular testing for genetic mutations.

Treatment:
Treatment options depend on the stage and type but can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.

Medications:
Chemotherapy drugs such as cisplatin (alkylating agent) and pemetrexed (antimetabolite); targeted therapies like osimertinib (EGFR inhibitor); immunotherapies such as nivolumab (checkpoint inhibitor).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
NSCLC accounts for approximately 85% of all lung cancer cases.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Smoking (primary risk factor), exposure to secondhand smoke, environmental toxins (e.g., radon, asbestos), family history, older age.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis depends on the stage at diagnosis. Early-stage NSCLC has a better prognosis, with survival rates improving with surgery or targeted therapy; advanced stages generally have lower survival rates.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Respiratory failure, metastasis to other organs, pleural effusion, recurrence after treatment, and side effects from treatments (e.g., chemotherapy-induced neutropenia).

Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)

Specialty: Oncology

Category: Thoracic Cancers

Sub-category: Lung Cancer

Symptoms:
cough; chest pain; shortness of breath; wheezing; hoarseness; unexplained weight loss; fatigue; paraneoplastic syndromes (e.g., siadh, cushing’s syndrome)

Root Cause:
Rapidly growing, aggressive cancer that typically starts in the bronchi and spreads early to other parts of the body.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis often involves chest imaging (X-ray, CT), biopsy (bronchoscopy or needle biopsy), and staging with PET scan to assess metastasis.

Treatment:
Treatment primarily involves chemotherapy and radiation. SCLC is less commonly treated with surgery due to its early spread.

Medications:
Chemotherapy regimens typically include etoposide (topoisomerase inhibitor) and cisplatin (alkylating agent). Immunotherapy agents like atezolizumab are also used in combination with chemotherapy.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
SCLC accounts for about 15% of all lung cancer cases.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Smoking (strongest risk factor), secondhand smoke exposure, occupational exposures (asbestos, radon), genetic predisposition.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
SCLC is aggressive with a poor prognosis. It often metastasizes quickly and is typically diagnosed at a later stage. However, with early diagnosis and aggressive treatment, some patients may achieve remission.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Metastasis to brain, liver, and bones, paraneoplastic syndromes, treatment-related side effects, and cachexia.

Lung Carcinoid Tumors

Specialty: Oncology

Category: Thoracic Cancers

Sub-category: Lung Cancer

Symptoms:
persistent cough; wheezing; chest pain; shortness of breath; unexplained weight loss; fatigue; coughing up blood (hemoptysis); recurrent pneumonia

Root Cause:
Slow-growing neuroendocrine tumors that form in the lung tissue, often originating from bronchial epithelial cells.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis typically involves imaging (CT scans, X-ray), biopsy (bronchoscopy or percutaneous biopsy), and possibly a bronchial lavage or cytology. Immunohistochemistry is used to confirm the neuroendocrine nature of the tumor.

Treatment:
Surgery is the primary treatment for localized carcinoid tumors. For advanced stages, treatments may include chemotherapy or somatostatin analogs (e.g., octreotide) for symptom control and slowing tumor growth.

Medications:
Somatostatin analogs (e.g., octreotide ) for symptom control, chemotherapy agents such as streptozocin (alkylating agent) or etoposide (topoisomerase inhibitor) for advanced disease.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Lung carcinoid tumors are rare, accounting for about 1–2% of all lung cancers.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Smoking is less of a risk factor compared to other types of lung cancer. There may be associations with genetic conditions such as multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndrome.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good prognosis, especially when diagnosed early. These tumors tend to grow slowly and are often treatable with surgery, with many patients surviving long-term after removal of the tumor.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Metastasis (though rare), recurrence of tumors, carcinoid syndrome (flushing, diarrhea, wheezing), and treatment-related side effects.

Metastatic Lung Disease

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Neoplastic Conditions

Symptoms:
chronic cough; shortness of breath; chest pain; fatigue; unintentional weight loss; hemoptysis (coughing up blood); wheezing

Root Cause:
Cancer that has spread (metastasized) to the lungs from other parts of the body, often through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Imaging studies (chest X-ray, CT scan, PET scan), biopsy of lung tissue, bronchoscopy, and analysis of fluid (if pleural effusion is present).

Treatment:
Treatment focuses on palliative care and control of the primary cancer. Options include systemic chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and sometimes localized radiation therapy.

Medications:
Common medications include systemic chemotherapy agents (e.g., paclitaxel , carboplatin ), targeted therapies (e.g., EGFR inhibitors like erlotinib or ALK inhibitors like crizotinib ), and immune checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., pembrolizumab , nivolumab ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 20-40% of cancers metastasize to the lungs. Prevalence depends on the type of primary cancer (e.g., breast, colorectal, kidney, and melanoma are common sources).

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Primary cancers with high metastatic potential, advanced-stage cancer, genetic predispositions, and immune suppression.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Poor overall prognosis, as metastatic lung disease is often a late-stage finding; survival depends on the type and extent of primary cancer and response to therapy.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Respiratory failure, pleural effusion, significant pain, decreased quality of life, and complications from treatments such as infections or side effects of systemic therapy.

Malignant Pleural Effusion

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Neoplastic Conditions

Symptoms:
shortness of breath; chest pain; dry cough; fatigue; orthopnea (difficulty breathing while lying down); decreased exercise tolerance

Root Cause:
Accumulation of cancerous fluid in the pleural space (the area between the lungs and chest wall) due to malignancies, often from lung cancer, breast cancer, or lymphoma.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Thoracentesis with fluid cytology, chest imaging (X-ray, CT scan), pleural biopsy if needed, and thoracoscopy in selected cases.

Treatment:
Treatment involves drainage of the effusion (thoracentesis, chest tube placement), pleurodesis, indwelling pleural catheter for symptom relief, and systemic therapy targeting the underlying malignancy.

Medications:
Medications to manage the condition may include chemotherapy (e.g., cisplatin , pemetrexed ), targeted agents (e.g., bevacizumab for VEGF inhibition), and corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Occurs in about 15% of cancer patients, most frequently associated with lung and breast cancers.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Advanced malignancy, particularly lung or breast cancer, lymphoma, or cancers with high pleural involvement.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally poor, with median survival ranging from 3 to 12 months depending on the underlying cancer and response to therapy.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Recurrence of effusion, infection, lung collapse (atelectasis), impaired quality of life, and progression of underlying cancer.

Thymomas

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Neoplastic Conditions

Sub-category: Mediastinal Tumors

Symptoms:
chest pain; persistent cough; shortness of breath; hoarseness; fatigue; weight loss; muscle weakness (in cases of associated myasthenia gravis)

Root Cause:
A tumor arising from the epithelial cells of the thymus gland, typically located in the anterior mediastinum.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis involves imaging studies such as chest X-rays, CT scans, or MRI, along with biopsy (needle biopsy or surgical biopsy) to confirm histology. Blood tests may be used to check for associated autoimmune conditions.

Treatment:
Treatment typically involves surgical removal of the tumor (thymectomy), with or without adjuvant radiation therapy or chemotherapy depending on the stage of the disease.

Medications:
Chemotherapy agents like cisplatin (a platinum-based chemotherapy) or cyclophosphamide (an alkylating agent) may be used for advanced or unresectable cases. Immunosuppressive medications like prednisone or mycophenolate mofetil may also be prescribed if associated with autoimmune complications.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, accounting for approximately 0.2-1.5% of all malignancies; thymomas are more common in adults, particularly in their 40s to 60s.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Associated with autoimmune diseases such as myasthenia gravis, red cell aplasia, and hypogammaglobulinemia. No strong environmental or genetic risk factors have been identified.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good if detected early and completely resected. Advanced stages may have a poorer prognosis, with a 5-year survival rate of approximately 50-90%, depending on stage and treatment.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Potential complications include metastasis, recurrence, superior vena cava syndrome, and autoimmune disorders such as myasthenia gravis, red cell aplasia, or systemic lupus erythematosus.

Lymphomas

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Neoplastic Conditions

Sub-category: Mediastinal Tumors (Primary or secondary involvement of the mediastinum)

Symptoms:
enlarged lymph nodes (in the chest or other areas); persistent cough; shortness of breath; chest pain; fever; night sweats; unexplained weight loss; fatigue

Root Cause:
Malignancies of the lymphatic system involving abnormal proliferation of lymphocytes, often in the lymph nodes or extranodal lymphatic tissues such as the thymus. Common types include Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed through imaging (CT, PET scan, or MRI), lymph node biopsy, and laboratory tests such as blood counts and immunophenotyping. Bone marrow biopsy may also be performed for staging.

Treatment:
Treatment depends on the type and stage. It may include chemotherapy (e.g., R-CHOP regimen for non-Hodgkin lymphoma or ABVD for Hodgkin lymphoma), radiation therapy, targeted therapies like rituximab (monoclonal antibody), and stem cell transplantation in refractory or relapsed cases.

Medications:
Chemotherapy regimens include cyclophosphamide (alkylating agent), doxorubicin (anthracycline), vincristine (vinca alkaloid), and prednisone (corticosteroid). Targeted therapy such as rituximab (monoclonal antibody against CD20) or brentuximab vedotin (antibody-drug conjugate) may also be prescribed.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Hodgkin lymphoma represents about 10% of all lymphomas, while non-Hodgkin lymphoma is one of the most common cancers globally. Mediastinal involvement occurs in 60-80% of Hodgkin cases and in certain subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphomas.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, immunosuppressive conditions (e.g., HIV/AIDS), exposure to Epstein-Barr virus (for Hodgkin lymphoma), exposure to herbicides or pesticides, and prior chemotherapy or radiation.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis varies depending on type and stage. Hodgkin lymphoma has an overall 5-year survival rate of approximately 85-90%, while non-Hodgkin lymphoma varies widely from 40-90%, depending on subtype and stage.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Potential complications include organ infiltration, immune system dysfunction, infections, secondary malignancies (due to chemotherapy or radiation), and complications from treatment (e.g., cardiotoxicity, pulmonary fibrosis).

Acute and Chronic Beryllium Disease

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Occupational and Environmental Lung Diseases

Symptoms:
shortness of breath; cough; chest pain; fatigue; fever; weight loss; night sweats; skin rash (in some cases)

Root Cause:
Exposure to beryllium, a lightweight metal found in certain industries (e.g., aerospace, electronics, and nuclear sectors), triggers an immune-mediated response. Acute beryllium disease results from high-level exposure causing chemical pneumonitis, while chronic beryllium disease (CBD) arises from prolonged low-level exposure leading to granulomatous inflammation and scarring in the lungs.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis involves a detailed occupational history, chest imaging (e.g., X-rays or CT scans), pulmonary function tests, and the beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (BeLPT), which detects sensitization to beryllium. Bronchoscopy with biopsy may be used to confirm granulomatous inflammation.

Treatment:
Acute cases typically involve supportive care, such as oxygen therapy and avoiding further exposure. Chronic beryllium disease is treated with corticosteroids to reduce lung inflammation and immunosuppressive drugs in severe cases. Pulmonary rehabilitation and supplemental oxygen may also be necessary.

Medications:
Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone ) - Used to reduce inflammation in chronic beryllium disease. Immunosuppressive agents (e.g., methotrexate or azathioprine ) - Prescribed in cases where corticosteroids are insufficient or contraindicated. Bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol ) - Used to alleviate symptoms such as wheezing and airway constriction. Supplemental oxygen - Not a medication but often required in advanced disease stages to improve oxygenation.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
The exact prevalence is unknown but primarily affects workers exposed to beryllium, with approximately 2-10% of exposed individuals developing sensitization and a smaller subset progressing to chronic beryllium disease.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Prolonged occupational exposure to beryllium, genetic predisposition (HLA-DPB1 gene mutations), inadequate workplace safety measures, smoking, and pre-existing lung conditions.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Acute beryllium disease has a good prognosis with prompt removal from exposure and treatment, while chronic beryllium disease is a lifelong condition with variable progression. Early detection and management can improve quality of life, but severe cases may lead to respiratory failure or death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Pulmonary fibrosis, progressive lung dysfunction, cor pulmonale (right-sided heart failure due to lung disease), and increased risk of infections due to impaired lung function.

Pulmonary Eosinophilia

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Other Respiratory Conditions

Symptoms:
cough; shortness of breath; wheezing; fever; fatigue; chest pain

Root Cause:
Pulmonary eosinophilia is characterized by an increase in eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) in the lungs, often triggered by allergies, infections, or autoimmune diseases.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis includes blood tests showing elevated eosinophil counts, chest imaging (CT scan), and sometimes bronchoscopy with biopsy.

Treatment:
Treatment typically involves corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) to reduce inflammation and addressing any underlying causes (e.g., infection or allergy).

Medications:
Common medications include corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone ) for inflammation and antibiotics if an infection is present. These are classified as corticosteroids and antibiotics.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Relatively rare; more common in individuals with allergies or asthma.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Allergies, asthma, infections (e.g., parasitic), autoimmune diseases.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With treatment, the condition often improves, though recurrence can occur if the underlying cause is not resolved.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Untreated pulmonary eosinophilia may lead to lung damage, fibrosis, or respiratory failure in severe cases.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

Specialty: Genetics

Category: Genetic Contributions to Common Diseases

Sub-category: Cardiovascular Disorders

Symptoms:
shortness of breath; chest pain; fainting (syncope); palpitations; fatigue; sudden cardiac arrest in severe cases

Root Cause:
Genetic mutations in sarcomeric proteins lead to abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, particularly in the left ventricle, impairing normal function.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Echocardiogram, electrocardiogram (ECG), genetic testing, cardiac MRI, and family history assessment.

Treatment:
Lifestyle changes, medications, surgical interventions (myectomy), septal ablation, or implantation of a cardioverter defibrillator (ICD).

Medications:
Beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol ), calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil ), and antiarrhythmic drugs (e.g., amiodarone ). Beta-blockers help reduce heart rate and workload, while calcium channel blockers improve relaxation of the heart muscle.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 1 in 500 individuals worldwide; higher in families with known genetic mutations.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of HCM, genetic mutations in sarcomeric proteins, young age at diagnosis.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Most cases can be managed effectively, but the risk of sudden cardiac death remains, especially in untreated or undiagnosed cases.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Arrhythmias, heart failure, stroke, and sudden cardiac death.

Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy

Specialty: Cardiovascular

Category: Heart Diseases

Sub-category: Cardiomyopathies

Symptoms:
palpitations; dizziness or fainting; shortness of breath; chest pain; sudden cardiac death during physical activity

Root Cause:
A genetic condition where the muscle tissue of the right ventricle is replaced by fat and fibrous tissue, leading to arrhythmias.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
EKG, echocardiogram, cardiac MRI, genetic testing, and sometimes a biopsy.

Treatment:
Lifestyle modification (avoiding strenuous exercise), medications, ICDs, and catheter ablation for arrhythmias.

Medications:
Beta-blockers (e.g., bisoprolol ) and antiarrhythmics (e.g., amiodarone , sotalol ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1 in 5,000 people; more common in athletes and often diagnosed in young adults.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic mutations (e.g., desmosomal protein genes), family history, and vigorous physical activity.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Lifelong condition requiring close monitoring; risk of sudden cardiac death in untreated cases.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Arrhythmias, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death.

Aortic Regurgitation

Specialty: Cardiovascular

Category: Heart Diseases

Sub-category: Valvular Heart Diseases

Symptoms:
fatigue; shortness of breath (especially during exertion or lying flat); palpitations; swollen ankles or feet; chest pain

Root Cause:
The aortic valve doesn’t close tightly, allowing blood to flow backward into the left ventricle, leading to volume overload.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Identified using echocardiography to evaluate valve insufficiency and regurgitant flow, often confirmed with cardiac MRI or CT in complex cases.

Treatment:
Management includes medications for heart failure symptoms and surgical valve repair or replacement in severe cases.

Medications:
Vasodilators (e.g., ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or hydralazine ) can reduce afterload, and diuretics can relieve fluid overload. Beta-blockers may also be used if concurrent hypertension or arrhythmias exist.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Occurs in approximately 2-5% of adults, often increasing with age.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Hypertension; Marfan syndrome; infective endocarditis; rheumatic fever; congenital valve malformation

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Depends on severity; mild cases may remain stable, while severe cases require valve replacement to prevent heart failure.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Heart failure; arrhythmias; endocarditis; aortic aneurysm or dissection

Pulmonic Stenosis

Specialty: Cardiovascular

Category: Heart Diseases

Sub-category: Valvular Heart Diseases

Symptoms:
fatigue; shortness of breath; chest pain; heart murmur; fainting (syncope); cyanosis in severe cases

Root Cause:
Narrowing of the pulmonic valve restricts blood flow from the right ventricle to the pulmonary arteries, increasing the workload on the right heart.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed with echocardiography and Doppler imaging to measure valve narrowing and pressure gradients.

Treatment:
Managed with balloon valvuloplasty or surgical intervention in severe or symptomatic cases.

Medications:
Medications are typically not needed, but diuretics may be used to manage fluid retention in severe cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
A rare congenital heart defect, occurring in about 0.6-0.8 per 1,000 live births.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Congenital heart defects; Noonan syndrome; Carcinoid syndrome

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with treatment; untreated severe cases can lead to right-sided heart failure.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Right-sided heart failure; arrhythmias; cyanosis; infective endocarditis

Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)

Specialty: Cardiovascular

Category: Heart Diseases

Sub-category: Arrhythmias (Heart Rhythm Disorders)

Symptoms:
irregular or rapid heartbeat; palpitations; shortness of breath; fatigue; dizziness; chest pain

Root Cause:
Abnormal electrical signals in the atria cause them to beat irregularly and out of sync with the ventricles.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG), Holter monitor, echocardiogram, stress tests, or event recorders.

Treatment:
Rate control (medications), rhythm control (medications or cardioversion), catheter ablation, and lifestyle modifications (e.g., weight loss, avoiding triggers).

Medications:
Beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol ), calcium channel blockers (e.g., diltiazem ), antiarrhythmics (e.g., amiodarone ), and anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin , apixaban , or rivaroxaban ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1–2% of the global population, with increasing prevalence in individuals over 65 years of age.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart failure, obesity, diabetes, alcohol consumption, and hyperthyroidism.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With appropriate management, patients can maintain a good quality of life, but the condition increases 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, and cardiomyopathy.

Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome (WPW)

Specialty: Cardiovascular

Category: Heart Diseases

Sub-category: Arrhythmias (Heart Rhythm Disorders)

Symptoms:
palpitations; dizziness; shortness of breath; chest pain; syncope; rapid heart rate (tachycardia)

Root Cause:
Presence of an extra electrical pathway (accessory pathway) in the heart leads to episodes of tachycardia or pre-excitation.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
ECG showing a shortened PR interval and delta waves, electrophysiological testing, or Holter monitoring.

Treatment:
Catheter ablation is the preferred treatment; vagal maneuvers and medications may control acute episodes.

Medications:
Antiarrhythmic drugs (e.g., procainamide or flecainide ) may be used to manage symptoms. Beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers are avoided if atrial fibrillation is present.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, occurring in about 1-3 per 1,000 people; often diagnosed in younger individuals.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Congenital condition; family history may play a role.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with catheter ablation; untreated WPW may lead to life-threatening arrhythmias.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Sudden cardiac arrest, atrial fibrillation, or supraventricular tachycardia (SVT).

Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD)

Specialty: Cardiovascular

Category: Heart Diseases

Sub-category: Inflammatory and Infectious Heart Diseases

Symptoms:
shortness of breath; chest pain; fatigue; swelling in the legs; heart murmur

Root Cause:
Chronic damage to the heart valves caused by an autoimmune response to untreated streptococcal infections (group A strep).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed by echocardiography and clinical history of rheumatic fever.

Treatment:
Treatment includes antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and valve repair or replacement for severe damage.

Medications:
Long-term antibiotics (e.g., penicillin prophylaxis), diuretics for fluid management, and anticoagulants to prevent embolism.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 39 million people worldwide, primarily in low-income countries.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Untreated strep throat; poverty; poor access to healthcare; overcrowding

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Lifelong monitoring and treatment required; severe valve damage may necessitate surgery.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Heart failure; arrhythmias; stroke; infective endocarditis

Secondary Hypertension

Specialty: Cardiovascular

Category: Vascular Diseases

Sub-category: Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Symptoms:
depends on underlying cause; persistent elevated blood pressure; fatigue; headaches; chest pain; dizziness

Root Cause:
Elevated blood pressure due to an identifiable cause, such as kidney disease, hormonal disorders (e.g., hyperaldosteronism, Cushing's syndrome), or medication side effects.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Detailed medical history; physical exam; labs (renal function, hormone levels); imaging (renal ultrasound, CT scan); 24-hour urine studies

Treatment:
Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause (e.g., surgery for adrenal tumors, discontinuation of causative medications) and controlling blood pressure with lifestyle changes and medications.

Medications:
Treatment may include ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or diuretics, depending on the underlying cause. For specific causes like hyperaldosteronism, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (e.g., spironolactone ) are used.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Accounts for approximately 5-10% of hypertension cases.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Kidney disease; endocrine disorders; renal artery stenosis; medication use (e.g., NSAIDs, decongestants); sleep apnea

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis depends on the underlying cause; blood pressure can often be normalized or significantly improved with appropriate treatment.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Progression to essential hypertension; organ damage (heart, kidneys, eyes); stroke; cardiovascular disease

Hypertensive Crisis

Specialty: Cardiovascular

Category: Vascular Diseases

Sub-category: Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Symptoms:
severe headache; blurred vision; shortness of breath; chest pain; confusion; nausea/vomiting; nosebleeds

Root Cause:
Sudden, severe elevation of blood pressure (≥180/120 mmHg) with or without acute organ damage. Hypertensive emergency involves organ damage, while urgency does not.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood pressure measurement; assessment for end-organ damage (e.g., labs for kidney function, EKG, imaging for stroke or heart damage)

Treatment:
Immediate reduction of blood pressure in a controlled manner to prevent or minimize organ damage. In emergencies, intravenous medications are used.

Medications:
For hypertensive emergencies, IV medications such as nitroprusside (vasodilator), labetalol (beta-blocker), or nicardipine (calcium channel blocker). For urgency, oral medications like captopril (ACE inhibitor) or clonidine (alpha agonist) are used.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Relatively rare, but more common in patients with poorly controlled hypertension or non-adherence to treatment.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Uncontrolled hypertension; kidney disease; pheochromocytoma; pregnancy-related hypertension (e.g., preeclampsia); sudden discontinuation of antihypertensive medications

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With prompt treatment, prognosis is good; delayed treatment can lead to permanent organ damage or death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Stroke; heart attack; acute kidney injury; pulmonary edema; aortic dissection

Pulmonary Hypertension

Specialty: Cardiovascular

Category: Vascular Diseases

Sub-category: Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Symptoms:
shortness of breath (especially during exertion); fatigue; chest pain; palpitations; leg swelling (edema); syncope (fainting)

Root Cause:
Elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, often caused by underlying conditions such as heart or lung disease, or idiopathic origins.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Echocardiogram; right heart catheterization (gold standard); chest X-ray; CT or MRI of the chest; blood tests for autoimmune or infectious causes

Treatment:
Depends on the underlying cause and includes supportive care, oxygen therapy, medications to lower pulmonary artery pressure, and, in severe cases, lung transplantation.

Medications:
Endothelin receptor antagonists (e.g., bosentan); phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (e.g., sildenafil, tadalafil); prostacyclin analogs (e.g., epoprostenol); calcium channel blockers (for select patients)

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; prevalence varies by subgroup (e.g., idiopathic pulmonary hypertension is ~5-15 cases per million adults annually).

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Connective tissue diseases; congenital heart disease; chronic lung diseases (e.g., COPD, interstitial lung disease); family history; HIV infection; drug/toxin exposure (e.g., certain weight loss drugs)

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic and progressive; survival depends on the underlying cause and treatment. With advanced therapies, quality of life and survival rates have improved.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Right heart failure; arrhythmias; blood clots; pulmonary edema; sudden cardiac death

Myxoma

Specialty: Cardiovascular

Category: Other Cardiovascular Conditions

Sub-category: Heart Tumors

Symptoms:
shortness of breath; chest pain; palpitations; syncope (fainting); systemic embolism (stroke or arterial blockage); fever; fatigue

Root Cause:
A benign tumor originating in the heart, most commonly in the left atrium, attached to the interatrial septum.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed via echocardiography or cardiac MRI.

Treatment:
Treated with surgical resection.

Medications:
No specific medications treat myxoma itself; anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin ) may be used to prevent embolic events if indicated.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, with an estimated prevalence of 0.5 per million people per year.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Sporadic in most cases; familial forms may occur in Carney complex (a genetic syndrome).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with surgical removal; recurrence is rare but possible in familial cases.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Embolic events (stroke, organ infarction), valve obstruction, arrhythmias, sudden death.

Metastatic Tumors to the Heart

Specialty: Cardiovascular

Category: Other Cardiovascular Conditions

Sub-category: Dyslipidemia

Symptoms:
shortness of breath; chest pain; arrhythmias; heart failure symptoms; pericardial effusion (fluid around the heart)

Root Cause:
Secondary invasion of the heart by cancers such as lung, breast, or melanoma.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed through imaging like echocardiography, CT, or MRI, and biopsy if needed.

Treatment:
Treatment focuses on palliative care, chemotherapy, or radiation for the primary cancer.

Medications:
Depends on the primary cancer type (e.g., platinum-based chemotherapy for lung cancer).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
More common than primary cardiac tumors; seen in advanced cancer cases.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Advanced-stage cancer, aggressive malignancies, hematogenous spread.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Poor, due to advanced disease.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Heart failure, tamponade, arrhythmias.

Complications of Heart Valve Surgery

Specialty: Cardiovascular

Category: Other Cardiovascular Conditions

Sub-category: Post-Surgical/Cardiac Intervention Complications

Symptoms:
fever; fatigue; shortness of breath; chest pain; arrhythmias; swelling in legs; wound infection symptoms (redness, discharge)

Root Cause:
Complications can arise from mechanical valve malfunction, infection (endocarditis), or issues related to prosthetic valve placement (e.g., thrombosis, structural degeneration).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Echocardiography (TTE or TEE), blood cultures (for infections), imaging studies (e.g., CT for paravalvular leaks), and clinical symptoms.

Treatment:
Treatment depends on the complication.

Medications:
Antibiotics for infection (e.g., vancomycin , ceftriaxone ); anticoagulants like warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for thromboembolism; diuretics or antiarrhythmic drugs for heart failure or arrhythmias.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Varies depending on the type of valve and procedure; prosthetic valve endocarditis occurs in 1-6% of cases, while mechanical valve thrombosis is less frequent.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Older age, diabetes, poor surgical technique, previous infections, inadequate anticoagulation.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with appropriate treatment but varies by complication; prosthetic valve endocarditis can have a high mortality rate if untreated.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Infection (endocarditis), valve dysfunction (stenosis or regurgitation), paravalvular leaks, thromboembolism, arrhythmias, bleeding from anticoagulation.

Complications of Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery

Specialty: Cardiovascular

Category: Other Cardiovascular Conditions

Sub-category: Post-Surgical/Cardiac Intervention Complications

Symptoms:
chest pain; shortness of breath; fever (infection); arrhythmias; leg pain or swelling (if graft is from the leg)

Root Cause:
Complications may arise from graft failure, wound infections, arrhythmias, or stroke during or after the surgery.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Angiography (to assess graft patency), blood cultures (for infections), imaging studies (CT or ultrasound), and echocardiography.

Treatment:
Depends on the complication.

Medications:
Aspirin and P2Y12 inhibitors (e.g., clopidogrel ) to prevent graft thrombosis; antibiotics for infections; beta-blockers or amiodarone for arrhythmias; statins to manage cholesterol.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Major complications occur in about 5-12% of patients, with infection rates around 1-2% and graft failure rates around 10% within the first year.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Older age, diabetes, obesity, smoking, poor graft selection, and poor perioperative care.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good with successful surgery, but long-term outcomes depend on the patient's adherence to lifestyle changes and medications.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Graft occlusion, infection (sternal or leg wound), atrial fibrillation, heart attack, stroke.

Cardiac Amyloidosis

Specialty: Cardiovascular

Category: Other Cardiovascular Conditions

Sub-category: Metabolic and Genetic Cardiovascular Disorders

Symptoms:
shortness of breath; swelling in legs and feet (edema); fatigue; irregular heartbeat; difficulty exercising; low blood pressure; chest pain

Root Cause:
Deposition of amyloid protein in the heart, leading to stiffened heart walls and impaired heart function.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Echocardiography, cardiac MRI, endomyocardial biopsy, blood tests (e.g., serum free light chain assay), and imaging with technetium-labeled radiotracers. Genetic testing may be performed for hereditary forms.

Treatment:
Includes addressing heart failure symptoms, halting amyloid protein deposition, and organ transplantation in advanced cases.

Medications:
Tafamidis (stabilizes transthyretin amyloid proteins), diuretics (e.g., furosemide , to manage fluid buildup), and anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin , if atrial fibrillation is present). Tafamidis is a transthyretin stabilizer; diuretics are used for symptom management, and anticoagulants prevent blood clots.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) affects approximately 1 in 100,000 people, with higher prevalence in older adults and certain populations.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Advanced age, male sex, African or Mediterranean ancestry, family history of amyloidosis, chronic inflammatory diseases.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; depends on the type and extent of amyloidosis. Prognosis improves with early diagnosis and treatment. Without treatment, progression leads to heart failure and poor outcomes.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Heart failure, arrhythmias, thromboembolism, sudden cardiac death.

Hemochromatosis-Related Cardiomyopathy

Specialty: Cardiovascular

Category: Other Cardiovascular Conditions

Sub-category: Metabolic and Genetic Cardiovascular Disorders

Symptoms:
fatigue; shortness of breath; chest pain; palpitations; edema in legs; irregular heartbeat; signs of heart failure

Root Cause:
Excessive iron deposition in the heart muscle, leading to oxidative damage, fibrosis, and impaired heart function.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests (serum ferritin, transferrin saturation), genetic testing (HFE gene mutations), cardiac MRI (to assess iron overload), echocardiography, and liver biopsy (to confirm systemic iron overload).

Treatment:
Iron removal through phlebotomy or chelation therapy, and management of heart failure symptoms.

Medications:
Deferoxamine , deferasirox , or deferiprone (iron chelators). These are used to reduce iron overload in patients who cannot undergo phlebotomy. Diuretics and beta-blockers may also be used to manage heart failure symptoms.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Hemochromatosis affects approximately 1 in 200–300 individuals of European descent; cardiomyopathy develops in a subset of untreated cases.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic predisposition (HFE gene mutations), male sex, excessive alcohol consumption, metabolic syndrome.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good if diagnosed and treated early; untreated cases can lead to severe heart failure and other organ damage.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Heart failure, arrhythmias, liver cirrhosis, diabetes, hypogonadism.

Esophageal Stricture

Specialty: Gastrointestinal

Category: Esophageal Disorders

Sub-category: Structural Disorders

Symptoms:
difficulty swallowing (dysphagia); painful swallowing (odynophagia); regurgitation of food; unexplained weight loss; chest pain

Root Cause:
Narrowing of the esophagus due to scar tissue formation, inflammation, or external compression, often caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), radiation therapy, or ingestion of caustic substances.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed using endoscopy, barium swallow X-ray, or esophageal manometry.

Treatment:
Endoscopic dilation using a balloon or bougie, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for acid suppression, and addressing the underlying cause (e.g., GERD treatment). In severe cases, surgical intervention may be required.

Medications:
Proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole , lansoprazole ) to reduce acid and prevent further damage. Corticosteroids may be used in certain inflammatory strictures.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common among adults with GERD; prevalence increases with age and in patients with a history of esophageal trauma or surgery.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Chronic GERD, radiation therapy to the chest, esophageal surgery, ingestion of corrosive substances, certain infections (e.g., fungal or viral esophagitis).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good if treated early, but recurrence is possible. Long-term acid suppression therapy is often needed to prevent recurrence.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Persistent dysphagia, food impaction, malnutrition, and an increased risk of esophageal perforation during dilation.

Achalasia

Specialty: Gastrointestinal

Category: Esophageal Disorders

Sub-category: Motility Disorders

Symptoms:
difficulty swallowing; regurgitation of undigested food; chest pain; heartburn-like symptoms; unintentional weight loss

Root Cause:
Failure of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to relax due to nerve degeneration, causing impaired esophageal motility and food stasis.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed via esophageal manometry (gold standard), barium swallow X-ray, and endoscopy to rule out other causes.

Treatment:
Pneumatic dilation, surgical myotomy (Heller myotomy), or peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM); medications such as nitrates or calcium channel blockers may be used in mild cases.

Medications:
Calcium channel blockers (e.g., nifedipine ) and nitrates (e.g., isosorbide dinitrate ) to relax the LES; botulinum toxin injections can provide temporary relief.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, affecting approximately 1 in 100,000 people annually; more common in middle-aged and older adults.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
No definitive risk factors, though genetic predisposition and autoimmune mechanisms are suspected.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with appropriate intervention, but symptoms may recur. Long-term follow-up is often required.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Risk of aspiration, esophageal perforation during dilation, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (long-term complication).

Esophagitis

Specialty: Gastrointestinal

Category: Esophageal Disorders

Sub-category: Inflammatory and Infectious Disorders

Symptoms:
pain or difficulty swallowing; chest pain; heartburn; regurgitation; nausea; vomiting; sore throat

Root Cause:
Inflammation of the esophageal lining caused by acid reflux, infections, medications, or allergies.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Endoscopy with biopsy, barium swallow studies, and laboratory tests for infectious causes.

Treatment:
Addressing the underlying cause, acid suppression therapy, treating infections with appropriate medications, and dietary modifications.

Medications:
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like pantoprazole for acid suppression; antifungals like fluconazole for fungal infections; antivirals like acyclovir for herpes esophagitis; corticosteroids for eosinophilic esophagitis.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common; varies depending on the underlying cause (e.g., GERD-related esophagitis affects millions).

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
GERD, immunosuppression, prolonged medication use, food allergies, and certain infections.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good with appropriate treatment; untreated cases can lead to complications.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Strictures, ulcers, bleeding, and perforation in severe cases.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Specialty: Gastrointestinal

Category: Esophageal Disorders

Sub-category: Inflammatory and Infectious Disorders

Symptoms:
difficulty swallowing; food impaction; chest pain; heartburn; upper abdominal pain; vomiting in children

Root Cause:
Chronic allergic inflammatory condition caused by eosinophil infiltration into the esophageal lining.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Endoscopy with biopsy revealing eosinophilic infiltration (>15 eosinophils per high-power field); allergy testing.

Treatment:
Elimination diets, acid suppression therapy, and corticosteroids (topical or systemic).

Medications:
Topical corticosteroids like fluticasone or budesonide (swallowed); proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole for acid suppression.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 1 in 2,000 people, more common in males and individuals with atopic conditions.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Personal or family history of allergies, asthma, or atopic dermatitis.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with treatment, but it often requires long-term management.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Esophageal strictures, food impactions, and reduced quality of life.

Infectious Esophagitis

Specialty: Gastrointestinal

Category: Esophageal Disorders

Sub-category: Inflammatory and Infectious Disorders

Symptoms:
painful swallowing; difficulty swallowing; chest pain; fever in some cases; nausea

Root Cause:
Infections of the esophagus, commonly caused by Candida species, herpes simplex virus (HSV), or cytomegalovirus (CMV) in immunocompromised individuals.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Endoscopy with biopsy and culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests for viral pathogens.

Treatment:
Antimicrobial or antiviral therapy, depending on the causative agent.

Medications:
Antifungals like fluconazole for Candida ; antivirals such as acyclovir for HSV and ganciclovir for CMV.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common among immunocompromised patients, such as those with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or organ transplants.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Immunosuppression, prolonged corticosteroid use, and uncontrolled diabetes.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with treatment; delayed therapy can lead to complications.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Perforation, strictures, and dissemination of the infection.

Barrett’s Esophagus

Specialty: Gastrointestinal

Category: Esophageal Disorders

Sub-category: Inflammatory and Infectious Disorders

Symptoms:
often asymptomatic; chronic heartburn; difficulty swallowing; chest pain; regurgitation

Root Cause:
Replacement of normal esophageal squamous epithelium with metaplastic columnar epithelium due to chronic acid exposure from GERD.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Endoscopy with biopsy confirming intestinal metaplasia.

Treatment:
Regular surveillance with endoscopy, acid suppression with PPIs, and endoscopic interventions for dysplasia or early cancer.

Medications:
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like esomeprazole or lansoprazole to control acid reflux.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 1-2% of the population, more common in males and individuals over 50.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Chronic GERD, obesity, smoking, and a family history of Barrett’s esophagus or esophageal cancer.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Stable for most; requires monitoring due to the risk of progression to esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Dysplasia and increased risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Nutcracker Esophagus

Specialty: Gastrointestinal

Category: Esophageal Disorders

Sub-category: Motility Disorders

Symptoms:
chest pain; painful swallowing (odynophagia); difficulty swallowing; heartburn-like symptoms; spasms triggered by hot or cold foods or drinks

Root Cause:
Excessive pressure during esophageal muscle contractions, though the contractions remain coordinated. It may result from heightened nerve sensitivity or hypercontractile response.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed via high-resolution esophageal manometry, which measures pressure and coordination of esophageal contractions.

Treatment:
Treatment includes muscle relaxants, pain management, and dietary adjustments. Behavioral therapy may be helpful for managing stress-related triggers.

Medications:
Medications include calcium channel blockers (e.g., nifedipine ), nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin ) to reduce muscle pressure, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (e.g., sertraline ) to modulate pain perception.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, accounting for about 4-6% of esophageal motility disorders.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Stress, anxiety, and other functional gastrointestinal disorders.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good with appropriate management; symptoms can be alleviated, but chronic cases may require ongoing treatment.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Potential weight loss or esophageal mucosal damage if the condition is associated with significant reflux.

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Autonomic Nervous System Disorders

Symptoms:
rapid heartbeat upon standing; dizziness; lightheadedness; fainting; fatigue; brain fog; nausea; cold extremities; chest pain; exercise intolerance

Root Cause:
Dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system, leading to abnormal heart rate and blood flow response to positional changes.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Tilt table test, standing test (measuring heart rate and blood pressure changes), patient history, and ruling out other causes of symptoms.

Treatment:
Non-pharmacological interventions such as increasing salt and fluid intake, wearing compression garments, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications; pharmacological treatments based on symptoms and patient response.

Medications:
Medications include beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol ) to reduce heart rate, fludrocortisone (a mineralocorticoid) to increase blood volume, midodrine (an alpha-1 agonist) to raise blood pressure, and ivabradine (a heart rate-reducing agent).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 0.2% of the population; more common in women, particularly between the ages of 15 and 50.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Female sex, family history of dysautonomia, history of viral illness, autoimmune diseases, and conditions like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome or chronic fatigue syndrome.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Often manageable with treatment, though symptoms may persist for years; improvement is possible with lifestyle changes and targeted therapies.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe limitations in daily activities, increased risk of falls, anxiety or depression due to chronic illness, and possible progression to other forms of dysautonomia.

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.

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).

Lung cancer

Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics

Category: Hematologic and Oncologic Disorders

Sub-category: Oncologic Disorders

Symptoms:
persistent cough; shortness of breath; chest pain; wheezing; coughing up blood

Root Cause:
Abnormal growth of cells in the lungs, often starting in the lining of the airways. It may be non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) or small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis includes chest X-ray, CT scan, biopsy, and sputum cytology.

Treatment:
Treatment includes surgery (lobectomy), chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies.

Medications:
Chemotherapy (e.g., cisplatin , carboplatin , paclitaxel ). Targeted therapies (e.g., erlotinib , osimertinib for EGFR mutations). Immunotherapy (e.g., nivolumab , pembrolizumab ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Lung cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide, with higher incidence in smokers.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Smoking (primary risk factor). Exposure to radon, asbestos, and environmental pollutants. Family history of lung cancer.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis is poor in advanced stages, but early-stage lung cancer can be treated successfully.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Metastasis to other organs (brain, liver, bones). Respiratory failure. Pneumonitis.

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.

Diaphragmatic rupture (from blunt or penetrating trauma)

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Thoracic (Chest) Injuries

Sub-category: Diaphragmatic Injuries

Symptoms:
shortness of breath; chest pain; abdominal pain; respiratory distress; decreased breath sounds on the affected side; abdominal contents visible in the chest on imaging

Root Cause:
A tear in the diaphragm caused by blunt or penetrating trauma, allowing abdominal organs to herniate into the thoracic cavity.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination, chest X-ray, CT scan, ultrasound (FAST scan), or diagnostic laparoscopy.

Treatment:
Surgical repair of the diaphragm, typically through thoracotomy or laparotomy. Emergency management may include stabilizing the patient’s airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs).

Medications:
Pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen , opioids), antibiotics to prevent infection if there is organ herniation or contamination (e.g., broad-spectrum antibiotics like ceftriaxone or metronidazole ). These medications are supportive and adjunct to surgical treatment.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; occurs in approximately 5-7% of patients with significant blunt trauma to the chest or abdomen, and in a higher proportion of penetrating trauma cases.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
High-energy blunt trauma (e.g., motor vehicle collisions, falls from a height), penetrating injuries to the chest or abdomen, prior surgical or congenital diaphragmatic defects.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with timely surgical intervention. Delayed diagnosis can increase morbidity and mortality due to complications like strangulation of herniated organs or respiratory compromise.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Respiratory distress, herniation and strangulation of abdominal organs, infection, sepsis, multi-organ failure, recurrence of the rupture if not properly repaired.

Inhalation injuries (smoke inhalation)

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Burns and Thermal Injuries

Sub-category: Special Burn Types

Symptoms:
coughing; difficulty breathing; wheezing; soot or carbon particles in the mouth or nose; hoarseness; chest pain; confusion or loss of consciousness

Root Cause:
Inhalation of smoke or toxic gases during a fire leads to damage to the respiratory tract, particularly the lungs and airways, and can also cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is based on symptoms, history of exposure, physical examination, pulse oximetry, and chest imaging (X-ray or CT scan). Blood tests for carbon monoxide levels are also used.

Treatment:
Immediate treatment includes oxygen therapy, airway management, nebulized medications to reduce inflammation, and sometimes mechanical ventilation for severe cases.

Medications:
Oxygen therapy (as the primary treatment), bronchodilators (such as albuterol ) for airway constriction, corticosteroids for inflammation, and in some cases, hyperbaric oxygen therapy for carbon monoxide poisoning.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in house fires or industrial accidents, though it often occurs alongside other burns and trauma.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Proximity to fire or hazardous environments, lack of proper ventilation, smoking, and pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis varies widely depending on the severity of the injury and the promptness of treatment. With early intervention, many patients recover fully, but prolonged exposure can lead to permanent respiratory damage.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic respiratory issues (e.g., pulmonary fibrosis), airway obstruction, carbon monoxide poisoning, and in severe cases, death due to asphyxiation.

Respiratory Alkalosis (secondary to renal issues)

Specialty: Nephrology

Category: Acid-Base Disorders

Symptoms:
dizziness; lightheadedness; paresthesias; tetany; confusion; chest pain

Root Cause:
Excessive CO2 elimination (hyperventilation), with the kidneys unable to adequately reduce bicarbonate levels.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood gas analysis (elevated pH, low pCO2), and kidney function evaluation.

Treatment:
Treat underlying cause (e.g., anxiety, hypoxemia), slow breathing rate, and correct electrolyte imbalances.

Medications:
Benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam for anxiety-induced hyperventilation), no direct renal medications.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; seen in critically ill patients or with severe anxiety disorders.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Anxiety, pulmonary disease, sepsis, and renal dysfunction.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with proper management of the underlying cause.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Hypocalcemia, cardiac arrhythmias, and seizures in severe cases.

Esophageal Cancer

Specialty: Oncology

Category: Solid Tumors

Sub-category: Gastrointestinal Cancers

Symptoms:
difficulty swallowing (dysphagia); unintended weight loss; chest pain; hoarseness; persistent cough; heartburn; regurgitation of food or liquids

Root Cause:
Uncontrolled growth of malignant cells in the esophagus, often associated with Barrett’s esophagus, chronic acid reflux (GERD), tobacco use, or alcohol consumption.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Upper endoscopy with biopsy, barium swallow study, imaging (CT scan, PET scan, or MRI), and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) for staging.

Treatment:
Treatment varies by stage and includes surgery (esophagectomy), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy.

Medications:
Medications include chemotherapy drugs such as cisplatin (a platinum-based chemotherapy agent) and fluorouracil (a pyrimidine analog), targeted therapy like trastuzumab (for HER2-positive tumors), and immune checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab (anti-PD-1).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 20,000 cases diagnosed annually in the United States; more common in men and in regions with high tobacco and alcohol use.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Smoking, heavy alcohol use, chronic acid reflux, Barrett’s esophagus, obesity, older age, and male gender.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis depends on the stage at diagnosis; 5-year survival rate ranges from 20% to 45% for localized cancer but is lower for advanced stages.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Malnutrition, aspiration pneumonia, esophageal strictures, metastasis to lymph nodes, lungs, liver, or other organs.

Germ Cell Tumors

Specialty: Oncology

Category: Sarcomas

Sub-category: Pediatric Cancers

Symptoms:
abdominal pain; swelling; mass or lump; difficulty breathing; chest pain

Root Cause:
Tumors originating from germ cells (cells that give rise to sperm and eggs) in the gonads or extragonadal sites.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Imaging (CT, MRI, ultrasound), biopsy, blood tests (e.g., for tumor markers like AFP, hCG).

Treatment:
Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy.

Medications:
Chemotherapy drugs such as cisplatin , etoposide , bleomycin .

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Relatively rare, but germ cell tumors are the most common type of ovarian and testicular cancer in children.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic syndromes, prior gonadal surgery.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good prognosis with surgery and chemotherapy, particularly for localized tumors.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Recurrence, infertility, long-term effects of treatment.

Extragonadal Germ Cell Tumors

Specialty: Oncology

Category: Sarcomas

Sub-category: Rare Cancers

Symptoms:
abdominal pain; swelling or mass; chest pain; coughing; shortness of breath; unexplained weight loss; fever; night sweats

Root Cause:
Extragonadal germ cell tumors (EGCTs) arise from germ cells that are typically found in the gonads (ovaries or testes) but develop in areas outside of these organs, such as the mediastinum, retroperitoneum, or pineal gland. These tumors are believed to be the result of abnormal migration of germ cells during fetal development.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis typically involves imaging techniques such as CT scans, MRIs, or chest X-rays to locate the tumor. Blood tests to measure tumor markers like alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) are also used. A biopsy is necessary for histological confirmation.

Treatment:
Treatment for extragonadal germ cell tumors often involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and sometimes radiation therapy. The standard chemotherapy regimen includes bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP). Surgery is used to remove the primary tumor when feasible.

Medications:
Chemotherapy agents such as bleomycin (an antibiotic used as a chemotherapy agent), etoposide (a plant alkaloid), and cisplatin (a platinum-based chemotherapy drug) are used to treat extragonadal germ cell tumors. These drugs are classified as alkylating agents, antimetabolites, and plant alkaloids , respectively.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Extragonadal germ cell tumors are rare, representing about 1-5% of all germ cell tumors. The incidence is lower than gonadal germ cell tumors, with approximately 2-3 cases per million people per year.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Risk factors include age (most common in adolescents and young adults), history of gonadal germ cell tumors, and certain genetic syndromes like Klinefelter syndrome. In rare cases, a family history of germ cell tumors or other related conditions may increase risk.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
The prognosis for extragonadal germ cell tumors depends on the tumor's location, stage at diagnosis, and response to treatment. If caught early and treated aggressively, the 5-year survival rate can be around 70-90%, but survival rates drop significantly for metastatic or advanced disease.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Potential complications include metastasis to the lungs, liver, or other organs, recurrence after treatment, and side effects of chemotherapy such as organ toxicity (e.g., to the lungs or kidneys), fertility issues, and secondary cancers.

Esophageal Hematoma

Specialty: Hematology

Category: Coagulation, Hemostasis, and Disorders

Symptoms:
chest pain; difficulty swallowing (dysphagia); vomiting blood (hematemesis); black or tarry stools (melena); upper abdominal pain

Root Cause:
Hemorrhage within the esophageal wall, often due to trauma, anticoagulation therapy, or underlying coagulopathy.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed via endoscopy, CT scan, or MRI revealing hematoma in the esophageal wall.

Treatment:
Supportive care, stopping anticoagulants, and occasionally endoscopic intervention or surgery.

Medications:
Reversal agents

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; occurs more often in patients on anticoagulation therapy or with trauma to the esophagus.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Anticoagulant use, trauma, esophageal varices, or coagulopathies.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally favorable with prompt treatment; complications may arise if diagnosis or management is delayed.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe bleeding, esophageal rupture, or mediastinitis.

Secondary Thrombocytosis

Specialty: Hematology

Category: Coagulation, Hemostasis, and Disorders

Symptoms:
elevated platelet count on blood tests; headaches; dizziness; chest pain; numbness or tingling in the extremities; bleeding or clotting tendencies (rare)

Root Cause:
Increased platelet production as a reactive response to another condition, such as inflammation, infection, iron deficiency, or cancer.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests (complete blood count with differential, peripheral smear), inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR), and evaluation of underlying causes.

Treatment:
Management of the underlying condition; platelet-lowering treatment is typically not necessary unless symptomatic or very high counts.

Medications:
Platelet-lowering medications like hydroxyurea (a myelosuppressive agent) may be used in rare cases. Inflammation or infection might be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs or antibiotics. Iron deficiency is corrected with iron supplements.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in certain populations with chronic inflammation, infection, or malignancies; prevalence depends on the underlying condition.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Chronic infections, inflammation, iron deficiency, splenectomy, and malignancies.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good if the underlying cause is identified and treated; platelet levels typically normalize with resolution of the primary condition.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Rare, but may include thrombosis or bleeding in cases of extreme platelet elevation.

Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)

Specialty: Hematology

Category: Venous Disorders

Sub-category: Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

Symptoms:
leg swelling and pain (dvt); shortness of breath (pe); chest pain; rapid heart rate; coughing up blood (in pe)

Root Cause:
Formation of blood clots in veins due to Virchow's triad

How it's Diagnosed: videos
D-dimer testing, Doppler ultrasound (for DVT), CT pulmonary angiography (for PE).

Treatment:
Anticoagulation (warfarin, DOACs like apixaban, rivaroxaban), thrombolysis for severe PE or extensive DVT, compression stockings for DVT.

Medications:
Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin , DOACs like rivaroxaban , apixaban ), thrombolytics (e.g., alteplase for massive PE).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 1-2 per 1,000 people annually in the general population.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Surgery, prolonged immobility, cancer, pregnancy, oral contraceptives, inherited thrombophilias.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with early treatment; risk of recurrence if underlying risk factors are not addressed.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Pulmonary embolism, post-thrombotic syndrome, chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.

Anemia

Specialty: Hematology

Category: Red Blood Cells and Disorders

Symptoms:
fatigue; pale or yellowish skin; shortness of breath; dizziness; cold hands and feet; irregular heartbeat; chest pain

Root Cause:
A decrease in the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin, leading to reduced oxygen delivery to tissues. Causes include iron deficiency, vitamin deficiencies (B12 or folate), chronic diseases, and blood loss.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests, including a complete blood count (CBC) to measure hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cell indices. Additional tests may include ferritin, vitamin B12, folate levels, and reticulocyte count.

Treatment:
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Common treatments include dietary supplements (iron, B12, folate), blood transfusions, and treating underlying chronic diseases or conditions.

Medications:
Iron supplements (e.g., ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate), vitamin B12 injections or oral supplements, folic acid supplements, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (e.g., epoetin alfa or darbepoetin alfa) for anemia related to chronic disease or kidney failure.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1.62 billion people globally, with higher prevalence in women, children, and individuals in developing countries.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Poor diet, chronic illnesses (e.g., kidney disease, inflammatory conditions), heavy menstrual bleeding, pregnancy, gastrointestinal bleeding, and genetic conditions (e.g., sickle cell anemia).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good prognosis with appropriate treatment; prognosis depends on underlying cause. Untreated, it can lead to significant complications.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Heart problems (e.g., left ventricular hypertrophy, heart failure), delayed growth in children, and reduced ability to perform physical activities.

Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL)

Specialty: Hematology

Category: Stem Cells and Disorders

Symptoms:
bleeding and bruising; shortness of breath; chest pain; fever; fatigue; low platelet counts; nosebleeds or bleeding gums; blood clots in veins or arteries

Root Cause:
Blocked maturation of promyelocytes due to a specific genetic translocation (t(15;17)), leading to accumulation in the bone marrow.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests (low platelets, high WBC counts, and DIC markers), bone marrow biopsy, genetic testing for PML-RARA fusion gene.

Treatment:
Differentiation therapy with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) combined with arsenic trioxide (ATO) or chemotherapy.

Medications:
All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) (vitamin A derivative ), arsenic trioxide (ATO), and occasionally anthracyclines (e.g., daunorubicin ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
A rare subtype of AML, accounting for about 10% of AML cases.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic predispositions, exposure to radiation, and prior chemotherapy.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with prompt treatment; 5-year survival rates exceed 80%.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), relapse, and differentiation syndrome.

Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)

Specialty: Hematology

Category: Stem Cells and Disorders

Symptoms:
swollen lymph nodes; unexplained fever; night sweats; weight loss; fatigue; loss of appetite; shortness of breath; chest pain

Root Cause:
Rapid and abnormal growth of large B-cells (a type of white blood cell), leading to tumor formation in lymph nodes and/or extranodal sites.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination, blood tests, lymph node biopsy, imaging studies (e.g., PET or CT scans), and molecular testing to identify genetic markers and cell surface proteins.

Treatment:
Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy (if localized), and stem cell transplantation in refractory or relapsed cases.

Medications:
Commonly prescribed medications include R-CHOP regimen (Rituximab – a monoclonal antibody, Cyclophosphamide – an alkylating agent, Doxorubicin – an anthracycline, Vincristine – a vinca alkaloid, and Prednisone – a corticosteroid).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
DLBCL is the most common subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, accounting for about 30-40% of cases worldwide.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Older age, male sex, family history of lymphoma, weakened immune system, exposure to certain infections (e.g., Epstein-Barr virus), and previous cancer treatments.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis varies; approximately 60-70% achieve remission with R-CHOP therapy. Advanced stage, high-risk genetic markers, and refractory disease worsen outcomes.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Relapse, tumor lysis syndrome, secondary infections, organ dysfunction, and therapy-related secondary cancers.

Mediastinal Lymphoma

Specialty: Hematology

Category: Stem Cells and Disorders

Symptoms:
persistent cough; shortness of breath; chest pain; swelling in the face or arms (superior vena cava syndrome); fatigue; fever; night sweats

Root Cause:
A subtype of lymphoma originating in the thymus or mediastinal lymph nodes, commonly associated with primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL) or Hodgkin lymphoma.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Imaging (CT or PET scans), biopsy of the affected tissue, and immunohistochemistry to determine cell type.

Treatment:
Combination chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy.

Medications:
R-CHOP regimen (rituximab , cyclophosphamide , doxorubicin , vincristine , prednisone ); checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab for refractory cases. These include chemotherapy drugs and immunotherapy agents.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Accounts for 2–4% of all lymphomas, more common in young women aged 20–40.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Female gender, Epstein-Barr virus, and genetic abnormalities in tumor suppressor genes.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with modern treatment; five-year survival rates exceed 80% for most patients.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Superior vena cava syndrome, tumor lysis syndrome, and relapse.

Carbon monoxide poisoning

Specialty: Toxicology

Category: Acute Poisoning

Sub-category: Chemical Poisoning

Symptoms:
headache; dizziness; nausea; vomiting; confusion; chest pain; shortness of breath; loss of consciousness; seizures; coma

Root Cause:
Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin with greater affinity than oxygen, forming carboxyhemoglobin, which reduces oxygen delivery to tissues and causes cellular hypoxia.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history, carboxyhemoglobin levels via blood gas analysis, pulse CO-oximetry (if available).

Treatment:
Removal from exposure source, administration of 100% oxygen, hyperbaric oxygen therapy in severe cases.

Medications:
No specific medications; 100% oxygen or hyperbaric oxygen therapy is the treatment of choice.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common, particularly in poorly ventilated areas with gas heaters, car exhaust, or during fire incidents.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Indoor use of gas appliances, fires, motor vehicle exhaust, faulty heating systems.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with early treatment; delayed treatment can result in neurological sequelae or death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Hypoxic brain injury, delayed neuropsychiatric syndrome (DNS), arrhythmias, myocardial ischemia.

Ammonia exposure

Specialty: Toxicology

Category: Acute Poisoning

Sub-category: Chemical Poisoning

Symptoms:
burning sensation in the nose and throat; coughing; shortness of breath; chest pain; wheezing; eye irritation; skin burns

Root Cause:
Ammonia is a caustic substance that causes chemical burns to mucous membranes and tissues upon contact.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history of exposure, symptoms presentation, examination of affected tissues, arterial blood gases for respiratory compromise.

Treatment:
Removal from exposure, irrigation of affected skin or eyes with water, oxygen therapy for respiratory distress, supportive care.

Medications:
No specific antidote; symptomatic treatment includes bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol ) and corticosteroids for severe airway inflammation.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Sporadic cases, often in industrial settings or household cleaning accidents.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Industrial accidents, improper handling of ammonia-containing products, inadequate ventilation during cleaning.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with prompt treatment; severe exposure can lead to permanent respiratory damage.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chemical burns, reactive airway dysfunction syndrome (RADS), pulmonary edema.

Cocaine overdose

Specialty: Toxicology

Category: Acute Poisoning

Sub-category: Chemical Poisoning

Symptoms:
chest pain; rapid heart rate; high blood pressure; agitation; seizures; hyperthermia; confusion; respiratory depression

Root Cause:
Excessive stimulation of the central nervous system and cardiovascular system due to toxic levels of cocaine, leading to dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin overload.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation based on symptoms, history of cocaine use, and toxicology screening (urine or blood tests).

Treatment:
Supportive care, sedation with benzodiazepines, cooling for hyperthermia, intravenous fluids, and treatment of cardiovascular complications.

Medications:
Benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam or diazepam ) for agitation and seizures; antihypertensives like labetalol for severe hypertension; sodium bicarbonate for arrhythmias due to cocaine-induced acidosis.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Cocaine-related overdoses account for thousands of emergency visits annually, with increasing trends in recent years.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
High-dose cocaine use, concurrent use of other stimulants or alcohol, preexisting heart disease, and lack of access to timely medical care.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good if treated promptly, though delayed treatment or severe complications (e.g., cardiac arrest or stroke) can lead to long-term damage or death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Stroke, myocardial infarction, rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney injury, and sudden death.

Methamphetamine toxicity

Specialty: Toxicology

Category: Acute Poisoning

Sub-category: Chemical Poisoning

Symptoms:
agitation; paranoia; tachycardia; hypertension; hyperthermia; seizures; hallucinations; chest pain

Root Cause:
Overstimulation of the central nervous system and cardiovascular system due to increased release of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical presentation and history of methamphetamine use; confirmed by urine or blood toxicology testing.

Treatment:
Supportive care, cooling measures for hyperthermia, sedation with benzodiazepines, intravenous fluids, and treatment for cardiovascular and neurological complications.

Medications:
Benzodiazepines (e.g., midazolam or lorazepam ) for agitation and seizures; antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol ) for psychosis if benzodiazepines are insufficient; antihypertensives like nitroprusside or labetalol for severe hypertension.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Methamphetamine use is rising globally, contributing significantly to emergency room visits and overdose deaths.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
High-dose use, mixing with other drugs, preexisting heart or psychiatric conditions, and chronic methamphetamine abuse.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With prompt treatment, outcomes are often favorable, but long-term neurological or cardiovascular damage is possible.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Stroke, myocardial infarction, rhabdomyolysis, kidney failure, and persistent psychosis.

Synthetic cannabinoids toxicity

Specialty: Toxicology

Category: Acute Poisoning

Sub-category: Chemical Poisoning

Symptoms:
confusion; anxiety; paranoia; seizures; hypertension; nausea; vomiting; chest pain

Root Cause:
Overactivation of cannabinoid receptors by synthetic chemicals, leading to unpredictable and exaggerated physiological and psychological effects.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
History of synthetic cannabinoid use, clinical symptoms, and toxicology testing (though specific detection is often limited).

Treatment:
Supportive care, benzodiazepines for agitation or seizures, antiemetics for nausea, and cardiovascular monitoring.

Medications:
Benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam ) for agitation and seizures; antiemetics like ondansetron for nausea and vomiting.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Increasingly reported due to the availability of synthetic cannabinoids as a legal alternative to cannabis in some regions.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Use of synthetic cannabinoids, mixing with other substances, and lack of knowledge about the specific chemical consumed.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Most cases resolve with supportive care, but severe toxicity can lead to life-threatening complications.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Acute kidney injury, seizures, psychosis, and cardiac arrhythmias.

Asbestos-Related Diseases (e.g., Mesothelioma)

Specialty: Toxicology

Category: Chronic Toxicity and Long-Term Exposures

Sub-category: Occupational and Environmental Exposures

Symptoms:
shortness of breath; persistent cough; chest pain; unintended weight loss; fatigue; swelling in the abdomen (for peritoneal mesothelioma); clubbing of fingers

Root Cause:
Prolonged inhalation or ingestion of asbestos fibers causes chronic inflammation and cellular damage, leading to fibrosis, lung cancer, or mesothelioma.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Imaging tests (chest X-rays, CT scans, MRIs), pulmonary function tests, tissue biopsies, and biomarker analysis.

Treatment:
Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and palliative care for symptom management.

Medications:
Chemotherapy drugs such as pemetrexed (an antifolate) combined with cisplatin (a platinum-based compound ) are commonly prescribed. Other medications may include bevacizumab (an angiogenesis inhibitor).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare but more common among individuals with prolonged occupational asbestos exposure; latency period can span decades.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Occupational exposure (construction, shipbuilding, insulation), environmental exposure, smoking (increases risk of lung cancer but not mesothelioma).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Poor for mesothelioma (median survival ~12–21 months after diagnosis); better for asbestos-related lung fibrosis if exposure ceases.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Respiratory failure, lung infections, secondary malignancies.

Radon Gas Exposure-Related Lung Cancer

Specialty: Toxicology

Category: Chronic Toxicity and Long-Term Exposures

Sub-category: Environmental Exposure

Symptoms:
persistent cough; shortness of breath; chest pain; wheezing; unexplained weight loss; fatigue

Root Cause:
Inhalation of radon gas and its radioactive decay products leads to DNA damage in lung tissues, triggering carcinogenesis.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
History of radon exposure, imaging studies (chest X-ray, CT scan), and lung tissue biopsy to confirm malignancy.

Treatment:
Standard lung cancer treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy.

Medications:
Targeted therapies like erlotinib (EGFR inhibitor), pembrolizumab (immune checkpoint inhibitor), or chemotherapy drugs such as cisplatin and paclitaxel .

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Second leading cause of lung cancer globally; high in areas with natural radon emission.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Living in homes with poor ventilation and high radon levels, smoking (amplifies radon effects), and occupational exposure (e.g., mining).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Early detection improves survival rates, but late-stage lung cancer often has a poor prognosis.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Metastasis to other organs, respiratory failure, and treatment-related side effects like immunosuppression or toxicity.

Burkholderia Cepacia Infection

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Bacterial Infections

Symptoms:
fever; cough; shortness of breath; chest pain; fatigue; sepsis in severe cases

Root Cause:
Opportunistic pathogen causing infections in immunocompromised individuals or those with chronic conditions like cystic fibrosis.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Sputum cultures, blood cultures, and molecular testing (e.g., PCR).

Treatment:
Combination antibiotic therapy tailored to susceptibility testing due to resistance.

Medications:
Ceftazidime (third-generation cephalosporin), meropenem (carbapenem), and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (sulfonamide antibiotic).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare but significant in hospital settings and among cystic fibrosis patients.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Cystic fibrosis, chronic lung disease, immunosuppression, and prolonged hospital stays.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; can be severe in immunocompromised patients or those with underlying conditions.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Respiratory failure, septicemia, and increased mortality in vulnerable populations.

Nocardiosis

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Bacterial Infections

Symptoms:
persistent cough; fever; fatigue; weight loss; skin lesions; difficulty breathing; chest pain

Root Cause:
Infection caused by Nocardia bacteria, often entering the body through inhalation or skin wounds.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Identified via sputum or tissue culture, biopsy, and imaging studies like chest X-rays or CT scans.

Treatment:
Treatment includes long-term antibiotic therapy, sometimes combined with surgical drainage of abscesses.

Medications:
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (antibiotic combination used to treat bacterial infections) is the primary medication. Other antibiotics like linezolid or imipenem may be used in severe cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; occurs primarily in immunocompromised individuals.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Weakened immune system, organ transplantation, corticosteroid use, HIV/AIDS, or chronic lung diseases.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; good with early diagnosis and treatment but poor in disseminated cases or delayed diagnosis.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Dissemination to the brain (brain abscess), lungs, or other organs, leading to potentially life-threatening conditions.

Rhodococcus Equi Infection

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Bacterial Infections

Symptoms:
chronic cough; fever; shortness of breath; weight loss; chest pain

Root Cause:
Caused by infection with Rhodococcus equi, a gram-positive bacterium that primarily affects immunocompromised individuals, such as those with HIV/AIDS or on immunosuppressive therapy.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood cultures, sputum cultures, or imaging (chest X-ray or CT scan).

Treatment:
Prolonged antibiotic therapy, typically with a combination of a macrolide (e.g., azithromycin) and rifampin.

Medications:
Azithromycin (macrolide antibiotic), rifampin (rifamycin antibiotic), and sometimes vancomycin (glycopeptide antibiotic) for resistant cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; more common in areas with endemic livestock populations.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Immunosuppression, exposure to farm animals, or occupational exposure in agriculture.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; good with early diagnosis and treatment but potentially fatal in advanced or untreated cases.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Pulmonary abscesses, disseminated infection, or recurrence.

Myocardial Abscess

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Cardiovascular and Intravascular Infections

Symptoms:
chest pain; fever; heart murmur; dyspnea; tachycardia; systemic signs of sepsis

Root Cause:
Focal collection of pus within myocardial tissue due to bacterial or fungal infection, often secondary to infective endocarditis.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed with imaging (e.g., echocardiography, MRI) and blood cultures.

Treatment:
Treated with intravenous antibiotics and surgical drainage if necessary.

Medications:
Antibiotics such as vancomycin , ceftriaxone , or antifungals (e.g., amphotericin B for fungal infections).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; occurs as a complication of infective endocarditis in 1-2% of cases.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Intravenous drug use, immunocompromised states, prosthetic valves, delayed treatment of infective endocarditis.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Poor without surgical intervention; survival improves significantly with timely treatment.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Septicemia, rupture into cardiac chambers, valvular dysfunction, or embolic events.

Coccidioidomycosis and Valley Fever

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Fungal Infections

Sub-category: Endemic Mycoses

Symptoms:
fever; cough; chest pain; fatigue; headache; rash; joint pain

Root Cause:
Infection caused by Coccidioides species (C. immitis or C. posadasii) through inhalation of fungal spores, leading to localized or disseminated disease.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Serologic testing (IgM and IgG antibodies), fungal cultures, histopathology, or PCR-based diagnostics.

Treatment:
Mild cases may resolve without treatment; moderate to severe cases require antifungal therapy, such as azoles or amphotericin B.

Medications:
Fluconazole or itraconazole for most cases. Amphotericin B is used for severe or disseminated disease. These drugs are systemic antifungal agents targeting fungal growth or membrane integrity.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Endemic in the southwestern U.S., northern Mexico, and parts of Central and South America; incidence rates vary but are increasing with climate change.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Residing or working in endemic areas, soil disturbance, immunosuppression, and pregnancy (third trimester).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Most cases are self-limited; severe or disseminated cases have variable outcomes, with mortality up to 30% in untreated disseminated infections.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Dissemination to skin, bones, or meninges; chronic pulmonary disease; and meningitis.

Cryptococcosis

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Fungal Infections

Sub-category: Opportunistic Mycoses

Symptoms:
fever; headache; nausea; vomiting; altered mental status; neck stiffness in meningitis; cough; chest pain

Root Cause:
Infection by Cryptococcus neoformans or Cryptococcus gattii, typically through inhalation of spores, often affecting immunocompromised individuals.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
India ink staining, cryptococcal antigen testing, fungal cultures, or molecular diagnostics.

Treatment:
Induction therapy with amphotericin B and flucytosine, followed by maintenance therapy with fluconazole.

Medications:
Amphotericin B (polyenes), flucytosine (antifungal antimetabolite), and fluconazole (azole antifungal). These target fungal membranes or DNA synthesis.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common opportunistic infection in HIV/AIDS patients, with significant global burden in low-resource settings.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
HIV/AIDS, organ transplantation, corticosteroid use, and other immunosuppressive conditions.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Early treatment significantly improves outcomes, though CNS involvement can lead to high mortality (up to 70% in severe untreated cases).

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Cryptococcal meningitis, hydrocephalus, vision loss, and neurological deficits.

Pneumocystis Jiroveci Pneumonia (PJP)

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Fungal Infections

Symptoms:
fever; dry cough; shortness of breath; fatigue; chest pain; hypoxia

Root Cause:
Opportunistic fungal infection caused by Pneumocystis jiroveci, primarily affecting immunocompromised individuals.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Microscopic identification of Pneumocystis jiroveci in respiratory samples (e.g., sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage); PCR and beta-D-glucan assays; chest X-rays or CT scans.

Treatment:
Antifungal therapy with adjunctive corticosteroids in severe cases to reduce inflammation.

Medications:
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) is the first-line treatment. Alternatives include pentamidine , atovaquone , or clindamycin with primaquine . TMP-SMX is an antibiotic with antifungal properties; pentamidine is an antiprotozoal and antifungal agent.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common among HIV/AIDS patients and other immunosuppressed populations; incidence decreases with antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
HIV/AIDS, organ transplantation, cancer chemotherapy, chronic corticosteroid use.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
High mortality if untreated but generally good with early treatment.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Respiratory failure, pneumothorax, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and systemic infections.

Aspiration Pneumonitis and Pneumonia

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

Symptoms:
cough; fever; dyspnea (shortness of breath); chest pain; wheezing; fatigue; sputum production

Root Cause:
Inhalation of gastric contents, oral secretions, or foreign materials into the lower respiratory tract, causing inflammation or infection.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history of aspiration, imaging (chest X-ray, CT scan showing infiltrates in dependent lung areas), sputum culture, and bronchoscopy if necessary.

Treatment:
Supportive care, antibiotics for infection, oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation if severe. Prevention through swallowing rehabilitation or feeding tube placement if indicated.

Medications:
Antibiotics such as clindamycin (lincosamide antibiotic), ampicillin-sulbactam (penicillin combination), or metronidazole (nitroimidazole antibiotic) in combination with other agents to cover anaerobic and aerobic bacteria.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
More common in hospitalized patients, particularly in those with dysphagia, neurological disorders, or altered mental status.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Advanced age, impaired swallowing, altered consciousness, alcohol abuse, GERD, and prolonged immobility.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies; aspiration pneumonitis often resolves with supportive care, while pneumonia may lead to complications without appropriate treatment.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Lung abscess, respiratory failure, sepsis, or chronic aspiration leading to pulmonary fibrosis.

Community-Acquired Pneumonia Organism-Specific Therapy

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

Symptoms:
symptoms vary by pathogen; fever; cough; dyspnea; chest pain; chills

Root Cause:
Tailored treatment based on the identified causative organism of CAP, ensuring pathogen-directed therapy for optimal outcomes.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Specific pathogen detection via blood culture, sputum culture, PCR, urine antigen tests (e.g., for Legionella or Streptococcus pneumoniae).

Treatment:
Antibiotic regimen refined based on culture and sensitivity results, considering pathogen resistance patterns.

Medications:
Streptococcus pneumoniae - Beta-lactams like amoxicillin or ceftriaxone . Haemophilus influenzae - Amoxicillin-clavulanate or cefuroxime . Mycoplasma pneumoniae or Chlamydia pneumoniae - Macrolides (e.g., azithromycin ) or doxycycline . Legionella pneumophila - Fluoroquinolones (e.g., levofloxacin ) or macrolides. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) - Vancomycin or linezolid .

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Organism-specific therapy is applied after pathogen identification, which occurs in up to 30–40% of CAP cases.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Pathogen exposure, prior hospitalizations, travel, or animal contact.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with pathogen-directed therapy; delays in pathogen identification may worsen outcomes.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Progression to respiratory failure, sepsis, or organ dysfunction if treatment is delayed or ineffective.

Fungal Pneumonia

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

Symptoms:
cough (sometimes with blood); fever; chest pain; shortness of breath; fatigue; night sweats

Root Cause:
Infection of the lungs caused by fungal organisms, such as Aspergillus, Histoplasma capsulatum, or Coccidioides. These fungi typically enter through inhalation of spores.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation, imaging (chest X-rays or CT scans), fungal cultures, antigen or antibody blood tests, and histopathological examination.

Treatment:
Antifungal medications, supportive care (oxygen therapy if needed), and addressing underlying immunosuppressive conditions.

Medications:
Antifungals such as fluconazole (azole class), amphotericin B (polyene class), or itraconazole (azole class).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Relatively rare, with higher prevalence in immunocompromised individuals or those living in endemic areas.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Immunosuppression (e.g., HIV, chemotherapy), residing in or visiting endemic areas, long-term corticosteroid use, or organ transplantation.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Favorable with timely treatment, but delayed or untreated cases may lead to severe complications or death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Respiratory failure, dissemination to other organs, and secondary bacterial infections.

Nursing Home Acquired Pneumonia (NHAP)

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

Symptoms:
cough; fever; shortness of breath; chest pain; confusion or altered mental status in elderly patients; fatigue; weakness

Root Cause:
Pneumonia occurring in nursing home residents due to increased exposure to pathogens, aspiration, and weakened immune defenses. Common causative agents include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination, chest X-ray showing infiltrates, sputum culture, blood tests indicating infection (elevated white blood cell count, CRP), and pulse oximetry to assess oxygen levels.

Treatment:
Empirical antibiotic therapy tailored to likely pathogens, oxygen supplementation, hydration, and management of comorbidities.

Medications:
Antibiotics - Beta-lactams (e.g., ceftriaxone ), macrolides (e.g., azithromycin ), or fluoroquinolones (e.g., levofloxacin ). These are selected based on the patient’s condition and local antimicrobial resistance patterns. Supportive medications - Antipyretics for fever and bronchodilators for airway relief.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
One of the most common infections in nursing home residents, with a significant impact on morbidity and mortality in this population.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Advanced age, immobility, chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, COPD), malnutrition, aspiration, and use of feeding tubes.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis varies based on promptness of treatment, severity of pneumonia, and the patient’s underlying health. Mortality rates range from 10-30%.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Respiratory failure, sepsis, empyema, and exacerbation of chronic conditions.

Pneumococcal Infections (Streptococcus pneumoniae)

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

Symptoms:
fever; chills; cough (productive or dry); shortness of breath; chest pain; fatigue; headache; confusion in severe cases

Root Cause:
Infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, including pneumonia, bacteremia, and meningitis, often following viral respiratory infections or in individuals with compromised immunity.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Chest X-ray for pneumonia, blood cultures for bacteremia, lumbar puncture for meningitis, and rapid antigen testing for S. pneumoniae.

Treatment:
Antibiotic therapy based on severity and resistance patterns, supportive care, and vaccination for prevention.

Medications:
Antibiotics - Penicillin, ceftriaxone , or vancomycin for severe cases; macrolides (e.g., azithromycin ) or fluoroquinolones for milder presentations. Vaccination - Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) for prevention.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
A leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia worldwide, particularly in children under 5 and adults over 65.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age extremes, chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, COPD), smoking, immunosuppression, and absence of vaccination.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with timely treatment, though severe cases can lead to complications. Mortality is higher in meningitis or bacteremia.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Empyema, sepsis, meningitis, and hearing loss in meningitis survivors.

Tularemia

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

Symptoms:
fever; chills; cough; difficulty breathing; chest pain; ulcerated skin lesions; swollen lymph nodes; fatigue

Root Cause:
Caused by Francisella tularensis, a bacterium transmitted through insect bites, contact with infected animals, inhalation, or contaminated water/food.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Serologic testing for F. tularensis antibodies, PCR, or culture from blood or tissue samples. Chest imaging for pulmonary involvement.

Treatment:
Antibiotic therapy is the cornerstone of treatment, with supportive care for symptoms.

Medications:
Antibiotics - Streptomycin or gentamicin (aminoglycosides) are first-line treatments. Doxycycline or ciprofloxacin may be used as alternatives.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare but can occur sporadically, especially in regions with high exposure to ticks or rabbits.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Handling infected animals, tick bites, laboratory exposure, and drinking untreated water.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with timely treatment; untreated cases can have a mortality rate of up to 30%.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Pneumonia, sepsis, chronic fatigue, and long-term organ damage.

Mycobacterium Avium Complex (MAC) Infection

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Mycobacterial Infections

Symptoms:
chronic cough; weight loss; fatigue; low-grade fever; shortness of breath; night sweats; chest pain

Root Cause:
Caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria (Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium intracellulare), leading to chronic pulmonary infection or disseminated disease, especially in immunocompromised individuals.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Sputum culture, bronchoscopy, high-resolution CT scan, and histological examination of lung tissue.

Treatment:
Prolonged multidrug antibiotic therapy, often for 12 months or longer after culture conversion.

Medications:
Clarithromycin or azithromycin (macrolides), rifampin (rifamycin ), and ethambutol . Injectable amikacin may be used for severe cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Increasing incidence worldwide, particularly in individuals with underlying lung disease or HIV/AIDS.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Chronic lung disease (e.g., COPD, bronchiectasis), immunosuppression, older age, and environmental exposure to contaminated water or soil.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Favorable with early diagnosis and adherence to treatment; relapses may occur.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Progressive lung damage, respiratory failure, and systemic dissemination in immunocompromised individuals.

Coxsackieviruses

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: COVID-19 Reinfections

Symptoms:
fever; sore throat; rash; blisters on hands, feet, and inside the mouth; chest pain; fatigue

Root Cause:
Coxsackieviruses are part of the enterovirus family, causing infections that affect the skin, respiratory tract, and sometimes the heart or central nervous system.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation of symptoms, throat swabs, stool samples, or cerebrospinal fluid testing for viral culture or PCR.

Treatment:
Supportive care including hydration, antipyretics for fever, and pain relievers for sore throat and muscle aches.

Medications:
No specific antiviral therapy; symptomatic treatments include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or acetaminophen for fever and pain.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common globally; most cases occur in children, particularly under 10 years old.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Young age, poor hygiene, crowded living conditions, and seasonal peaks in summer and fall.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good; most infections resolve without complications. Severe cases involving the heart or CNS are rare but may require hospitalization.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Myocarditis, aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, and hand-foot-and-mouth disease.

Long Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: COVID-19 Reinfections

Symptoms:
fatigue; brain fog; persistent cough; shortness of breath; joint pain; chest pain; anxiety or depression

Root Cause:
Persistent inflammation and immune dysregulation following acute COVID-19 infection.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Symptom persistence for >12 weeks post-infection; exclusion of other conditions; specialized post-COVID clinics.

Treatment:
Symptom management with physical therapy, mental health support, pulmonary rehabilitation, and medications tailored to specific symptoms.

Medications:
Antidepressants (SSRIs for anxiety or depression), bronchodilators (for respiratory symptoms), or antihistamines (for fatigue or brain fog).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Estimated in 10–30% of individuals recovering from acute COVID-19.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Severe acute COVID-19, female sex, pre-existing comorbidities, unvaccinated status.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; symptoms may persist for months or resolve gradually.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic fatigue syndrome, pulmonary fibrosis, cardiovascular issues, mental health disorders.

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