Comprehensive Symptom Navigator

Neonatal Jaundice

Specialty: Pediatrics

Category: Neonatal Conditions (Newborns)

Sub-category: Common Neonatal Conditions

Symptoms:
yellowing of the skin and eyes (icterus); poor feeding; lethargy; dark urine; pale-colored stools in severe cases

Root Cause:
Elevated bilirubin levels due to the immaturity of the liver’s ability to process and excrete bilirubin or excessive breakdown of red blood cells.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Visual examination, serum bilirubin levels, and transcutaneous bilirubinometry.

Treatment:
Phototherapy (light therapy) to break down bilirubin, exchange transfusion in severe cases, and addressing underlying causes (e.g., infections, hemolysis).

Medications:
Phenobarbital (induces enzyme activity to aid bilirubin clearance, rarely used in mild cases) and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) for immune-related causes such as hemolytic disease.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 60% of full-term newborns and 80% of preterm newborns within the first week of life.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Prematurity, maternal diabetes, breastfeeding difficulties, blood type incompatibilities (e.g., ABO or Rh incompatibility), and bruising during delivery.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally excellent if treated promptly; severe cases can result in kernicterus (bilirubin-induced brain damage) if untreated.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Kernicterus, hearing loss, cerebral palsy, and developmental delays.

Hepatitis (A, B, C, Autoimmune)

Specialty: Pediatrics

Category: Gastrointestinal Disorders

Sub-category: Infectious and Autoimmune Disorders

Symptoms:
jaundice; fatigue; abdominal pain; dark urine; light-colored stool; nausea; vomiting

Root Cause:
Liver inflammation caused by viral infections (Hepatitis A, B, C) or immune-mediated attack on liver cells (Autoimmune Hepatitis).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests (liver enzymes, viral serology, autoimmune markers), liver ultrasound, and sometimes liver biopsy.

Treatment:
Hepatitis A

Medications:
Antivirals (e.g., tenofovir , entecavir for Hepatitis B; sofosbuvir , ribavirin for Hepatitis C), corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone for Autoimmune Hepatitis), and immunosuppressants (e.g., azathioprine ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Hepatitis A and B

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Poor hygiene (Hepatitis A), unvaccinated status (Hepatitis B), needle sharing (Hepatitis C), genetic predisposition (Autoimmune Hepatitis).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Hepatitis A

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver failure.

Thalassemia

Specialty: Pediatrics

Category: Hematologic and Oncologic Disorders

Sub-category: Hematologic Disorders

Symptoms:
fatigue; weakness; pale or yellowish skin; slow growth; bone deformities (especially in the face); dark urine; shortness of breath

Root Cause:
Caused by genetic mutations leading to reduced or absent production of hemoglobin chains (alpha or beta), resulting in ineffective red blood cell production and anemia.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
CBC showing microcytic, hypochromic anemia; hemoglobin electrophoresis to detect abnormal hemoglobin; DNA analysis for genetic confirmation.

Treatment:
Blood transfusions (for moderate to severe cases), iron chelation therapy to prevent iron overload, folic acid supplements, and bone marrow transplantation in select cases.

Medications:
Deferoxamine , deferasirox , or deferiprone (iron chelators) are used to prevent iron overload due to frequent transfusions. Folic acid supplements support red blood cell production.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
High prevalence in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African populations; approximately 5% of the global population carries thalassemia genes.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Inheritance of one or two defective hemoglobin genes; more severe forms (e.g., beta-thalassemia major) occur with two defective copies.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable depending on the severity; individuals with mild forms (trait or minor) lead normal lives, while severe forms require lifelong treatment. Bone marrow transplantation can be curative.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Iron overload (from transfusions), organ damage (heart, liver, endocrine system), infections, and bone deformities.

Viral Hepatitis (A, B, C, D, E)

Specialty: Gastrointestinal

Category: Liver Disorders

Sub-category: Hepatitis

Symptoms:
jaundice; fatigue; abdominal pain; nausea; vomiting; loss of appetite; dark urine; pale stools

Root Cause:
Infection of the liver caused by hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, D, or E), leading to liver inflammation and, in some cases, chronic liver disease.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests to identify viral markers (e.g., HBsAg, anti-HCV, anti-HAV), liver function tests, imaging studies like ultrasound, and sometimes liver biopsy.

Treatment:
Treatment depends on the type of hepatitis. Includes antiviral medications, supportive care (hydration, rest), and, in severe cases, liver transplantation.

Medications:
Hepatitis B - Tenofovir (antiviral, nucleotide analog), Entecavir (antiviral, nucleoside analog). Hepatitis C - Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir (direct-acting antiviral agents). Hepatitis A & E - No specific antiviral treatment; supportive care. Hepatitis D - Pegylated interferon-alpha (antiviral, immune modulator).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects millions globally; Hepatitis B and C are the most common chronic forms, with over 250 million and 70 million people affected worldwide, respectively.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Unprotected sex, intravenous drug use, sharing needles, blood transfusions, close contact with infected individuals, and poor sanitation.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Acute hepatitis often resolves with supportive care, but chronic hepatitis (especially B and C) can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, or hepatocellular carcinoma if untreated.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure.

Alcoholic Cirrhosis

Specialty: Gastrointestinal

Category: Liver Disorders

Sub-category: Liver Cirrhosis

Symptoms:
fatigue; jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes); abdominal swelling (ascites); loss of appetite; nausea; easy bruising or bleeding; spider angiomas (small, spider-like blood vessels visible under the skin); confusion or drowsiness (hepatic encephalopathy); dark urine; pale stools

Root Cause:
Chronic alcohol abuse damages liver cells, leading to scarring (fibrosis) and loss of liver function.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis involves medical history review (alcohol consumption), physical examination, blood tests (liver function tests, INR, bilirubin), imaging studies (ultrasound, CT, or MRI), and possibly a liver biopsy to confirm.

Treatment:
Treatment focuses on abstinence from alcohol, nutritional support, managing complications (e.g., ascites, hepatic encephalopathy), and, in severe cases, liver transplantation.

Medications:
Medications include diuretics (e.g., spironolactone or furosemide ) to manage fluid retention, lactulose or rifaximin to treat hepatic encephalopathy, and vitamin supplementation (thiamine , folate, vitamin D) to address deficiencies.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Alcoholic cirrhosis affects approximately 10–15% of heavy drinkers and accounts for around 50% of cirrhosis cases globally.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Chronic heavy alcohol consumption, genetic predisposition, malnutrition, co-existing liver diseases (e.g., hepatitis C).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis depends on alcohol abstinence and severity at diagnosis. Without abstinence, survival is often less than 5 years. Early abstinence improves outcomes.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Portal hypertension, variceal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy, liver failure, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer).

Cryptogenic Cirrhosis

Specialty: Gastrointestinal

Category: Liver Disorders

Sub-category: Liver Cirrhosis

Symptoms:
fatigue; jaundice; abdominal swelling; unexplained weight loss; loss of appetite; easy bruising; spider angiomas; itching (pruritus); dark urine

Root Cause:
Cirrhosis without an identifiable cause, often associated with undiagnosed non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), insulin resistance, or autoimmune conditions.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Exclusion of known causes of liver disease (e.g., alcohol, hepatitis viruses, autoimmune markers); imaging (ultrasound, CT, MRI); liver biopsy to assess fibrosis and exclude other pathologies.

Treatment:
Addressing underlying factors (e.g., managing metabolic syndrome, weight loss, controlling diabetes), supportive care, and managing complications like ascites and portal hypertension.

Medications:
Diuretics (spironolactone or furosemide ) for ascites, lactulose or rifaximin for hepatic encephalopathy, and vitamin supplementation. No specific medications target cryptogenic cirrhosis.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Accounts for 5–30% of cirrhosis cases worldwide, often diagnosed in advanced stages.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes, genetic predisposition, undiagnosed or untreated fatty liver disease.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; depends on stage at diagnosis and response to treatment. Early management of risk factors improves outcomes. Advanced cases may require liver transplantation.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Portal hypertension, variceal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy, liver failure, hepatocellular carcinoma.

Cirrhosis from Hepatitis or Fatty Liver Disease

Specialty: Gastrointestinal

Category: Liver Disorders

Sub-category: Liver Cirrhosis

Symptoms:
fatigue; jaundice; abdominal swelling; loss of appetite; nausea; easy bruising or bleeding; confusion or drowsiness; dark urine; pale stools

Root Cause:
Chronic inflammation from hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) leads to progressive fibrosis and cirrhosis.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests for liver function, viral hepatitis markers, imaging (ultrasound, transient elastography), and sometimes a liver biopsy for fibrosis grading.

Treatment:
Antiviral medications for hepatitis (e.g., entecavir or tenofovir for HBV; direct-acting antivirals for HCV), weight loss and diabetes management for NAFLD, and supportive care for complications.

Medications:
Antivirals (e.g., sofosbuvir , velpatasvir ), diuretics for fluid retention, lactulose or rifaximin for hepatic encephalopathy, and nutritional supplements as needed.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Cirrhosis from hepatitis or fatty liver disease is a leading cause of liver-related morbidity worldwide, with NAFLD prevalence rising due to obesity epidemics.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Chronic hepatitis B or C infection, obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, heavy alcohol consumption, genetic factors.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Depends on the underlying cause and stage at diagnosis. With treatment of the underlying condition (e.g., hepatitis antivirals or weight management), progression can be slowed. Advanced cases may require liver transplantation.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Portal hypertension, variceal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy, liver failure, hepatocellular carcinoma.

Choledocholithiasis (Bile Duct Stones)

Specialty: Gastrointestinal

Category: Gallbladder and Biliary Tract Disorders

Sub-category: Biliary Tract Disorders

Symptoms:
right upper quadrant abdominal pain; jaundice; dark urine; pale stools; nausea; vomiting; fever (if cholangitis develops)

Root Cause:
Obstruction of the bile duct by gallstones, leading to impaired bile flow.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests (elevated bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, and liver enzymes); imaging studies like ultrasound, MRCP (magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography), or ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography).

Treatment:
ERCP to remove stones; in some cases, surgery or lithotripsy may be needed.

Medications:
Pain relievers (NSAIDs like ibuprofen or opioids like morphine ), antibiotics if infection is present (e.g., ciprofloxacin or metronidazole ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 10-20% of individuals with gallstones develop bile duct stones.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
History of gallstones, older age, obesity, rapid weight loss, female sex, family history.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with timely treatment; recurrence may occur without addressing risk factors.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Cholangitis, pancreatitis, bile duct strictures, liver abscesses.

Cholangitis (Infection of the Bile Ducts)

Specialty: Gastrointestinal

Category: Gallbladder and Biliary Tract Disorders

Sub-category: Biliary Tract Disorders

Symptoms:
fever; chills; right upper quadrant abdominal pain; jaundice; dark urine; nausea; vomiting; hypotension (in severe cases)

Root Cause:
Bacterial infection due to bile duct obstruction, typically caused by stones, strictures, or tumors.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed through clinical signs (Charcot's triad), elevated liver function tests, imaging like ultrasound or MRCP, and sometimes blood cultures to confirm infection.

Treatment:
ERCP to relieve obstruction; broad-spectrum antibiotics (e.g., piperacillin-tazobactam, ceftriaxone, metronidazole).

Medications:
Broad-spectrum antibiotics, typically from the penicillin or cephalosporin family, combined with anti-anaerobic agents (e.g., metronidazole ); antipyretics like acetaminophen .

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
More common in individuals with a history of gallstones; incidence is 0.3-1.6 per 1,000 hospital admissions.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Gallstones, bile duct strictures, history of bile duct surgery, endoscopic procedures, malignancy.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with early intervention; mortality is high in untreated cases or septic shock.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Sepsis, liver abscesses, recurrent infections, secondary biliary cirrhosis.

Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC)

Specialty: Gastrointestinal

Category: Gallbladder and Biliary Tract Disorders

Sub-category: Autoimmune Liver Diseases

Symptoms:
fatigue; itching (pruritus); dry mouth and eyes; right upper quadrant discomfort; jaundice (in advanced stages); dark urine; pale stools

Root Cause:
Autoimmune destruction of intrahepatic bile ducts, leading to cholestasis and eventual liver damage.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests showing elevated alkaline phosphatase and antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA); liver biopsy or imaging if necessary.

Treatment:
Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) to slow disease progression; obeticholic acid for those intolerant to or unresponsive to UDCA.

Medications:
Ursodeoxycholic acid (bile acid analog), obeticholic acid (FXR agonist), cholestyramine (for itching).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 40 cases per 100,000; more common in women (9:1 ratio).

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Female sex, family history, smoking, environmental triggers.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; good with early treatment, but untreated cases may progress to cirrhosis and liver failure.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Cirrhosis, portal hypertension, osteoporosis, vitamin deficiencies, hepatocellular carcinoma.

Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC)

Specialty: Gastrointestinal

Category: Gallbladder and Biliary Tract Disorders

Sub-category: Autoimmune Liver Diseases

Symptoms:
fatigue; itching (pruritus); right upper quadrant pain; fever (in acute infections); jaundice; dark urine; pale stools

Root Cause:
Chronic inflammation and scarring of bile ducts, leading to cholestasis and liver damage; often associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Elevated liver enzymes (ALP, GGT); MRCP or ERCP showing bile duct strictures; liver biopsy in uncertain cases.

Treatment:
No definitive cure; management focuses on symptom relief and slowing progression. ERCP for bile duct strictures; liver transplant for advanced disease.

Medications:
Ursodeoxycholic acid (limited efficacy), cholestyramine for itching, antibiotics for cholangitis episodes.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, with an incidence of 0.5-1 per 100,000; more common in men and those with IBD.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Male sex, inflammatory bowel disease (particularly ulcerative colitis), genetic predisposition.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; median survival without transplant is 10-20 years.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Cirrhosis, portal hypertension, bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma), recurrent infections, liver failure.

Hepatitis (Chronic, e.g., Hepatitis C)

Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics

Category: Chronic Diseases and Multimorbidity

Sub-category: Gastrointestinal and Hepatic Disorders

Symptoms:
fatigue; jaundice; abdominal pain; dark urine; loss of appetite; nausea; itchy skin

Root Cause:
Chronic inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), leading to potential liver damage over time.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests to detect HCV antibodies and RNA, liver function tests, and liver biopsy or elastography for assessing liver damage.

Treatment:
Antiviral medications such as direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), and lifestyle changes to manage symptoms.

Medications:
Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) such as sofosbuvir , ledipasvir , glecaprevir /pibrentasvir , ribavirin in some cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Hepatitis C affects approximately 1-2% of the global population, with higher prevalence among older adults and those with a history of intravenous drug use.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
History of intravenous drug use, blood transfusions prior to 1992, needle sharing, unprotected sex, and tattoos or piercings in unsanitary conditions.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With appropriate antiviral therapy, the infection can be cured, but chronic infection can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer if untreated.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Cirrhosis, liver failure, liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma), and portal hypertension.

Pancreatic Cancer

Specialty: Oncology

Category: Solid Tumors

Sub-category: Gastrointestinal Cancers

Symptoms:
jaundice; upper abdominal pain; unintended weight loss; loss of appetite; nausea; dark urine; pale stools; new-onset diabetes

Root Cause:
Malignant tumor in the pancreas, most commonly pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, often associated with genetic mutations or chronic inflammation.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Imaging (CT scan, MRI, or endoscopic ultrasound), CA 19-9 blood test, and biopsy.

Treatment:
Surgery (Whipple procedure), chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapy.

Medications:
Chemotherapy includes gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel; FOLFIRINOX is used for advanced cases; targeted therapies like olaparib (PARP inhibitor) for BRCA-mutated cancers.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 62,000 cases diagnosed annually in the United States; often diagnosed at advanced stages.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Smoking, chronic pancreatitis, diabetes, obesity, genetic predisposition (e.g., BRCA mutations).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Poor; 5-year survival rate is about 10% overall, but higher for early-stage resectable tumors.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Metastasis, bile duct obstruction, diabetes, and malnutrition.

Bile Duct Cancer (Cholangiocarcinoma)

Specialty: Oncology

Category: Solid Tumors

Sub-category: Gastrointestinal Cancers

Symptoms:
jaundice; itchy skin; abdominal pain; dark urine; pale stools; unintended weight loss; fatigue

Root Cause:
Malignant growth in the bile ducts, often associated with chronic inflammation, bile duct abnormalities, or liver fluke infections.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Imaging (MRI, CT, or MRCP), blood tests for tumor markers (CA 19-9, CEA), and biopsy.

Treatment:
Surgery (bile duct resection or liver transplantation), chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy.

Medications:
Common chemotherapy drugs include gemcitabine and cisplatin ; targeted therapies like ivosidenib (IDH1 inhibitor) are used for specific mutations.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, with approximately 8,000 cases diagnosed annually in the United States.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), bile duct abnormalities, liver fluke infections, chronic liver disease, and older age.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Poor prognosis, with a 5-year survival rate of about 10-15% overall, but better if caught early.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Biliary obstruction, liver failure, and metastasis.

Hereditary Coproporphyria (HCP)

Specialty: Hematology

Category: Heme Synthesis and Disorders

Symptoms:
abdominal pain; nausea; vomiting; neuropathy; photosensitivity; dark urine

Root Cause:
Deficiency of the enzyme coproporphyrinogen oxidase, leading to the accumulation of porphyrins in the liver and plasma.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Elevated levels of coproporphyrins in urine and stool; genetic testing.

Treatment:
Avoiding triggers, administration of hemin for acute attacks, high carbohydrate intake during symptomatic episodes.

Medications:
Hemin (to inhibit ALA synthase); glucose infusions for mild attacks.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, with a prevalence of approximately 1 in 1,000,000.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, hormonal changes, fasting, certain medications (e.g., sulfonamides).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Treatable; acute episodes can be effectively managed.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Neurological damage, chronic pain, photosensitivity-related skin damage.

Porphyria Overview

Specialty: Hematology

Category: Heme Synthesis and Disorders

Symptoms:
abdominal pain; neuropathy; photosensitivity; dark urine; fatigue

Root Cause:
Disorders caused by defects in heme biosynthesis enzymes, leading to the accumulation of porphyrins or their precursors.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Biochemical analysis of urine, stool, and blood for porphyrins; genetic testing to identify specific mutations.

Treatment:
Symptom management, avoidance of triggers, hemin administration, high carbohydrate diets for acute attacks.

Medications:
Hemin (to control attacks); beta-carotene for photosensitivity.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Varies widely among types; AIP is most common, with a prevalence of 1 in 20,000.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, environmental factors, hormonal fluctuations.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies by type; manageable with appropriate treatment.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Neuropathy, chronic pain, liver cancer (in severe cases).

Beta Thalassemia

Specialty: Hematology

Category: Red Blood Cells and Disorders

Symptoms:
fatigue; weakness; pale or yellowish skin; dark urine; slow growth; bone deformities; enlarged spleen

Root Cause:
A genetic mutation reduces the production of beta-globin chains in hemoglobin, leading to ineffective red blood cell production and anemia.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Complete blood count (CBC), hemoglobin electrophoresis, genetic testing, and peripheral blood smear.

Treatment:
Regular blood transfusions, iron chelation therapy, bone marrow or stem cell transplant, and supportive care.

Medications:
Iron chelators like deferasirox or deferoxamine to manage iron overload from transfusions. Folic acid supplements may also be prescribed.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
More common in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian populations; worldwide incidence is around 1 in 100,000.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of thalassemia, carrier status for beta-thalassemia mutations, consanguineous marriage.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Life expectancy depends on severity; regular treatment improves quality of life but severe cases require lifelong care.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Iron overload, heart disease, liver damage, endocrine dysfunction, and bone abnormalities.

Cold Agglutinin Disease

Specialty: Hematology

Category: Immune Hemolytic Disorders

Sub-category: Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia

Symptoms:
fatigue; dark urine; jaundice; cold-induced acrocyanosis; pain in extremities; anemia-related weakness

Root Cause:
Autoantibodies bind to red blood cells at low temperatures, causing hemolysis.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
CBC, direct antiglobulin test (Coombs test), cold agglutinin titer, and peripheral blood smear.

Treatment:
Avoiding cold exposure, immunosuppressive therapy, plasmapheresis, and rituximab.

Medications:
Rituximab (monoclonal antibody), corticosteroids, and in some cases, immunosuppressants like cyclophosphamide .

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; incidence is estimated to be 1 case per million annually.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Older age, underlying infections (e.g., mycoplasma pneumonia), or lymphoproliferative disorders.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with management; severe hemolysis requires lifelong care.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe anemia, thromboembolism, and organ damage due to hemolysis.

Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) Deficiency

Specialty: Hematology

Category: Red Blood Cells and Disorders

Sub-category: Hemolytic Anemia

Symptoms:
fatigue; dark urine; jaundice; pallor; shortness of breath; rapid heart rate

Root Cause:
Deficiency in the G6PD enzyme makes red blood cells vulnerable to oxidative stress, leading to hemolysis.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
G6PD enzyme activity assay, CBC, and peripheral blood smear.

Treatment:
Avoidance of triggers (e.g., certain drugs, fava beans, infections), supportive care during hemolytic episodes, and blood transfusions if severe.

Medications:
No specific medications; management focuses on avoiding oxidative stress.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in malaria-endemic regions, affecting approximately 400 million people globally.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Male sex (X-linked condition), African, Mediterranean, or Asian ancestry.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good with trigger avoidance; hemolytic episodes are self-limiting.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Acute hemolysis, neonatal jaundice, and potential kidney damage during severe episodes.

Hemolytic Anemia

Specialty: Hematology

Category: Red Blood Cells and Disorders

Symptoms:
fatigue; jaundice; pallor; dark urine; splenomegaly; shortness of breath

Root Cause:
Premature destruction of red blood cells leads to anemia and increased production of bilirubin. Causes include autoimmune reactions, genetic disorders, infections, and medications.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Complete blood count (CBC), reticulocyte count, bilirubin levels, Coombs test, and peripheral blood smear.

Treatment:
Treatment depends on the cause and may include corticosteroids for autoimmune causes, plasmapheresis, or blood transfusions. Splenectomy may be necessary in chronic cases.

Medications:
Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone ) for autoimmune hemolytic anemia; rituximab for refractory cases; folic acid to support red blood cell production.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Varies widely depending on the cause; autoimmune hemolytic anemia affects 1-3 per 100,000 annually.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Autoimmune disorders, infections, hereditary conditions (e.g., G6PD deficiency, sickle cell disease), and certain medications.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis depends on the underlying cause; manageable with appropriate treatment in most cases.

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

Transfusion Reactions

Specialty: Hematology

Category: Transfusion Medicine

Symptoms:
fever; chills; rash; shortness of breath; hypotension; dark urine; back pain

Root Cause:
Adverse reactions caused by incompatibility, contamination, or immune response to transfused blood products.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical observation of symptoms during or after transfusion; direct antiglobulin test (DAT), blood culture (if bacterial contamination is suspected), and laboratory markers of hemolysis (e.g., LDH, bilirubin, and haptoglobin levels).

Treatment:
Immediate discontinuation of the transfusion, supportive care (e.g., fluids, oxygen), antihistamines for mild reactions, corticosteroids for severe allergic responses, and antibiotics if infection is suspected.

Medications:
Antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine ), corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone ), epinephrine for anaphylaxis, and antibiotics for bacterial contamination.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Occurs in approximately 1-2% of transfusions; severity ranges from mild allergic reactions to severe hemolytic reactions.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Non-matching blood types, immune disorders, or pre-existing antibodies.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Mild reactions resolve with appropriate treatment; severe reactions can be life-threatening but are preventable with careful crossmatching and screening.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Hemolysis, organ failure, sepsis, anaphylaxis, or death in severe cases.

Porphyria-related toxicity

Specialty: Toxicology

Category: Endogenous Toxins

Sub-category: Hematologic Disorders

Symptoms:
abdominal pain; nausea; vomiting; constipation; dark urine; seizures; muscle weakness; anxiety; hallucinations

Root Cause:
Accumulation of porphyrins or their precursors due to a defect in the heme biosynthesis pathway, leading to neurotoxicity and other systemic effects.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Urine and blood tests for porphyrins and precursors (e.g., aminolevulinic acid, porphobilinogen); genetic testing to identify specific mutations.

Treatment:
Glucose infusions or hemin administration to suppress heme biosynthesis, along with supportive care to manage symptoms. Avoidance of triggering factors such as certain medications or fasting.

Medications:
Hemin (synthetic heme, used to downregulate porphyrin production), glucose (for metabolic support).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, with an estimated prevalence of 1 in 25,000 to 1 in 50,000 for acute porphyrias.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, use of triggering medications (e.g., barbiturates, sulfonamides), alcohol consumption, hormonal changes (e.g., during menstruation).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With early diagnosis and management, symptoms are reversible, but severe attacks can lead to long-term complications or death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic pain, paralysis, kidney failure, liver damage, severe neurological deficits.

Hepatitis A

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Liver Infections

Sub-category: Acute Viral Hepatitis

Symptoms:
fatigue; nausea; vomiting; abdominal pain; jaundice; dark urine; pale stools; fever

Root Cause:
Infection with the Hepatitis A virus (HAV) causing inflammation of the liver; spread primarily through contaminated food and water.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests detecting HAV-specific IgM antibodies, liver function tests.

Treatment:
Primarily supportive care (rest, hydration, avoiding alcohol); no specific antiviral therapy.

Medications:
No antiviral medications; symptomatic relief with antipyretics (e.g., acetaminophen for fever) or antiemetics for nausea.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in areas with poor sanitation; estimated 1.4 million cases worldwide annually.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Travel to endemic regions, consuming contaminated food or water, close contact with an infected person.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Full recovery in most cases within weeks to months; no chronic infection.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Rare, but can include fulminant hepatitis in older adults or those with pre-existing liver conditions.

Hepatitis B

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Liver Infections

Sub-category: Chronic Viral Hepatitis

Symptoms:
fatigue; loss of appetite; nausea; jaundice; dark urine; joint pain; abdominal pain

Root Cause:
Infection with the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), which can cause both acute and chronic liver inflammation, leading to liver damage.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests for HBsAg (surface antigen), anti-HBc antibodies, and HBV DNA; liver function tests.

Treatment:
Treated with antiviral medications such as tenofovir or entecavir to suppress viral replication, alongside interferon therapy in select cases, and supportive care, with monitoring for liver function and complications.

Medications:
Nucleos(t)ide analogs (e.g., entecavir , tenofovir ) to inhibit viral replication. Interferon-alpha injections to boost the immune response.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects over 296 million people worldwide; common in Asia and Africa.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Unprotected sex, needle-sharing, perinatal transmission, healthcare worker exposure.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Acute cases often resolve; chronic cases may progress to cirrhosis or liver cancer without treatment.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver failure.

Hepatitis C

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Liver Infections

Sub-category: Chronic Viral Hepatitis

Symptoms:
fatigue; nausea; loss of appetite; jaundice; dark urine; joint pain; abdominal pain

Root Cause:
Infection with the Hepatitis C virus (HCV), often leading to chronic liver inflammation and scarring.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests for anti-HCV antibodies and HCV RNA, liver function tests.

Treatment:
Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) to cure the infection.

Medications:
DAAs (e.g., sofosbuvir , ledipasvir , velpatasvir ) targeting viral proteins for replication. Ribavirin (in combination in certain cases).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects over 58 million people worldwide; common in intravenous drug users.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Needle-sharing, blood transfusions (before 1992), healthcare exposure, tattoos or piercings with unsterilized equipment.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Highly curable with DAAs in 8–12 weeks; untreated, it may progress to cirrhosis or liver cancer.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, portal hypertension.

Hepatitis D

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Liver Infections

Sub-category: Chronic Viral Hepatitis

Symptoms:
fatigue; nausea; jaundice; dark urine; abdominal pain; joint pain

Root Cause:
Co-infection or superinfection with the Hepatitis D virus (HDV) in individuals already infected with Hepatitis B. HDV requires HBV to replicate.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests for anti-HDV antibodies and HDV RNA, liver function tests.

Treatment:
Pegylated interferon-alpha; no specific antiviral therapy.

Medications:
Pegylated interferon-alpha to suppress viral replication; supportive care.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Estimated 5–10% of individuals with HBV are co-infected with HDV.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Same as Hepatitis B, especially intravenous drug use and unprotected sex.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Worse than HBV alone; higher risk of progression to cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver failure.

Hepatitis E

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Liver Infections

Sub-category: Acute Viral Hepatitis

Symptoms:
fatigue; nausea; jaundice; dark urine; pale stools; abdominal pain; fever

Root Cause:
Infection with the Hepatitis E virus (HEV), often spread through contaminated water, leading to acute liver inflammation.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests for anti-HEV antibodies (IgM), HEV RNA in serum or stool.

Treatment:
Supportive care; ribavirin in severe or chronic cases (e.g., immunocompromised patients).

Medications:
Ribavirin (antiviral, used selectively for chronic cases).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects over 20 million people annually, primarily in developing regions.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Contaminated water, poor sanitation, undercooked pork or wild game meat.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Full recovery in most cases; higher mortality in pregnant women.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Acute liver failure, particularly in pregnant women or immunocompromised individuals.

Babesiosis

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Parasitic Infections

Symptoms:
fever; chills; sweats; fatigue; headache; anemia; dark urine

Root Cause:
Infection with Babesia protozoa transmitted by Ixodes tick bites, leading to red blood cell destruction.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood smear for Babesia parasites, PCR testing, or serological assays.

Treatment:
Combination antimicrobial therapy.

Medications:
Atovaquone (antiprotozoal) combined with azithromycin (antibiotic), or clindamycin with quinine in severe cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Found in areas where Ixodes ticks are prevalent, such as the northeastern and upper midwestern United States.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Tick exposure, asplenia, advanced age, and immunosuppression.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good for healthy individuals; severe disease in immunocompromised or splenectomized patients can be fatal without treatment.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Hemolytic anemia, organ failure, and death in severe cases.