Comprehensive Symptom Navigator

Anaphylaxis (Emergency Management)

Category: Allergic and Immunological Conditions

Symptoms:
difficulty breathing; swelling of the throat or tongue; hives; severe hypotension; rapid or weak pulse; dizziness or fainting; nausea or vomiting

Root Cause:
Life-threatening systemic allergic reaction involving massive histamine release and widespread inflammation.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical presentation during acute symptoms; no diagnostic tests needed during an emergency.

Treatment:
Immediate administration of epinephrine, airway management, IV fluids, observation in a hospital setting.

Medications:
Epinephrine autoinjector (first-line), antihistamines, corticosteroids (e.g., methylprednisolone ) for prolonged reactions.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 1–2% of the population; rising prevalence globally.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Food allergies, insect stings, drug allergies, prior anaphylaxis episodes.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with prompt treatment; delayed treatment increases risk of fatality.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Cardiac arrest, airway obstruction, recurrent anaphylaxis (biphasic reaction).

Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS)

Specialty: Pediatrics

Category: Neonatal Conditions (Newborns)

Sub-category: Prematurity-Related Conditions

Symptoms:
rapid breathing (tachypnea); grunting; flaring nostrils; blue tint to the skin (cyanosis); poor feeding; low oxygen levels; difficulty breathing

Root Cause:
Insufficient production of surfactant, a substance that keeps the alveoli in the lungs open, causing lung collapse and impaired oxygen exchange.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical presentation in a preterm infant, chest X-ray showing "ground-glass" appearance, blood gas analysis showing low oxygen levels, and prenatal history of prematurity.

Treatment:
Administration of exogenous surfactant, oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Supportive care, including fluid management and temperature regulation.

Medications:
Exogenous surfactants such as beractant or poractant alfa (classified as surfactant replacement therapy). Steroids like dexamethasone or betamethasone may be administered to the mother before delivery to enhance fetal lung maturity.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 60% of infants born at less than 28 weeks gestation, decreasing to less than 5% in infants born after 34 weeks gestation.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Premature birth, male sex, cesarean delivery without labor, maternal diabetes, and multiple births (e.g., twins).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With timely treatment, most infants recover without long-term complications. Severe cases may lead to chronic lung disease (e.g., bronchopulmonary dysplasia).

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic lung disease (bronchopulmonary dysplasia), air leaks (pneumothorax), infections, and delayed neurodevelopment.

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD)

Specialty: Pediatrics

Category: Neonatal Conditions (Newborns)

Sub-category: Prematurity-Related Conditions

Symptoms:
persistent need for oxygen; difficulty breathing; poor growth; recurrent respiratory infections; wheezing; retractions (use of chest muscles to breathe)

Root Cause:
Lung injury caused by mechanical ventilation, oxygen therapy, and inflammation in preterm infants with immature lungs.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is based on the need for supplemental oxygen at 28 days postnatal age and/or at 36 weeks postmenstrual age, along with clinical and radiographic findings.

Treatment:
Oxygen therapy, noninvasive or mechanical ventilation, diuretics to manage fluid buildup, nutritional support, and pulmonary rehabilitation.

Medications:
Bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol ) to ease breathing, diuretics (e.g., furosemide ) to reduce fluid in the lungs, corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone ) to reduce inflammation, and antibiotics for preventing or treating infections.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 10–30% of infants born at less than 28 weeks gestation.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Prematurity, mechanical ventilation, oxygen therapy, maternal infections, and intrauterine growth restriction.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Most children improve with age, but some may have long-term respiratory issues such as asthma or reduced lung function.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Pulmonary hypertension, recurrent infections, developmental delays, and poor growth.

Congenital heart defects (e.g., Tetralogy of Fallot, ventricular septal defect)

Specialty: Pediatrics

Category: Neonatal Conditions (Newborns)

Sub-category: Congenital Disorders

Symptoms:
cyanosis (bluish skin); difficulty breathing; poor feeding; failure to thrive; heart murmur; fatigue during feeding or exertion

Root Cause:
Structural abnormalities in the heart present at birth, affecting normal blood flow.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Prenatal ultrasound, echocardiography, chest X-ray, electrocardiogram (ECG), and sometimes cardiac MRI or catheterization.

Treatment:
Surgical repair (e.g., patching septal defects, reconstructing valves), catheter-based interventions, or medication management for symptoms.

Medications:
Medications like propranolol (beta-blocker) for controlling heart rate, furosemide (loop diuretic) for reducing fluid overload, and digoxin (cardiac glycoside) to improve heart function are commonly used.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1 in 100 live births worldwide.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of congenital heart defects, maternal diabetes, infections during pregnancy (e.g., rubella), and exposure to certain medications or substances.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies; many cases are treatable with surgery and/or medication, with good long-term outcomes if treated early.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Heart failure, arrhythmias, pulmonary hypertension, delayed growth, and developmental delays.

Croup

Specialty: Emergency and Urgent Care

Category: Pediatric Emergencies

Sub-category: Respiratory Conditions

Symptoms:
barking cough; hoarseness; stridor (high-pitched wheezing); difficulty breathing; fever; nasal congestion

Root Cause:
Swelling and inflammation of the upper airway, typically caused by viral infections such as parainfluenza virus.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation based on characteristic symptoms and physical examination; imaging or additional tests are rarely needed.

Treatment:
Supportive care (hydration, humidified air), corticosteroids to reduce airway inflammation, and nebulized epinephrine for severe cases.

Medications:
Dexamethasone or prednisone (corticosteroids) to reduce inflammation; nebulized epinephrine (adrenergic agonist) for acute airway swelling.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in children aged 6 months to 3 years, particularly during fall and winter months.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Young age, exposure to viral infections, attending daycare, family history of respiratory conditions.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Most cases resolve with supportive care; severe cases respond well to medical treatment. Rarely requires hospitalization.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe airway obstruction, hypoxia, bacterial superinfection, and, in rare cases, respiratory failure.

Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia

Specialty: Pediatrics

Category: Respiratory Disorders

Sub-category: Chronic Conditions

Symptoms:
chronic wet cough; recurrent sinus infections; frequent middle ear infections; difficulty breathing; infertility in males; recurrent pneumonia; situs inversus in some patients

Root Cause:
Dysfunctional cilia result from genetic mutations, impairing mucociliary clearance and causing buildup of mucus in the respiratory tract and other organs.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Nasal nitric oxide testing, electron microscopy of ciliary structure, genetic testing, and high-speed videomicroscopy analysis of ciliary movement.

Treatment:
Airway clearance techniques, antibiotics for infections, hearing aids for conductive hearing loss, and supportive care for respiratory symptoms.

Medications:
Antibiotics (e.g., azithromycin ) to prevent or treat infections, bronchodilators like albuterol for airway relaxation, and anti-inflammatory agents such as inhaled corticosteroids.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 20,000 individuals worldwide.

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

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies based on severity; early diagnosis and management improve quality of life and reduce complications.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic respiratory infections, bronchiectasis, hearing loss, infertility, and reduced lung function over time.

Chronic Lung Disease of Prematurity

Specialty: Pediatrics

Category: Respiratory Disorders

Sub-category: Chronic Conditions

Symptoms:
rapid breathing; difficulty breathing; need for supplemental oxygen; poor weight gain; recurrent respiratory infections; wheezing

Root Cause:
Underdeveloped lungs, inflammation, and oxygen therapy/mechanical ventilation cause scarring and impaired lung development in preterm infants.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history (preterm birth and oxygen/ventilation dependency), chest X-rays, echocardiogram to rule out heart issues, and blood gas analysis.

Treatment:
Oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation (if needed), nutritional support, and medications to reduce lung inflammation and improve breathing.

Medications:
Bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol ), diuretics (e.g., furosemide ) to manage fluid buildup, corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone ) to reduce inflammation, and surfactant replacement in early management.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 10,000–15,000 infants annually in the U.S., primarily those born before 30 weeks of gestation or with low birth weight.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Premature birth, mechanical ventilation, oxygen therapy, maternal infections, and intrauterine growth restriction.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Many infants improve with age, but some may have long-term respiratory issues, including asthma or reduced lung function.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Pulmonary hypertension, increased susceptibility to respiratory infections, asthma, and developmental delays related to chronic oxygen dependence.

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)

Specialty: Pediatrics

Category: Neurological Disorders

Sub-category: Neonatal Neurology

Symptoms:
difficulty breathing; low apgar scores; abnormal muscle tone (floppiness or stiffness); seizures; lethargy; feeding difficulties

Root Cause:
Reduced oxygen or blood flow to the brain around the time of birth, leading to brain injury.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical signs (e.g., low Apgar scores), brain imaging (MRI, cranial ultrasound), EEG to detect seizures, and blood gas analysis (acidosis).

Treatment:
Therapeutic hypothermia (cooling therapy), supportive care (ventilation, fluids), seizure control, and monitoring for long-term complications.

Medications:
Phenobarbital (anticonvulsant to treat seizures), midazolam (sedative/anticonvulsant), dopamine or dobutamine (vasopressors to support blood pressure), and medications to control metabolic disturbances (e.g., sodium bicarbonate for acidosis).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1-3 per 1,000 live births in high-resource settings, with higher prevalence in low-resource settings.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Prolonged labor, umbilical cord complications (prolapse or compression), placental abruption, severe maternal hypotension, or infection.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis depends on severity; mild cases may recover fully, while moderate-to-severe cases risk long-term complications such as cerebral palsy, developmental delays, or epilepsy.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Cerebral palsy, developmental delays, epilepsy, vision and hearing impairments, and learning disabilities.

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.

Smoke Inhalation Injuries

Specialty: Emergency and Urgent Care

Category: Trauma and Injuries

Sub-category: Respiratory Injuries

Symptoms:
coughing; difficulty breathing; hoarseness; soot in the nostrils or throat; wheezing; burns in the mouth or throat; altered mental state due to hypoxia

Root Cause:
Damage to the respiratory tract from inhaling hot gases, toxic fumes, or particulate matter during a fire.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history, visible signs of inhalation, chest X-rays, bronchoscopy, arterial blood gases (ABG), and carboxyhemoglobin levels.

Treatment:
Immediate airway stabilization, oxygen therapy, bronchodilators, suctioning secretions, and mechanical ventilation in severe cases. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for carbon monoxide poisoning.

Medications:
Bronchodilators such as albuterol (to relieve bronchospasm) and corticosteroids like methylprednisolone (to reduce inflammation). Antibiotics if infection is suspected.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
A common cause of injury in fire-related incidents; smoke inhalation contributes to up to 60% of fire-related deaths.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Exposure to enclosed fires, chemical plants, or industrial fires, and lack of proper safety equipment.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Depends on the severity; mild cases recover with supportive care, while severe cases with complications (e.g., ARDS) have higher mortality.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), pneumonia, carbon monoxide poisoning, and long-term pulmonary dysfunction.

Anaphylaxis-Related Airway Swelling

Specialty: Emergency and Urgent Care

Category: Respiratory Emergencies

Sub-category: Upper Airway Obstruction

Symptoms:
sudden onset of throat tightness; difficulty breathing; stridor; facial swelling; rash; hypotension; tachycardia

Root Cause:
Severe allergic reaction triggers histamine release, causing airway swelling, bronchoconstriction, and systemic vasodilation.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical presentation and history of allergen exposure; confirmed by elevated serum tryptase levels post-reaction.

Treatment:
Immediate administration of intramuscular epinephrine, followed by airway management, IV fluids, and additional medications for symptom control.

Medications:
Epinephrine (adrenergic agonist) as the first-line treatment. Antihistamines like diphenhydramine (H1 blocker) and ranitidine (H2 blocker). Corticosteroids such as methylprednisolone to reduce late-phase reactions. Beta-agonists like albuterol for bronchospasm.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 1.6%–5% lifetime risk in the general population; more common with increased allergen exposure.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Known allergies, previous anaphylaxis, atopic conditions (e.g., asthma, eczema), or medications like penicillin.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with prompt epinephrine administration; potentially fatal if untreated.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Airway obstruction, anoxic brain injury, cardiovascular collapse, or death.

Snake Bites

Specialty: Emergency and Urgent Care

Category: Toxicology and Overdose

Sub-category: Envenomations

Symptoms:
localized pain and swelling; redness; bruising; nausea; vomiting; difficulty breathing; altered mental status; bleeding disorders; paralysis

Root Cause:
Snake venom contains a mixture of proteins, enzymes, and toxins that disrupt blood coagulation, damage tissues, and interfere with the nervous system or cardiovascular function.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history, observation of bite marks, identification of the snake (if possible), blood tests for coagulation disorders, and monitoring for systemic effects.

Treatment:
Antivenom administration specific to the snake species, wound care, supportive care (e.g., IV fluids, oxygen), and monitoring for complications.

Medications:
Antivenom

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Estimated 5.4 million bites occur worldwide annually, with approximately 2.7 million envenomations and 81,000–138,000 deaths.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Outdoor activities in snake habitats, lack of protective footwear, delayed medical care, and inadequate access to antivenom.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good if treated promptly with appropriate antivenom; delayed treatment increases the risk of permanent damage or death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Tissue necrosis, compartment syndrome, coagulopathy, renal failure, and systemic shock.

Marine Envenomations (e.g., Jellyfish, Stingrays)

Specialty: Emergency and Urgent Care

Category: Toxicology and Overdose

Sub-category: Envenomations

Symptoms:
localized pain; burning or stinging sensation; redness and swelling; nausea; vomiting; difficulty breathing; muscle cramps; cardiac symptoms in severe cases

Root Cause:
Toxins from marine animals cause local or systemic effects, including tissue damage, allergic reactions, and cardiovascular disturbances.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history, observation of sting site, identification of the marine animal, and symptom assessment.

Treatment:
Removal of stingers or spines, rinsing with vinegar or hot water, pain management, and supportive care. Antivenom may be used for specific stings (e.g., box jellyfish).

Medications:
Pain Relievers

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in coastal regions; thousands of cases occur annually worldwide.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Swimming or diving in marine environments, inadequate protective measures (e.g., wetsuits).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with appropriate treatment; severe cases (e.g., box jellyfish stings) require prompt intervention.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe allergic reactions, tissue necrosis, infection, and cardiac arrest in rare cases.

Drowning and Near-Drowning

Specialty: Emergency and Urgent Care

Category: Environmental and Exposure-Related Conditions

Symptoms:
difficulty breathing; unconsciousness; cyanosis (blue skin); frothy sputum; coughing or choking; cardiac arrest; low body temperature; confusion or disorientation if conscious

Root Cause:
The inability to breathe due to submersion or immersion in water, leading to hypoxia (oxygen deprivation) and, if untreated, cardiac arrest and death.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation based on history of submersion, visible symptoms such as cyanosis or respiratory distress, and imaging studies (e.g., chest X-ray) to assess lung damage or aspiration. Blood gases may also be analyzed to evaluate oxygenation and acid-base balance.

Treatment:
Initial treatment focuses on removing the person from the water and providing immediate resuscitation (airway, breathing, circulation). Further care may include oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation for severe respiratory distress, warming techniques for hypothermia, and treatment for potential secondary complications such as pneumonia or cerebral edema.

Medications:
Medications may include

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide, with an estimated 236,000 deaths annually. Near-drowning incidents are more common and may have significant morbidity.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Lack of swimming ability, unsupervised access to water, alcohol or drug use, boating accidents, seizure disorders, and lack of use of personal flotation devices.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis depends on the duration of submersion, water temperature (better outcomes in cold water), and the speed and effectiveness of resuscitation. Early intervention improves chances of survival and reduces complications.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
aspiration pneumonia; acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS); hypoxic brain injury; cerebral edema; cardiac arrhythmias; electrolyte imbalances; secondary infections

Anaphylaxis

Specialty: Emergency and Urgent Care

Category: Miscellaneous Emergencies

Sub-category: Allergic Reactions

Symptoms:
difficulty breathing; swelling of the face or throat; hives or skin rash; rapid or weak pulse; nausea or vomiting; dizziness or fainting

Root Cause:
Severe allergic reaction caused by the release of histamine and other chemicals from immune cells, leading to widespread inflammation and tissue swelling.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is clinical, based on a sudden onset of symptoms after exposure to a known allergen. Confirmatory tests may include elevated serum tryptase levels or identification of the allergen through skin or blood tests after stabilization.

Treatment:
Immediate administration of intramuscular epinephrine is the primary treatment, followed by supportive measures such as oxygen, IV fluids, and antihistamines.

Medications:
Epinephrine (first-line treatment, adrenergic agonist), antihistamines like diphenhydramine (H1 antagonist) and ranitidine (H2 antagonist), corticosteroids like methylprednisolone (to reduce rebound inflammation).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 1.6–5% of the global population experiences anaphylaxis at some point in their lifetime.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
History of allergies, asthma, previous anaphylactic reactions, family history of anaphylaxis, exposure to triggers (foods, insect stings, medications).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With prompt treatment, most cases resolve without long-term complications. Delay in treatment can lead to fatal outcomes, including cardiac arrest or asphyxiation.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Airway obstruction, shock, cardiac arrest, prolonged hypoxia leading to brain injury, or biphasic anaphylaxis (recurrent symptoms after initial treatment).

Airway Obstruction

Specialty: Emergency and Urgent Care

Category: Miscellaneous Emergencies

Sub-category: Foreign Body Ingestion/Inhalation

Symptoms:
difficulty breathing; wheezing; choking; cyanosis (bluish skin); inability to speak; stridor (high-pitched breathing sound); unconsciousness in severe cases

Root Cause:
Blockage of the airway caused by foreign objects, swelling, trauma, or other obstructions that impede airflow to the lungs.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation based on symptoms, physical examination (e.g., visualizing the throat), imaging (e.g., X-ray, CT scan), and potentially bronchoscopy for direct visualization of the airway.

Treatment:
Immediate intervention to clear the obstruction (e.g., Heimlich maneuver, suctioning, or direct removal with instruments), oxygen therapy, and securing the airway through intubation or tracheostomy if necessary.

Medications:
Medications may include epinephrine (a bronchodilator for anaphylaxis), corticosteroids (to reduce airway swelling), and sedatives or anesthetics if endoscopy or surgery is required. Epinephrine - Adrenergic agonist for emergency relief in anaphylaxis. Corticosteroids - Anti-inflammatory drugs for swelling reduction. Bronchodilators - Beta-agonists (e.g., albuterol ) in cases of reactive airway obstruction.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Airway obstruction is a common cause of emergency visits, with thousands of cases annually, particularly in children under 3 and older adults with impaired swallowing reflexes.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Young children (tendency to place objects in their mouths), older adults (swallowing difficulties), eating while talking or laughing, and medical conditions like severe allergies or asthma.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies based on promptness of treatment; most cases resolve without long-term consequences if treated promptly. Delay in treatment can result in hypoxia, brain injury, or death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Hypoxia, cardiac arrest, aspiration pneumonia, tracheal damage, and neurological damage from lack of oxygen.

Laryngomalacia

Specialty: Nose and Throat

Category: Throat (Pharyngeal and Laryngeal) Conditions

Sub-category: Structural and Congenital Disorders

Symptoms:
stridor (high-pitched breathing sounds); difficulty breathing; poor feeding; failure to thrive; coughing or choking during feeding

Root Cause:
A congenital condition where the soft tissue above the vocal cords is floppy and collapses inward during breathing, leading to airway obstruction.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed through a physical examination, often with the aid of a laryngoscopy to visualize the airway and confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment:
In mild cases, no treatment may be necessary as the condition often resolves on its own. Severe cases may require surgical intervention to remove excess tissue, and supportive care like respiratory therapy.

Medications:
No specific medications are used to treat laryngomalacia; however, medications such as corticosteroids may be used to manage inflammation if respiratory distress occurs.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in infants, affecting about 60% of cases of stridor in infants, with most cases resolving by 18 months of age.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Premature birth, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and family history of respiratory issues.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent in most cases, with many infants outgrowing the condition as their airway structures mature. Severe cases may require long-term management or surgical correction.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Difficulty breathing, poor feeding, and failure to thrive in severe cases. Risk of aspiration pneumonia if feeding difficulties are severe.

Ludwig’s angina (infection of the floor of the mouth)

Specialty: Nose and Throat

Category: Throat (Pharyngeal and Laryngeal) Conditions

Sub-category: Other Specific Conditions

Symptoms:
severe neck pain; difficulty swallowing; swelling of the neck and jaw; fever; difficulty breathing; muffled voice; drooling

Root Cause:
A rapidly spreading, severe infection of the submandibular, sublingual, and submental spaces, often following dental infections or trauma.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is based on clinical presentation; imaging (CT scan or MRI) may help define the extent of the infection and identify any abscess formation.

Treatment:
Immediate intravenous antibiotics (broad-spectrum, such as penicillin with metronidazole or clindamycin). Surgical drainage of abscesses or infected tissue may be necessary.

Medications:
Intravenous antibiotics like ampicillin-sulbactam, ceftriaxone , or clindamycin (broad-spectrum antibiotics targeting anaerobes and aerobes). Pain management with opioids or NSAIDs.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, but life-threatening if not treated promptly; most commonly affects adults, particularly those with dental infections, diabetes, or immunocompromised states.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Poor dental hygiene, untreated dental infections, diabetes, immunosuppression, oral trauma.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
High mortality if untreated; with timely treatment, the prognosis is good, though recovery may take several weeks.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Airway obstruction, sepsis, spread of infection to surrounding tissues, facial cellulitis, or mediastinitis.

Diphtheria affecting the throat

Specialty: Nose and Throat

Category: Throat (Pharyngeal and Laryngeal) Conditions

Sub-category: Neurological Disorders Affecting the Throat

Symptoms:
sore throat; fever; swollen lymph nodes; difficulty swallowing; pseudomembrane in the throat; difficulty breathing; hoarseness; weakness

Root Cause:
Caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which produces a toxin that damages the tissues in the throat, causing a membrane to form, and potentially interfering with airway function.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is made through clinical examination and confirmed by throat culture, PCR testing for the bacteria, and the presence of the characteristic pseudomembrane.

Treatment:
Antitoxin is administered to neutralize the diphtheria toxin. Antibiotics, such as penicillin or erythromycin, are used to eliminate the bacteria.

Medications:
Antitoxin (passive immunization), Penicillin (first-line antibiotic), Erythromycin (alternative antibiotic). These are classified as immunosuppressive agents (antitoxin) and antibacterial agents (penicillin, erythromycin ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Worldwide, but largely preventable with vaccination. More common in under-vaccinated regions, especially in developing countries.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Lack of vaccination, close contact with infected individuals, travel to endemic regions.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With prompt treatment, the prognosis is good. However, untreated diphtheria can be fatal due to airway obstruction or toxin spread to other organs.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Airway obstruction, heart failure (due to myocarditis), kidney failure, nerve damage (e.g., cranial neuropathy), and death if not treated.

Laryngeal papillomatosis (caused by HPV)

Specialty: Nose and Throat

Category: Throat (Pharyngeal and Laryngeal) Conditions

Sub-category: Other Conditions

Symptoms:
hoarseness; difficulty breathing; coughing; stridor; throat pain

Root Cause:
Caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, resulting in the growth of benign tumors (papillomas) on the vocal cords or larynx.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed via laryngoscopy, where papillomas appear as wart-like growths on the vocal cords. HPV testing can be done to confirm the viral cause.

Treatment:
Treatment often involves surgical removal of papillomas via micro-laryngoscopy. Recurrent cases may require repeated surgeries. Adjunct therapies like antiviral medications or immune system modulators may be used.

Medications:
There are no specific antiviral medications for treating the papillomas, but some use interferon therapy or topical cidofovir as an experimental treatment. The medications used are immune-modulating or antiviral.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, but more common in children, though adults can also be affected.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
HPV infection, particularly types 6 and 11, is the primary risk factor. Exposure to the virus typically occurs through direct contact, including from mother to child during birth.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Chronic condition with recurrent episodes of papilloma formation, often requiring ongoing treatment. While not life-threatening, it can lead to significant voice changes and breathing problems.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Airway obstruction, persistent hoarseness, and in severe cases, tracheotomy may be necessary. There is a small risk of malignancy in rare, long-standing cases.

Myasthenia Gravis (with respiratory involvement)

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Restrictive Lung Diseases

Sub-category: Chest Wall and Neuromuscular Disorders

Symptoms:
weakness in respiratory muscles; difficulty breathing; fatigue; dyspnea on exertion; orthopnea

Root Cause:
Autoimmune attack on acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, leading to weakness in skeletal muscles, including the diaphragm and intercostal muscles.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Antibody testing (e.g., anti-AChR or anti-MuSK antibodies), repetitive nerve stimulation, single-fiber electromyography (EMG), pulmonary function tests (showing decreased vital capacity), and arterial blood gas analysis in severe cases.

Treatment:
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., pyridostigmine), immunosuppressive therapy (e.g., corticosteroids, azathioprine), plasmapheresis, or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) for crisis management. Mechanical ventilation is required in cases of respiratory failure.

Medications:
Pyridostigmine (acetylcholinesterase inhibitor) improves muscle strength by increasing acetylcholine availability. Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone ) and immunosuppressants (e.g., azathioprine or mycophenolate mofetil) reduce autoimmune activity.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 20 per 100,000 people globally, with a higher prevalence in females under 40 and males over 60.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic predisposition, presence of other autoimmune disorders (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis), thymoma or other thymic abnormalities.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good with proper treatment; severe cases (myasthenic crisis) can result in respiratory failure if not promptly managed.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Myasthenic crisis (acute respiratory failure), aspiration pneumonia, chronic hypoxemia, and secondary infections due to immunosuppressive therapy.

Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP)

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: CNS Infections

Symptoms:
fever; increased respiratory secretions; difficulty breathing; low oxygen saturation; altered mental status

Root Cause:
Pneumonia caused by bacterial colonization of the airway in mechanically ventilated patients, often involving multidrug-resistant organisms.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical signs, chest imaging (e.g., infiltrates on chest X-ray), and microbiological analysis of respiratory secretions.

Treatment:
Broad-spectrum antibiotics tailored to identified pathogens, optimization of ventilator settings, and infection control measures.

Medications:
Empiric antibiotics (e.g., piperacillin-tazobactam, vancomycin ); specific antibiotics based on culture results (e.g., meropenem for resistant Gram-negative organisms).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in ICUs, affecting 10–20% of mechanically ventilated patients.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Prolonged mechanical ventilation, immunosuppression, prior antibiotic use, and poor oral hygiene.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; early treatment improves outcomes, but VAP can lead to prolonged hospitalization or death in severe cases.

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

Traumatic Pneumothorax

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Pleural Diseases

Sub-category: Pneumothorax

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hemothorax

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Thoracic (Chest) Injuries

Sub-category: Penetrating Chest Trauma

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bronchomalacia

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Disorders of the Airway

Symptoms:
wheezing; recurrent cough; difficulty breathing; chronic respiratory infections; stridor

Root Cause:
The bronchial walls are weak and may collapse during exhalation, causing airway obstruction and difficulty breathing.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Flexible bronchoscopy, chest X-rays, or CT scans can confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment:
Management includes airway clearance techniques, inhaled bronchodilators, and sometimes surgery if symptoms are severe.

Medications:
Bronchodilators like albuterol (a beta-agonist) and corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and open the airways.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
More common in infants and young children but can affect adults, especially those with chronic respiratory conditions.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Prematurity, congenital conditions like tracheomalacia, chronic respiratory infections, and intubation history.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Symptoms may improve with age, but in some cases, persistent issues require long-term management.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic respiratory infections, difficulty managing symptoms, and progressive airway collapse in severe cases.

Vocal Cord Dysfunction (Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion)

Specialty: Pulmonology

Category: Disorders of the Airway

Symptoms:
shortness of breath; wheezing; coughing; choking sensation; difficulty breathing; voice changes; stridor

Root Cause:
The vocal cords close instead of opening during inhalation, which can obstruct airflow and cause respiratory distress.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is made through clinical evaluation and may involve laryngoscopy to observe vocal cord motion.

Treatment:
Treatment focuses on breathing exercises, speech therapy, and stress management techniques. Medications may be used to manage symptoms.

Medications:
Inhaled bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol ) may be prescribed to relieve symptoms of wheezing or difficulty breathing. Anxiety or stress-related medications may also be used in some cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects both adults and children, with a higher incidence in women and those with asthma or anxiety.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Asthma, anxiety, stress, irritant exposure, and history of upper respiratory infections.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Often improves with proper treatment, including speech therapy and breathing exercises. However, symptoms may recur.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Misdiagnosis as asthma or other respiratory conditions, ongoing breathing difficulties, and impaired quality of life.

Pompe Disease

Specialty: Cardiovascular

Category: Other Cardiovascular Conditions

Sub-category: Metabolic and Genetic Cardiovascular Disorders

Symptoms:
muscle weakness; difficulty breathing; enlarged heart (in infantile-onset); fatigue; exercise intolerance; respiratory failure

Root Cause:
Autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the GAA gene, resulting in deficient acid alpha-glucosidase enzyme and glycogen accumulation in tissues, including the heart and skeletal muscles.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Enzyme assay (acid alpha-glucosidase activity), genetic testing (GAA mutation), muscle biopsy, and imaging studies (e.g., echocardiography in infantile-onset cases).

Treatment:
Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) and supportive care, including respiratory support and physical therapy.

Medications:
Alglucosidase alfa (enzyme replacement therapy). ERT replaces the deficient enzyme to reduce glycogen accumulation in tissues. Additional medications may include bronchodilators and oxygen for respiratory support.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Estimated at 1 in 40,000 births globally; varies by population and ethnicity.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic predisposition (autosomal recessive inheritance), family history.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; infantile-onset cases have poor outcomes without treatment, but ERT significantly improves survival and quality of life. Late-onset cases progress more slowly.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Respiratory failure, heart failure (in infantile-onset), severe disability due to muscle weakness.

Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer

Specialty: Oncology

Category: Solid Tumors

Sub-category: Endocrine Cancers

Symptoms:
rapidly growing neck lump; difficulty breathing; difficulty swallowing; hoarseness; painful throat

Root Cause:
Highly aggressive cancer that arises from thyroid follicular cells; often associated with mutations in TP53, BRAF, or RAS genes.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Fine-needle aspiration biopsy, imaging (CT, MRI, PET scans), and molecular testing for genetic mutations.

Treatment:
Surgery (if operable), external beam radiation, chemotherapy (doxorubicin, paclitaxel), and experimental targeted therapies.

Medications:
Doxorubicin (chemotherapy), paclitaxel (chemotherapy), and sorafenib (targeted therapy for advanced disease).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, accounting for 1–2% of thyroid cancers. More common in older adults, usually after the age of 60.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Older age, prior history of thyroid cancer, genetic mutations (TP53), and environmental factors such as radiation exposure.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Very poor prognosis with a median survival of 6 months; the disease is often diagnosed at an advanced stage.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Rapid growth, metastasis to distant organs (lungs, bones), airway obstruction, and difficulty in treatment due to its aggressive nature.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Neuromuscular Disorders

Symptoms:
muscle weakness; difficulty swallowing; difficulty breathing; loss of motor skills; poor muscle tone; delayed physical milestones

Root Cause:
Genetic mutation in the SMN1 gene leads to insufficient production of the SMN protein, essential for motor neuron survival.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Genetic testing to identify SMN1 mutations; electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies; muscle biopsy in rare cases.

Treatment:
Physical therapy, respiratory support, nutritional support, and medications targeting SMN protein production.

Medications:
Spinraza (nusinersen , an antisense oligonucleotide that increases SMN protein levels), Zolgensma (onasemnogene abeparvovec-xioi , a gene therapy delivering functional SMN1 gene), and Evrysdi (risdiplam , an oral medication that enhances SMN2 gene protein production).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 1 in 10,000 live births globally.

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

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies by type and early intervention; Type I (severe) has a poorer prognosis, while Types II and III have improved outcomes with treatment.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Respiratory failure, scoliosis, joint contractures, and reduced mobility.

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries

Symptoms:
loss of sensation; paralysis; pain; loss of bladder or bowel control; difficulty breathing; spasticity

Root Cause:
Damage to the spinal cord due to trauma, leading to partial or complete disruption of nerve signals between the brain and body.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Neurological examination, imaging tests like MRI or CT scan, and functional assessments.

Treatment:
Emergency stabilization, surgery to repair or decompress the spinal cord, physical therapy, occupational therapy, assistive devices.

Medications:
High-dose corticosteroids (e.g., methylprednisolone ) in some cases for inflammation; pain relievers (e.g., gabapentin for neuropathic pain); antispasmodics (e.g., baclofen ) for spasticity.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Around 17,900 new cases in the U.S. annually; prevalence of approximately 300,000 individuals living with SCI.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Motor vehicle accidents, falls, sports injuries, violence (e.g., gunshot wounds), medical conditions like spina bifida.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Depends on the level and severity of the injury; partial recovery possible in some cases, but permanent disability is common.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Pressure ulcers, respiratory issues, urinary tract infections, chronic pain, depression.

Leigh’s Syndrome

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Congenital and Genetic Disorders

Symptoms:
loss of motor skills; seizures; difficulty breathing; poor muscle tone; failure to thrive; vomiting; weakness

Root Cause:
Mutations in mitochondrial or nuclear DNA affecting energy production (oxidative phosphorylation).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed via genetic testing, brain MRI, and metabolic studies.

Treatment:
Treated symptomatically with supportive care and experimental therapies, as no cure exists.

Medications:
None curative; symptom management includes anti-epileptics like levetiracetam and supportive supplements.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Estimated at 1 in 40,000 live births.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Inherited mitochondrial or nuclear gene mutations.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Poor; most patients do not survive beyond childhood.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Respiratory failure, severe neurological decline, and organ dysfunction.

Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)

Specialty: Neurology

Category: Other Neurological Disorders

Symptoms:
seizures; difficulty breathing; abnormal muscle tone; altered level of consciousness; poor feeding in neonates

Root Cause:
Oxygen deprivation and reduced blood flow to the brain, often occurring during birth (perinatal asphyxia) or due to cardiac arrest or severe trauma in adults.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history, neurological examination, brain imaging (MRI/CT), and sometimes electroencephalography (EEG) for seizures.

Treatment:
Supportive care, therapeutic hypothermia (cooling therapy) for neonates, oxygen therapy, seizure management, and rehabilitation for long-term neurological effects.

Medications:
Anticonvulsants like phenobarbital , levetiracetam , or phenytoin for seizure control; sedatives for neuroprotection; and diuretics if there is brain swelling.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 2-3 per 1,000 live births globally; variable incidence in adults based on causes like cardiac arrest.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Birth complications, premature birth, maternal infections, placental abruption, severe trauma, cardiac arrest, or stroke.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis depends on severity; mild cases can recover with minimal issues, but severe cases may result in long-term neurological deficits or death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Cerebral palsy, epilepsy, developmental delays, learning disabilities, and motor impairments.

Peanut Allergy

Specialty: Allergies and Immunology

Category: Allergic Disorders

Sub-category: Food Allergies

Symptoms:
hives; swelling; difficulty breathing; vomiting; anaphylaxis

Root Cause:
Immune system response to peanut proteins, particularly arachin and conarachin.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Skin prick tests, specific IgE blood tests, oral food challenge.

Treatment:
Avoidance of peanuts, epinephrine for anaphylaxis, oral immunotherapy under medical supervision.

Medications:
Epinephrine auto-injectors (e.g., EpiPen, Auvi-Q), antihistamines (e.g., Diphenhydramine , Cetirizine ), and oral immunotherapy (e.g., Palforzia in specific cases).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1-2% of the population; prevalence has been rising in recent decades.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history, eczema, early or delayed introduction of peanuts in infancy.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Lifelong condition for many; emerging treatments like oral immunotherapy offer hope for desensitization.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe anaphylaxis, social and psychological impacts, dietary restrictions.

Fish Allergy

Specialty: Allergies and Immunology

Category: Allergic Disorders

Sub-category: Food Allergies

Symptoms:
hives; swelling; stomach pain; nausea; difficulty breathing; anaphylaxis

Root Cause:
Immune system reaction to fish proteins, such as parvalbumin.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Skin prick testing, specific IgE blood tests, oral food challenge.

Treatment:
Avoidance of fish, use of epinephrine for severe reactions, education on avoiding cross-contamination.

Medications:
Epinephrine auto-injectors (e.g., EpiPen, Auvi-Q) and oral antihistamines (e.g., Diphenhydramine , Cetirizine ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1% of the global population; more common in adults than children.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of allergies, prior reactions to fish, geographic dietary practices.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Rarely outgrown; lifelong avoidance is typically required.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Anaphylaxis, cross-reactivity with other types of fish, limited dietary options in certain regions.

Wheat Allergy

Specialty: Allergies and Immunology

Category: Allergic Disorders

Sub-category: Food Allergies

Symptoms:
hives; swelling; nausea; vomiting; difficulty breathing; anaphylaxis

Root Cause:
Immune system reaction to proteins found in wheat, including gluten and albumin.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Skin prick tests, specific IgE blood tests, oral food challenge.

Treatment:
Avoidance of wheat products, substitution with gluten-free grains, use of epinephrine for severe reactions.

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

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 0.2-1% of children and adults.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of allergies, atopic conditions, prior allergic reactions to wheat.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Many children outgrow it by age 12; adults may need lifelong management.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Anaphylaxis, misdiagnosis with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, limited dietary options.

Latex Allergy

Specialty: Allergies and Immunology

Category: Allergic Disorders

Sub-category: Skin Allergies

Symptoms:
itchy skin or hives upon contact with latex; runny nose; sneezing; difficulty breathing; anaphylaxis in severe cases

Root Cause:
Immune system reaction to proteins found in natural rubber latex.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Skin prick test, specific IgE blood test, and clinical history of reactions to latex products.

Treatment:
Avoidance of latex, antihistamines for mild reactions, and epinephrine for anaphylaxis.

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

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects up to 1-6% of the general population, higher in healthcare workers and those with frequent latex exposure.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Healthcare workers, people with multiple surgeries, or spina bifida.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with strict latex avoidance; severe cases require emergency preparedness for anaphylaxis.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Anaphylaxis and cross-reactions with certain foods like bananas, avocados, and kiwis.

Sulfa Drug Allergy

Specialty: Allergies and Immunology

Category: Allergic Disorders

Sub-category: Drug Allergies

Symptoms:
rash or hives; fever; swelling; difficulty breathing; stevens-johnson syndrome (rare but severe)

Root Cause:
Immune-mediated hypersensitivity to sulfonamide-containing medications.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history, exclusion of other causes, and sometimes skin testing.

Treatment:
Discontinuation of sulfa drugs, antihistamines, corticosteroids, and supportive care for severe reactions.

Medications:
Antihistamines (e.g., Cetirizine , Diphenhydramine ) and corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone ) for severe reactions.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 3% of the population.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
HIV infection, slow acetylator phenotype, and female gender.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with prompt discontinuation of the drug; severe cases require close monitoring.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Anesthesia Allergy

Specialty: Allergies and Immunology

Category: Allergic Disorders

Sub-category: Drug Allergies

Symptoms:
hives or rash; difficulty breathing; low blood pressure; anaphylaxis

Root Cause:
Immune-mediated reaction or direct histamine release triggered by anesthetic agents.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history, perioperative monitoring, skin testing, or specific IgE testing.

Treatment:
Avoidance of the specific anesthetic, preoperative antihistamines or corticosteroids, and epinephrine for anaphylaxis.

Medications:
Epinephrine for severe reactions, corticosteroids (e.g., Hydrocortisone ) for inflammation, and antihistamines (e.g., Diphenhydramine ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
True allergies are rare, estimated at 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 20,000 anesthesia administrations.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Previous surgeries, atopy, and certain medications.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with appropriate preoperative planning and alternative anesthetic options.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Anaphylaxis, cardiac arrest, or death in rare cases.

Bee Sting Allergy

Specialty: Allergies and Immunology

Category: Allergic Disorders

Sub-category: Insect Allergies

Symptoms:
swelling at the sting site; redness; itching; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; anaphylaxis in severe cases

Root Cause:
An overreaction of the immune system to bee venom, leading to the release of histamine and other chemicals that cause allergic symptoms.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Skin prick test with bee venom extract; blood test for venom-specific IgE antibodies; clinical history of reactions to stings

Treatment:
Array

Medications:
Epinephrine auto-injectors (e.g., EpiPen, Auvi-Q), oral antihistamines (e.g., Loratadine , Diphenhydramine ), and corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone ) for severe swelling.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 5% of the population; life-threatening reactions (anaphylaxis) occur in 0.5-3% of cases.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Previous allergic reaction to a sting; family history of sting allergies; frequent exposure to bees (e.g., beekeepers)

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with proper management; immunotherapy can reduce sensitivity over time.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Anaphylaxis; cardiovascular collapse; death if not treated promptly in severe cases

Wasp Sting Allergy

Specialty: Allergies and Immunology

Category: Allergic Disorders

Sub-category: Insect Allergies

Symptoms:
pain and swelling at the sting site; redness; itching; hives; difficulty breathing; anaphylaxis in severe cases

Root Cause:
Immune system hypersensitivity to wasp venom, causing release of histamine and inflammatory chemicals.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Skin prick test with wasp venom extract; blood test for venom-specific IgE antibodies; clinical history of reactions to stings

Treatment:
Array

Medications:
Epinephrine auto-injectors (e.g., EpiPen, Auvi-Q), oral antihistamines (e.g., Loratadine , Diphenhydramine ), and corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone ) for severe swelling.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Similar to bee sting allergy; affects around 5% of the population, with anaphylaxis occurring in 0.5-3%.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Previous allergic reactions to wasp stings; frequent exposure to wasps; family history of venom allergies

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with treatment; immunotherapy can reduce severity and frequency of reactions.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe anaphylaxis; cardiovascular issues; potential death if untreated

Severe, life-threatening allergic reactions (Anaphylaxis)

Specialty: Allergies and Immunology

Category: Other Related Disorders

Sub-category: Anaphylaxis

Symptoms:
difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; hives or rash; rapid or weak pulse; nausea or vomiting; dizziness or fainting; loss of consciousness

Root Cause:
An overreaction of the immune system to an allergen (e.g., food, insect stings, or medications) leading to widespread histamine release, causing severe inflammation and systemic effects.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Based on clinical presentation and patient history of exposure to allergens; skin or blood tests may identify specific allergens.

Treatment:
Immediate administration of epinephrine (via EpiPen), followed by antihistamines, corticosteroids, and emergency medical care. Long-term management includes allergen avoidance and carrying an epinephrine auto-injector.

Medications:
Epinephrine auto-injectors (e.g., EpiPen, Auvi-Q), antihistamines (e.g., Diphenhydramine ), and corticosteroids (e.g., Prednisone ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Anaphylaxis affects 1-2% of the population; prevalence is increasing, particularly among children.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
History of allergies, asthma, prior anaphylactic reactions, family history of allergies, and exposure to common triggers like peanuts, shellfish, or insect stings.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with prompt treatment, but recurrent episodes may occur without appropriate allergen avoidance.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe airway obstruction, cardiovascular collapse, shock, and death if untreated.

Hereditary Angioedema (HAE)

Specialty: Allergies and Immunology

Category: Other Related Disorders

Symptoms:
swelling of the skin and mucosal tissues; abdominal pain; nausea; vomiting; difficulty breathing; laryngeal swelling that may lead to airway obstruction

Root Cause:
Genetic mutation leading to a deficiency or dysfunction of C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH), causing uncontrolled activation of the complement system and increased bradykinin production.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests measuring C1-INH levels and function, complement component C4 levels, and genetic testing for mutations in the SERPING1 gene.

Treatment:
C1-INH replacement therapy, bradykinin receptor antagonists (e.g., icatibant), kallikrein inhibitors (e.g., lanadelumab), and prophylactic medications for preventing attacks.

Medications:
C1 esterase inhibitor replacement therapy, bradykinin receptor antagonists (e.g., Icatibant ), and androgens (e.g., Danazol ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Estimated at 1 in 50,000 to 1 in 100,000 individuals worldwide.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of HAE (autosomal dominant inheritance), stress, trauma, infections, hormonal changes, certain medications (e.g., ACE inhibitors).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With proper management, most patients can lead normal lives; untreated cases may result in life-threatening airway obstruction.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Potentially fatal laryngeal edema, psychological distress due to unpredictable swelling episodes, reduced quality of life, and delays in diagnosis.

Electrical injuries

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: General Trauma Classifications

Sub-category: Thermal, Chemical, and Electrical Trauma

Symptoms:
burns; muscle contractions; tingling or numbness; cardiac arrhythmias; difficulty breathing

Root Cause:
Tissue damage and potential systemic effects from the flow of electric current through the body.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination of the burn or injury site. Patient history (including exposure to chemicals or electricity). Blood tests for electrolyte imbalances (especially for electrical injuries). Imaging (in severe cases, to assess internal injuries or burns to deeper tissues).

Treatment:
Treat with CPR if necessary, monitor for cardiac arrhythmias, manage pain, and use wound care for burns.

Medications:
Pain relievers such as acetaminophen (analgesic) or ibuprofen (NSAID). Tetanus prophylaxis if needed (vaccine or immunoglobulin). Anticonvulsants (e.g., phenytoin , for seizure management in severe electrical injuries). Sedatives (e.g., lorazepam , for anxiety or agitation after trauma).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Around 30,000 electrical injuries per year in the U.S.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Working with electrical equipment, exposure to power lines, inadequate safety precautions.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies; mild injuries may recover fully, but severe electrical injuries can cause long-term health issues (e.g., cardiac problems, nerve damage).

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Cardiac arrhythmias, neurological damage, muscle weakness, kidney failure (from muscle injury), and respiratory complications.

Cervical spine fractures and dislocations

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Neck Injuries

Symptoms:
neck pain; restricted neck movement; numbness or tingling in arms; weakness in arms or legs; difficulty breathing; paralysis (in severe cases)

Root Cause:
Injury to the cervical vertebrae or intervertebral discs leading to fractures or dislocations that may damage the spinal cord.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis typically involves physical examination, imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to assess the fractures or dislocations.

Treatment:
Treatment may include immobilization with a cervical collar or halo device, surgery (for severe fractures or dislocations), and physical therapy to restore movement and strength.

Medications:
Analgesics (e.g., acetaminophen or NSAIDs for pain), muscle relaxants (e.g., cyclobenzaprine ), and corticosteroids (e.g., methylprednisolone ) to reduce inflammation and manage pain. These medications are classified as pain relievers, muscle relaxants, and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Cervical spine fractures and dislocations are relatively rare but can occur in trauma cases like motor vehicle accidents or falls, with a higher incidence in high-impact sports and elderly individuals.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
High-impact trauma (e.g., car accidents, falls), osteoporosis, advanced age, sports injuries, and a history of spinal issues.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
The prognosis depends on the severity of the fracture or dislocation, and the extent of spinal cord injury. Mild cases can recover with appropriate treatment, while severe cases may result in permanent disability or paralysis.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Paralysis, loss of sensation, respiratory problems, spinal cord injury, and chronic pain.

Penetrating neck injuries (e.g., knife wounds)

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Neck Injuries

Symptoms:
severe bleeding; pain at the injury site; difficulty breathing; swelling; hoarseness; air bubbles in the blood

Root Cause:
Penetration of the neck by sharp objects, such as knives or other weapons, causing damage to blood vessels, nerves, and internal organs like the trachea or esophagus.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis involves physical examination, focusing on signs of bleeding or airway compromise, and imaging (CT scan or angiography) to assess the extent of injury.

Treatment:
Immediate airway management (intubation or tracheostomy), surgical exploration and repair, and control of bleeding.

Medications:
Pain relievers (e.g., opioids like morphine for severe pain), antibiotics to prevent infections (e.g., broad-spectrum antibiotics), and tetanus prophylaxis if necessary.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Penetrating neck injuries are less common but are seen in violent altercations, assaults, or accidents.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Violence, criminal activity, and accidents involving sharp objects or weapons.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis depends on the location and severity of the injury; prompt medical intervention can result in recovery, but severe injuries may lead to long-term complications.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe bleeding, airway obstruction, infection, nerve damage, or death if untreated.

Cervical spine fractures

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Spinal and Back Injuries

Sub-category: Spinal Fractures

Symptoms:
neck pain; stiffness; reduced range of motion; tingling or numbness in arms; weakness; difficulty breathing; visible deformity or swelling in the neck

Root Cause:
A break or crack in one of the cervical vertebrae due to trauma (e.g., falls, car accidents, or sports injuries).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination, X-rays, CT scans, MRI to assess the location and severity of the fracture.

Treatment:
Treatment depends on the severity and may include immobilization with cervical collars, halo devices, traction, or surgical stabilization using plates, screws, or spinal fusion.

Medications:
Pain management with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen , opioids for severe pain (e.g., morphine or oxycodone ), and muscle relaxants like cyclobenzaprine to alleviate spasms. Steroids (e.g., methylprednisolone ) may be prescribed to reduce spinal cord inflammation in certain cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Cervical fractures account for approximately 20% of spinal fractures and are more common in males due to high-risk activities.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
High-impact trauma, osteoporosis, advanced age, contact sports, motor vehicle accidents, and falls from height.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With proper treatment, many fractures heal without complications. However, severe fractures or spinal cord involvement may lead to permanent disability or paralysis.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Spinal cord injury, paralysis (quadriplegia), chronic pain, instability, nerve damage, or post-traumatic arthritis.

Thoracic spine fractures

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Spinal and Back Injuries

Sub-category: Spinal Fractures

Symptoms:
mid-back pain; stiffness; difficulty breathing; numbness or tingling in the legs; weakness in the lower extremities; possible paralysis below the chest area

Root Cause:
A fracture in the thoracic vertebrae caused by trauma, osteoporosis, or metastatic bone disease.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination, neurological assessment, X-rays, CT scans, and MRI to evaluate fracture severity and spinal cord involvement.

Treatment:
Mild fractures may require bracing and pain management, while severe cases may need spinal fusion or vertebroplasty. Rehabilitation is often necessary.

Medications:
NSAIDs for pain management (e.g., ibuprofen , naproxen ), opioids for severe pain (e.g., tramadol , morphine ), and calcium/vitamin D supplements for underlying osteoporosis. Bisphosphonates (e.g., alendronate ) may be prescribed for bone strengthening.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Thoracic fractures make up about 35% of all spinal fractures and are common in older adults and trauma patients.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
High-impact injuries (e.g., car accidents, falls), osteoporosis, metastatic cancers, and high-energy sports injuries.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis varies with the severity of the fracture. Simple fractures heal well with treatment, but severe injuries with spinal cord involvement may lead to paralysis or chronic pain.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Spinal cord damage, paralysis (paraplegia), chronic pain, kyphosis (hunchback), and long-term disability.

Rib Fractures

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Thoracic (Chest) Injuries

Sub-category: Blunt Chest Trauma

Symptoms:
severe localized chest pain; pain worsening with deep breaths or coughing; difficulty breathing; bruising or swelling over the injury site

Root Cause:
A break or crack in one or more ribs caused by direct trauma, excessive force, or repetitive stress.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination, X-rays, CT scan (if needed for more detailed imaging), and evaluation of breathing and chest wall movement.

Treatment:
Pain management (to enable proper breathing), rest, ice application, and in severe cases, surgical fixation. Breathing exercises or incentive spirometry are often prescribed to prevent lung complications.

Medications:
Pain relievers such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen are commonly prescribed. In severe cases, opioids like oxycodone may be used for short-term pain management.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in trauma cases, accounting for approximately 10% of chest trauma injuries.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Motor vehicle accidents, falls, high-impact sports, osteoporosis (weakened bones), or metastatic cancer.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Most rib fractures heal within 6 weeks with conservative treatment. Severe injuries involving multiple ribs or associated lung injury may prolong recovery.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Pneumothorax, hemothorax, pneumonia (due to restricted breathing), and flail chest (in cases of multiple rib fractures).

Flail Chest

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Thoracic (Chest) Injuries

Sub-category: Blunt Chest Trauma

Symptoms:
paradoxical chest wall movement (inward during inhalation and outward during exhalation); severe chest pain; difficulty breathing; cyanosis (bluish skin); tachypnea (rapid breathing)

Root Cause:
A segment of the rib cage breaks and becomes detached from the chest wall, usually caused by multiple consecutive rib fractures. This leads to impaired ventilation and inadequate oxygenation.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination (identifying paradoxical movement), chest X-rays, and CT scans to assess the extent of fractures and associated lung injuries.

Treatment:
Oxygen therapy, pain management, mechanical ventilation (in severe cases), and surgical fixation (for unstable chest walls). Supportive care includes pulmonary hygiene and physiotherapy to prevent pneumonia.

Medications:
NSAIDs like ibuprofen , acetaminophen , or opioids for pain control. Muscle relaxants may also be used to reduce discomfort.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare but occurs in approximately 5-8% of patients with significant blunt chest trauma.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
High-energy trauma (motor vehicle accidents, falls from height), osteoporosis, or preexisting rib deformities.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With timely treatment, most cases have a good prognosis. Severe cases with associated complications can be life-threatening and may require prolonged hospitalization.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Respiratory failure, pneumonia, pneumothorax, hemothorax, and long-term chest wall deformity.

Inhalation injuries (smoke inhalation)

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Burns and Thermal Injuries

Sub-category: Special Burn Types

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Post-Transplant Infections

Specialty: Nephrology

Category: Dialysis and Transplant-Related Conditions

Sub-category: Kidney Transplantation

Symptoms:
fever; chills; fatigue; pain at the transplant site; difficulty breathing; frequent urination or pain while urinating; wound infections

Root Cause:
Immunosuppressive medications reduce the immune system's ability to fight infections, leading to bacterial, viral, fungal, or opportunistic infections.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Laboratory tests (blood cultures, urine cultures), imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans), and biopsy of infected tissues.

Treatment:
Antimicrobial therapy tailored to the causative agent (e.g., antibiotics, antivirals, or antifungals), reducing immunosuppressive medication temporarily.

Medications:
Antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin , ceftriaxone ), antivirals (e.g., valganciclovir for CMV), and antifungals (e.g., fluconazole for candidiasis). Prophylactic antimicrobials may also be used.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Post-transplant infections occur in about 50% of kidney transplant recipients, varying by type and region.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Immunosuppression, prolonged hospital stays, donor-derived infections, pre-existing infections, and central venous catheters.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Most infections can be managed successfully with prompt treatment; severe or untreated infections can lead to graft loss or death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Sepsis, organ rejection, prolonged hospitalizations, and reduced graft survival.

Laryngeal Cancer

Specialty: Oncology

Category: Solid Tumors

Sub-category: Head and Neck Cancers

Symptoms:
hoarseness; sore throat; pain when swallowing; difficulty breathing; persistent cough; lump in the neck

Root Cause:
Malignant tumor in the larynx, often associated with tobacco and alcohol use.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Laryngoscopy, biopsy, imaging (CT/MRI), neck ultrasound.

Treatment:
Surgery (partial laryngectomy or total laryngectomy), radiation therapy, chemotherapy, voice rehabilitation post-surgery.

Medications:
Cisplatin , Docetaxel , and 5-FU are common chemotherapy agents; targeted therapies like Cetuximab (EGFR inhibitor) may also be used.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
More common in men aged 50-70, often linked to smoking and alcohol consumption.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Tobacco use, alcohol consumption, exposure to asbestos, HPV infection.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Early-stage cancers have a good prognosis (around 80-90% survival rate); later stages have a poorer prognosis.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Difficulty swallowing, speech loss, airway obstruction, metastasis.

Germ Cell Tumors

Specialty: Oncology

Category: Sarcomas

Sub-category: Pediatric Cancers

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

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

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

Treatment:
Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy.

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

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

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

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

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

Thyroid Lymphoma

Specialty: Hematology

Category: Stem Cells and Disorders

Symptoms:
rapidly enlarging thyroid mass; difficulty swallowing; difficulty breathing; hoarseness; weight loss; fever; night sweats

Root Cause:
Malignant lymphocytes infiltrate the thyroid, often associated with chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis (Hashimoto's thyroiditis).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Fine needle aspiration (FNA) or core biopsy of thyroid mass, imaging (CT or PET scans), immunohistochemistry.

Treatment:
Combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy; sometimes surgery for airway obstruction.

Medications:
Rituximab (monoclonal antibody), CHOP regimen (cyclophosphamide , doxorubicin , vincristine , prednisone ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; accounts for less than 5% of all thyroid malignancies.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Older age, female sex, underlying Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, family history of lymphoma.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good if detected early; 5-year survival rate is over 80% with appropriate treatment.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Compression of trachea or esophagus, metastasis to other organs, treatment-related toxicities.

Snake venom poisoning

Specialty: Toxicology

Category: Biological and Natural Toxins

Sub-category: Animal Toxins

Symptoms:
pain at the bite site; swelling; difficulty breathing; nausea; vomiting; dizziness; weakness; blurred vision; bleeding; paralysis

Root Cause:
Envenomation by the venom of a snake, which contains proteins that can damage tissue, blood vessels, and organs.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and symptoms, the type of snake (if known), and laboratory tests like blood clotting studies, complete blood count (CBC), and snake venom detection kits.

Treatment:
Antivenom administration is the primary treatment, along with supportive care such as fluid management, pain relief, and respiratory support.

Medications:
The main treatment is antivenom, which is a specific antibody designed to neutralize venom toxins. Pain relief can be managed with opioids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), depending on the severity of the pain. In severe cases, corticosteroids may be used to reduce inflammation and swelling. Anticoagulants may be used for clotting issues, and antibiotics may be given if secondary infections are a concern.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Worldwide, approximately 5.4 million cases of snakebite occur annually, with about 100,000 deaths.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Proximity to snake habitats, agricultural work, lack of access to medical care, and unawareness of proper snakebite prevention.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
If treated promptly with antivenom and appropriate medical care, the prognosis is generally good. However, severe envenomations can cause lasting damage or death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe complications may include tissue necrosis, renal failure, hemorrhage, paralysis, and death. Long-term effects may include limb amputations, kidney dysfunction, or chronic pain.

Scorpion stings

Specialty: Toxicology

Category: Biological and Natural Toxins

Sub-category: Animal Toxins

Symptoms:
pain at the sting site; swelling; numbness; muscle twitching; difficulty breathing; fever; vomiting; high blood pressure

Root Cause:
Injection of neurotoxins from a scorpion's sting, which affect nerve cells and can cause localized or systemic reactions.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is clinical, based on the patient's symptoms, history of exposure, and the species of scorpion involved.

Treatment:
Local pain management with analgesics, and antivenom in severe cases. Other treatments may include muscle relaxants, antihistamines, and intravenous fluids.

Medications:
Scorpion antivenom is the primary medication for severe stings, especially in children or vulnerable individuals. Analgesics (e.g., acetaminophen or ibuprofen ) are used for pain relief, while anticonvulsants and sedatives may be used in cases of systemic symptoms. In cases of an allergic reaction, corticosteroids or antihistamines may be prescribed.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Scorpion stings are common in tropical and subtropical regions, with an estimated 1.2 million stings occurring annually worldwide.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Living in areas where scorpions are prevalent, working outdoors at night, or having a weakened immune system.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Most cases are mild and self-limited, but severe reactions can occur, especially in young children or the elderly. With prompt treatment, the prognosis is typically favorable.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Serious complications include respiratory distress, seizures, and, rarely, death. Persistent local pain and numbness can also occur.

Marine envenomations (e.g., jellyfish, stonefish, cone snail)

Specialty: Toxicology

Category: Biological and Natural Toxins

Sub-category: Animal Toxins

Symptoms:
pain or stinging sensation; swelling; nausea; vomiting; difficulty breathing; paralysis; heart arrhythmias; skin lesions

Root Cause:
Envenomation by marine organisms that release toxins into the body, affecting the nervous system, cardiovascular system, or causing local tissue damage.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is based on the history of exposure to marine creatures, clinical presentation, and identification of the specific venomous species involved.

Treatment:
Treatment includes immediate first aid (e.g., rinsing with vinegar for jellyfish stings, immersion in hot water), pain relief, and administration of specific antivenoms or supportive care. In some cases, defibrillation or respiratory support may be required.

Medications:
Jellyfish stings may be treated with analgesics (NSAIDs or acetaminophen ) for pain. For severe envenomations, antivenom may be administered. Other medications could include corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, and calcium gluconate for specific marine toxins like stonefish venom. Muscle relaxants and antiarrhythmics may be used for severe systemic effects.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Marine envenomations are common in coastal areas, with jellyfish stings alone resulting in millions of cases annually, especially in tropical regions.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Swimming in areas known for venomous marine life, lack of awareness, and seasonal variation in marine toxin release.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
The prognosis depends on the species involved and the severity of the envenomation. Most cases are mild, but severe reactions can cause long-term complications or be fatal.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Respiratory failure, cardiac arrhythmias, neurological damage, and, in extreme cases, death. Secondary infections or permanent scarring may occur due to skin lesions.

Anesthetic toxicity (e.g., lidocaine, bupivacaine)

Specialty: Toxicology

Category: Adverse Effects of Therapeutics and Medical Agents

Sub-category: Iatrogenic Conditions

Symptoms:
numbness; tingling; seizures; dizziness; difficulty breathing; arrhythmias; cardiovascular collapse; confusion

Root Cause:
Overdose or unintended systemic absorption of local anesthetics leading to central nervous system and cardiovascular toxicity.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is based on clinical presentation and history of recent local anesthetic administration; blood levels of the anesthetic can confirm toxicity.

Treatment:
Immediate discontinuation of the anesthetic, intravenous lipid emulsion therapy, supportive care (oxygen, airway management, and monitoring), and anticonvulsants for seizures (e.g., benzodiazepines).

Medications:
Medications include intravenous lipid emulsion therapy (as a treatment to counteract toxicity), anticonvulsants like lorazepam or diazepam (sedatives and anticonvulsants), and vasopressors (such as epinephrine) if required for managing cardiovascular symptoms.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, but incidence is higher in patients with high doses or when multiple injections are administered, especially in high-risk procedures.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
High doses of local anesthetics, accidental intravenous injection, renal or hepatic insufficiency, prolonged duration of anesthesia, and use of multiple anesthetics simultaneously.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Typically reversible with appropriate treatment; mortality is rare but possible with delayed or inadequate intervention.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Seizures, cardiovascular collapse, neurological deficits, arrhythmias, and in extreme cases, death.

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.

Botulism

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Bacterial Infections

Symptoms:
muscle weakness; blurred vision; drooping eyelids; slurred speech; difficulty swallowing; difficulty breathing; paralysis

Root Cause:
Caused by the neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum, which blocks acetylcholine release at neuromuscular junctions, leading to paralysis.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Based on clinical symptoms, patient history (e.g., ingestion of contaminated food or wound exposure), and confirmed with laboratory tests such as toxin assays or stool cultures.

Treatment:
Administering antitoxins, supportive care (e.g., mechanical ventilation if respiratory muscles are affected), and wound debridement in wound botulism cases.

Medications:
Botulinum antitoxin (neutralizes circulating toxins); antibiotics such as penicillin or metronidazole for wound botulism to address infection (penicillin

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; approximately 1,000 cases annually worldwide, including foodborne, wound, and infant botulism.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Ingesting improperly preserved or canned foods, intravenous drug use (wound botulism), and consuming honey in infants under 1 year.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With prompt treatment, most patients recover fully, though recovery may take weeks to months; untreated cases can be fatal due to respiratory failure.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Respiratory failure, long-term muscle weakness, and secondary infections due to prolonged hospitalization.

Diphtheria

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Bacterial Infections

Sub-category: Respiratory Diseases

Symptoms:
sore throat; low-grade fever; difficulty breathing; thick, gray membrane over throat and tonsils; swollen neck (bull neck)

Root Cause:
Caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which releases a toxin that inhibits protein synthesis in cells.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Throat swab culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for toxin genes, and clinical presentation.

Treatment:
Administration of diphtheria antitoxin and antibiotics. Isolation of the patient to prevent spread.

Medications:
Antibiotics like penicillin (beta-lactam) or erythromycin (macrolide) are typically prescribed to eradicate the bacteria.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare in developed countries due to widespread vaccination, but endemic in certain low-resource settings.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Lack of vaccination, close contact with infected individuals, and living in unsanitary conditions.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with early treatment; however, 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.
Airway obstruction, myocarditis, nerve damage, and systemic toxin effects.

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Infections

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Bacterial Infections

Symptoms:
fever; difficulty breathing; lethargy; seizures in newborns; urinary tract infection symptoms in adults; joint or bone pain

Root Cause:
Caused by Streptococcus agalactiae bacteria, particularly in neonates during childbirth or in immunocompromised adults.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood culture, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, and urine culture. Pregnant women are screened at 35–37 weeks with rectovaginal swabs.

Treatment:
Intravenous antibiotics for active infections; prophylactic antibiotics during labor for colonized pregnant women.

Medications:
Penicillin G or ampicillin (beta-lactam antibiotics) are standard. Clindamycin may be used in penicillin-allergic individuals if susceptibility is confirmed.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Found in 10–30% of pregnant women as vaginal or rectal colonizers. Neonatal GBS infections occur in 0.5–1 cases per 1,000 live births.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Maternal colonization, preterm labor, prolonged rupture of membranes, diabetes, or immunocompromised states.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with early detection and treatment. Mortality rates are higher in neonates and elderly adults with invasive infections.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Neonatal sepsis, pneumonia, meningitis, and long-term neurological sequelae in severe cases.

Nocardiosis

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Bacterial Infections

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Neonatal Meningitis

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: CNS Infections

Symptoms:
fever; lethargy; poor feeding; irritability; seizures; bulging fontanel; stiff neck; vomiting; difficulty breathing

Root Cause:
Bacterial or viral infection in the meninges of the brain and spinal cord, often caused by pathogens like Group B Streptococcus, E. coli, or Listeria monocytogenes.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Lumbar puncture for CSF analysis (elevated white cells, protein, decreased glucose), blood cultures, neuroimaging (MRI or CT), and specific PCR tests for pathogens.

Treatment:
Intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics (e.g., ampicillin and gentamicin) followed by pathogen-specific therapy; antiviral medications for viral causes; supportive care for seizures and hydration.

Medications:
Antibiotics such as ampicillin (penicillin class), gentamicin (aminoglycoside), cefotaxime (cephalosporin), and acyclovir (antiviral for suspected herpes infection).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Occurs in 1-3 cases per 1,000 live births in developed countries, higher prevalence in low-resource settings.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Premature birth, maternal infection, prolonged labor, low birth weight, and exposure to group B strep during delivery.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; high risk of mortality (10-15%) and neurodevelopmental sequelae in survivors (e.g., hearing loss, cerebral palsy).

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Sepsis, brain abscesses, hydrocephalus, and developmental delays.

Paracoccidioidomycosis

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Fungal Infections

Symptoms:
fever; weight loss; chronic cough; skin lesions; oral ulcers; lymphadenopathy; difficulty breathing

Root Cause:
Caused by inhalation of spores from Paracoccidioides brasiliensis or Paracoccidioides lutzii, leading to systemic fungal infection.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Microscopic examination of sputum or tissue biopsies, fungal culture, serologic tests (e.g., immunodiffusion), and imaging studies (e.g., chest X-ray or CT).

Treatment:
Long-term antifungal therapy, typically lasting several months.

Medications:
Azole antifungals like itraconazole (first-line treatment) or amphotericin B for severe cases. Itraconazole is a triazole antifungal; amphotericin B is a polyene antifungal.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Endemic to South and Central America, particularly in rural areas; incidence varies but is most common in agricultural workers.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Male gender, rural occupation, environmental exposure to soil, weakened immune system.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with early diagnosis and treatment, but untreated cases can be fatal.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Pulmonary fibrosis, chronic lung disease, adrenal insufficiency, and systemic dissemination.

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Viral Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

Symptoms:
fever; muscle aches; headache; cough; difficulty breathing; rapidly progressive respiratory failure

Root Cause:
Severe viral infection caused by hantavirus, transmitted through inhalation of aerosolized rodent urine, feces, or saliva.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Serology for hantavirus antibodies, reverse transcription PCR, clinical history of rodent exposure, and imaging studies showing pulmonary edema.

Treatment:
Supportive care, including mechanical ventilation for respiratory distress and fluid management.

Medications:
No specific antiviral medications; ribavirin is being studied for potential use in some cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, primarily in rural areas of the Americas with exposure to rodent habitats.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Exposure to rodent droppings, occupational risks (e.g., farming, construction), and camping or hiking in endemic regions.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Mortality rate is around 35-50%; early supportive care improves outcomes.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Respiratory failure, hypotensive shock, and multi-organ failure.

Tularemia

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

Symptoms:
fever; chills; cough; difficulty breathing; chest pain; ulcerated skin lesions; swollen lymph nodes; fatigue

Root Cause:
Caused by Francisella tularensis, a bacterium transmitted through insect bites, contact with infected animals, inhalation, or contaminated water/food.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Serologic testing for F. tularensis antibodies, PCR, or culture from blood or tissue samples. Chest imaging for pulmonary involvement.

Treatment:
Antibiotic therapy is the cornerstone of treatment, with supportive care for symptoms.

Medications:
Antibiotics - Streptomycin or gentamicin (aminoglycosides) are first-line treatments. Doxycycline or ciprofloxacin may be used as alternatives.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare but can occur sporadically, especially in regions with high exposure to ticks or rabbits.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Handling infected animals, tick bites, laboratory exposure, and drinking untreated water.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with timely treatment; untreated cases can have a mortality rate of up to 30%.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Pneumonia, sepsis, chronic fatigue, and long-term organ damage.

Miliary Tuberculosis

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Mycobacterial Infections

Symptoms:
fever; night sweats; weight loss; general malaise; cough; difficulty breathing; enlarged liver or spleen; anemia

Root Cause:
Disseminated infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, leading to small nodular lesions in multiple organs due to hematogenous spread.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Chest X-ray or CT scan showing millet-seed-like lesions, sputum culture, blood culture, liver biopsy, and tuberculin skin test (TST) or interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA).

Treatment:
Long-term combination therapy with first-line anti-tuberculosis medications, typically for 6-9 months. Supportive care and management of complications.

Medications:
First-line medications include isoniazid , rifampin , pyrazinamide , and ethambutol . Steroids may be added in cases of severe inflammation.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Less common than pulmonary TB; often seen in immunocompromised individuals, particularly in areas with high TB burden.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
HIV infection, immunosuppressive therapy, chronic diseases, malnutrition, and living in or traveling to endemic regions.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; early treatment improves outcomes, but untreated cases can be fatal due to organ failure.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Respiratory failure, organ damage (e.g., liver, spleen), septic shock, and meningitis.

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.

Human Parainfluenza Viruses (HPIV) and Other Parainfluenza Viruses

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: COVID-19 Reinfections

Symptoms:
fever; cough; runny nose; wheezing; difficulty breathing; sore throat

Root Cause:
HPIVs cause respiratory infections, primarily affecting the upper and lower respiratory tracts. They can cause croup, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms, and confirmation can be made through PCR tests, viral cultures, or rapid antigen tests.

Treatment:
Treatment is symptomatic, including hydration, fever management, and respiratory support. In severe cases, supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation may be necessary.

Medications:
Antiviral drugs are not typically used. Supportive medications, such as bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol ) or corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone ) for inflammation, may be prescribed.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
HPIV is common, particularly in children under 5, and outbreaks occur annually, typically in the fall and winter months.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Young age (especially infants), weakened immune system, and preexisting respiratory conditions.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Most individuals recover without long-term complications, but the elderly and immunocompromised individuals may experience more severe disease.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Can lead to pneumonia, respiratory distress, and other severe respiratory issues in vulnerable populations.

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