Comprehensive Symptom Navigator

Asthma

Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics

Category: Chronic Diseases and Multimorbidity

Symptoms:
wheezing; shortness of breath; chest tightness; coughing, especially at night or early morning

Root Cause:
Chronic inflammation of the airways, leading to narrowing and obstruction. Triggered by allergens, irritants, or respiratory infections.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Spirometry (to assess airflow and lung function), peak flow measurement, allergy tests, and clinical history.

Treatment:
Avoiding triggers, inhaled corticosteroids, bronchodilators, leukotriene modifiers, and biologics for severe cases.

Medications:
Short-acting beta-agonists (like albuterol ), long-acting beta-agonists (like salmeterol ), inhaled corticosteroids (like budesonide ), leukotriene modifiers (like montelukast ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Asthma affects approximately 10% of the global population, with higher prevalence in children and young adults.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of asthma, exposure to allergens (pollen, dust mites, pet dander), respiratory infections during childhood, air pollution, smoking.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With proper management, asthma can often be controlled, though it may persist into adulthood or worsen with age.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe asthma attacks, respiratory failure, and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics

Category: Chronic Diseases and Multimorbidity

Sub-category: Respiratory Diseases

Symptoms:
shortness of breath; chronic cough; wheezing; chest tightness; frequent respiratory infections; fatigue

Root Cause:
Progressive airflow limitation due to inflammation and narrowing of the airways, often caused by smoking or long-term exposure to lung irritants.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Pulmonary function tests (spirometry) to measure lung capacity and airflow, chest X-ray, and blood tests (ABGs - arterial blood gases).

Treatment:
Smoking cessation, bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids, oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, and in severe cases, lung surgery or transplantation.

Medications:
Short-acting bronchodilators (like albuterol ), long-acting bronchodilators (like salmeterol ), inhaled corticosteroids (like fluticasone ), and phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors (like roflumilast ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
COPD affects around 10% of the global adult population, with a higher prevalence in older adults and smokers.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Smoking (primary risk factor), exposure to secondhand smoke, air pollution, occupational dust and chemicals, genetic factors (e.g., alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
COPD is progressive and irreversible; however, treatment can manage symptoms and slow progression. Prognosis varies based on severity and adherence to treatment.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Respiratory infections, heart problems (e.g., cor pulmonale), lung cancer, chronic respiratory failure, and increased risk of pneumonia.

Asthma exacerbation

Specialty: Emergency and Urgent Care

Category: Respiratory Emergencies

Sub-category: Lower Respiratory Conditions

Symptoms:
shortness of breath; wheezing; chest tightness; coughing; rapid breathing; use of accessory muscles for breathing; cyanosis in severe cases

Root Cause:
Acute inflammation and narrowing of the airways caused by triggers like allergens, infections, or irritants, leading to increased airway resistance and airflow obstruction.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation (symptoms, history of asthma), physical exam (wheezing on auscultation), and pulmonary function tests like spirometry or peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). Pulse oximetry and arterial blood gases (ABGs) may be used in severe cases.

Treatment:
Oxygen therapy, bronchodilators (short-acting beta-agonists like albuterol), corticosteroids (oral or IV), anticholinergics (ipratropium), and sometimes magnesium sulfate in severe cases. Address triggers and provide mechanical ventilation if needed.

Medications:
Short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) like albuterol (bronchodilator), inhaled anticholinergics like ipratropium (bronchodilator), systemic corticosteroids like prednisone or methylprednisolone (anti-inflammatory), and magnesium sulfate (smooth muscle relaxant) in severe exacerbations.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Asthma affects about 5-10% of the global population; exacerbations vary widely but are a common cause of emergency department visits.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Poor asthma control, exposure to allergens or irritants, respiratory infections, exercise, cold air, smoking, and comorbidities like obesity.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With timely and appropriate treatment, most exacerbations are reversible. Severe cases without treatment can lead to respiratory failure and death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Hypoxia, respiratory failure, pneumothorax, pneumonia, and cardiovascular strain.

Allergic Asthma

Specialty: Allergies and Immunology

Category: Allergic Disorders

Sub-category: Respiratory Allergies

Symptoms:
wheezing; shortness of breath; chest tightness; coughing, especially at night or early morning; triggered by allergens like pollen, dust mites, or mold

Root Cause:
Inflammation and constriction of the airways due to immune system overreaction to allergens.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Lung function tests (spirometry), allergy testing, medical history, peak flow measurement.

Treatment:
Inhaled corticosteroids, bronchodilators, leukotriene receptor antagonists, allergen avoidance, biologic therapies (e.g., monoclonal antibodies).

Medications:
Inhaled corticosteroids (e.g., Fluticasone , Budesonide , Mometasone ), long-acting beta agonists (e.g., Salmeterol , Formoterol used with ICS), leukotriene modifiers (e.g., Montelukast ), biologics for severe asthma (e.g., Omalizumab , Mepolizumab , Dupilumab ), and rescue medications (e.g., Albuterol , Levalbuterol ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 8-10% of the global population; up to 60% of asthma cases have an allergic component.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of asthma or allergies, exposure to allergens, pollution, smoking, respiratory infections in childhood.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Symptoms are controllable with proper management; untreated asthma can lead to chronic lung issues.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe asthma attacks, chronic obstructive airway disease, decreased quality of life, potential hospitalization.

Non-Allergic Asthma

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Obstructive Lung Diseases

Sub-category: Asthma

Symptoms:
wheezing; shortness of breath; chest tightness; persistent coughing (not linked to allergens); symptoms worsen with exposure to irritants like smoke, cold air, or strong odors

Root Cause:
Airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness triggered by non-allergic factors (e.g., infections, environmental irritants, stress, or exercise).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Medical history, physical exam, pulmonary function tests (spirometry), and exclusion of allergic causes through skin or blood tests.

Treatment:
Inhaled corticosteroids, bronchodilators, leukotriene receptor antagonists, and avoidance of irritants.

Medications:
Inhaled corticosteroids (e.g., mometasone , beclomethasone ) to manage chronic inflammation; bronchodilators like long-acting beta-agonists (e.g., salmeterol ) or short-acting beta-agonists (e.g., albuterol ) for symptom relief; and leukotriene receptor antagonists (e.g., montelukast ) to reduce inflammation. Biologic therapies (e.g., mepolizumab ) may be used in severe cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Less common than allergic asthma; typically develops in adults, especially women.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Respiratory infections, occupational exposure to irritants, obesity, smoking, and air pollution.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Manageable with treatment; avoiding triggers is crucial for symptom control.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe asthma exacerbations, airway remodeling, and increased risk of infections or bronchiectasis.

Exercise-Induced Asthma (EIA)

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Obstructive Lung Diseases

Sub-category: Asthma

Symptoms:
shortness of breath; wheezing; coughing (post-exercise); chest tightness; decreased exercise tolerance; fatigue during or after exercise

Root Cause:
Temporary airway narrowing triggered by physical activity, often due to rapid breathing of dry or cold air causing airway dehydration and inflammation.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Exercise challenge test (spirometry before and after exercise), eucapnic voluntary hyperpnea (EVH) test, or observation of symptom patterns during exercise.

Treatment:
Pre-exercise use of bronchodilators, maintenance inhaled corticosteroids if symptoms are frequent, warm-up exercises, and avoiding exercise in cold or dry conditions.

Medications:
Short-acting beta-agonists (e.g., albuterol ) for immediate relief before exercise; inhaled corticosteroids (e.g., fluticasone ) for chronic symptom control; leukotriene receptor antagonists (e.g., montelukast ) to reduce exercise-induced inflammation.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects up to 10% of the general population and 90% of people with existing asthma.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Underlying asthma, cold weather, dry air, high-intensity exercise, and poor physical conditioning.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with proper treatment and prevention strategies; most people can maintain an active lifestyle.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe exercise limitations, poor physical fitness, and risk of exacerbation of underlying asthma.

Coal Worker’s Pneumoconiosis (Black Lung Disease)

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Restrictive Lung Diseases

Sub-category: Pneumoconiosis

Symptoms:
persistent cough; shortness of breath; wheezing; chest tightness; fatigue; dark sputum

Root Cause:
Lung tissue damage and scarring caused by prolonged inhalation of coal dust, leading to impaired lung function and reduced oxygen exchange.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Occupational history of coal dust exposure, chest X-ray (showing small nodular opacities in the upper lung zones), CT scan for detailed imaging, and pulmonary function tests (indicating restrictive or obstructive patterns).

Treatment:
Smoking cessation, avoidance of further exposure to coal dust, oxygen therapy if needed, and pulmonary rehabilitation. Annual monitoring for disease progression is recommended.

Medications:
No medications can reverse CWP. Symptomatic treatments include bronchodilators for obstructive symptoms and corticosteroids for inflammatory complications. Antibiotics may be prescribed for secondary infections.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Most common in coal miners, with regional variations based on mining practices and safety regulations.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Long-term occupational exposure to coal dust, poor workplace ventilation, and lack of respiratory protective equipment.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic and progressive; early detection can improve quality of life, but severe cases can lead to significant respiratory impairment or premature death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Progressive massive fibrosis (PMF), chronic bronchitis, emphysema, cor pulmonale, and respiratory failure.

Occupational Asthma

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Occupational and Environmental Lung Diseases

Symptoms:
wheezing; shortness of breath; chest tightness; cough; symptoms worsening at work and improving during time off

Root Cause:
Inflammation and narrowing of the airways caused by exposure to allergens or irritants in the workplace, such as dust, fumes, chemicals, or animal proteins.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Detailed occupational history, pulmonary function tests (spirometry and peak expiratory flow monitoring), allergen-specific tests, and possibly a methacholine challenge test.

Treatment:
Avoidance of workplace triggers, use of bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids, and implementing workplace safety measures (e.g., masks, ventilation).

Medications:
Commonly prescribed medications include short-acting beta-agonists (e.g., albuterol ) for quick relief, long-acting beta-agonists (e.g., salmeterol ) combined with inhaled corticosteroids (e.g., fluticasone or budesonide ) for maintenance, and leukotriene receptor antagonists (e.g., montelukast ) to reduce inflammation.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Occupational asthma accounts for up to 15% of all adult asthma cases in industrialized countries.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Workplace exposure to allergens (e.g., animal dander, latex, flour), irritants (e.g., smoke, fumes, dust), or specific chemicals (e.g., isocyanates, cleaning agents), and having a history of allergies or asthma.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With early diagnosis and removal from exposure, symptoms can improve or resolve; delayed diagnosis or continued exposure may lead to persistent asthma and long-term lung damage.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic asthma, reduced lung function, job loss due to inability to work in certain environments, and diminished quality of life.

Coal Worker’s Pneumoconiosis (CWP)

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Occupational and Environmental Lung Diseases

Sub-category: Pneumoconiosis

Symptoms:
shortness of breath; persistent cough; chest tightness; progressive fatigue; black-colored sputum (rare); unexplained weight loss

Root Cause:
Lung inflammation and scarring caused by inhalation of coal dust over an extended period, leading to coal macules and progressive fibrosis.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed by occupational history, chest imaging showing coal macules or nodules, and pulmonary function tests.

Treatment:
Treated with supportive care, smoking cessation, and managing complications such as progressive massive fibrosis or respiratory failure.

Medications:
Bronchodilators and corticosteroids may be prescribed to ease breathing difficulties. Antifibrotic therapies are being researched. Antibiotics may be used for secondary infections.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Most common among coal miners, particularly those with long-term exposure to high levels of coal dust. Prevalence has declined in regulated industries.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Prolonged exposure to coal dust, working in poorly ventilated mines, inadequate use of respiratory protective equipment.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic and progressive, with the severity ranging from simple pneumoconiosis (milder) to progressive massive fibrosis (severe). Early diagnosis and cessation of exposure can improve outcomes.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Progressive massive fibrosis (PMF), chronic bronchitis, emphysema, respiratory failure, and increased risk of lung infections.

Chemical Inhalation (e.g., ammonia, chlorine)

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Occupational and Environmental Lung Diseases

Sub-category: Environmental Exposures

Symptoms:
cough; shortness of breath; chest tightness; burning sensation in the throat, nose, or eyes; watery eyes or conjunctivitis; nausea or vomiting; wheezing or stridor (if airway is affected)

Root Cause:
Inhalation of toxic chemicals such as ammonia or chlorine leads to direct irritation of the respiratory tract, causing inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and potentially chemical burns to the airway and lung tissue.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis involves a detailed history of exposure, clinical examination, and lung function tests. Imaging like chest X-rays or CT scans may be used to detect any structural damage. Blood gases may be assessed to evaluate oxygenation.

Treatment:
Removal from the source of exposure. Oxygen therapy to support breathing. Bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol) to relieve wheezing and bronchospasm. Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in the lungs. Supportive care for more severe cases.

Medications:
Bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol ) are prescribed to relieve bronchospasm. Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone ) to control inflammation. Antibiotics if secondary infection develops in severe cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Chemical inhalation injuries are relatively rare but occur in industrial settings, accidents, or exposure to household products. Ammonia and chlorine are common in industrial accidents.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Occupations involving chemicals (e.g., industrial workers, cleaners). Accidental chemical spills or exposure. Lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) during work. Proximity to hazardous materials or inadequate ventilation.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
The prognosis depends on the concentration of the chemical and the duration of exposure. Mild exposures often resolve without long-term effects, but severe cases may result in permanent lung damage or even death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic respiratory problems (e.g., asthma-like symptoms). Pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs). Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Chemical burns to the airway.

Hyperventilation Syndrome

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Other Respiratory Conditions

Symptoms:
rapid breathing; feeling of breathlessness; dizziness; chest tightness; tingling or numbness in fingers and toes; palpitations

Root Cause:
Often triggered by anxiety or panic attacks, hyperventilation leads to a rapid loss of carbon dioxide from the blood, disrupting normal physiological balance.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is largely clinical, based on a history of rapid, shallow breathing, and ruling out other causes through tests like arterial blood gases or a chest X-ray.

Treatment:
Treatment involves breathing retraining techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing, relaxation exercises, and sometimes cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to address underlying anxiety.

Medications:
Medications may include anti-anxiety drugs such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs, e.g., fluoxetine ), benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam ), or beta-blockers for palpitations (e.g., propranolol ). These belong to the categories of anxiolytics and beta-blockers.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
It is common in the general population, especially among individuals with anxiety disorders, though exact prevalence is difficult to measure.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Anxiety disorders, panic attacks, stress, hyperthyroidism.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With proper management, individuals can often control symptoms effectively. Chronic hyperventilation is less common and typically improves with behavioral interventions.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic hyperventilation can lead to further anxiety, fainting, or exacerbation of panic attacks.

Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)

Specialty: Cardiovascular

Category: Heart Diseases

Sub-category: Arrhythmias (Heart Rhythm Disorders)

Symptoms:
rapid heartbeat; palpitations; dizziness; shortness of breath; chest tightness; fainting (syncope)

Root Cause:
Rapid electrical activity originating above the ventricles, often due to reentrant circuits or accessory pathways.

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

Treatment:
Vagal maneuvers, cardioversion, catheter ablation, and lifestyle modifications (e.g., avoiding stimulants like caffeine).

Medications:
Adenosine (acute episodes), beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol ), calcium channel blockers (e.g., verapamil ), and antiarrhythmics (e.g., flecainide ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Estimated at 2.25 per 1,000 people, with a higher prevalence in women and younger individuals.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Structural heart abnormalities, accessory pathways (e.g., Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome), thyroid dysfunction, and caffeine or stimulant use.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Usually benign and treatable, especially with catheter ablation, but recurrent episodes can affect quality of life.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Heart failure, syncope, or progression to more severe arrhythmias.

Chlorine gas exposure

Specialty: Toxicology

Category: Acute Poisoning

Sub-category: Chemical Poisoning

Symptoms:
coughing; shortness of breath; chest tightness; burning sensation in the throat and eyes; wheezing; nausea; vomiting; pulmonary edema

Root Cause:
Chlorine gas reacts with water in the respiratory tract to form hydrochloric acid and hypochlorous acid, causing irritation and damage to respiratory tissues.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history of exposure, symptoms presentation, chest X-ray or CT scan to assess lung damage.

Treatment:
Removal from exposure, supportive care with oxygen therapy, bronchodilators for wheezing, corticosteroids for severe inflammation.

Medications:
Bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol ), corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone ), oxygen therapy.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Sporadic cases, often associated with industrial accidents or improper mixing of cleaning agents.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Industrial exposure, household accidents, swimming pool maintenance (chlorine release).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with early treatment; severe exposure can lead to chronic respiratory issues.

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

Ozone Toxicity

Specialty: Toxicology

Category: Toxic Effects of Environmental Pollutants

Sub-category: Air Pollutants

Symptoms:
coughing; shortness of breath; chest tightness; throat irritation; wheezing; increased susceptibility to respiratory infections; worsening of asthma or copd symptoms

Root Cause:
Exposure to high levels of ozone damages lung tissues and triggers inflammation, oxidative stress, and airway hyperresponsiveness.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history of exposure to polluted air, pulmonary function tests, arterial blood gas analysis, and ruling out other causes of respiratory distress.

Treatment:
Avoidance of exposure, supportive care with oxygen therapy, bronchodilators, corticosteroids for inflammation, and hospitalization in severe cases.

Medications:
Bronchodilators such as albuterol (a beta-2 agonist) to relieve airway constriction, and inhaled corticosteroids like budesonide to reduce inflammation.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in urban areas with high pollution levels; ozone is a primary component of smog.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Living in industrial or urban areas, outdoor physical activity during high pollution times, preexisting respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Symptoms generally improve with reduced exposure and treatment; long-term exposure may lead to chronic respiratory diseases.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), reduced lung function, increased risk of cardiovascular disease.