Comprehensive Symptom Navigator

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Category: Large Intestine (Colon) Disorders

Symptoms:
abdominal pain or cramping; bloating; gas; diarrhea; constipation; alternating diarrhea and constipation; mucus in stool

Root Cause:
Disruption in the normal function of the gut-brain axis leading to hypersensitivity of the intestines and abnormal motility patterns.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history and symptom-based criteria (e.g., Rome IV criteria), exclusion of other conditions through blood tests, stool tests, and sometimes colonoscopy.

Treatment:
Dietary changes (e.g., low-FODMAP diet), stress management, physical activity, and symptom-specific therapies.

Medications:
Antispasmodics (e.g., dicyclomine ), fiber supplements, laxatives for constipation, loperamide for diarrhea, and antidepressants (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) for managing pain and hypersensitivity.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 10-15% of the global population, with a higher prevalence in women and young to middle-aged adults.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, stress, anxiety, depression, history of gastrointestinal infections, and food intolerances.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic condition with varying severity; manageable with lifestyle modifications and treatment, but symptoms may persist intermittently.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Impacts quality of life, increased risk of depression and anxiety, and potential overlap with other functional disorders such as fibromyalgia.

Food Allergies

Specialty: Internal Medicine

Category: Allergic and Immunological Conditions

Symptoms:
hives; swelling of lips, face, or tongue; abdominal pain; vomiting; diarrhea; itchy throat; anaphylaxis (severe cases)

Root Cause:
Immune system overreaction to specific proteins in foods (e.g., nuts, shellfish, eggs).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history, skin prick testing, blood tests for specific IgE antibodies, oral food challenge (under supervision).

Treatment:
Avoidance of trigger foods, emergency treatment for severe reactions.

Medications:
Antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine ) for mild symptoms, epinephrine autoinjector for anaphylaxis.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects about 6–8% of children and 2–3% of adults globally.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, other allergies (e.g., asthma, eczema), early exposure to allergens.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with strict avoidance; children may outgrow some allergies.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Anaphylaxis, nutritional deficiencies if dietary restrictions are poorly managed.

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.

Celiac Disease

Specialty: Allergies and Immunology

Category: Immunologic Disorders

Sub-category: Autoimmune Disorders

Symptoms:
diarrhea; abdominal pain; bloating; weight loss; iron deficiency anemia; fatigue; dermatitis herpetiformis (skin rash)

Root Cause:
Autoimmune reaction to gluten, causing damage to the small intestine lining and nutrient malabsorption.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests for anti-tTG or EMA antibodies, endoscopic biopsy of the small intestine.

Treatment:
Strict lifelong gluten-free diet.

Medications:
Gluten-free diet and supplements for nutrient deficiencies.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1% of the population globally.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic predisposition (HLA-DQ2/DQ8), family history, other autoimmune disorders.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with adherence to a gluten-free diet; untreated cases can lead to serious complications.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Malnutrition, osteoporosis, infertility, small intestinal cancer, other autoimmune disorders.

Hyperthyroidism (e.g., Graves’ disease)

Specialty: Pediatrics

Category: Endocrine Disorders

Sub-category: Thyroid Disorders

Symptoms:
weight loss despite normal or increased appetite; rapid heartbeat (tachycardia); heat intolerance; tremors; irritability; exophthalmos (protrusion of the eyes); goiter; sweating; diarrhea; sleep disturbances; fatigue

Root Cause:
Overproduction of thyroid hormones due to autoimmune stimulation of the thyroid gland by thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSIs).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed by low TSH, elevated T4/T3 levels, and thyroid receptor antibodies.

Treatment:
Treated with antithyroid medications (e.g., methimazole), radioactive iodine therapy, or surgery, with beta-blockers to control symptoms.

Medications:
Antithyroid medications - Methimazole (first-line treatment) and propylthiouracil (used in certain cases, such as during the first trimester of pregnancy). Beta-blockers - Propranolol or atenolol to control symptoms such as rapid heartbeat and tremors.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare in children; more common in adolescent females. Estimated prevalence is about 1 in 10,000 children.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Female sex, family history of autoimmune thyroid disease, other autoimmune conditions, exposure to iodine excess or deficiency.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with treatment; remission is possible with antithyroid medication, but relapses can occur. Severe or untreated cases may lead to thyroid storm, a life-threatening complication.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Thyroid storm, heart problems (e.g., arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy), osteoporosis, vision problems, or permanent eye damage in severe exophthalmos.

Food allergies

Specialty: Pediatrics

Category: Immunologic and Rheumatologic Disorders

Sub-category: Allergic Disorders

Symptoms:
hives; swelling of lips, face, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing; vomiting; diarrhea; abdominal pain; anaphylaxis (severe, life-threatening allergic reaction)

Root Cause:
The immune system mistakenly identifies certain proteins in food as harmful and releases chemicals like histamine to protect the body, triggering an allergic reaction.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis typically involves a detailed medical history, skin prick tests, blood tests for allergen-specific IgE antibodies, and food challenge tests under medical supervision.

Treatment:
The main treatment is avoiding the allergenic food. In case of accidental exposure, antihistamines can be used for mild reactions, while epinephrine (adrenaline) is prescribed for severe reactions or anaphylaxis.

Medications:
Common medications include antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine , loratadine , which are antihistamines used to reduce allergic reactions) and epinephrine (e.g., epinephrine auto-injectors like EpiPen or Auvi-Q for emergency treatment of anaphylaxis). Antihistamines are classified as H1 receptor antagonists, and epinephrine is a sympathomimetic drug.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Food allergies affect about 8% of children, with some studies showing a growing trend in allergic reactions, especially to peanuts, eggs, milk, and shellfish.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of allergies, other allergic conditions (e.g., eczema or allergic rhinitis), early exposure to allergens, and living in urban areas with less exposure to diverse environmental microbes.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Many children outgrow food allergies as they age, though some food allergies (e.g., peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish) tend to persist into adulthood.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Anaphylaxis, which can be fatal if untreated, chronic allergic reactions leading to eczema or other skin conditions, and the psychological impact of living with food restrictions.

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

Specialty: Pediatrics

Category: Immunologic and Rheumatologic Disorders

Sub-category: Autoimmune Disorders

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mesenteric Ischemia

Specialty: Emergency and Urgent Care

Category: Gastrointestinal Emergencies

Sub-category: Vascular GI Conditions

Symptoms:
sudden severe abdominal pain; nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; blood in stool; abdominal distension

Root Cause:
Reduced or completely obstructed blood flow to the intestines due to arterial embolism, arterial thrombosis, or venous thrombosis.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history and physical exam, blood tests (elevated lactate levels), imaging studies (CT angiography is the gold standard).

Treatment:
Immediate resuscitation, anticoagulation (e.g., heparin), thrombolysis, and surgical intervention to remove occlusion or resect necrotic bowel.

Medications:
Anticoagulants like heparin (unfractionated or low-molecular-weight), thrombolytics like alteplase (tissue plasminogen activator), and vasodilators like papaverine (to improve blood flow).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare but life-threatening, affecting approximately 0.1-0.2% of hospital admissions; more common in elderly individuals.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Atrial fibrillation, heart failure, atherosclerosis, recent abdominal surgery, hypercoagulable states.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Poor if not treated promptly; mortality rates can exceed 70% for acute cases with bowel necrosis.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Bowel infarction, perforation, sepsis, multi-organ failure.

Thyroid Storm

Specialty: Emergency and Urgent Care

Category: Endocrine and Metabolic Emergencies

Sub-category: Thyroid Conditions

Symptoms:
high fever; rapid heart rate (tachycardia); extreme irritability or agitation; confusion or delirium; profuse sweating; nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; heart failure symptoms (chest pain, shortness of breath); goiter

Root Cause:
Excessive release of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) leading to a hypermetabolic state, often triggered by infection, trauma, surgery, or discontinuation of antithyroid medications in patients with hyperthyroidism.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical presentation supported by laboratory findings of extremely elevated free T3 and T4 levels, suppressed TSH levels, and systemic organ dysfunction. Other tests may include CBC, liver enzymes, and imaging (to rule out precipitating factors).

Treatment:
Aggressive supportive care, cooling measures for hyperthermia, hydration, electrolyte correction, beta-blockers to control heart rate, antithyroid drugs, iodine to block thyroid hormone release, and corticosteroids to reduce peripheral conversion of T4 to T3.

Medications:
Antithyroid drugs

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare but life-threatening; typically occurs in patients with untreated or poorly managed hyperthyroidism.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Graves’ disease, toxic multinodular goiter, thyroid surgery, infection, trauma, pregnancy, discontinuation of antithyroid drugs, or iodine contrast administration.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
High mortality rate (up to 20-30%) if untreated; early and aggressive treatment significantly improves outcomes.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Heart failure, arrhythmias (e.g., atrial fibrillation), shock, multi-organ failure, and death.

Toxic Shock Syndrome

Specialty: Emergency and Urgent Care

Category: Infectious Diseases

Sub-category: Other Infectious Emergencies

Symptoms:
sudden high fever; low blood pressure; vomiting; diarrhea; rash resembling sunburn; confusion; seizures; muscle aches; redness of eyes, throat, and mouth; organ failure

Root Cause:
Caused by toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria, often associated with tampon use, wound infections, or surgical procedures.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation based on symptoms, blood cultures, and other laboratory tests to identify the bacterial toxin.

Treatment:
Immediate hospitalization, intravenous fluids to maintain blood pressure, antibiotics to target bacteria, and management of organ dysfunction.

Medications:
Intravenous antibiotics such as clindamycin and vancomycin (antibacterials). IV immunoglobulins may also be used to neutralize toxins.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, with an incidence of approximately 1–2 cases per 100,000 population annually.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Prolonged tampon use, post-surgical infections, open wounds, childbirth, or nasal packing.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with prompt treatment; however, untreated cases can be fatal.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Shock, organ failure, amputations due to necrosis, and death.

Organophosphate Poisoning

Specialty: Emergency and Urgent Care

Category: Toxicology and Overdose

Sub-category: Chemical Exposures

Symptoms:
salivation; lacrimation; urination; diarrhea; gastrointestinal cramping; emesis; muscle weakness; seizures; respiratory distress

Root Cause:
Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, leading to accumulation of acetylcholine and overstimulation of cholinergic receptors in the nervous system.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical presentation of cholinergic symptoms, history of exposure to pesticides or organophosphates, low cholinesterase activity in plasma or red blood cells.

Treatment:
Atropine (to counteract muscarinic symptoms), pralidoxime (to regenerate acetylcholinesterase), decontamination (e.g., removal of contaminated clothing, washing skin), and supportive care (e.g., oxygen, mechanical ventilation).

Medications:
Atropine (antimuscarinic agent to reduce secretions and reverse bradycardia), Pralidoxime (AChE reactivator), Diazepam (for seizures).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in agricultural settings; worldwide, organophosphate poisoning accounts for thousands of deaths annually, particularly in developing countries.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Agricultural workers, accidental exposure, and intentional ingestion in cases of self-harm.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; excellent with prompt treatment, but delayed treatment can lead to respiratory failure and death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Respiratory failure, seizures, long-term neurological sequelae, and death.

COVID-19

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Infectious Diseases of the Respiratory System

Sub-category: Viral Infections

Symptoms:
fever; dry cough; shortness of breath; fatigue; loss of taste or smell; sore throat; muscle aches; headache; chills; nausea or vomiting; diarrhea

Root Cause:
Caused by SARS-CoV-2, a novel coronavirus. Transmitted through respiratory droplets, aerosols, and contaminated surfaces.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
PCR testing, rapid antigen tests, and clinical evaluation of symptoms.

Treatment:
Supportive care, antiviral drugs, corticosteroids, and oxygen therapy in severe cases.

Medications:
Antiviral drugs such as remdesivir (RNA polymerase inhibitor) and paxlovid (combination of nirmatrelvir and ritonavir ) may be used. Severe cases may require corticosteroids like dexamethasone or monoclonal antibodies for immunomodulation.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects populations globally; widespread outbreaks occurred in 2020-2021 with continued endemic cases.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Advanced age, obesity, chronic medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular disease, COPD), immunosuppression.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Highly variable; mild cases recover in 1-2 weeks, while severe cases can lead to long-term complications or death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), blood clots, multi-organ failure, "long COVID" (persistent symptoms).

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

Symptoms:
high fever; dry cough; shortness of breath; muscle pain; headache; chills; diarrhea; fatigue

Root Cause:
Viral infection caused by the SARS-CoV coronavirus, primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets or close contact. Severe cases involve acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis involves PCR testing for SARS-CoV, chest imaging showing pneumonia or ARDS, and serologic tests for antibodies.

Treatment:
Supportive care, including oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation in severe cases, and management of secondary infections. No specific antiviral treatment is universally accepted.

Medications:
Experimental - Ribavirin , corticosteroids, and interferons were used during the 2003 outbreak but with limited efficacy. Supportive medications - Antipyretics for fever, analgesics for pain, and bronchodilators for respiratory relief.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Emerged in 2002–2003 with approximately 8,000 cases globally and a mortality rate of about 9.6%.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Close contact with infected individuals, healthcare workers exposed to infected patients, and travelers to outbreak areas.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Early supportive care improves outcomes. Severe cases may lead to high mortality, especially in older adults or those with comorbidities.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
ARDS, septic shock, organ failure, and long-term pulmonary dysfunction in survivors.

Medullary Thyroid Cancer

Specialty: Oncology

Category: Solid Tumors

Sub-category: Endocrine Cancers

Symptoms:
lump in the neck; diarrhea; flushing; hoarseness; neck pain; enlarged lymph nodes

Root Cause:
Arises from C-cells (parafollicular cells) in the thyroid that produce calcitonin; often associated with genetic mutations, particularly in the RET proto-oncogene.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests for elevated calcitonin and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), fine-needle aspiration biopsy, genetic testing (RET mutation), and imaging (CT, MRI).

Treatment:
Total thyroidectomy, lymph node dissection, and sometimes external beam radiation.

Medications:
Calcitonin (for symptom relief in advanced cases), sorafenib or cabozantinib (targeted therapies for advanced or metastatic disease).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Less common, accounting for 3–5% of thyroid cancers; more frequently diagnosed in people with hereditary genetic conditions like multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN).

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of medullary thyroid cancer, genetic mutations (RET mutations), and MEN syndrome types 2A and 2B.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis varies depending on stage; localized cases have good survival rates (80–90%), while advanced or metastatic cases have poorer outcomes.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Metastasis to the lymph nodes, lungs, liver, and bones; recurrence; and complications from treatment, such as hypocalcemia.

Thyroid Storm (Thyrotoxic Crisis)

Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology

Category: Thyroid Disorders

Sub-category: Other Thyroid Disorders

Symptoms:
high fever; rapid heart rate (tachycardia); nervousness or anxiety; tremors; confusion; diarrhea; vomiting; extreme fatigue; shortness of breath

Root Cause:
Severe, life-threatening exacerbation of hyperthyroidism, often triggered by infection, surgery, trauma, or untreated Graves' disease.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical presentation (severe hyperthyroid symptoms), lab tests showing suppressed TSH and elevated T3/T4 levels, alongside exclusion of other conditions (e.g., sepsis).

Treatment:
Immediate hospitalization, beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol) for symptom control, antithyroid medications (e.g., methimazole or propylthiouracil), iodine to inhibit thyroid hormone release, and corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.

Medications:
Methimazole or propylthiouracil (antithyroid drugs); propranolol (beta-blocker); potassium iodide (iodine preparation ); hydrocortisone (corticosteroid).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, occurring in approximately 1–2% of patients with untreated or poorly managed hyperthyroidism.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Untreated hyperthyroidism, Graves' disease, recent surgery, infection, pregnancy, or iodine exposure.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
High mortality if untreated (up to 30%); prognosis improves significantly with prompt treatment.

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

Glucagonoma

Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology

Category: Pancreatic Endocrine Disorders

Symptoms:
skin rash (necrolytic migratory erythema); unexplained weight loss; diabetes; diarrhea; deep vein thrombosis; anemia; glossitis

Root Cause:
Excessive secretion of glucagon due to a tumor in the alpha cells of the pancreas.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests (elevated glucagon levels), imaging (CT, MRI, or somatostatin receptor imaging), and biopsy of the tumor.

Treatment:
Surgery to remove the tumor, somatostatin analogs to control symptoms, and supportive care for associated diabetes and nutritional deficiencies.

Medications:
Octreotide or lanreotide (somatostatin analogs that reduce glucagon secretion).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Extremely rare; incidence is estimated at less than 1 per 20 million people annually.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Often occurs sporadically but can be associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Poor if left untreated due to the risk of metastasis, but surgical removal can improve outcomes significantly.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Metastatic spread, diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, and thrombosis.

Somatostatinoma

Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology

Category: Pancreatic Endocrine Disorders

Symptoms:
diabetes; gallstones; steatorrhea (fatty stools); abdominal pain; weight loss; diarrhea; nausea

Root Cause:
Overproduction of somatostatin, usually due to a rare neuroendocrine tumor in the pancreas or duodenum, leading to inhibition of other hormone secretions.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests (elevated somatostatin levels), imaging studies (CT, MRI, or octreotide scans), and biopsy of the tumor.

Treatment:
Surgical resection of the tumor, somatostatin analogs for symptom control, and supportive therapy for nutritional issues.

Medications:
Somatostatin analogs such as octreotide or lanreotide may be used to manage symptoms.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Extremely rare; incidence is estimated to be less than 1 per million people annually.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Often sporadic but may be associated with genetic syndromes like MEN1 or von Hippel-Lindau disease.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; early detection and treatment improve outcomes, but metastatic disease has a poor prognosis.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Metastasis, severe malnutrition due to malabsorption, and hormonal imbalances.

MEN Type 1 - Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor

Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology

Category: Rare Endocrine Disorders

Sub-category: Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN) Syndromes

Symptoms:
hypoglycemia; diarrhea; peptic ulcers

Root Cause:
Genetic mutation in the MEN1 gene leads to tumor formation in endocrine glands (parathyroid, pituitary, pancreas).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Genetic testing for MEN1 mutation. Hormonal blood tests (calcium, PTH, prolactin, growth hormone, insulin). Imaging studies (MRI or CT scans of the pituitary, pancreas, and parathyroid glands).

Treatment:
Surgical removal of tumors (e.g., parathyroidectomy, pituitary surgery). Medical management for hormone overproduction (e.g., somatostatin analogs for pancreatic tumors). Regular monitoring for tumor progression.

Medications:
Calcimimetics (e.g., cinacalcet ) for hyperparathyroidism. Dopamine agonists (e.g., cabergoline , bromocriptine ) for prolactinomas. Somatostatin analogs (e.g., octreotide , lanreotide ) for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole ) for gastrinomas.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 1 in 30,000 individuals worldwide.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of MEN1 syndrome, autosomal dominant inheritance.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good with early detection and treatment, though tumor recurrence is possible; life expectancy may be reduced without management.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Recurrent or metastatic tumors. Severe hypercalcemia leading to kidney damage. Hormonal crises, such as insulinoma-induced hypoglycemia.

Carcinoid Syndrome

Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology

Category: Rare Endocrine Disorders

Symptoms:
flushing of the skin; diarrhea; abdominal cramping; heart palpitations; shortness of breath; wheezing; weight loss; skin lesions; edema; carcinoid heart disease (in advanced cases)

Root Cause:
Excessive secretion of serotonin and other vasoactive substances by carcinoid tumors, usually arising in the gastrointestinal tract or lungs.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed through elevated 24-hour urinary 5-HIAA levels and imaging to locate neuroendocrine tumors.

Treatment:
Treatment includes somatostatin analogs (e.g., octreotide), symptom control, and surgical resection or targeted therapies for tumor management.

Medications:
Somatostatin analogs (e.g., octreotide or lanreotide )

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; affects approximately 1-2 individuals per 100,000 annually.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of neuroendocrine tumors, conditions like MEN1 syndrome, smoking, and previous cancer diagnoses.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable depending on the extent of disease; with localized tumors, 5-year survival exceeds 80%, but metastatic disease lowers survival rates to approximately 30%-50%.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Carcinoid heart disease (fibrotic damage to heart valves). Intestinal obstruction or bleeding from primary tumors. Severe malnutrition due to chronic diarrhea. Hormone crisis during tumor manipulation or anesthesia.

Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome (Gastrinoma)

Specialty: Gastrointestinal

Category: Other Stomach Conditions

Sub-category: Stomach Cancer

Symptoms:
abdominal pain; diarrhea; nausea; vomiting; weight loss; heartburn; gastric ulcers; gastrointestinal bleeding

Root Cause:
Excessive secretion of gastrin due to a gastrin-secreting tumor (gastrinoma), leading to increased stomach acid production.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests to measure gastrin levels, secretin stimulation test, imaging studies (CT, MRI, or somatostatin receptor scintigraphy) to locate gastrinoma, and endoscopic examination.

Treatment:
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to reduce acid production, surgical removal of the gastrinoma, and chemotherapy or targeted therapy for metastatic disease.

Medications:
Proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole or esomeprazole ) to reduce gastric acid secretion; somatostatin analogs (e.g., octreotide ) to inhibit gastrin release; chemotherapeutic agents (e.g., streptozocin and doxorubicin ) for advanced cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; occurs in approximately 1–3 individuals per million annually.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1), family history of endocrine tumors.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies; curable if localized gastrinoma is surgically removed, but prognosis worsens with metastatic disease.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Peptic ulcers, perforation of the stomach or intestines, gastrointestinal bleeding, severe diarrhea, and malnutrition.

Menetrier’s Disease (Hypertrophic Gastropathy)

Specialty: Gastrointestinal

Category: Other Stomach Conditions

Sub-category: Stomach Cancer

Symptoms:
nausea; vomiting; epigastric pain; diarrhea; anorexia; weight loss; edema due to protein loss

Root Cause:
Overgrowth of the stomach’s mucosal lining, leading to large gastric folds, protein loss, and reduced acid production.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Endoscopy with biopsy of stomach tissue, barium swallow test, serum albumin levels to assess protein loss, and imaging to identify gastric wall thickening.

Treatment:
Symptomatic management, nutritional support, proton pump inhibitors, and sometimes total gastrectomy in severe cases.

Medications:
Proton pump inhibitors (e.g., pantoprazole or lansoprazole ) to reduce gastric secretion; cetuximab , a monoclonal antibody targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), has shown promise in some cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Extremely rare; incidence is not well-documented.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Unknown, though some cases are linked to cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in children or H. pylori infection in adults.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; some cases resolve spontaneously, while others progress and require surgical intervention.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe protein loss leading to hypoalbuminemia, gastric adenocarcinoma, malnutrition, and fluid retention (edema).

Lactose Intolerance

Specialty: Gastrointestinal

Category: Small Intestine Disorders

Sub-category: Malabsorption Syndromes

Symptoms:
diarrhea; bloating; gas; abdominal pain; nausea after consuming dairy products

Root Cause:
Insufficient production of lactase enzyme in the small intestine, leading to inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Lactose tolerance test, hydrogen breath test, stool acidity test for infants and children.

Treatment:
Dietary management by avoiding lactose-containing foods or using lactase enzyme supplements.

Medications:
Lactase enzyme supplements (e.g., Lactaid) can help digest lactose.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 65% of the global population, with higher prevalence in Asian, African, and Native American populations.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic predisposition, age-related decline in lactase production, gastrointestinal diseases (e.g., celiac disease, Crohn's disease) affecting the small intestine.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with appropriate dietary adjustments; symptoms resolve when lactose is avoided or enzymatically digested.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Nutritional deficiencies (e.g., calcium, vitamin D) if dairy products are not replaced with alternative sources.

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.

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

Specialty: Gastrointestinal

Category: Small Intestine Disorders

Sub-category: Digestive Disorders

Symptoms:
bloating; diarrhea; abdominal pain; flatulence; unintended weight loss; malnutrition symptoms like fatigue and anemia

Root Cause:
Excessive growth of bacteria in the small intestine, disrupting normal digestion and nutrient absorption. Often linked to motility disorders, structural abnormalities, or changes in gut flora.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed using breath tests (e.g., hydrogen/methane levels) or small bowel aspirate cultures.

Treatment:
Treated with dietary changes, probiotics, and antibiotics such as rifaximin or metronidazole.

Medications:
Antibiotics like rifaximin or metronidazole are commonly prescribed to reduce bacterial overgrowth. Prokinetics (e.g., erythromycin or prucalopride ) may be used to improve motility, and nutritional supplements are given for deficiencies.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Exact prevalence is unknown but more common in individuals with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diabetes, or previous gastrointestinal surgery.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Conditions that impair small intestinal motility (e.g., scleroderma, diabetes), anatomical abnormalities (e.g., diverticula), or previous surgery (e.g., gastric bypass).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with appropriate treatment; relapses are common if the underlying condition isn’t addressed.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic malnutrition, fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies (A, D, E, K), osteoporosis, and small intestine damage if left untreated.

Carcinoid Tumors

Specialty: Oncology

Category: Sarcomas

Sub-category: Rare Cancers

Symptoms:
flushing; diarrhea; abdominal pain; wheezing; heart valve problems; weight loss; fatigue

Root Cause:
Carcinoid tumors arise from neuroendocrine cells, which produce hormones such as serotonin and other chemicals. These tumors often grow slowly and can secrete hormones that affect various body systems.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is typically through imaging studies such as CT scans, MRIs, or PET scans, and blood tests measuring elevated levels of serotonin or 5-HIAA (a serotonin metabolite). Biopsy and histopathological examination confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment:
Treatment may include surgery to remove the tumor, somatostatin analogs (like octreotide) to control symptoms, chemotherapy, and in some cases, liver-directed therapies (such as ablation or embolization) if the tumors have spread to the liver.

Medications:
Somatostatin analogs (e.g., octreotide and lanreotide ) are often prescribed to control symptoms and inhibit hormone secretion. These medications are classified as peptide receptor drugs and can help reduce flushing and diarrhea. Chemotherapy agents may also be used, depending on the tumor's progression, such as streptozocin and temozolomide , which are alkylating agents.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Carcinoid tumors are rare, accounting for about 0.5% of all cancers, but the incidence of neuroendocrine tumors is rising, with an estimated prevalence of 2-5 cases per 100,000 people per year.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Risk factors include age (more common in older adults), a family history of neuroendocrine tumors, certain inherited genetic syndromes (such as MEN1 and von Hippel-Lindau syndrome), and conditions that affect the gastrointestinal tract like Crohn's disease.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
The prognosis depends on the location and spread of the tumor. Localized tumors have a relatively good prognosis with surgery, but metastatic or advanced cases can be more challenging to treat. The 5-year survival rate for localized carcinoid tumors is around 80%, while it drops significantly with distant metastases.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Potential complications include carcinoid syndrome (which leads to flushing, diarrhea, and heart valve problems), liver metastasis, and malnutrition due to nutrient malabsorption from the gastrointestinal symptoms.

Lymphoma of the Small Intestine

Specialty: Gastrointestinal

Category: Small Intestine Disorders

Sub-category: Tumors

Symptoms:
abdominal pain; nausea; weight loss; diarrhea; intestinal obstruction; fever; night sweats

Root Cause:
Malignant proliferation of lymphocytes in the small intestine, often associated with immune dysregulation or infections.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Endoscopic biopsy, imaging (CT scans, PET scans), blood tests, bone marrow biopsy, and immunophenotyping.

Treatment:
Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy; surgery may be required in some cases of localized disease.

Medications:
Chemotherapy agents like CHOP regimen (cyclophosphamide , doxorubicin , vincristine , prednisone ), and monoclonal antibodies such as rituximab (anti-CD20 agent).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; accounts for 1-4% of gastrointestinal malignancies and 30-40% of primary gastrointestinal lymphomas.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Immunodeficiency (e.g., HIV/AIDS, post-transplant), chronic inflammatory diseases (e.g., celiac disease), and infections (e.g., Helicobacter pylori, Epstein-Barr virus).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Depends on subtype and stage; indolent types have a good prognosis (5-year survival rate ~80%), while aggressive types have lower survival rates (~30-50%).

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Intestinal perforation, obstruction, bleeding, malabsorption, and systemic spread to other lymphoid or non-lymphoid tissues.

Proctitis

Specialty: Gastrointestinal

Category: Rectum and Anus Disorders

Sub-category: Inflammatory and Functional Disorders

Symptoms:
rectal pain; bleeding during bowel movements; frequent urge to defecate; mucus in stools; diarrhea; tenesmus (feeling of incomplete evacuation)

Root Cause:
Inflammation of the rectal lining, often caused by infections, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), radiation therapy, or sexually transmitted infections.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Medical history, physical examination, rectal examination, sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy with biopsy, stool tests, and infection screening.

Treatment:
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, or lifestyle modifications.

Medications:
Antibiotics like metronidazole or ciprofloxacin for infections, corticosteroid enemas for inflammation, aminosalicylates (e.g., mesalamine ) for IBD-related proctitis, or antiviral therapy if caused by herpes simplex virus.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common among individuals with inflammatory bowel disease or those exposed to rectal infections or radiation therapy.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
History of IBD (e.g., Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis), radiation therapy to the pelvic area, unprotected anal intercourse, infections (e.g., STIs like gonorrhea or chlamydia).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With proper treatment, most cases resolve, but recurrence depends on the underlying cause (e.g., chronic in IBD).

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic rectal bleeding, abscess formation, fistulas, or progression to more severe IBD complications in related cases.

Alcohol-Induced Pancreatitis

Specialty: Gastrointestinal

Category: Gallbladder and Biliary Tract Disorders

Sub-category: Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis

Symptoms:
severe abdominal pain; pain radiating to the back; nausea; vomiting; weight loss; diarrhea; steatorrhea (fatty stools)

Root Cause:
Chronic alcohol consumption leads to inflammation, scarring, and dysfunction of the pancreas.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
History of alcohol use, blood tests (elevated lipase and amylase levels), imaging (CT, MRI, or ultrasound), and stool tests for fat malabsorption.

Treatment:
Abstinence from alcohol, supportive care with IV fluids, pain management, enzyme replacement therapy, nutritional support, and addressing complications.

Medications:
Pancreatic enzyme supplements (e.g., pancrelipase ), pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen or opioids for severe cases), proton pump inhibitors (to reduce gastric acid).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Alcohol is the second most common cause of acute pancreatitis and a leading cause of chronic pancreatitis, often affecting males aged 30–50 years.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Chronic alcohol use, genetic predisposition, smoking, high-fat diet, concurrent gallstone disease.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; improved with alcohol cessation. Chronic cases can lead to irreversible damage, diabetes, and complications.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic pancreatitis, pseudocysts, diabetes mellitus, malnutrition, pancreatic cancer, or organ failure.

Neuroendocrine Tumors (e.g., Insulinoma, Glucagonoma)

Specialty: Gastrointestinal

Category: Gallbladder and Biliary Tract Disorders

Sub-category: Pancreatic Tumors

Symptoms:
hypoglycemia symptoms such as sweating, palpitations, confusion, seizures (in insulinoma); hyperglycemia, weight loss, necrolytic migratory erythema (in glucagonoma); diarrhea; abdominal pain; flushing (in other nets)

Root Cause:
Tumors arising from the endocrine cells of the pancreas, often secreting hormones like insulin or glucagon in excess, leading to systemic metabolic effects.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Hormone level measurement in blood (e.g., insulin, glucagon, gastrin); imaging such as CT, MRI, or somatostatin receptor scintigraphy (SRS); EUS-guided biopsy; functional imaging like DOTATATE PET scan

Treatment:
Array

Medications:
Somatostatin analogs (e.g., octreotide and lanreotide ) to control hormone secretion and tumor growth; everolimus (mTOR inhibitor) or sunitinib (tyrosine kinase inhibitor) for advanced or metastatic disease.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; accounts for about 7% of all pancreatic cancers; incidence is approximately 1-5 per 100,000 population annually.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic syndromes such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1); family history of NETs; chronic pancreatitis

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; depends on tumor type, size, and stage. Insulinomas typically have an excellent prognosis if surgically removed, while metastatic NETs have a median survival of 5-10 years with treatment.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Hormonal crises (e.g., severe hypoglycemia in insulinoma); metastasis to the liver or bone; nutritional deficiencies; intestinal obstruction or ischemia in advanced cases

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency

Specialty: Gastrointestinal

Category: Pancreatic Disorders

Sub-category: Digestive Enzyme Deficiencies

Symptoms:
steatorrhea (fatty stools); diarrhea; weight loss; abdominal pain; bloating; malnutrition; vitamin deficiencies (a, d, e, k)

Root Cause:
Insufficient production of digestive enzymes by the pancreas, leading to impaired digestion and nutrient absorption.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Fecal elastase-1 test, direct pancreatic function tests, imaging studies (CT or MRI) to identify underlying pancreatic pathology.

Treatment:
Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT), dietary modifications (low-fat diet, supplementation of fat-soluble vitamins).

Medications:
Pancreatic enzyme supplements like pancrelipase (Creon, Zenpep, Pancrease); these contain lipase, protease, and amylase to aid digestion.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Estimated prevalence varies; more common in individuals with chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, or pancreatic surgery.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, pancreatic surgery, alcoholism.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with proper enzyme replacement and dietary management; untreated EPI can lead to severe malnutrition and quality-of-life impairment.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Malnutrition, osteoporosis, chronic diarrhea, increased risk of infections due to vitamin deficiencies.

Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction

Specialty: Gastrointestinal

Category: General and Miscellaneous GI Conditions

Sub-category: Motility Disorders

Symptoms:
abdominal pain; bloating; nausea; vomiting; constipation; diarrhea; malnutrition; failure to thrive in children

Root Cause:
Abnormal motility of the intestines due to dysfunction of the smooth muscle or nerves; mimics a mechanical obstruction but without a physical blockage.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Abdominal X-rays, CT scans, manometry to evaluate intestinal contractions, and full-thickness biopsies to examine underlying neuromuscular abnormalities.

Treatment:
Management focuses on treating symptoms with dietary adjustments (low-residue or elemental diets), enteral or parenteral nutrition, prokinetic agents, and in some cases, surgical decompression.

Medications:
Prokinetic agents such as neostigmine (a cholinesterase inhibitor) and metoclopramide (a dopamine antagonist) are used to enhance motility. Antispasmodics, such as hyoscine (an anticholinergic agent), may be used to manage painful cramping. Antibiotics, like rifaximin (a gut-specific antibiotic), may be prescribed for bacterial overgrowth.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, with an estimated prevalence of fewer than 1 in 100,000 individuals; can occur as a primary (idiopathic) condition or secondary to systemic diseases.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic predispositions, underlying conditions like scleroderma, systemic lupus erythematosus, neurological disorders, or prior abdominal surgery.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic and often progressive; prognosis depends on the underlying cause and response to treatment. Early intervention with nutritional support can improve outcomes.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe malnutrition, intestinal perforation, bacterial overgrowth, sepsis, and dependency on parenteral nutrition in advanced cases.

Milk Allergy

Specialty: Allergies and Immunology

Category: Allergic Disorders

Sub-category: Food Allergies

Symptoms:
hives; vomiting; stomach cramps; diarrhea; wheezing; anaphylaxis in severe cases

Root Cause:
Immune system reaction to milk proteins, primarily casein or whey.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Skin prick testing, specific IgE blood tests, oral food challenges under medical supervision.

Treatment:
Complete avoidance of milk and milk-containing products, use of epinephrine for anaphylaxis.

Medications:
Epinephrine auto-injectors (e.g., EpiPen, Auvi-Q) for anaphylaxis and oral antihistamines (e.g., Diphenhydramine , Loratadine ) for mild reactions.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1-3% of children; often outgrown by adolescence.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of allergies, eczema, or asthma; early exposure to cow's milk proteins.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good for most children as they often outgrow it; lifelong management needed for persistent cases.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Anaphylaxis, nutritional deficiencies if not replaced properly, social challenges.

Mastocytosis

Specialty: Allergies and Immunology

Category: Other Related Disorders

Sub-category: Mast Cell Disorders

Symptoms:
flushing; itching; skin lesions (urticaria pigmentosa); abdominal pain; diarrhea; low blood pressure; anaphylaxis

Root Cause:
Abnormal accumulation and activation of mast cells in the skin, bone marrow, or other organs, leading to excessive histamine release.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Skin or bone marrow biopsy showing increased mast cells, blood tryptase levels, and genetic testing (e.g., KIT mutation).

Treatment:
Symptom management with antihistamines, leukotriene inhibitors, mast cell stabilizers (e.g., cromolyn sodium), and avoidance of triggers. Severe cases may require tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Medications:
Antihistamines (e.g., Cetirizine , Diphenhydramine ), mast cell stabilizers (e.g., Cromolyn Sodium), and epinephrine for anaphylaxis.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; estimated to affect 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 20,000 individuals.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Mutations in the KIT gene, certain environmental triggers, and other immune or systemic disorders.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies; indolent forms have a good prognosis, while aggressive forms can lead to organ dysfunction.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Osteoporosis, organ failure, and anaphylaxis due to mast cell degranulation.

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)

Specialty: Allergies and Immunology

Category: Other Related Disorders

Sub-category: Mast Cell Disorders

Symptoms:
flushing; hives; low blood pressure; abdominal cramping; diarrhea; brain fog; fatigue; anaphylaxis

Root Cause:
Dysfunctional activation of mast cells causing excessive release of histamine and other mediators, leading to recurrent allergic-like symptoms.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical criteria include symptoms consistent with mast cell activation, elevated mediators (e.g., tryptase, histamine), and symptom improvement with medications like antihistamines.

Treatment:
Antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, leukotriene receptor antagonists, and avoidance of known triggers.

Medications:
H1 and H2 blockers (e.g., Cetirizine , Ranitidine), mast cell stabilizers (e.g., Cromolyn Sodium), and epinephrine for severe reactions.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Precise prevalence unknown; considered an underdiagnosed condition.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic predisposition, coexisting allergic disorders, chronic infections, and environmental triggers.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic but manageable with lifestyle adjustments and medications; quality of life can vary widely.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Anaphylaxis, organ damage due to chronic inflammation, and significant impact on daily functioning.

Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis

Specialty: Allergies and Immunology

Category: Other Related Disorders

Sub-category: Eosinophilic Disorders

Symptoms:
abdominal pain; nausea; diarrhea; vomiting; weight loss; fatigue; anemia

Root Cause:
Eosinophilic infiltration of the gastrointestinal tract, likely triggered by food or environmental allergens.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Endoscopy with biopsy showing eosinophilic infiltration, imaging studies, and blood tests for eosinophilia.

Treatment:
Elimination diets, corticosteroids, and symptom management (e.g., anti-nausea medications).

Medications:
Corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone ) and dietary modifications.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; precise prevalence is unknown.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Allergic diseases, family history of eosinophilic disorders, and certain infections.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic but manageable with treatment; symptoms may relapse without ongoing management.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Bowel obstruction, malabsorption, and perforation in severe cases.

Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs)

Specialty: Oncology

Category: Sarcomas

Sub-category: Rare Cancers

Symptoms:
abdominal pain; diarrhea; flushing; wheezing; fatigue; unexplained weight loss; heart palpitations; skin rashes

Root Cause:
Neuroendocrine tumors are cancers that develop from neuroendocrine cells, which have characteristics of both nerve cells and hormone-producing cells. These tumors can occur in various parts of the body, most commonly the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, and lungs. They can secrete hormones, leading to symptoms like flushing and diarrhea.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is through imaging techniques such as CT scans, MRIs, or PET scans to locate the tumor, blood tests for elevated hormone levels (e.g., chromogranin A, serotonin), and biopsy for histological confirmation.

Treatment:
Treatment often involves surgical resection of the tumor, if localized, and medications such as somatostatin analogs (e.g., octreotide or lanreotide) to manage symptoms. Chemotherapy and targeted therapies (e.g., everolimus, sunitinib) may be used for advanced or metastatic disease. In some cases, liver-directed treatments (like embolization) or peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) are used for metastases.

Medications:
Somatostatin analogs like octreotide and lanreotide help control the symptoms and reduce hormone secretion. These are classified as peptide receptor drugs. For advanced NETs, chemotherapy agents like temozolomide or streptozocin (alkylating agents) and targeted therapies like everolimus (an mTOR inhibitor) and sunitinib (a tyrosine kinase inhibitor) may be used.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
The incidence of NETs has been increasing, with an estimated prevalence of around 2-3 cases per 100,000 individuals per year. NETs are rare but more common in older adults, with gastrointestinal and pancreatic NETs being the most frequent.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Risk factors include age (more common in people over 50), a family history of NETs, genetic conditions like multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1), von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, and neurofibromatosis type 1.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis varies based on tumor type, location, and stage at diagnosis. For localized NETs, the 5-year survival rate is generally favorable (70-80%), while advanced or metastatic NETs have a lower survival rate (around 30-40%).

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Complications include metastasis to the liver or other organs, carcinoid syndrome (which includes symptoms like flushing, diarrhea, and heart valve issues), hormonal imbalances, and malabsorption due to gastrointestinal involvement.

Graft-versus-Host Disease (GVHD) after Stem Cell Transplant

Specialty: Oncology

Category: Sarcomas

Sub-category: Treatment-Related Complications

Symptoms:
skin rashes; diarrhea; liver dysfunction; jaundice; dry mouth; fatigue; abdominal pain; fever

Root Cause:
The immune cells from the donor (graft) attack the recipient's tissues (host) after stem cell transplantation.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation, biopsy of affected tissue (skin, liver, or gastrointestinal tract), and blood tests for liver enzymes and other markers of inflammation.

Treatment:
Immunosuppressive therapy (e.g., corticosteroids), antithymocyte globulin, and other agents to suppress the immune response.

Medications:
Prednisone (a corticosteroid used to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system), Mycophenolate mofetil (an immunosuppressive drug), and Tacrolimus (a calcineurin inhibitor). These medications are classified as immunosuppressants.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Around 30-70% of allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients experience some form of GVHD.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Donor-recipient mismatching, younger age of the recipient, and prior history of GVHD.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With early treatment, GVHD can often be controlled, but it can lead to chronic disability and even death in severe cases.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic GVHD can affect multiple organs, including the skin, liver, and gastrointestinal tract, leading to long-term disability.

Immunotherapy-Related Adverse Events

Specialty: Oncology

Category: Sarcomas

Sub-category: Treatment-Related Complications

Symptoms:
fatigue; diarrhea; rashes; pneumonitis; colitis; hepatitis; endocrinopathies; arthralgia

Root Cause:
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., PD-1, PD-L1 inhibitors) inadvertently activate the immune system, leading to attacks on healthy tissues and organs.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Based on clinical presentation, lab tests for organ function, and imaging to assess organ involvement.

Treatment:
Discontinuation of immunotherapy and corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone) to reduce immune system activity. In severe cases, additional immunosuppressive agents may be used.

Medications:
Prednisone (used to reduce inflammation and immune response), Mycophenolate mofetil (for severe cases), and Infliximab (a TNF inhibitor used to treat colitis). These are anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agents.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Immunotherapy-related adverse events occur in about 30-40% of patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Prior autoimmune conditions, combination therapy with immunotherapies, and high-dose treatments.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Most immune-related adverse events resolve with early intervention, but severe reactions can result in permanent organ damage.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Organ-specific toxicities (e.g., pneumonitis, hepatitis, colitis), autoimmune disorders, and life-threatening conditions in rare cases.

Systemic Mastocytosis

Specialty: Hematology

Category: Mast Cell Disorders

Symptoms:
flushing; abdominal pain; diarrhea; anaphylaxis; bone pain; itching; skin lesions

Root Cause:
Abnormal proliferation and accumulation of mast cells in multiple organs, often driven by mutations like KIT D816V.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Bone marrow biopsy, KIT mutation analysis, serum tryptase levels, and clinical presentation.

Treatment:
Symptom management (antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers), cytoreductive therapy for advanced cases.

Medications:
H1 and H2 antihistamines (e.g., loratadine , ranitidine), leukotriene inhibitors (e.g., montelukast ), and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (e.g., midostaurin for advanced cases).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; incidence estimated at 1 in 10,000–20,000 individuals.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic mutations (e.g., KIT D816V), familial mastocytosis.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; indolent forms have a good prognosis, while aggressive forms may have significant morbidity and mortality.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Organ dysfunction, osteoporosis, anaphylaxis, and increased risk of secondary malignancies.

Galactosemia

Specialty: Genetics

Category: Metabolic and Storage Disorders

Sub-category: Inborn Errors of Metabolism

Symptoms:
jaundice; vomiting; diarrhea; poor feeding; failure to thrive; lethargy; sepsis; cataracts

Root Cause:
Deficiency of the enzyme galactose-1-phosphate uridylyltransferase (GALT), leading to toxic accumulation of galactose-1-phosphate and galactose.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Newborn screening, measuring GALT enzyme activity in red blood cells, genetic testing, and elevated galactose-1-phosphate levels in blood.

Treatment:
Lifelong dietary restriction of galactose by avoiding lactose-containing foods (e.g., milk, dairy).

Medications:
No specific medications; dietary management is the mainstay of treatment.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 1 in 30,000 to 60,000 live births.

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

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with early dietary management, but long-term complications like learning disabilities and ovarian insufficiency are possible.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Intellectual disability, liver failure, sepsis, and death in untreated cases.

Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN)

Specialty: Genetics

Category: Genetic Contributions to Common Diseases

Sub-category: Endocrine Disorders

Symptoms:
hypercalcemia; diarrhea; abdominal pain; flushing; fatigue; palpitations; headaches; unintended weight changes; tumors in endocrine glands

Root Cause:
Caused by genetic mutations (e.g., MEN1, RET) leading to overgrowth of endocrine tissues, which form benign or malignant tumors.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests (e.g., hormone levels such as calcium, PTH, or gastrin), imaging (MRI, CT), genetic testing for MEN1 or RET mutations, and family history analysis.

Treatment:
Surgical removal of tumors, monitoring hormone levels, symptomatic management, and targeted therapies for malignant cases.

Medications:
Medications include proton pump inhibitors (PPIs, e.g., omeprazole ) to reduce gastric acid secretion in Zollinger-Ellison syndrome and somatostatin analogs (e.g., octreotide ) for hormone-secreting tumors. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (e.g., vandetanib ) may be used for medullary thyroid carcinoma.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; MEN1 affects 1 in 30,000 people, while MEN2 affects about 1 in 35,000 people.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of MEN mutations, autosomal dominant inheritance.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies by subtype and treatment; early detection and management improve outcomes, but malignant forms may have a poorer prognosis.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Cancer (e.g., medullary thyroid carcinoma, pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors), metastasis, organ damage due to hormonal overproduction, and recurrence of tumors.

Organophosphate and carbamate insecticide poisoning

Specialty: Toxicology

Category: Acute Poisoning

Sub-category: Chemical Poisoning

Symptoms:
nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; salivation; lacrimation (tearing); urination; muscle twitching; confusion; seizures; respiratory distress; bradycardia; miosis (pupil constriction)

Root Cause:
Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase enzyme, leading to an accumulation of acetylcholine at synapses and overstimulation of the nervous system.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history of exposure, symptoms presentation, blood cholinesterase levels (low levels indicate poisoning).

Treatment:
Decontamination (removal of contaminated clothing, washing skin), administration of atropine (to counteract muscarinic effects) and pralidoxime (to reactivate acetylcholinesterase), supportive care (oxygen, fluids).

Medications:
Atropine (anticholinergic agent), pralidoxime (cholinesterase reactivator), benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam or lorazepam ) for seizures.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in agricultural regions where these insecticides are widely used; estimated to cause hundreds of thousands of poisonings annually worldwide.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Occupational exposure (farmers, pesticide applicators), improper storage or handling, intentional ingestion (suicide attempt).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Favorable with prompt treatment; delayed treatment can lead to severe complications or death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Respiratory failure, prolonged muscle weakness (intermediate syndrome), long-term neurological dysfunction.

Arsenic Poisoning

Specialty: Toxicology

Category: Chronic Toxicity and Long-Term Exposures

Sub-category: Heavy Metal Toxicity

Symptoms:
nausea; vomiting; abdominal pain; diarrhea; darkened skin patches; thickened skin on palms and soles; fatigue; peripheral neuropathy; confusion; muscle cramps

Root Cause:
Accumulation of arsenic in the body due to exposure to contaminated drinking water, industrial processes, or arsenic-containing pesticides. Arsenic disrupts cellular metabolism, DNA repair, and oxidative processes.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is made through urine arsenic levels (preferred for recent exposure) or hair and nail analysis for chronic exposure. Clinical symptoms and exposure history are also key.

Treatment:
Treatment includes cessation of exposure, supportive care for symptoms, and chelation therapy for severe cases. Ensuring access to safe water sources is critical.

Medications:
Chelating agents such as dimercaprol and succimer (DMSA) are used to bind arsenic and enhance excretion. The choice of medication depends on the severity of poisoning.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Arsenic poisoning is prevalent in regions with contaminated groundwater, particularly in South Asia (e.g., Bangladesh, India) and parts of South America.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Drinking arsenic-contaminated water, occupational exposure (e.g., smelting, mining), use of arsenic-based pesticides, and ingestion of contaminated food.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Early intervention and cessation of exposure can lead to symptom improvement. However, prolonged exposure can result in irreversible damage and increased cancer risk.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Long-term complications include skin lesions, peripheral neuropathy, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and increased risks of cancers (e.g., skin, lung, bladder).

Cadmium Poisoning

Specialty: Toxicology

Category: Chronic Toxicity and Long-Term Exposures

Sub-category: Heavy Metal Toxicity

Symptoms:
nausea; vomiting; abdominal pain; diarrhea; shortness of breath; cough; weakness; bone pain; renal dysfunction (proteinuria); osteomalacia

Root Cause:
Cadmium exposure occurs primarily through inhalation of fumes or dust (e.g., in industrial settings) or ingestion of contaminated food or water. Cadmium accumulates in the kidneys and bones, leading to oxidative stress, cellular damage, and impaired calcium metabolism.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is made by measuring cadmium levels in blood or urine. Renal function tests (e.g., urinary protein levels) and bone density studies are often conducted to assess long-term damage.

Treatment:
Treatment includes removing the source of cadmium exposure, supportive care for symptoms, and chelation therapy in severe cases. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation may be recommended for bone health.

Medications:
Chelating agents like dimercaprol and EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) may be used in cases of severe poisoning. Chelation is less effective for chronic exposure due to cadmium's strong tissue binding.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Cadmium poisoning is more common in industrial workers (e.g., battery manufacturing, metal plating) and populations exposed to contaminated food or water, particularly in areas with poor environmental regulations.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Occupational exposure (e.g., smelting, welding), smoking (tobacco contains cadmium), consumption of cadmium-contaminated food (e.g., rice, shellfish), and living near industrial sites.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Early removal from exposure can improve outcomes, but chronic exposure may result in irreversible kidney damage, bone demineralization, and other complications.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Long-term complications include chronic kidney disease (CKD), osteoporosis, fractures, respiratory disorders (e.g., emphysema), and an increased risk of cancers (e.g., lung, prostate).

Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS)

Specialty: Toxicology

Category: Chronic Toxicity and Long-Term Exposures

Sub-category: Radiation Exposure

Symptoms:
nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; skin burns; hair loss; weakness; bleeding; infections

Root Cause:
Damage to rapidly dividing cells and tissues due to high-dose ionizing radiation exposure over a short period.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Medical history of radiation exposure, symptoms onset, blood tests (lymphocyte count), and dosimetry (measuring radiation dose received).

Treatment:
Supportive care (hydration, pain management, and infection control), growth factors to stimulate bone marrow recovery, blood transfusions, antibiotics, and stem cell transplantation in severe cases.

Medications:
Growth factors like filgrastim (granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, G-CSF) to promote white blood cell recovery; anti-nausea medications such as ondansetron (serotonin antagonist); antibiotics or antifungals for infection control; potassium iodide to block thyroid uptake of radioactive iodine.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; typically occurs after nuclear accidents, medical radiation mishaps, or radiation weapon exposure.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Proximity to nuclear explosions or accidents, occupational exposure without proper protective measures, and participation in nuclear weaponry-related activities.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies by radiation dose; low to moderate doses may allow recovery, while high doses can lead to fatal organ failure within days to weeks.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Secondary infections, hemorrhage, organ failure, and long-term risks of cancer due to DNA damage.

Ricin poisoning (castor bean plant)

Specialty: Toxicology

Category: Biological and Natural Toxins

Sub-category: Plant Toxins

Symptoms:
nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; abdominal pain; severe dehydration; organ failure; difficulty breathing (if inhaled); seizures

Root Cause:
Ricin is a highly toxic protein that inhibits protein synthesis at the cellular level, causing cell death and widespread tissue damage.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history of exposure (e.g., ingestion, inhalation, or injection of castor beans); confirmed with laboratory tests for ricin in blood, urine, or environmental samples.

Treatment:
Supportive care (IV fluids, mechanical ventilation for respiratory distress, medications to manage organ failure), decontamination (activated charcoal for ingestion), and symptomatic treatment.

Medications:
No specific antidote exists for ricin. Supportive treatments may include anti-seizure medications (benzodiazepines like lorazepam ), anti-inflammatory drugs, and oxygen therapy.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; typically associated with accidental ingestion or intentional poisoning.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Handling or ingesting castor beans, occupational exposure (e.g., castor oil production).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Depends on dose and route of exposure; severe cases without prompt treatment can be fatal. Survival is possible with early supportive care.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Respiratory failure, kidney failure, multi-organ dysfunction, death in severe cases.

Foxglove (digitalis) toxicity

Specialty: Toxicology

Category: Biological and Natural Toxins

Sub-category: Plant Toxins

Symptoms:
nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; abdominal pain; confusion; visual disturbances (e.g., seeing halos around lights); irregular heart rhythms

Root Cause:
Digitalis compounds interfere with sodium-potassium ATPase in cardiac cells, leading to increased intracellular calcium and altered heart function.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical presentation, history of foxglove exposure or ingestion, and elevated serum digoxin levels.

Treatment:
Activated charcoal (if ingestion is recent), digoxin-specific antibody fragments (Digibind), and management of arrhythmias (e.g., with anti-arrhythmic drugs or temporary pacing).

Medications:
Digibind (digoxin-specific antibody fragments); anti-arrhythmics like lidocaine may be used for ventricular arrhythmias.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare in modern contexts; usually due to accidental ingestion or misuse of foxglove extracts.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Accidental ingestion, herbal remedy misuse, or overdose of digoxin-containing medications.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with early recognition and treatment; severe cases can be life-threatening.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Life-threatening arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, neurological complications (e.g., seizures).

Ciguatera Fish Poisoning

Specialty: Toxicology

Category: Biological and Natural Toxins

Sub-category: Foodborne and Natural Toxins

Symptoms:
nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; abdominal pain; muscle weakness; numbness; tingling in limbs; temperature reversal (cold objects feel hot, and hot objects feel cold); fatigue

Root Cause:
Toxins (ciguatoxins) produced by marine dinoflagellates accumulate in certain fish species, causing symptoms after ingestion.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on history of fish consumption and characteristic symptoms. Confirmation is difficult, but urine or blood tests may detect ciguatoxins, though they are not routinely available.

Treatment:
Treatment is supportive, including hydration, pain management, and anti-nausea medications. There is no specific antidote for ciguatera poisoning.

Medications:
Symptomatic medications may include antihistamines, antiemetics (e.g., ondansetron ), and analgesics for pain relief (e.g., acetaminophen or ibuprofen ). In severe cases, intravenous fluids may be required. Some case reports suggest using mannitol (a diuretic) for neurological symptoms, though this is controversial.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Ciguatera poisoning is more common in tropical and subtropical regions, especially in the Pacific Islands, Caribbean, and coastal areas of Southeast Asia.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Consumption of large reef fish (e.g., barracuda, grouper, snapper), especially from tropical or subtropical waters.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Most people recover fully within weeks to months, but some may experience persistent neurological symptoms (e.g., temperature reversal) for months or years.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Long-term neurological effects, such as persistent numbness, tingling, and temperature sensation reversal. Rare cases may have cardiovascular complications such as arrhythmias.

Scombroid Poisoning

Specialty: Toxicology

Category: Biological and Natural Toxins

Sub-category: Foodborne and Natural Toxins

Symptoms:
flushing; rash; headache; abdominal cramps; diarrhea; nausea; vomiting; burning or metallic taste

Root Cause:
Histamine accumulation in fish (typically tuna, mackerel, or sardines) due to improper storage or handling, leading to an allergic-like reaction.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms and history of eating improperly stored fish. Laboratory tests for elevated histamine levels in the fish can help confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment:
Antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine) for symptom relief, and in severe cases, epinephrine may be required for anaphylaxis-like reactions.

Medications:
Antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine , loratadine ) are typically prescribed. In some cases, corticosteroids or epinephrine may be used for severe reactions.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
It is more common in warm climates, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, affecting people who consume improperly stored or handled fish.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Consumption of poorly refrigerated or improperly stored scombroid fish species.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good with prompt treatment. Symptoms often resolve within a few hours to a day.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
In severe cases, anaphylaxis may occur, requiring immediate medical attention.

Amanita Mushroom Poisoning

Specialty: Toxicology

Category: Biological and Natural Toxins

Sub-category: Foodborne and Natural Toxins

Symptoms:
nausea; vomiting; abdominal pain; diarrhea; jaundice; liver failure; renal failure; confusion; seizures

Root Cause:
The ingestion of Amanita mushrooms, especially species like Amanita phalloides (death cap), which contain potent toxins (amatoxins) that damage the liver and kidneys.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is based on clinical history (ingestion of suspected mushrooms), clinical symptoms, and laboratory tests (e.g., liver function tests, mushroom identification). Detection of amatoxins in urine may confirm diagnosis.

Treatment:
Treatment involves supportive care (e.g., intravenous fluids, liver dialysis), and in severe cases, liver transplantation may be required. Antidotes like silibinin (milk thistle extract) and N-acetylcysteine may help.

Medications:
Antidotes such as silibinin (a liver protectant) and N-acetylcysteine (used for liver support) may be prescribed. In some cases, activated charcoal is used if the mushroom was ingested recently.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Amanita mushroom poisoning is rare but serious, often occurring during the mushroom-picking season, typically in temperate climates.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Mushroom foraging, especially by individuals who may confuse toxic species with edible ones. Lack of mushroom identification expertise.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
If treated early, the prognosis may be improved. However, poisoning can lead to severe liver and kidney damage or death if not addressed promptly.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Liver failure, renal failure, long-term organ damage, and death in severe cases.

Immunotherapy-related adverse effects

Specialty: Toxicology

Category: Adverse Effects of Therapeutics and Medical Agents

Sub-category: Immune-Mediated Toxicity

Symptoms:
fatigue; rash; diarrhea; colitis; pneumonitis; hepatitis; endocrinopathies (e.g., hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency)

Root Cause:
Overactivation of the immune system causes inflammation and damage to healthy tissues and organs.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation, blood tests (liver enzymes, thyroid function), imaging (e.g., chest CT for pneumonitis), and biopsies for organ-specific involvement.

Treatment:
Immunosuppressive therapy (e.g., corticosteroids), discontinuation of immunotherapy, and organ-specific management.

Medications:
Prednisone or methylprednisolone (corticosteroids), infliximab (anti-TNF for refractory colitis), or mycophenolate mofetil (immunosuppressant).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Occurs in 10-30% of patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Combination immunotherapy, pre-existing autoimmune conditions, and genetic predisposition.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good with early intervention, though some effects, such as endocrine dysfunction, may require lifelong hormone replacement.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic organ dysfunction, severe inflammatory syndromes, or treatment discontinuation due to toxicity.

Fluoride Toxicity

Specialty: Toxicology

Category: Toxic Effects of Environmental Pollutants

Sub-category: Water Contaminants

Symptoms:
stomach pain; vomiting; diarrhea; weakness; bone pain; dental fluorosis; skeletal fluorosis

Root Cause:
Excessive exposure to fluoride, often from contaminated water or overuse of fluoride-containing products, leading to toxicity.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is based on symptoms, medical history, and elevated levels of fluoride in blood or urine.

Treatment:
Treatment includes removing the source of fluoride exposure, intravenous calcium or magnesium to bind excess fluoride, and supportive care.

Medications:
No specific antidote exists, but medications such as calcium gluconate (a calcium salt used to treat hypocalcemia), activated charcoal (for oral poisoning), and IV fluids to manage dehydration and electrolyte imbalance may be used. These medications are categorized as antidotes, electrolytes , and fluids.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Fluoride toxicity is rare in areas with controlled levels of fluoride in water, but it can be more common in areas with high natural fluoride levels or improper use of fluoride-containing products.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Excessive consumption of fluoride, especially in young children, long-term exposure to high fluoride levels in drinking water or industrial areas, and consumption of improperly prepared fluoride toothpaste.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Acute toxicity is usually reversible with prompt treatment, but chronic exposure can lead to long-term skeletal and dental damage.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Long-term fluoride exposure can lead to bone deformities (skeletal fluorosis), dental fluorosis, and potential kidney damage in severe cases.

Nitrate/Nitrite Poisoning (Blue Baby Syndrome)

Specialty: Toxicology

Category: Toxic Effects of Environmental Pollutants

Sub-category: Water Contaminants

Symptoms:
cyanosis; shortness of breath; fatigue; vomiting; diarrhea; irritability

Root Cause:
Nitrates in water are reduced to nitrites in the body, which interfere with the ability of hemoglobin to carry oxygen, leading to hypoxia.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is confirmed by measuring blood methemoglobin levels and detecting elevated nitrate/nitrite concentrations in water or food sources.

Treatment:
Treatment involves administering methylene blue (a medication that converts methemoglobin back to hemoglobin), oxygen therapy, and removal from the contaminated environment.

Medications:
Methylene blue (a medication used to treat methemoglobinemia) is the primary treatment for nitrate/nitrite poisoning. It is classified as an antidote for methemoglobinemia.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Blue baby syndrome is primarily found in infants under six months old, particularly in rural areas where water sources are contaminated with high levels of nitrates.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Use of well water contaminated with nitrates, young infants consuming formula mixed with nitrate-contaminated water, and agricultural runoff in farming areas.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
If treated early with methylene blue, the prognosis is usually good. However, severe cases can lead to neurological damage if not treated in time.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Without prompt treatment, cyanosis and severe hypoxia can lead to death. Chronic exposure to high levels of nitrates can also cause long-term developmental issues in infants.

Herbicide Toxicity (e.g., Glyphosate)

Specialty: Toxicology

Category: Toxic Effects of Environmental Pollutants

Sub-category: Soil and Agricultural Toxins

Symptoms:
skin irritation; burning sensation in the throat; difficulty breathing; nausea; vomiting; abdominal pain; diarrhea

Root Cause:
Exposure to herbicides like glyphosate causes cellular damage through oxidative stress and disruption of enzyme systems critical for normal physiological function. Ingestion of concentrated formulations may lead to corrosive injury.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed through patient history, clinical presentation, and laboratory tests to detect glyphosate or its metabolites in blood or urine. Imaging studies may assess organ damage in severe cases.

Treatment:
Supportive care includes decontamination (removal of contaminated clothing, washing skin), gastric lavage for ingestion, intravenous fluids, and monitoring of respiratory and renal function. Activated charcoal may be administered to reduce absorption.

Medications:
No specific antidote is available . Symptomatic treatments include antiemetics (e.g., ondansetron ), proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole ) to reduce gastric irritation, and analgesics (e.g., acetaminophen ) for pain relief. Dialysis may be required for renal failure.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Herbicide exposure is common in agricultural communities and areas where herbicides are heavily used. Glyphosate is one of the most widely used herbicides globally. Accidental or occupational exposure affects thousands annually.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Occupational exposure, improper handling or storage of herbicides, lack of protective equipment during application, accidental ingestion, and contamination of drinking water or food.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Mild exposure typically resolves with supportive care. Severe exposure can lead to life-threatening complications but has a favorable prognosis with timely medical intervention.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Acute toxicity may cause corrosive injuries to the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory failure, renal impairment, and, in severe cases, cardiovascular collapse. Chronic exposure is associated with an increased risk of cancer, endocrine disruption, and developmental issues.

Pediatric ingestions (e.g., iron supplements, cleaning agents)

Specialty: Toxicology

Category: Deliberate and Accidental Poisoning

Sub-category: Accidental Poisoning

Symptoms:
vomiting; abdominal pain; diarrhea; lethargy; seizures; respiratory distress; shock

Root Cause:
Accidental ingestion of toxic substances like medications, cleaning agents, or chemicals due to lack of proper storage or childproofing.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Based on clinical history, symptoms, and laboratory tests, including blood levels of suspected toxins (e.g., serum iron levels, blood gas analysis).

Treatment:
Decontamination (e.g., activated charcoal), supportive care, specific antidotes if applicable (e.g., deferoxamine for iron toxicity).

Medications:
Antidotes such as deferoxamine (iron chelator), IV fluids for hydration, and antiemetics for symptom control. Deferoxamine is classified as an iron-chelating agent.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
A common cause of pediatric emergency visits; exact prevalence depends on local safety measures and poisoning prevention efforts.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Lack of childproof containers, improper storage of medications or chemicals, inadequate supervision, high accessibility of toxic substances.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with prompt intervention, though severe cases (e.g., iron toxicity) can lead to long-term organ damage or death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Organ failure (e.g., liver failure), metabolic acidosis, gastrointestinal damage, seizures, death.

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.

Ricin poisoning

Specialty: Toxicology

Category: Miscellaneous Toxicological Conditions

Sub-category: Bioterrorism Agents

Symptoms:
severe abdominal pain (if ingested); vomiting; diarrhea; difficulty breathing (if inhaled); fever; organ failure

Root Cause:
Ricin inhibits protein synthesis by inactivating ribosomes, leading to cell death, particularly in rapidly dividing or highly active tissues.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical suspicion based on exposure history and symptoms; laboratory tests can detect ricin in blood, urine, or tissue samples.

Treatment:
Supportive care, including intravenous fluids, ventilation support, and treatment for organ failure; there is no specific antidote for ricin.

Medications:
Electrolyte solutions (e.g., normal saline, Ringer’s lactate) - Treat dehydration caused by severe vomiting and diarrhea. Activated charcoal (adsorbent) - May reduce toxin absorption in cases of early ingestion. Antipyretics (e.g., acetaminophen ) - Manage fever.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Extremely rare, typically associated with intentional poisoning or bioterrorism events.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Handling or exposure to ricin-producing castor beans or involvement in bioterrorism-related events.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Poor prognosis with high-dose exposure; survival depends on prompt supportive care and the amount of toxin ingested or inhaled.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Multi-organ failure, permanent organ damage, death.

Heavy metal contamination in traditional remedies

Specialty: Toxicology

Category: Miscellaneous Toxicological Conditions

Sub-category: Herbal and Alternative Medicine Toxicity

Symptoms:
abdominal pain; nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; headache; fatigue; cognitive impairment; kidney dysfunction; anemia; peripheral neuropathy

Root Cause:
Presence of toxic heavy metals (e.g., lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium) in traditional or alternative remedies due to contamination or intentional adulteration during manufacturing.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood and urine tests to detect heavy metal levels; clinical history of remedy use; imaging or organ function tests for damage assessment.

Treatment:
Immediate discontinuation of the remedy; chelation therapy for heavy metal removal; supportive care for symptoms and organ damage management.

Medications:
Chelating agents such as dimercaprol (a chelating agent for arsenic , mercury, and lead poisoning), succimer (an oral chelator for lead poisoning), and calcium disodium EDTA (used for lead chelation therapy).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Prevalence varies geographically but is significant in regions with widespread use of unregulated traditional remedies.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Use of imported or locally made traditional remedies, lack of regulatory oversight, cultural reliance on alternative medicine, and socioeconomic factors limiting access to conventional healthcare.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis depends on the level and duration of exposure; early intervention improves outcomes, while delayed treatment may lead to irreversible organ damage or chronic health issues.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic kidney disease, neurotoxicity, developmental delays in children, anemia, cardiovascular issues, and increased cancer risk (e.g., arsenic-related carcinogenesis).

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) Toxicity

Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology

Category: Emergency

Sub-category: Medication Toxicity

Symptoms:
agitation; confusion; tremors; hyperreflexia; tachycardia; sweating; nausea; diarrhea; seizures; hyperthermia

Root Cause:
Excessive serotonin activity in the central nervous system due to overdose or interaction with other serotonergic drugs.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical diagnosis based on history of SSRI use and presentation of symptoms consistent with serotonin syndrome. Rule out other causes like infection or withdrawal.

Treatment:
Discontinuation of the SSRI, supportive care (hydration, cooling measures for hyperthermia), benzodiazepines for agitation, and administration of cyproheptadine (a serotonin antagonist) in severe cases.

Medications:
Cyproheptadine (antihistamine with serotonin antagonist properties), benzodiazepines for sedation, and IV fluids for stabilization.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Incidence is relatively rare but can occur in up to 15% of SSRI overdoses.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Polypharmacy involving serotonergic drugs, overdose, or genetic susceptibility to altered serotonin metabolism.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good if treated promptly; untreated severe cases can lead to life-threatening complications like seizures or organ failure.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Seizures, rhabdomyolysis, renal failure, and cardiovascular collapse in severe cases.

Bacteroides Infection

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Bacterial Infections

Symptoms:
abdominal pain; fever; abscess formation; diarrhea; foul-smelling discharge; skin infections

Root Cause:
Infection caused by Bacteroides species, obligate anaerobic bacteria commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Culture and sensitivity testing of infected tissue or fluids; imaging to detect abscesses.

Treatment:
Drainage of abscesses, surgical debridement, and targeted antibiotic therapy.

Medications:
Metronidazole (nitroimidazole), clindamycin (lincosamide), or beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitors like amoxicillin-clavulanate.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in intra-abdominal infections, post-surgical infections, and pelvic inflammatory disease.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Abdominal surgery, trauma, or conditions causing gastrointestinal perforation.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with prompt treatment; untreated infections can be life-threatening.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Abscess formation, systemic spread (bacteremia), and chronic infections.

Campylobacter Infections

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Bacterial Infections

Symptoms:
diarrhea; abdominal pain; fever; nausea; vomiting

Root Cause:
Caused by Campylobacter jejuni or Campylobacter coli, often through contaminated food or water, leading to gastrointestinal inflammation.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Stool cultures, molecular assays, and antigen tests.

Treatment:
Supportive care for mild cases; antibiotics for severe cases or immunocompromised patients.

Medications:
Azithromycin (macrolide antibiotic) or ciprofloxacin (fluoroquinolone antibiotic).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
One of the most common causes of bacterial diarrhea worldwide, with an estimated 96 million cases annually.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Consumption of undercooked poultry, unpasteurized milk, contaminated water, and international travel.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Usually self-limiting within a week; antibiotics hasten recovery in severe cases.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Guillain-Barré syndrome, reactive arthritis, and bloodstream infections.

CBRNE - Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Bacterial Infections

Symptoms:
fever; chills; headache; nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; shortness of breath; potential septic shock

Root Cause:
Caused by exposure to Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins, which act as superantigens triggering an exaggerated immune response.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation based on symptoms and potential exposure history. Laboratory confirmation by identifying enterotoxins in biological samples.

Treatment:
Supportive care (fluids, oxygen therapy). Antibiotics if secondary bacterial infection is suspected.

Medications:
Beta-lactam antibiotics such as cefazolin for secondary infections. Antipyretics like acetaminophen to reduce fever.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; typically associated with bioterrorism events or foodborne outbreaks.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Occupational exposure, bioterrorism incidents, consumption of contaminated food.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with prompt supportive care; severe cases can result in complications or death if untreated.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Dehydration, respiratory failure, toxic shock syndrome.

Listeria Monocytogenes Infection (Listeriosis)

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Bacterial Infections

Symptoms:
fever; muscle aches; nausea; diarrhea; stiff neck; confusion; loss of balance; convulsions

Root Cause:
Caused by the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, typically through contaminated food. It invades host cells and can spread systemically, particularly affecting immunocompromised individuals.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood cultures, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, or stool cultures; polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for Listeria DNA.

Treatment:
Antibiotic therapy, supportive care for severe infections, and prevention through proper food handling.

Medications:
Ampicillin (penicillin-class antibiotic) is the first-line treatment; in cases of penicillin allergy, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (sulfonamide-class antibiotic) can be used. For severe cases, combination therapy with gentamicin (aminoglycoside antibiotic) is recommended.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, with approximately 0.1–10 cases per million people annually; more common in pregnant women, neonates, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Consuming contaminated food (e.g., unpasteurized dairy, processed meats), weakened immune system, pregnancy, newborn status.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with prompt treatment; however, untreated severe cases can lead to high mortality rates, especially in neonates and immunocompromised patients.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Meningitis, sepsis, miscarriage or stillbirth in pregnant women, encephalitis, and death in severe cases.

Pseudotuberculosis

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Bacterial Infections

Symptoms:
fever; abdominal pain; diarrhea; mesenteric lymphadenitis mimicking appendicitis

Root Cause:
Caused by Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, a Gram-negative bacterium that primarily affects the gastrointestinal tract.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Stool culture, blood culture, or serological testing.

Treatment:
Antibiotics for severe infections; supportive care for mild cases.

Medications:
Doxycycline (tetracycline ) or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (sulfonamide) for systemic cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, with sporadic outbreaks often linked to contaminated food or water.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Consumption of contaminated food, exposure to infected animals, underlying immunodeficiency.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent for uncomplicated cases with supportive care. Severe cases respond well to antibiotic therapy.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Reactive arthritis, septicemia, and erythema nodosum.

Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis (SBP)

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Bacterial Infections

Symptoms:
fever; abdominal pain; nausea; vomiting; altered mental status; diarrhea; low blood pressure; tachycardia

Root Cause:
Infection of the peritoneal fluid in patients with cirrhosis and ascites, often due to bacterial translocation from the gut.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnostic paracentesis showing ascitic fluid with polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) >250 cells/mm³, positive bacterial cultures, and low protein levels in ascitic fluid.

Treatment:
Antibiotics, supportive care, and management of the underlying cirrhosis or liver disease.

Medications:
Empiric therapy typically includes third-generation cephalosporins (e.g., cefotaxime or ceftriaxone ). Fluoroquinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin ) may be used for prophylaxis in high-risk patients.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 10-30% of patients with cirrhosis and ascites.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Advanced liver cirrhosis, low protein concentration in ascitic fluid, gastrointestinal bleeding, prior episodes of SBP.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With prompt treatment, the mortality rate can be reduced, but the recurrence rate is high without prophylaxis.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Sepsis, hepatic encephalopathy, acute kidney injury, death.

Bacterial Overgrowth Syndrome

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Gastrointestinal Tract and Intra-abdominal Infections

Symptoms:
abdominal bloating; diarrhea; malabsorption; weight loss; fatigue; nausea

Root Cause:
Excessive growth of bacteria in the small intestine causing nutrient malabsorption and gastrointestinal symptoms.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Breath tests (hydrogen or methane), small bowel aspirate and culture, and clinical response to treatment.

Treatment:
Addressing underlying causes, dietary modifications, and antibiotics to reduce bacterial load.

Medications:
Rifaximin (broad-spectrum non-absorbable antibiotic), metronidazole (antimicrobial), and probiotics to restore gut flora balance.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Exact prevalence is uncertain; common in conditions causing motility disorders or structural abnormalities of the GI tract.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Chronic gastrointestinal diseases (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease), previous surgeries (e.g., gastric bypass), and use of proton pump inhibitors.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with appropriate treatment; symptoms often resolve but recurrence is possible.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies (B12, fat-soluble vitamins), and increased intestinal permeability.

Salmonella Infection (Salmonellosis)

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Gastrointestinal Tract and Intra-abdominal Infections

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

Root Cause:
Infection by Salmonella bacteria, typically via contaminated food, water, or contact with infected animals.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Stool culture, blood culture in severe cases, and molecular testing (PCR) to identify Salmonella species.

Treatment:
Supportive care with fluids and electrolytes; antibiotics (only for severe cases).

Medications:
Antibiotics like ciprofloxacin , azithromycin , or ceftriaxone for severe or systemic infections. These are classified as fluoroquinolones, macrolides, and third-generation cephalosporins, respectively.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common worldwide; significant in developing regions due to poor sanitation.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Consumption of contaminated food, immunosuppression, and travel to endemic regions.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Self-limited in most cases; good with appropriate treatment for severe cases.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Dehydration, bacteremia, reactive arthritis, and localized infections (e.g., osteomyelitis).

Strongyloidiasis

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Gastrointestinal Tract and Intra-abdominal Infections

Sub-category: Parasitic Infections

Symptoms:
abdominal pain; diarrhea; weight loss; itchy skin rash; cough or wheezing in disseminated cases

Root Cause:
Chronic intestinal infection caused by the parasitic nematode Strongyloides stercoralis, with potential for autoinfection and systemic dissemination.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Stool examination, serological tests (antibody detection), or PCR. Larvae may also be identified in duodenal aspirates or sputum in disseminated cases.

Treatment:
Anti-parasitic therapy with ivermectin or albendazole.

Medications:
Ivermectin (first-line) or albendazole (alternative). Both are anti-helminthic drugs.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in tropical and subtropical regions; less frequent in temperate areas.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Poor sanitation, immunosuppression, corticosteroid use, and travel to endemic regions.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with timely treatment; life-threatening in disseminated strongyloidiasis.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Hyperinfection syndrome, sepsis, and respiratory distress in severe cases.

Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) in Treatment-Naive Patients With HIV Infection

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: HIV

Symptoms:
fever; night sweats; weight loss; lymphadenopathy; diarrhea; opportunistic infections

Root Cause:
Progressive immune system destruction due to untreated HIV.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
HIV serology, baseline CD4 count, HIV RNA viral load, and drug resistance testing.

Treatment:
Immediate initiation of a combination ART regimen tailored to resistance profiles and patient tolerance.

Medications:
Bictegravir /tenofovir alafenamide /emtricitabine (integrase inhibitor + NRTIs), darunavir (protease inhibitor) combined with ritonavir or cobicistat .

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Globally, around 39 million people live with HIV; ART-naive prevalence varies by region.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Late diagnosis, lack of access to healthcare, and socioeconomic challenges.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with early ART; poor without treatment due to progression to AIDS and opportunistic infections.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Opportunistic infections, multi-organ failure, and death if untreated.

Early Symptomatic HIV Infection

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Early HIV Complications

Symptoms:
fever; fatigue; night sweats; weight loss; diarrhea; lymphadenopathy

Root Cause:
Rapid viral replication and immune activation during the initial stages of HIV infection.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
HIV antibody and antigen testing, CD4 count, and viral load.

Treatment:
Initiation of combination ART as soon as possible.

Medications:
ART includes nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (e.g., tenofovir ), non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (e.g., efavirenz ), and protease inhibitors (e.g., darunavir ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects most individuals newly diagnosed with HIV.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
High viral load, untreated HIV infection, lack of preventative care.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with early ART; without treatment, rapid progression to AIDS is possible.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Persistent immune dysfunction, opportunistic infections, or progression to AIDS.

HIV Infection and AIDS

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: HIV and Nutrition

Symptoms:
fever; fatigue; weight loss; recurrent infections; diarrhea; opportunistic infections

Root Cause:
Progressive failure of the immune system caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), leading to opportunistic infections and AIDS in advanced stages.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
HIV antibody/antigen tests, CD4+ T-cell count, viral load testing, and clinical evaluation.

Treatment:
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) using a combination of drugs, supportive care, and treatment of opportunistic infections.

Medications:
ART includes classes like NRTIs (e.g., tenofovir , lamivudine ), NNRTIs (e.g., efavirenz ), protease inhibitors (e.g., darunavir ), and integrase inhibitors (e.g., dolutegravir ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 38 million people worldwide as of 2023.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Unprotected sexual activity, intravenous drug use, blood transfusions, and vertical transmission from mother to child.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Improved significantly with ART; life expectancy approaches normal with early and consistent treatment.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Opportunistic infections, malignancies, neurocognitive disorders, and chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

Symptoms:
fever; cough; shortness of breath; fatigue; loss of taste or smell; muscle aches; sore throat; headache; congestion or runny nose; nausea or vomiting; diarrhea

Root Cause:
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection causing inflammation, immune response dysregulation, and damage to lung and other organ tissues.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is made through a combination of clinical symptoms, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for SARS-CoV-2 RNA, antigen tests, chest imaging (e.g., chest X-rays or CT scans showing ground-glass opacities), and blood tests indicating inflammation or coagulopathy.

Treatment:
Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, preventing complications, and supporting organ function. Includes antiviral medications, corticosteroids, anticoagulation therapy, and supportive care (e.g., oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation if needed). Vaccination and post-exposure prophylaxis are also key preventive measures.

Medications:
Antiviral medications - Remdesivir (nucleotide analog), Paxlovid (combination of nirmatrelvir and ritonavir ), and molnupiravir (nucleoside analog). Corticosteroids - Dexamethasone is used to reduce inflammation in severe cases. Anticoagulants - Low-molecular-weight heparin or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) to prevent thromboembolism. Immunomodulators - Tocilizumab (IL-6 receptor antagonist) or baricitinib (JAK inhibitor) in severe inflammatory cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
A global pandemic affecting hundreds of millions of people since its emergence in late 2019. Prevalence varies by region, vaccination rates, and public health measures.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Older age, comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, immunosuppression, and being unvaccinated or undervaccinated.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
The majority of cases are mild to moderate, with recovery expected in a few weeks. Severe or critical cases can lead to long-term complications or death. Prognosis is improved with early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and vaccination.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), thromboembolic events (e.g., pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis), myocarditis, long COVID (persistent symptoms lasting weeks to months), kidney injury, neurological complications, and secondary infections.

Legionnaires' Disease

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

Symptoms:
high fever; chills; cough (productive or dry); shortness of breath; muscle aches; headache; diarrhea; nausea; confusion or mental changes in severe cases

Root Cause:
Caused by infection with Legionella bacteria, commonly Legionella pneumophila. Infection occurs through inhalation of aerosolized water droplets contaminated with the bacteria.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis involves chest X-rays to detect pneumonia, urine antigen tests for Legionella species, sputum culture, and PCR tests. Blood tests may show abnormalities indicating infection.

Treatment:
Treated primarily with antibiotics that target Legionella, supportive care for symptoms such as oxygen therapy for breathing difficulties, and hydration for fluid balance.

Medications:
Antibiotics - Fluoroquinolones (e.g., levofloxacin , ciprofloxacin ), macrolides (e.g., azithromycin ), or tetracyclines (e.g., doxycycline ) are commonly prescribed. These are bactericidal or bacteriostatic medications effective against Legionella.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Infrequent but can occur sporadically or in outbreaks, especially in settings with poorly maintained water systems. Affects approximately 1-2 cases per 100,000 people annually in the U.S.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age over 50, smoking, chronic lung disease, weakened immune system, history of recent travel (hotels or cruise ships with poor water system maintenance).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Early treatment with antibiotics results in recovery in most cases; however, severe cases, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, may lead to complications and higher mortality rates (10-15%).

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Respiratory failure, septic shock, multi-organ failure, long-term lung scarring, and secondary bacterial infections.

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

Symptoms:
fever; cough; shortness of breath; muscle pain; nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; abdominal pain

Root Cause:
Caused by the MERS-CoV coronavirus, transmitted through respiratory droplets or contact with infected individuals or camels. Severe cases involve acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is based on PCR testing for MERS-CoV in respiratory samples, chest imaging to detect pneumonia or ARDS, and serologic tests.

Treatment:
Supportive care, including oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation in severe cases, and treatment of secondary infections. No specific antiviral therapy is widely accepted.

Medications:
Experimental - Antivirals (e.g., ribavirin ) combined with interferon have been investigated but are not standard treatments. Supportive medications - Antipyretics for fever, and bronchodilators for respiratory relief.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Outbreaks have primarily occurred in the Middle East. Limited cases in other regions due to travel-associated spread. Mortality rates range from 30-40%.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Close contact with camels, healthcare exposure to infected individuals, age over 50, pre-existing chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, heart disease).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Severe cases can progress to multi-organ failure and death, particularly in high-risk groups. Mild cases may resolve with symptomatic management.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
ARDS, septic shock, renal failure, and long-term pulmonary complications in survivors.

Amebiasis

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Parasitic Infections

Symptoms:
diarrhea; abdominal pain; cramping; bloody stools; fever; weight loss

Root Cause:
Infection with Entamoeba histolytica through ingestion of contaminated food or water, causing intestinal and, in some cases, extraintestinal infections such as liver abscesses.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Stool examination for trophozoites or cysts, antigen detection tests, serological assays, imaging (ultrasound or CT) for liver abscesses.

Treatment:
Antiparasitic medications, drainage of liver abscesses if necessary.

Medications:
Metronidazole or tinidazole (antiprotozoal drugs) are used for tissue-invasive disease, followed by luminal agents like paromomycin or iodoquinol to eliminate cysts in the intestine.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly in areas with poor sanitation.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Poor hygiene, contaminated water supply, close contact with infected individuals.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with prompt treatment; severe cases can lead to complications if untreated.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Liver abscesses, perforation of the colon, peritonitis, and dissemination to other organs.

Balantidiasis

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Parasitic Infections

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

Root Cause:
Infection with Balantidium coli, a ciliate protozoan, typically acquired from contaminated food or water.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Stool examination for trophozoites or cysts; rarely, colonoscopy and biopsy.

Treatment:
Antiprotozoal therapy.

Medications:
Tetracycline is the first-line treatment; metronidazole or iodoquinol are alternatives.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, typically found in areas with poor sanitation and exposure to swine.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Close contact with pigs, contaminated water, and poor hygiene.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with treatment; untreated severe cases may lead to complications.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Perforation of the colon, peritonitis.

Dipylidiasis

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Parasitic Infections

Symptoms:
mild gastrointestinal discomfort; diarrhea; abdominal pain; anal pruritus; irritability in children

Root Cause:
Infection with Dipylidium caninum, a tapeworm transmitted through ingestion of infected fleas or flea larvae.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Detection of proglottids in stool or around the perianal area; microscopic identification of egg packets in stool samples.

Treatment:
Anthelmintic medications combined with flea control measures to prevent reinfection.

Medications:
Praziquantel (anthelmintic) is the treatment of choice.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Sporadic cases globally; commonly associated with children and pet owners due to close contact with dogs and cats.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Exposure to infected pets or fleas, lack of flea control, and poor hygiene practices.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with treatment; minimal risk of complications.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Rare; potential reinfection if flea control is inadequate.

Hookworm Disease

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Parasitic Infections

Symptoms:
iron deficiency anemia; fatigue; abdominal pain; diarrhea; nausea; itching and rash at the site of skin penetration (ground itch)

Root Cause:
Infection with hookworms such as Ancylostoma duodenale or Necator americanus, which attach to the intestinal lining and feed on blood.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Stool examination for eggs or larvae; molecular methods may confirm the species.

Treatment:
Anthelmintic medications and iron supplementation for anemia.

Medications:
Albendazole or mebendazole (anthelmintics) are the drugs of choice. Pyrantel pamoate can be used as an alternative.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in tropical and subtropical regions with poor sanitation.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Walking barefoot on contaminated soil, poor sanitation, and inadequate access to clean water.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with treatment; untreated infections may lead to severe anemia and developmental delays in children.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic anemia, malnutrition, and growth retardation in children.

Intestinal Flukes

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Parasitic Infections

Symptoms:
abdominal pain; diarrhea; nausea; malabsorption; weakness

Root Cause:
Infection with trematodes such as Fasciolopsis buski, acquired through ingestion of raw or undercooked aquatic plants contaminated with metacercariae.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Stool examination for eggs; imaging or serological tests may assist in diagnosis.

Treatment:
Anthelmintic medications and supportive care for symptoms.

Medications:
Praziquantel (anthelmintic) is the treatment of choice. Nitazoxanide may be considered in some cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in parts of Southeast Asia and India where aquatic plants are consumed.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Consumption of contaminated water plants (e.g., water chestnuts), poor sanitation, and exposure to infected water sources.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with appropriate treatment; complications are rare.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic malabsorption and malnutrition if untreated.

Nematode Infections

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Parasitic Infections

Symptoms:
abdominal pain; diarrhea; malnutrition; anemia; skin rashes; itching; respiratory symptoms in some cases

Root Cause:
Caused by roundworms such as Ascaris lumbricoides, Ancylostoma duodenale (hookworms), and Strongyloides stercoralis.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Stool examination for eggs or larvae, blood tests for eosinophilia, and PCR for species identification.

Treatment:
Antiparasitic medications and supportive care for malnutrition or anemia.

Medications:
Albendazole or mebendazole (broad-spectrum anti-helminthics), ivermectin (for strongyloidiasis), pyrantel pamoate (for specific nematodes).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects over 1.5 billion people worldwide, especially in tropical and subtropical regions.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Poor sanitation, contaminated water, lack of hygiene, barefoot walking in endemic areas.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Treatable, but chronic infections can cause growth retardation and severe complications in children.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Intestinal obstruction, nutritional deficiencies, and systemic infection (e.g., disseminated strongyloidiasis).

Sarcosporidiosis

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Parasitic Infections

Symptoms:
muscle pain; weakness; fever; diarrhea; nausea; subcutaneous nodules

Root Cause:
Caused by Sarcocystis parasites, typically transmitted through the ingestion of undercooked meat containing parasitic cysts or contaminated water.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Stool examination for oocysts, muscle biopsy for cyst identification, and serological tests for antibodies.

Treatment:
Management includes supportive care for symptomatic relief and antiparasitic medications for severe cases.

Medications:
Albendazole , an antiparasitic, is often prescribed. Corticosteroids may be used to manage inflammation in severe cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare in developed countries; prevalence higher in regions with poor sanitation and raw meat consumption.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Consumption of undercooked meat, poor sanitation, exposure to contaminated water.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good with treatment, though chronic muscle symptoms may persist in some cases.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic muscle pain, weakness, and rare cases of systemic involvement.

Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia)

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Parasitic Infections

Symptoms:
rash or itchy skin; fever; chills; cough; abdominal pain; diarrhea; blood in urine or stool; fatigue

Root Cause:
Caused by infection with Schistosoma parasites, transmitted through contact with freshwater containing the larval form of the parasite.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Stool or urine examination for eggs, serological tests, and imaging for organ involvement.

Treatment:
Antiparasitic medication is the main treatment, along with supportive care for complications.

Medications:
Praziquantel is the drug of choice, classified as an antiparasitic.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects over 200 million people worldwide, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Exposure to freshwater in endemic areas, lack of clean water access, poor sanitation.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with early treatment; chronic cases may lead to long-term organ damage.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Liver fibrosis, bladder cancer, infertility, and increased risk of portal hypertension.

Tapeworm Infestation

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Parasitic Infections

Symptoms:
abdominal pain; nausea; diarrhea; weight loss; visible segments in stool

Root Cause:
Caused by ingestion of Taenia or other tapeworm species through undercooked meat or contaminated water.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Stool sample analysis, serological tests for antibodies, and imaging for cysts.

Treatment:
Antiparasitic medication with symptomatic relief for gastrointestinal discomfort.

Medications:
Praziquantel and albendazole , classified as antiparasitics.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in regions with poor food safety and hygiene; global cases vary by tapeworm species.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Eating undercooked or raw meat, poor hygiene, and exposure to contaminated water or food.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with treatment, but untreated cases may lead to severe complications.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Intestinal blockage, cysticercosis, and neurocysticercosis (when cysts develop in the brain).

Trematode Infection

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Parasitic Infections

Symptoms:
fever; abdominal pain; diarrhea; weight loss; jaundice (in liver fluke infections); cough and chest pain (in lung fluke infections)

Root Cause:
Trematode infections are caused by parasitic flatworms (flukes) that invade the gastrointestinal tract, liver, lungs, or blood, depending on the species.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Stool or urine examination to detect eggs, serologic tests, imaging (e.g., ultrasound, CT, or MRI) for organ involvement, and biopsy in some cases.

Treatment:
Antiparasitic medication, supportive care for symptoms, and in severe cases, surgical intervention for organ damage.

Medications:
Praziquantel , an antiparasitic medication that disrupts the parasite's membrane , is the primary treatment.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Endemic in tropical and subtropical regions; common in areas with poor sanitation and close contact with freshwater sources.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Consumption of raw or undercooked freshwater fish, crabs, or plants; exposure to contaminated water; poor sanitation.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good with early diagnosis and treatment, but untreated cases can lead to severe organ damage and complications.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Liver fibrosis, portal hypertension, cholangiocarcinoma, pulmonary complications, and secondary bacterial infections.

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Viral Infections

Symptoms:
high fever; cough; difficulty breathing; muscle aches; conjunctivitis; diarrhea; neurological symptoms in severe cases

Root Cause:
Caused by avian influenza viruses, primarily H5N1 and H7N9 subtypes, transmitted from infected birds to humans.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
PCR testing, viral culture, or antigen detection from respiratory specimens.

Treatment:
Antiviral medications like oseltamivir or zanamivir. Supportive care may include oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation in severe cases.

Medications:
Oseltamivir (Tamiflu ) and zanamivir (Relenza ), which are neuraminidase inhibitors classified as antiviral agents.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Sporadic; occurs in regions with close contact between humans and infected birds.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Contact with infected poultry, live bird markets, and poor biosecurity measures.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
High mortality rate, especially in H5N1 cases (about 60% case fatality rate). Early treatment improves outcomes.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), multi-organ failure, and death.

Ebola Virus Infection

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers

Sub-category: Filoviruses

Symptoms:
fever; severe headache; muscle pain; fatigue; diarrhea; vomiting; abdominal pain; unexplained bleeding or bruising

Root Cause:
Systemic infection caused by the Ebola virus, leading to vascular damage, coagulopathy, and immune system dysregulation.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
PCR testing for Ebola RNA, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), antigen detection tests, and clinical signs in endemic areas.

Treatment:
Supportive care including fluids, electrolyte management, oxygen therapy, and blood products; antivirals like Inmazeb (monoclonal antibody combination) may be used.

Medications:
Inmazeb (monoclonal antibody therapy), mAb114 (monoclonal antibody), and experimental antiviral drugs under trial during outbreaks.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Outbreaks primarily in sub-Saharan Africa; rare outside endemic areas.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Contact with infected individuals, handling contaminated body fluids, exposure to bats or other reservoir species, and poor infection control practices.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Mortality rates range from 25% to 90%, depending on the strain and access to medical care. Survivors often experience long-term complications.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Multiorgan failure, shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and long-term sequelae such as joint pain and vision problems.

Human Herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) Infection

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Viral Infections

Sub-category: Herpesviridae Infections

Symptoms:
fever; rash (roseola); irritability; diarrhea; swollen lymph nodes; febrile seizures

Root Cause:
HHV-6 infection is caused by a virus that commonly infects infants and young children. It can cause roseola, a rash after fever, and may also be linked to certain neurological and autoimmune disorders.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is typically based on clinical presentation, supported by PCR testing for viral DNA.

Treatment:
Symptomatic treatment for fever and seizures; antiviral medications may be used in severe cases.

Medications:
Ganciclovir and valganciclovir are antiviral medications that may be used for severe HHV-6 infections, especially in immunocompromised patients.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Almost all individuals are infected with HHV-6 by the age of 2; it causes roseola in infants and can persist as a latent infection.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age (infants are most affected), immunocompromised states (such as organ transplants or HIV/AIDS).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good in healthy children; complications arise in immunocompromised individuals.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Febrile seizures, encephalitis, and autoimmune diseases in rare cases.

Norovirus

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: COVID-19 Reinfections

Symptoms:
nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; abdominal cramps; fever; body aches; dehydration (in severe cases)

Root Cause:
Norovirus infection occurs when the virus infects the gastrointestinal tract, causing acute inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It is highly contagious and primarily spreads through contaminated food, water, surfaces, or direct contact.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is usually clinical, based on symptoms and outbreak context. Laboratory testing (RT-PCR or enzyme immunoassay) can confirm norovirus presence in stool samples.

Treatment:
No specific antiviral treatment is available. Management focuses on supportive care, such as rehydration therapy (oral or IV) to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.

Medications:
There are no medications specifically targeting norovirus. Anti-nausea drugs like ondansetron (a serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonist) may be prescribed for severe vomiting. Oral rehydration salts (ORS) or electrolyte solutions help prevent dehydration.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Norovirus causes approximately 685 million cases worldwide annually, with a significant impact on children under five years and older adults.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Close contact with infected individuals, consuming contaminated food or water, living in crowded environments (e.g., nursing homes, cruise ships), poor hand hygiene.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally self-limiting; symptoms resolve within 1-3 days. Proper hydration ensures full recovery in most cases.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe dehydration, especially in young children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals; rare cases of persistent gastrointestinal symptoms in vulnerable populations.

Reoviruses

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: COVID-19 Reinfections

Symptoms:
fever; diarrhea; vomiting; respiratory symptoms; abdominal cramps

Root Cause:
Reoviruses, such as rotavirus, can cause gastrointestinal and respiratory infections, leading to dehydration and flu-like symptoms.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is confirmed through stool samples (for rotavirus) or respiratory samples.

Treatment:
Treatment is supportive, focusing on hydration and managing symptoms like fever.

Medications:
Rehydration therapy (oral rehydration salts) and antipyretics (e.g., acetaminophen ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Reoviruses are common, particularly rotavirus, which affects infants and young children worldwide.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Poor sanitation, lack of vaccination, close contact with infected individuals.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
The infection is usually self-limiting, but severe dehydration can lead to complications if not treated.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and in severe cases, death, especially in young children.

Roseola Infantum

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: COVID-19 Reinfections

Symptoms:
high fever; rash that starts on the torso; irritability; swollen lymph nodes; runny nose; diarrhea

Root Cause:
Caused by Human Herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), which leads to the sudden onset of fever followed by a rash.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is clinical, often based on the characteristic fever and rash pattern. Blood tests may confirm the presence of HHV-6.

Treatment:
Supportive care with fluids and fever-reducing medications. No specific antiviral treatment is required.

Medications:
Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are often used to control fever. These fall under analgesics and antipyretics.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects children aged 6 months to 2 years, with an estimated prevalence of 15-30% in this age group.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age (most common in infants and toddlers), weakened immune system.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally mild with full recovery, but rare complications like febrile seizures may occur.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Febrile seizures, secondary infections.

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