Comprehensive Symptom Navigator

Hypothyroidism

Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics

Category: Chronic Diseases and Multimorbidity

Sub-category: Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders

Symptoms:
fatigue; weight gain; cold intolerance; constipation; dry skin; hair loss; depression

Root Cause:
Underactive thyroid gland that produces insufficient thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), leading to slowed metabolism.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests measuring levels of TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) and free T4.

Treatment:
Lifelong thyroid hormone replacement therapy, typically with levothyroxine.

Medications:
Levothyroxine (a synthetic form of T4) to replace missing thyroid hormone.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 4-5% of adults, with a higher prevalence in older adults, especially women.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Autoimmune diseases (e.g., Hashimoto's thyroiditis), age, gender (more common in women), and family history.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Well-controlled with appropriate medication. Untreated hypothyroidism can lead to serious complications.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Heart disease, infertility, nerve damage, myxedema coma (in severe cases).

Congenital hypothyroidism

Specialty: Pediatrics

Category: Endocrine Disorders

Sub-category: Thyroid Disorders

Symptoms:
jaundice; poor feeding; lethargy; hoarse cry; constipation; prolonged neonatal jaundice; large anterior fontanelle; macroglossia; puffy face; dry skin; hypotonia

Root Cause:
Underactive or absent thyroid gland at birth, leading to insufficient thyroid hormone production required for normal growth and brain development.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed through newborn screening with elevated TSH and low T4 levels.

Treatment:
Treated with lifelong levothyroxine replacement to ensure normal growth and development.

Medications:
Levothyroxine is prescribed, which is a synthetic thyroid hormone (T4 replacement) used to normalize thyroid hormone levels.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Occurs in approximately 1 in 2,000 to 4,000 live births globally.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Female sex, family history of thyroid disorders, iodine deficiency during pregnancy, genetic mutations affecting thyroid development.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with early detection and treatment; normal growth and development can be achieved if treatment begins within the first few weeks of life. Untreated cases can lead to intellectual disability and stunted growth.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Intellectual disability, growth retardation, developmental delays, and permanent neurological impairment if untreated.

Myxedema Coma

Specialty: Emergency and Urgent Care

Category: Endocrine and Metabolic Emergencies

Sub-category: Thyroid Conditions

Symptoms:
severe hypothermia; altered mental status or coma; bradycardia; hypotension; hypoventilation; dry skin; swelling (non-pitting edema); hoarseness; pericardial or pleural effusion; constipation; cold intolerance

Root Cause:
Severe hypothyroidism leading to life-threatening metabolic and organ dysfunction, often triggered by infection, cold exposure, trauma, or medications.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical presentation with supportive findings of extremely low free T3 and T4 levels, elevated TSH (primary hypothyroidism) or low TSH (central hypothyroidism), hyponatremia, hypoglycemia, and signs of hypoxemia or hypercapnia on blood gases.

Treatment:
Immediate administration of thyroid hormone replacement (IV levothyroxine or liothyronine), supportive measures (warming for hypothermia, mechanical ventilation if needed), treatment of underlying causes, and corticosteroids if adrenal insufficiency is suspected.

Medications:
Thyroid hormone replacement

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; more common in elderly women with long-standing untreated hypothyroidism.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Long-standing untreated hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, cold exposure, infections, sedatives, trauma, or certain medications (e.g., amiodarone).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
High mortality rate (30-60%) if untreated; rapid intervention significantly reduces mortality.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Respiratory failure, sepsis, ileus, pericardial effusion, cardiogenic shock, and death.

Primary Hypothyroidism (e.g., Hashimoto's Thyroiditis)

Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology

Category: Thyroid Disorders

Sub-category: Hypothyroidism

Symptoms:
fatigue; weight gain; cold intolerance; dry skin; hair thinning; constipation; depression; hoarseness; puffy face; bradycardia; muscle weakness; joint pain or stiffness

Root Cause:
Autoimmune destruction of the thyroid gland leads to decreased production of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), resulting in high TSH levels.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests measuring TSH (elevated), free T4 (low), anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies, and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies.

Treatment:
Hormone replacement therapy with levothyroxine; monitoring of TSH and T4 levels to ensure appropriate dosage.

Medications:
Levothyroxine (synthetic thyroid hormone replacement, T4); Liothyronine (T3, less commonly used for supplementation in specific cases).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 4-10% of the global population, with a higher prevalence in women and older adults.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of thyroid disorders, female sex, age >50 years, iodine deficiency or excess, other autoimmune disorders (e.g., type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with proper treatment; symptoms improve significantly with levothyroxine therapy, though lifelong medication may be required.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Myxedema (severe hypothyroidism, life-threatening if untreated), infertility, cardiovascular issues (e.g., hyperlipidemia), goiter, and cognitive impairment.

Secondary (Central) Hypothyroidism

Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology

Category: Thyroid Disorders

Sub-category: Hypothyroidism

Symptoms:
fatigue; weight gain; cold intolerance; dry skin; hair thinning; constipation; depression; hoarseness; puffy face; muscle weakness

Root Cause:
Insufficient stimulation of the thyroid gland due to pituitary or hypothalamic dysfunction leading to inadequate TSH secretion.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests showing low TSH and low free T4; MRI to evaluate the pituitary or hypothalamus for tumors or structural abnormalities.

Treatment:
Hormone replacement therapy with levothyroxine; address the underlying cause, such as pituitary adenomas or structural damage.

Medications:
Levothyroxine (synthetic T4 replacement).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, accounting for less than 5% of all hypothyroidism cases.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Pituitary tumors, traumatic brain injury, hypothalamic diseases, radiation therapy to the head, or previous pituitary surgery.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with appropriate treatment; prognosis depends on addressing the underlying cause of pituitary dysfunction.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Delayed diagnosis may lead to severe hypothyroidism or myxedema, visual impairment (if caused by pituitary adenomas), and hormonal imbalances.

Diabetes Insipidus (Central and Nephrogenic)

Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology

Category: Pituitary Disorders

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Autoimmune Hypoparathyroidism

Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology

Category: Parathyroid Disorders

Sub-category: Hypoparathyroidism

Symptoms:
tetany; paresthesia; muscle weakness; fatigue; depression; dry skin; brittle nails

Root Cause:
The immune system mistakenly attacks the parathyroid glands, reducing or eliminating PTH production, leading to hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests showing low PTH, hypocalcemia, and hyperphosphatemia, along with autoimmune markers (e.g., anti-parathyroid antibodies). Diagnosis may also include ruling out other causes of hypoparathyroidism.

Treatment:
Calcium and vitamin D supplementation (e.g., calcitriol), and in some cases, immunosuppressive therapy to manage autoimmune activity.

Medications:
Calcium carbonate or citrate, calcitriol , recombinant PTH, and occasionally corticosteroids or other immunosuppressants to control autoimmune responses.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; autoimmune hypoparathyroidism is a component of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 1 (APS-1).

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic predisposition, coexisting autoimmune disorders, family history of APS-1.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Lifelong management is often required, but with appropriate treatment, most patients maintain adequate calcium levels.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Similar to post-surgical hypoparathyroidism, with additional risks from associated autoimmune diseases.

Hypocalcemia

Specialty: Nephrology

Category: Electrolyte and Acid-Base Disorders

Symptoms:
tetany; muscle cramps; paresthesias; seizures; cardiac arrhythmias; dry skin; brittle nails

Root Cause:
Low calcium levels in the blood due to parathyroid hormone deficiency, vitamin D deficiency, or other metabolic disturbances.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests showing serum calcium <8.5 mg/dL, ionized calcium levels, and clinical evaluation of symptoms.

Treatment:
Calcium supplementation (oral or IV), vitamin D therapy, and treating the underlying cause.

Medications:
Calcium gluconate or calcium chloride (IV), calcium carbonate or citrate (oral), and vitamin D supplements (e.g., calcitriol ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Relatively common in hospitalized patients and those with parathyroid disorders.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Hypoparathyroidism, chronic kidney disease, vitamin D deficiency, and magnesium depletion.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with timely correction; severe cases can cause life-threatening complications.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Tetany, seizures, cardiac arrest, and cataracts.

Malnutrition

Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics

Category: Geriatric Syndromes

Symptoms:
unintended weight loss; fatigue; weakness; poor wound healing; dry skin; hair loss; decreased appetite; edema

Root Cause:
Malnutrition occurs when the body does not get enough nutrients or calories. It can result from inadequate dietary intake, poor absorption of nutrients, or increased nutritional needs due to illness or aging.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is based on clinical assessments, including evaluating weight history, dietary intake, physical exams, and lab tests (such as serum albumin levels, hemoglobin, and other nutrient deficiencies).

Treatment:
Treatment involves addressing the underlying causes of malnutrition, improving nutritional intake, and in some cases, providing supplements or enteral/parenteral feeding. Dietary changes, meal plans, and a multidisciplinary team approach are essential.

Medications:
No specific "medications" for malnutrition, but supplements like multivitamins , vitamin D, vitamin B12, and iron may be prescribed depending on deficiencies. Medications to stimulate appetite (e.g., megestrol acetate) or treat underlying conditions may be used as well.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Malnutrition affects approximately 10-40% of older adults, particularly those with chronic conditions or who are hospitalized or institutionalized.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Advanced age, chronic diseases (such as diabetes, cancer, or gastrointestinal disorders), low socioeconomic status, social isolation, depression, difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), and medications that affect appetite or nutrient absorption.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With appropriate interventions, malnutrition can be reversed, and health outcomes can improve. However, if left untreated, it may lead to weakened immune function, infections, and increased mortality risk.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Increased risk of infections, delayed wound healing, weakened muscles, bone fractures, and a higher rate of hospital readmissions.

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Specialty: Allergies and Immunology

Category: Immunologic Disorders

Sub-category: Autoimmune Disorders

Symptoms:
fatigue; weight gain; cold intolerance; constipation; dry skin; hair thinning; hoarseness; goiter

Root Cause:
Autoimmune destruction of the thyroid gland, leading to hypothyroidism.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests for TSH, free T4, and thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies; physical exam for goiter.

Treatment:
Lifelong thyroid hormone replacement (levothyroxine).

Medications:
Levothyroxine for thyroid hormone replacement.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common; affects up to 5% of the population, especially women aged 30–50.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Female gender, family history, other autoimmune conditions, iodine deficiency or excess.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with proper treatment; untreated cases can lead to severe hypothyroidism (myxedema).

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Goiter, cardiovascular problems, infertility, myxedema, rarely thyroid lymphoma.

First-degree burns (superficial)

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Burns and Thermal Injuries

Sub-category: Burn Classifications

Symptoms:
redness; pain; swelling; dry skin; peeling after a few days

Root Cause:
The epidermis (outer layer of skin) is damaged by heat, UV radiation, or chemicals, leading to inflammation and pain.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is typically based on clinical examination, considering the burn depth and appearance.

Treatment:
Cool the burn with running cold water for 10–15 minutes, apply moisturizing lotion, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Usually, no medical intervention is necessary unless symptoms worsen.

Medications:
Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen , which are non-prescription analgesics (pain relievers) and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
First-degree burns are the most common type of burn injury, particularly in everyday accidents such as sunburns.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Prolonged sun exposure, contact with hot surfaces or liquids, exposure to chemicals or flames.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Heals within 3 to 5 days with no scarring, although temporary redness and discomfort may persist.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Rare, but can include infection if the skin becomes broken or if proper wound care is not followed.

Anorexia Nervosa

Specialty: Mental Health and Psychology

Category: Child

Symptoms:
intense fear of gaining weight; distorted body image; severe calorie restriction; extreme weight loss; amenorrhea (in females); fatigue; dizziness; dry skin; brittle hair and nails

Root Cause:
A psychological disorder marked by an obsessive desire to lose weight, leading to malnutrition and distorted perceptions of body image.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis includes a physical exam, psychological evaluation, and assessment based on DSM-5 criteria for eating disorders. BMI and weight history are often reviewed.

Treatment:
Treatment involves a multidisciplinary approach, including psychotherapy (e.g., cognitive behavioral therapy), nutritional counseling, family-based therapy, and medical monitoring.

Medications:
Antidepressants like fluoxetine (SSRI class) may be prescribed to address underlying anxiety and depression. Atypical antipsychotics like olanzapine may help with weight gain and cognitive distortions.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Anorexia nervosa affects approximately 0.3–1% of adolescents and young adults, with a higher prevalence in females.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of eating disorders, perfectionism, societal pressures, coexisting mental health conditions (anxiety, depression).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis improves with early intervention, though recovery is challenging and relapses are common. Long-term recovery rates range from 50-70%.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe malnutrition, cardiac issues, electrolyte imbalances, osteoporosis, infertility, and increased risk of suicide.