Comprehensive Symptom Navigator

Diarrhea

Category: Digestive and Gastrointestinal Conditions

Symptoms:
frequent, loose stools; abdominal cramps; nausea; dehydration; fever (if infectious)

Root Cause:
Increased stool water content due to infections, food intolerances, medications, or conditions like IBS.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history; stool tests for infectious causes; colonoscopy for chronic cases.

Treatment:
Hydration, dietary adjustments, medications based on the cause.

Medications:
Antidiarrheals (e.g., loperamide ), antibiotics for bacterial infections, probiotics for gut health.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common; acute cases occur in nearly everyone at some point.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Contaminated food or water, infections, antibiotic use, chronic conditions.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent for acute cases; chronic diarrhea depends on underlying cause.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, malnutrition.

Pyloric Stenosis

Specialty: Gastrointestinal

Category: Stomach Disorders

Sub-category: Structural and Functional Disorders

Symptoms:
forceful projectile vomiting (non-bilious); palpable olive-shaped mass in the abdomen; dehydration; weight loss; persistent hunger

Root Cause:
Thickening of the pyloric sphincter muscle, causing narrowing of the passage between the stomach and duodenum, leading to obstruction.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Ultrasound is the gold standard for diagnosis, showing thickened pyloric muscle. Additional tests may include an upper GI series (contrast study) for confirmation.

Treatment:
Surgery (pyloromyotomy) to cut the thickened muscle and relieve obstruction. Preoperative treatment involves correcting dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

Medications:
No long-term medications; immediate care involves IV fluids for dehydration and electrolyte replenishment. Antiemetics like ondansetron may be used temporarily.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Occurs in approximately 2-3 per 1,000 live births, more common in male infants.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Male sex, firstborn status, family history of pyloric stenosis, and macrolide antibiotic use during early infancy.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with timely surgical intervention; most infants recover fully without long-term complications.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance (e.g., hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis), and failure to thrive if left untreated.

Acute Gastroenteritis

Specialty: Pediatrics

Category: Gastrointestinal Disorders

Sub-category: Infectious and Inflammatory Disorders

Symptoms:
diarrhea; nausea; vomiting; abdominal cramps; fever; dehydration

Root Cause:
Inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history, physical examination, stool tests (to identify causative pathogen), and sometimes blood tests if dehydration or severe infection is suspected.

Treatment:
Rehydration therapy (oral or IV), dietary adjustments, and in some cases, antimicrobial therapy for bacterial or parasitic infections.

Medications:
Antiemetics (e.g., ondansetron ), antidiarrheals (e.g., loperamide ), antibiotics (e.g., azithromycin for bacterial infections like Campylobacter or Shigella), and antiparasitics (e.g., metronidazole for Giardia).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects millions globally, especially in children under five, with higher prevalence in low-resource settings.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Poor sanitation, contaminated food or water, daycare settings, international travel.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good with supportive care; most cases resolve in a few days without complications.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, malnutrition, hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) in some bacterial infections.

Neonatal Diabetes

Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology

Category: Diabetes Mellitus and Related Disorders

Sub-category: Other Specific Types of Diabetes

Symptoms:
failure to thrive; dehydration; severe hyperglycemia; frequent urination; weight loss in newborns

Root Cause:
Genetic mutations affecting insulin production or secretion, typically presenting in the first six months of life.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Genetic testing for mutations in genes like KCNJ11 or ABCC8; fasting glucose levels, C-peptide levels, and ketones.

Treatment:
Sulfonylureas in cases of ATP-sensitive potassium channel mutations, or insulin therapy if necessary.

Medications:
Sulfonylureas (e.g., glibenclamide) are commonly used; in some cases, insulin therapy is required to manage blood sugar levels.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 1 in 90,000 to 160,000 live births worldwide.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic mutations, consanguinity, and family history of early-onset diabetes.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies depending on the mutation; many children achieve good control with oral medications, though some require lifelong insulin therapy.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Growth and developmental delays, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), and long-term microvascular or macrovascular complications.

Diabetes Insipidus (Central and Nephrogenic)

Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology

Category: Pituitary Disorders

Symptoms:
excessive thirst (polydipsia); excessive urination (polyuria); nocturia; dehydration; dry skin; fatigue; electrolyte imbalances

Root Cause:
Central DI results from inadequate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) due to damage to the hypothalamus or pituitary. Nephrogenic DI results from the kidneys' inability to respond to ADH.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Water deprivation test, urine osmolality tests, blood electrolyte levels, MRI of the brain to assess the pituitary gland.

Treatment:
Treated with desmopressin to replace vasopressin, while nephrogenic diabetes insipidus is managed with a low-sodium diet, thiazide diuretics, and addressing the underlying cause.

Medications:
Desmopressin (antidiuretic hormone analog) for Central DI; thiazide diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide ) and NSAIDs (e.g., indomethacin ) for Nephrogenic DI.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Central DI is rare, occurring in 1 in 25,000 people. Nephrogenic DI prevalence varies depending on genetic or acquired causes.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Head trauma, brain surgery, autoimmune conditions, genetic mutations, chronic kidney disease, lithium therapy.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with appropriate treatment, though lifelong management may be necessary.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, kidney damage, cardiovascular issues from chronic dehydration.

Short Bowel Syndrome

Specialty: Gastrointestinal

Category: Small Intestine Disorders

Sub-category: Malabsorption Syndromes

Symptoms:
diarrhea; steatorrhea; weight loss; fatigue; nutritional deficiencies; dehydration

Root Cause:
Reduced absorptive capacity of the small intestine due to surgical removal or congenital defect, leading to malabsorption of nutrients, fluids, and electrolytes.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Medical history of intestinal surgery or congenital abnormality, imaging studies (e.g., CT scan, MRI), and tests to evaluate nutrient levels.

Treatment:
Nutritional support (parenteral nutrition, enteral feeding), dietary modifications (high-calorie, low-fat diet), and medications to slow intestinal transit or enhance absorption.

Medications:
GLP-2 analogs (e.g., teduglutide ) to improve intestinal absorption, antidiarrheal agents (e.g., loperamide ), and proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole ) to reduce gastric acid.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, with an estimated incidence of 3 per million people per year.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Intestinal surgery (e.g., for Crohn's disease, cancer, trauma), congenital defects (e.g., gastroschisis), or ischemic bowel disease.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; depends on the remaining length and function of the intestine. With appropriate management, many patients can achieve nutritional independence.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic diarrhea, malnutrition, dependence on parenteral nutrition, liver dysfunction, and bacterial overgrowth.

Chronic Diarrhea

Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics

Category: Chronic Diseases and Multimorbidity

Sub-category: Gastrointestinal and Hepatic Disorders

Symptoms:
frequent, loose stools; abdominal cramping; urgency; dehydration; fatigue

Root Cause:
Can result from a variety of causes including infections, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or malabsorption disorders.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Stool tests, colonoscopy, blood tests, and imaging studies.

Treatment:
Depending on the cause, treatment may involve antibiotics, anti-diarrheal medications, dietary changes, or corticosteroids.

Medications:
Anti-diarrheal agents (e.g., loperamide ), antibiotics (e.g., metronidazole for infections), anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., mesalamine for IBD).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 5-10% of the general population, more common in the elderly.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Inflammatory bowel disease, infections, irritable bowel syndrome, medications (e.g., antibiotics).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Depends on the underlying cause, but chronic diarrhea can often be managed effectively.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Dehydration, malnutrition, and electrolyte imbalances.

Infectious Colitis (e.g., Viral, Bacterial, Parasitic)

Specialty: Gastrointestinal

Category: Large Intestine (Colon) Disorders

Sub-category: Infectious Disorders

Symptoms:
diarrhea (often with blood or mucus); abdominal pain; fever; nausea; vomiting; fatigue; dehydration; weight loss

Root Cause:
Infection of the colon by pathogens such as bacteria (e.g., Salmonella, Shigella, E. coli, Campylobacter), viruses (e.g., norovirus, rotavirus), or parasites (e.g., Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia). This leads to inflammation and damage to the intestinal lining.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Stool tests for pathogens (culture, PCR, or antigen detection), blood tests for inflammatory markers, and colonoscopy in chronic or severe cases to assess mucosal damage.

Treatment:
Supportive care (hydration, electrolyte replacement) and pathogen-specific treatment. Antibiotics for bacterial infections, antiparasitic medications for parasitic infections, and sometimes antiviral therapy for severe viral infections.

Medications:
Antibiotics like ciprofloxacin or azithromycin for bacterial infections; metronidazole or tinidazole for parasitic infections like Giardia or Entamoeba; oral rehydration salts for dehydration. Antibiotics are categorized as antimicrobials, while antiparasitic drugs target protozoa.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Infectious colitis is a common cause of diarrhea worldwide, with bacterial pathogens accounting for 85% of foodborne outbreaks in developed countries.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Contaminated food or water, international travel, poor hygiene, immunosuppression, and exposure to infected individuals.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Most cases resolve within days to weeks with appropriate treatment, but severe infections can lead to prolonged illness or death, particularly in vulnerable populations.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS, associated with E. coli O157:H7), chronic post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome, and intestinal perforation.

Recurrent Clostridium difficile infection

Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics

Category: Infectious Diseases

Sub-category: Chronic and Recurrent Infections

Symptoms:
severe diarrhea (watery stools); abdominal cramps; fever; loss of appetite; nausea; dehydration; in some cases, colonic perforation or toxic megacolon

Root Cause:
Overgrowth of Clostridium difficile bacteria in the colon after disruption of normal gut flora, typically caused by antibiotic use. The bacteria produce toxins that cause inflammation and damage to the intestinal lining.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is confirmed by stool tests to detect Clostridium difficile toxins (PCR or enzyme immunoassay) or culture. Colonoscopy or imaging may be used in severe cases to assess colonic damage.

Treatment:
First-line treatment involves oral antibiotics such as vancomycin or fidaxomicin. For recurrent cases, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an option. Discontinuation of the inciting antibiotics and infection control measures are important.

Medications:
The main medications for treating C. difficile infection include oral vancomycin (a glycopeptide antibiotic), fidaxomicin (a macrolide antibiotic), and metronidazole (used for mild cases). In recurrent infections, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is also used as a treatment.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
The incidence of C. difficile infection is higher in healthcare settings, particularly among older adults and those with weakened immune systems. It is one of the leading causes of healthcare-associated infections in the U.S.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Advanced age, prolonged use of antibiotics (especially broad-spectrum antibiotics), weakened immune system (due to cancer treatments, organ transplants, or chronic diseases), previous C. difficile infection.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
While most cases resolve with antibiotics, recurrent infections are common, particularly in older adults. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for a better prognosis.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe dehydration, colonic perforation, toxic megacolon, and sepsis in extreme cases. Recurrence is common, and patients may experience multiple episodes over time.

Elder Abuse and Neglect

Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics

Category: Geriatric Syndromes

Symptoms:
unexplained bruises or injuries; withdrawal or anxiety; poor hygiene; malnutrition; dehydration; inconsistent medical history; financial exploitation

Root Cause:
Physical, emotional, or financial mistreatment by caregivers, family members, or others in positions of trust. Neglect often results from caregiver burnout or inability to provide proper care.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation, review of medical history, and interviews with the individual and caregivers. Investigations may involve social services or law enforcement when abuse is suspected.

Treatment:
Reporting to authorities, interventions to protect the elder, therapy for trauma, legal action if necessary, and supportive services (e.g., adult protective services).

Medications:
No specific medications; treatment focuses on addressing physical and emotional harm caused by abuse and neglect. Supportive mental health medications, like antidepressants or anxiolytics, may be prescribed if trauma is involved.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Estimates vary, but approximately 10% of older adults experience some form of abuse or neglect.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Isolation, cognitive impairment, dependence on others for care, substance abuse in caregivers, and history of family violence.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis depends on the severity of the abuse, the timeliness of intervention, and the elder's overall health. Long-term consequences may include psychological trauma and physical disabilities.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic physical and mental health problems, PTSD, social isolation, and death in severe cases.

Fanconi Syndrome

Specialty: Nephrology

Category: Tubulointerstitial Diseases

Symptoms:
excessive urination; dehydration; muscle weakness; growth retardation in children; osteomalacia; electrolyte imbalances

Root Cause:
Defective reabsorption in the proximal tubule of the kidney, leading to loss of glucose, amino acids, phosphate, bicarbonate, and other solutes in the urine.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Urinalysis (presence of glucose, phosphate, and amino acids), blood tests (hypokalemia, hypophosphatemia, metabolic acidosis), imaging (bone density scans in adults for osteomalacia).

Treatment:
Addressing the underlying cause (e.g., withdrawal of drugs, treating genetic or metabolic disorders), replacement of lost solutes (e.g., bicarbonate, phosphate, potassium), supportive therapy.

Medications:
Phosphate supplements, potassium citrate (to correct acidosis), and vitamin D analogs (e.g., calcitriol ) to manage bone disorders.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; more common in inherited metabolic disorders or drug toxicity cases.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Inherited disorders (e.g., cystinosis, Wilson's disease), exposure to heavy metals, use of certain drugs (e.g., tenofovir).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Depends on the underlying cause; treatable with supportive care, but severe cases may progress to chronic kidney disease.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Bone disorders (rickets, osteomalacia), chronic kidney disease, electrolyte imbalances, growth retardation in children.

Bartter Syndrome

Specialty: Nephrology

Category: Hereditary and Congenital Kidney Disorders

Symptoms:
polyuria; polydipsia; dehydration; muscle weakness; growth delay in children

Root Cause:
Genetic defect in renal tubules causing electrolyte imbalance (low potassium, high calcium excretion).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests for electrolytes, urine analysis, and genetic testing.

Treatment:
Correcting electrolyte imbalances, managing dehydration, and nutritional support.

Medications:
Potassium supplements, aldosterone antagonists (e.g., spironolactone ), and NSAIDs (e.g., indomethacin ) to reduce electrolyte loss.

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

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Autosomal recessive inheritance.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with appropriate management, though chronic kidney disease may occur.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Kidney damage, failure to thrive in children, and chronic dehydration.

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)

Specialty: Genetics

Category: Genetic Contributions to Common Diseases

Sub-category: Endocrine Disorders

Symptoms:
ambiguous genitalia in females; early onset puberty; rapid growth during childhood; short stature in adulthood; low blood pressure; electrolyte imbalances; dehydration; salt cravings

Root Cause:
Mutations in genes like CYP21A2 lead to impaired cortisol production and sometimes aldosterone deficiency, causing adrenal hyperplasia and excess androgen production.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Newborn screening (17-hydroxyprogesterone levels), hormone assays, genetic testing, and family history.

Treatment:
Lifelong glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid replacement therapy to normalize hormone levels, surgical correction for ambiguous genitalia (if needed), and salt supplements in severe cases.

Medications:
Common medications include hydrocortisone (glucocorticoid replacement), fludrocortisone (mineralocorticoid replacement), and sodium supplements for salt-wasting types. Dexamethasone or prednisone may be used in older patients.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 1 in 15,000 to 1 in 20,000 live births globally.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of CAH, autosomal recessive inheritance.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With appropriate treatment, most individuals live normal lives; untreated, severe cases can result in adrenal crises and early mortality.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Adrenal crises, infertility, psychological distress, and metabolic issues (e.g., obesity or osteoporosis) due to prolonged steroid therapy.

Food contamination-related poisoning

Specialty: Toxicology

Category: Environmental and Ingestional Poisoning

Sub-category: Foodborne Poisoning

Symptoms:
nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; abdominal cramps; fever; dehydration

Root Cause:
Ingestion of food contaminated by bacteria (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli), viruses (e.g., norovirus), toxins (e.g., aflatoxins), or chemicals (e.g., pesticides).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history of food consumption, stool tests for pathogens, and testing for toxins or chemicals in food samples.

Treatment:
Supportive care (e.g., hydration, electrolyte replacement), antibiotics if bacterial infection is identified, or antitoxins for specific poisonings.

Medications:
Antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin for bacterial infections like Salmonella), antiemetics (e.g., ondansetron ), and oral rehydration solutions. Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects millions annually worldwide; particularly common in areas with inadequate food safety measures.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Poor food hygiene, contaminated water, improper food storage or preparation, consumption of raw or undercooked food.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good with treatment; most cases resolve within days, but severe cases can lead to hospitalization or death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe dehydration, hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) from E. coli, chronic gastrointestinal issues, or systemic infections.

Bulimia Nervosa

Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology

Category: Adult

Sub-category: Eating Disorders

Symptoms:
binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors like vomiting or laxative use; preoccupation with body weight; fear of weight gain; swollen salivary glands; tooth enamel erosion; dehydration

Root Cause:
Dysregulated eating behaviors driven by psychological distress, body dissatisfaction, and societal pressures.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical interviews and DSM-5 criteria assessment, including binge-purge cycles and self-perception of body weight.

Treatment:
Psychotherapy (e.g., Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Eating Disorders), nutritional counseling, and medical monitoring.

Medications:
Fluoxetine (an SSRI) is FDA-approved for bulimia; other SSRIs may be used off-label.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 1% of young women, with higher prevalence in females than males.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Dieting, body dissatisfaction, genetic predisposition, history of trauma or abuse.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With treatment, many recover; without intervention, long-term complications can develop.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Electrolyte imbalances, gastrointestinal issues, cardiac arrhythmias, esophageal tears.

Emergent Management of Bulimia Nervosa

Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology

Category: Emergency

Sub-category: Eating Disorders

Symptoms:
binge eating; compensatory behaviors (e.g., purging, excessive exercise); electrolyte imbalances; dental erosion; gastrointestinal issues; dehydration; irregular heartbeat

Root Cause:
Psychological and biological factors leading to cycles of bingeing and compensatory behaviors, often linked to body image issues.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical assessment per DSM-5 criteria, including recurrent binge-eating episodes and inappropriate compensatory behaviors, occurring at least once a week for three months. Physical exam and lab tests to assess for complications.

Treatment:
Stabilize acute complications (e.g., electrolyte imbalances, dehydration). Long-term treatment includes psychotherapy (CBT or DBT), nutritional rehabilitation, and medications.

Medications:
Fluoxetine (SSRI) is FDA-approved for bulimia. Medications address underlying depression, anxiety, and impulsivity.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1–2% of women and 0.5% of men worldwide.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Adolescence, perfectionism, cultural pressure to be thin, history of trauma or dieting, and co-existing mental health disorders.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Full recovery is possible with comprehensive treatment, but relapses are common without ongoing support.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Electrolyte disturbances, cardiac arrhythmias, esophageal rupture, or chronic gastrointestinal issues.

Bacterial Gastroenteritis

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Gastrointestinal Tract and Intra-abdominal Infections

Symptoms:
diarrhea (often watery or bloody); abdominal cramps; fever; nausea; vomiting; dehydration

Root Cause:
Infection of the gastrointestinal tract caused by pathogenic bacteria like Salmonella, Shigella, Escherichia coli, or Campylobacter.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Stool cultures, stool antigen tests, and molecular testing (PCR) to identify bacterial pathogens; clinical history of recent travel or food exposure.

Treatment:
Rehydration therapy (oral or intravenous), dietary adjustments, and in severe cases, antibiotics depending on the pathogen.

Medications:
Antibiotics like ciprofloxacin (fluoroquinolone) or azithromycin (macrolide) are used for severe infections. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) and zinc supplementation help manage dehydration.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
A common cause of morbidity worldwide, particularly in low-resource settings; affects millions annually, especially children under five.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Contaminated food or water, poor hygiene, travel to endemic areas, and immunocompromised states.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Usually self-limiting; severe cases may lead to complications without prompt treatment.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe dehydration, hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), and reactive arthritis.

Clostridioides (Clostridium) Difficile Colitis

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Gastrointestinal Tract and Intra-abdominal Infections

Symptoms:
watery diarrhea; abdominal pain; fever; nausea; loss of appetite; dehydration; foul-smelling stool

Root Cause:
Infection caused by Clostridioides difficile bacteria, leading to an overgrowth in the colon often triggered by antibiotic use that disrupts normal gut flora.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Stool tests for C. difficile toxins or genetic material (PCR), colonoscopy to identify pseudomembranous colitis, and imaging (e.g., CT scan) in severe cases.

Treatment:
Discontinuation of the inciting antibiotic, initiation of specific antibiotics to target C. difficile, and, in severe cases, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT).

Medications:
Vancomycin (oral, first-line treatment for severe cases, classified as glycopeptide antibiotics), Fidaxomicin (narrow-spectrum antibiotic targeting C. difficile), and Metronidazole (alternative treatment for mild to moderate cases, classified as a nitroimidazole antibiotic).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects about 500,000 people annually in the U.S.; more common in hospitalized or recently discharged patients.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Recent antibiotic use, advanced age, hospitalization, weakened immune system, gastrointestinal surgery, proton pump inhibitor use.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with appropriate treatment; however, recurrence occurs in approximately 20–25% of patients.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe dehydration, toxic megacolon, bowel perforation, sepsis, and death in extreme cases.

Viral Gastroenteritis

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Gastrointestinal Tract and Intra-abdominal Infections

Symptoms:
watery diarrhea; nausea; vomiting; fever; abdominal cramps; dehydration

Root Cause:
Inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by viral infections (e.g., norovirus, rotavirus, adenovirus).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical diagnosis based on symptoms; stool PCR or antigen tests in specific cases.

Treatment:
Supportive care, including rehydration and electrolyte replacement. Antiemetics may be used for severe nausea.

Medications:
No specific antiviral treatment; oral rehydration solutions (ORS) and antiemetics like ondansetron may be used.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Very common worldwide, especially in children and in areas with poor sanitation.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Close contact with infected individuals, contaminated food or water, poor hand hygiene.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent in most cases with supportive care; severe dehydration can be life-threatening without treatment.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and in rare cases, kidney injury.

Cryptosporidiosis

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Parasitic Infections

Symptoms:
watery diarrhea; abdominal pain; nausea; vomiting; fever; weight loss; dehydration

Root Cause:
Infection with Cryptosporidium species, primarily transmitted through ingestion of contaminated water or food.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Stool analysis using acid-fast staining, direct fluorescent antibody tests, or PCR for Cryptosporidium DNA.

Treatment:
Supportive care to prevent dehydration; specific antiparasitic therapy for immunocompromised individuals.

Medications:
Nitazoxanide (antiprotozoal) is the primary treatment. Antidiarrheal agents may be used for symptom control.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common worldwide, especially in children and immunocompromised individuals in low-resource settings.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Contaminated water sources, poor sanitation, immunosuppression (e.g., HIV/AIDS).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good for immunocompetent individuals; chronic or severe disease in immunosuppressed patients.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe dehydration, malnutrition, and chronic diarrhea in immunocompromised individuals.