Comprehensive Symptom Navigator

Metabolic Syndrome

Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics

Category: Chronic Diseases and Multimorbidity

Sub-category: Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders

Symptoms:
high blood pressure; high blood sugar; abdominal obesity; high triglycerides; low hdl cholesterol

Root Cause:
A combination of metabolic risk factors (insulin resistance, high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, and obesity) that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis typically involves the presence of three or more of the following

Treatment:
Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, weight loss), medications to manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, and potentially insulin therapy.

Medications:
Statins for dyslipidemia, antihypertensive drugs (e.g., ACE inhibitors, diuretics), metformin for insulin resistance, and medications to control cholesterol and triglycerides .

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 25% of the global adult population, with increasing prevalence among older adults.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age, obesity, physical inactivity, high cholesterol, family history, and smoking.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
If untreated, metabolic syndrome increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. Effective management can prevent or delay complications.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

Coarctation of the Aorta

Specialty: Cardiovascular

Category: Heart Diseases

Sub-category: Congenital Heart Diseases

Symptoms:
high blood pressure; weak or absent pulses in the legs; cold feet; headaches; nosebleeds; leg cramps or pain during exercise

Root Cause:
Narrowing of the aorta, leading to increased workload on the heart and reduced blood flow to the lower body.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Echocardiogram, chest X-ray, ECG, MRI, or CT angiography.

Treatment:
Balloon angioplasty, stent placement, or surgical repair.

Medications:
Antihypertensives (e.g., beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors) to manage high blood pressure.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Accounts for 5-8% of all congenital heart defects; more common in males.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic syndromes (e.g., Turner syndrome), family history of heart defects.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with early treatment; long-term blood pressure monitoring is essential.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Persistent hypertension, aortic rupture, heart failure, endocarditis.

Neuroblastoma

Specialty: Oncology

Category: Sarcomas

Sub-category: Pediatric Cancers

Symptoms:
abdominal mass; pain; fever; weight loss; bone pain; bulging eyes; high blood pressure

Root Cause:
Cancer originating in nerve tissue, most commonly in the adrenal glands, sympathetic nervous system, or nerve tissue along the neck, chest, abdomen, or pelvis.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Imaging (CT, MRI, ultrasound), biopsy, urine tests for catecholamine metabolites (VMA, HVA), bone marrow aspiration.

Treatment:
Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, stem cell transplant.

Medications:
Chemotherapy drugs like cyclophosphamide , vincristine , doxorubicin , and cisplatin ; Immunotherapy drugs such as dinutuximab (Unituxin ); Pain medications such as acetaminophen or opioids for severe pain.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1 in 100,000 children; accounts for 6-10% of pediatric cancers.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic mutations (e.g., MYCN amplification), family history, certain congenital conditions like Hirschsprung disease.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Depends on the stage at diagnosis, age of the child, and response to treatment. The survival rate is approximately 70-80% for low-risk cases but significantly lower for high-risk cases.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Tumor metastasis, organ dysfunction, hearing loss, developmental delays, long-term effects from chemotherapy and radiation.

Wilms' Tumor (Nephroblastoma)

Specialty: Pediatrics

Category: Hematologic and Oncologic Disorders

Sub-category: Oncologic Conditions

Symptoms:
abdominal mass or swelling; abdominal pain; blood in the urine (hematuria); fever; nausea; loss of appetite; high blood pressure

Root Cause:
Malignant tumor originating from embryonal kidney cells, typically affecting one kidney but occasionally bilateral.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Imaging studies (ultrasound, CT, MRI), biopsy or surgical removal of the tumor for histopathological examination, and blood/urine tests.

Treatment:
Surgery (nephrectomy), chemotherapy, and in some cases, radiation therapy.

Medications:
Chemotherapy agents include actinomycin D (antitumor antibiotic), vincristine (microtubule inhibitor), and doxorubicin (anthracycline).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Occurs in approximately 1 in 10,000 children, most commonly diagnosed in children aged 3 to 4 years.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic syndromes (e.g., WAGR syndrome, Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, Denys-Drash syndrome), family history of Wilms' tumor, and certain congenital abnormalities.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Favorable in most cases; 5-year survival rates exceed 90% with prompt and appropriate treatment.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Complications include metastasis (commonly to the lungs), kidney dysfunction, recurrence, and long-term effects of chemotherapy or radiation.

Wilms’ tumor

Specialty: Pediatrics

Category: Miscellaneous Conditions

Sub-category: Renal and Urologic Disorders

Symptoms:
abdominal swelling or mass; abdominal pain; fever; blood in the urine (hematuria); nausea or vomiting; loss of appetite; high blood pressure

Root Cause:
A rare kidney cancer arising from embryonic kidney cells, often associated with genetic mutations or syndromes like WAGR syndrome or Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed using imaging (abdominal ultrasound, CT, or MRI), blood tests, urinalysis, and biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment:
Treatment includes surgery to remove the tumor (nephrectomy), followed by chemotherapy and sometimes radiation therapy.

Medications:
Chemotherapy drugs such as vincristine , dactinomycin , and doxorubicin are commonly used in combination.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1 in 10,000 children, typically diagnosed between ages 3–4 years.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of Wilms’ tumor, genetic syndromes (e.g., Beckwith-Wiedemann), and congenital anomalies like aniridia.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis is excellent with early diagnosis and treatment; 5-year survival rates exceed 90%.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Potential for metastasis (to lungs or liver), chronic kidney disease post-treatment, and complications from chemotherapy or radiation.

Uremia

Specialty: Emergency and Urgent Care

Category: Renal and Urologic Emergencies

Sub-category: Renal Failure Complications

Symptoms:
nausea; vomiting; loss of appetite; fatigue; confusion; seizures; muscle cramps; itching; fluid retention; shortness of breath; high blood pressure; altered mental status

Root Cause:
Accumulation of urea and other nitrogenous waste products in the blood due to impaired kidney function. This condition arises from chronic or acute renal failure, leading to toxic effects on multiple organ systems.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests showing elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels, electrolyte imbalances, and metabolic acidosis; urinalysis may indicate proteinuria or hematuria; imaging (ultrasound or CT) may show kidney abnormalities. Clinical symptoms and history are also critical.

Treatment:
Emergency treatment includes dialysis (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis) to remove waste products and restore electrolyte balance. Supportive care includes addressing fluid overload and managing complications such as hypertension and metabolic acidosis.

Medications:
Diuretics (e.g., furosemide )

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common among individuals with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) or acute kidney injury (AKI); incidence rises in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, advanced age, polycystic kidney disease, and autoimmune disorders affecting the kidneys (e.g., lupus nephritis).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With timely dialysis and treatment, symptoms can be managed effectively; however, the underlying renal disease usually remains progressive without a transplant. Untreated uremia is life-threatening.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Cardiac arrhythmias, pericarditis, seizures, encephalopathy, fluid overload, and death if untreated.

Spider Bites - Black Widow

Specialty: Emergency and Urgent Care

Category: Toxicology and Overdose

Sub-category: Envenomations

Symptoms:
severe muscle cramps; abdominal pain; sweating; high blood pressure; restlessness

Root Cause:
Spider venom contains toxins that affect the nervous system (black widow) or cause local tissue destruction and systemic inflammation (brown recluse).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history, observation of the bite area, identification of the spider (if possible), and symptom correlation.

Treatment:
Wound care, supportive care, muscle relaxants for black widow bites, and possibly antivenom. Surgical debridement may be needed for necrotic wounds.

Medications:
Antivenom

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Exact prevalence unknown; bites are more common in specific geographic areas where these spiders are endemic.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Working in or near woodpiles, attics, or basements; outdoor activities; handling debris.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Typically good with prompt treatment; severe complications are rare but may include long-term tissue damage.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Systemic toxicity (black widow), extensive necrosis (brown recluse), secondary infections.

Preeclampsia and Eclampsia

Specialty: Nephrology

Category: Other Renal-Associated Conditions

Sub-category: Pregnancy-Related Kidney Conditions

Symptoms:
high blood pressure; proteinuria; swelling in hands and face; headache; visual disturbances; upper abdominal pain; nausea or vomiting; shortness of breath; seizures in eclampsia

Root Cause:
Abnormal placental development leading to systemic endothelial dysfunction, causing hypertension, proteinuria, and other organ damage.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood pressure measurement (greater than or equal to 140/90 mmHg), urine tests for proteinuria, blood tests for liver function, kidney function, and platelet count, and fetal ultrasound for growth assessment.

Treatment:
Blood pressure management, magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures, corticosteroids to accelerate fetal lung maturity if delivery is anticipated, and delivery of the baby as the definitive treatment.

Medications:
Antihypertensives such as labetalol (beta-blocker), hydralazine (vasodilator), or nifedipine (calcium channel blocker); magnesium sulfate (anticonvulsant) for seizure prevention.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 2-8% of pregnancies globally, more common in first-time pregnancies.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
First pregnancy, history of preeclampsia, multiple pregnancies (twins or more), obesity, pre-existing hypertension or diabetes, maternal age <20 or >35, and certain genetic factors.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With timely treatment, outcomes are generally good; however, severe cases can lead to long-term health issues for both mother and baby.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Eclampsia (seizures), HELLP syndrome, liver or kidney failure, placental abruption, preterm delivery, maternal or fetal death.

Obesity-Related Cardiovascular Disease

Specialty: Cardiovascular

Category: Other Cardiovascular Conditions

Sub-category: Lifestyle-Related and Functional Disorders

Symptoms:
shortness of breath during exertion; chest discomfort; fatigue; swelling in extremities (edema); high blood pressure

Root Cause:
Excess body fat contributes to systemic inflammation, insulin resistance, and increased cardiac workload, leading to conditions like heart failure, hypertension, and coronary artery disease.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Body mass index (BMI ≥30), waist-to-hip ratio, clinical evaluation of cardiovascular health (e.g., echocardiogram, ECG, lipid panel, blood pressure monitoring).

Treatment:
Weight loss via lifestyle changes, bariatric surgery for severe cases, and management of cardiovascular complications (e.g., hypertension, hyperlipidemia).

Medications:
Weight-loss medications (e.g., orlistat , liraglutide ); statins for cholesterol (e.g., rosuvastatin ); antihypertensives (e.g., beta-blockers like metoprolol ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 40% of adults in high-income countries, with obesity contributing significantly to the global burden of cardiovascular disease.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Poor diet, physical inactivity, genetic predisposition, socioeconomic status, and comorbid conditions like diabetes.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Improvement is possible with significant weight loss and treatment of related conditions; untreated obesity increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and premature death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Coronary artery disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, venous thromboembolism, and stroke.

Diabetic Nephropathy

Specialty: Nephrology

Category: Glomerular Diseases

Sub-category: Diabetes-Related Kidney Diseases

Symptoms:
proteinuria; swelling in the legs and feet; foamy urine; fatigue; high blood pressure

Root Cause:
Chronic high blood sugar levels leading to damage in the glomeruli of the kidneys.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed via elevated urine albumin and reduced GFR.

Treatment:
Treated with glycemic control, blood pressure management (ACE inhibitors/ARBs), and lifestyle modifications.

Medications:
ACE inhibitors or ARBs for proteinuria and blood pressure, SGLT2 inhibitors (e.g., dapagliflozin ), GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., liraglutide ), and statins for cardiovascular risk.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects about 20–40% of patients with diabetes.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Poor glycemic control, long duration of diabetes, hypertension, smoking, obesity, and genetic predisposition.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Progressive without treatment; may lead to end-stage kidney disease requiring dialysis or transplantation.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Kidney failure, cardiovascular disease, and increased risk of infections.

Cushing’s Syndrome (Excess Cortisol)

Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology

Category: Adrenal Disorders

Sub-category: Adrenal Hyperfunction

Symptoms:
weight gain, especially around the abdomen and face; round, moon-shaped face; purple stretch marks on the skin; weakness; fatigue; easily bruised skin; high blood pressure; diabetes; osteoporosis; irritability or depression

Root Cause:
Chronic overproduction of cortisol due to an adrenal tumor, pituitary adenoma (Cushing’s disease), ectopic ACTH secretion, or prolonged use of glucocorticoid medications.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed through serum cortisol tests, dexamethasone suppression test, and imaging for adrenal or pituitary tumors.

Treatment:
Treated with surgery, medications, or radiation depending on the underlying cause.

Medications:
Medications include ketoconazole (an antifungal with cortisol-lowering effects), mitotane (an adrenal cytotoxic agent), metyrapone (a cortisol synthesis inhibitor), and pasireotide (a somatostatin analog used for Cushing’s disease).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, with an estimated prevalence of 10–15 cases per million people annually.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Long-term use of glucocorticoid medications, genetic predisposition, or presence of tumors in the adrenal or pituitary glands.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with early treatment, but untreated cases can lead to serious complications and reduced life expectancy.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Hypertension, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, infections, cardiovascular disease, and psychological issues like depression.

Ectopic ACTH Syndrome

Specialty: Diabetes and Endocrinology

Category: Rare Endocrine Disorders

Sub-category: Ectopic Hormone Secretion Syndromes

Symptoms:
weight gain; muscle weakness; high blood pressure; hyperglycemia; bruising; thin skin; osteoporosis; mood changes; round face (moon facies); abdominal striae (stretch marks)

Root Cause:
Abnormal secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) by non-pituitary tumors, leading to excessive cortisol production. Commonly associated with small cell lung cancer or other neuroendocrine tumors.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Laboratory tests to measure ACTH and cortisol levels, high-dose dexamethasone suppression test, imaging studies (CT, MRI, PET scans) to identify the tumor source, and inferior petrosal sinus sampling to differentiate ectopic from pituitary ACTH production.

Treatment:
Surgical removal of the ACTH-secreting tumor, medical therapy to control cortisol levels, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy if surgery is not feasible.

Medications:
Medications to manage cortisol levels include metyrapone (steroidogenesis inhibitor), ketoconazole (antifungal with cortisol-lowering effects), or mitotane (adrenolytic agent). In severe cases, mifepristone (glucocorticoid receptor antagonist) may be used to block cortisol effects.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, occurring in approximately 10–20% of cases of Cushing syndrome.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Presence of certain cancers (e.g., small cell lung cancer, pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors), genetic predisposition to endocrine tumors.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis depends on the underlying tumor type, stage, and response to treatment. Early diagnosis and tumor removal significantly improve outcomes.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Long-term hypercortisolism can lead to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, infections, osteoporosis, and psychological disorders.

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

Specialty: Nephrology

Category: Chronic and Acute Kidney Diseases

Symptoms:
high blood pressure; back or side pain; frequent urinary tract infections; blood in urine; abdominal fullness; kidney stones

Root Cause:
Genetic disorder characterized by the growth of numerous cysts in the kidneys, leading to progressive loss of kidney function.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Ultrasound, CT, or MRI imaging to detect kidney cysts, genetic testing in specific cases, and family history assessment.

Treatment:
Managing hypertension, addressing infections, lifestyle changes, and potentially kidney transplantation in advanced cases.

Medications:
Tolvaptan (vasopressin receptor antagonist) to slow cyst growth, antibiotics for infections, and antihypertensive drugs (e.g., ACE inhibitors or ARBs).

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

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

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Progressive disease; many develop CKD or ESRD, requiring dialysis or transplantation. Early management can improve outcomes.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic pain, high blood pressure, kidney stones, recurrent infections, and progression to ESRD.

Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD)

Specialty: Nephrology

Category: Chronic and Acute Kidney Diseases

Sub-category: Polycystic Kidney Disease

Symptoms:
high blood pressure; abdominal or flank pain; recurrent urinary tract infections; hematuria (blood in urine); kidney stones; early onset of cyst development

Root Cause:
Autosomal dominant genetic mutation in PKD1 or PKD2 genes, leading to cyst development in both kidneys.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Family history, imaging studies (ultrasound or CT), and genetic testing if needed.

Treatment:
Blood pressure control, lifestyle changes, tolvaptan for cyst management, and monitoring for complications.

Medications:
Tolvaptan , antihypertensives (e.g., ACE inhibitors), antibiotics for infections, and analgesics for pain management.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1 in 400 to 1,000 people, making it one of the most common genetic disorders.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of ADPKD.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Slow progression; about 50% develop ESRD by age 60. Treatment focuses on symptom management and delaying kidney failure.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Cyst rupture, chronic pain, liver cysts, aneurysms, and ESRD.

Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease (ARPKD)

Specialty: Nephrology

Category: Chronic and Acute Kidney Diseases

Sub-category: Polycystic Kidney Disease

Symptoms:
enlarged kidneys at birth; respiratory distress in newborns; high blood pressure; frequent urinary tract infections; failure to thrive in infants; abdominal distension

Root Cause:
Autosomal recessive genetic mutation in the PKHD1 gene, leading to cyst development in kidneys and liver fibrosis.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Prenatal imaging (ultrasound), neonatal imaging, genetic testing, and clinical symptoms.

Treatment:
Supportive care for kidney function, blood pressure control, managing infections, and potential dialysis or transplantation.

Medications:
Antihypertensives (e.g., ACE inhibitors or ARBs), antibiotics for infections, and supportive treatments for respiratory complications.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, affecting approximately 1 in 20,000 live births.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Both parents carrying a mutation in the PKHD1 gene.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; severe cases may lead to early mortality, while others may live into adulthood with proper management.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Respiratory failure in newborns, liver fibrosis, portal hypertension, and progression to ESRD.

Lupus Nephritis

Specialty: Nephrology

Category: Glomerular Diseases

Symptoms:
blood in the urine; foamy urine; swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet; high blood pressure; weight gain due to fluid retention

Root Cause:
Inflammation of the kidneys caused by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the kidney tissues.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed with kidney biopsy showing immune complex deposition.

Treatment:
Treated with immunosuppressive medications such as corticosteroids, mycophenolate mofetil, or cyclophosphamide, and supportive care (e.g., ACE inhibitors).

Medications:
Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone ), immunosuppressants (e.g., mycophenolate mofetil, cyclophosphamide , azathioprine ), and biologics like belimumab . ACE inhibitors or ARBs for blood pressure and proteinuria control.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Occurs in approximately 40–50% of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, more common in women and certain ethnic groups (e.g., African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians).

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus, genetic predisposition, being female, and certain ethnic backgrounds.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies based on severity; early diagnosis and aggressive treatment improve outcomes. Advanced cases may lead to chronic kidney disease or kidney failure.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic kidney disease, kidney failure, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and increased risk of infections due to immunosuppressive therapy.

Congenital Anomalies of the Kidney and Urinary Tract (CAKUT)

Specialty: Nephrology

Category: Hereditary and Congenital Kidney Disorders

Symptoms:
abnormal kidney structure; frequent urinary tract infections; reduced urine output; high blood pressure; swelling in the body (edema)

Root Cause:
Congenital malformations affecting the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra during fetal development.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Prenatal ultrasounds, postnatal imaging (ultrasound, CT, or MRI), blood tests for kidney function, and urine tests for protein or infection.

Treatment:
Management depends on the specific anomaly; surgical correction, antibiotics for infections, and monitoring kidney function are common approaches.

Medications:
Antibiotics (e.g., trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole) to prevent urinary tract infections, antihypertensives (e.g., ACE inhibitors) to control blood pressure.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 1 in 500 live births globally.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of kidney anomalies, maternal diabetes, and certain genetic mutations.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies widely depending on the severity; many cases are manageable, but severe anomalies may lead to chronic kidney disease.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic kidney disease, recurrent infections, and hypertension.

Liddle Syndrome

Specialty: Nephrology

Category: Hereditary and Congenital Kidney Disorders

Symptoms:
high blood pressure; low potassium levels; fatigue; muscle weakness; metabolic alkalosis

Root Cause:
Genetic mutation causing the kidneys to retain too much sodium and excrete too much potassium.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests for electrolytes, genetic testing, and clinical history of hypertension at a young age.

Treatment:
Sodium restriction and potassium-sparing diuretics.

Medications:
Potassium-sparing diuretics (e.g., amiloride , triamterene ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Extremely rare; exact prevalence unknown.

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

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good with early diagnosis and treatment; untreated cases may lead to severe cardiovascular issues.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe hypertension, hypokalemia, and cardiovascular disease.

Hypertensive Nephropathy

Specialty: Nephrology

Category: Vascular Kidney Diseases

Symptoms:
proteinuria; hematuria; swelling in legs; fatigue; decreased urine output; high blood pressure

Root Cause:
Chronic hypertension damages the small blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to decreased kidney function and scarring (nephrosclerosis).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood pressure readings, urinalysis (proteinuria and hematuria), renal function tests (eGFR, creatinine levels), and imaging (ultrasound, CT).

Treatment:
Blood pressure control through lifestyle changes, medications, and monitoring for kidney function decline.

Medications:
ACE inhibitors, ARBs, diuretics, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common cause of chronic kidney disease, particularly in individuals with long-standing hypertension.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Chronic hypertension, obesity, smoking, diabetes, and family history of kidney disease.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Manageable with effective blood pressure control; progression to end-stage kidney disease is possible if untreated.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic kidney disease, end-stage renal disease, and cardiovascular diseases.

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS)

Specialty: Nephrology

Category: Vascular Kidney Diseases

Sub-category: Thrombotic Microangiopathies

Symptoms:
pale skin; fatigue; bloody diarrhea; reduced urination; swelling; bruising; confusion; high blood pressure

Root Cause:
HUS is caused by damage to the small blood vessels in the kidneys, often due to Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), leading to hemolysis, thrombocytopenia, and acute kidney injury.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis involves clinical history (e.g., recent diarrheal illness), blood tests (low hemoglobin, elevated creatinine, fragmented red blood cells on a peripheral smear), stool tests for Shiga toxin, and ADAMTS13 enzyme activity (to rule out TTP).

Treatment:
Treatment includes supportive care such as fluid management, dialysis for severe kidney failure, blood transfusions if needed, and sometimes plasma exchange or eculizumab (in atypical HUS).

Medications:
Treatment may include Eculizumab (a monoclonal antibody targeting complement protein C5, used for atypical HUS), antihypertensive agents (for blood pressure control), and antiplatelet drugs (in certain cases of atypical HUS).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
HUS is rare, with an incidence of about 2 cases per 100,000 people per year in developed countries.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Consumption of contaminated food, recent gastrointestinal infections (especially with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli), genetic mutations in complement regulation (atypical HUS), and immune suppression.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With prompt treatment, many patients recover, although atypical HUS has a higher risk of recurrence and long-term complications. Chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease may develop in severe cases.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Kidney failure, neurological complications (e.g., seizures, stroke), high blood pressure, and chronic kidney disease.

HIV-Associated Nephropathy (HIVAN)

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: HIV and Kidney Health

Symptoms:
swelling in legs and feet; frothy urine; reduced urine output; high blood pressure

Root Cause:
Direct infection of renal epithelial cells by HIV, leading to collapsing focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Urinalysis, renal function tests, renal biopsy, and imaging studies.

Treatment:
ART, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and corticosteroids in some cases. Dialysis or kidney transplantation in advanced disease.

Medications:
Antiretrovirals, ACE inhibitors, or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) for blood pressure and renal protection.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects up to 10% of HIV-infected individuals, with a higher prevalence in Black populations.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Black ethnicity, advanced HIV, genetic predisposition (e.g., APOL1 gene variants).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Early ART initiation improves outcomes; untreated cases may lead to end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic kidney disease, ESRD, and cardiovascular complications.

Rejection (Acute and Chronic)

Specialty: Nephrology

Category: Dialysis and Transplant-Related Conditions

Sub-category: Kidney Transplantation

Symptoms:
decreased urine output; swelling; weight gain; high blood pressure; fever; tenderness over the kidney transplant area; general fatigue

Root Cause:
The immune system recognizes the transplanted kidney as foreign and mounts an immune response, leading to damage and potential loss of function.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests (increased creatinine levels), imaging studies (ultrasound or Doppler), kidney biopsy to confirm immune-mediated damage.

Treatment:
Intensifying immunosuppressive therapy, including corticosteroids or antithymocyte globulin, depending on the severity and type of rejection.

Medications:
Treatments include corticosteroids (e.g., methylprednisolone ), anti-T cell antibodies (e.g., antithymocyte globulin , alemtuzumab ), and immunosuppressive agents (e.g., tacrolimus , cyclosporine ). These medications reduce the immune response to prevent further rejection.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Acute rejection occurs in approximately 10-20% of kidney transplant recipients, while chronic rejection develops in most recipients over time.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Inadequate immunosuppression, poor adherence to medication, donor-recipient mismatch, previous transplant rejections, infections, and HLA incompatibility.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Acute rejection can often be reversed if caught early; chronic rejection leads to gradual kidney failure, requiring dialysis or re-transplantation.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Loss of kidney transplant function, infections due to increased immunosuppression, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, and mortality.

HELLP Syndrome

Specialty: Nephrology

Category: Other Renal-Associated Conditions

Sub-category: Pregnancy-Related Kidney Conditions

Symptoms:
right upper abdominal pain; nausea; vomiting; headache; swelling; high blood pressure; fatigue; visual disturbances

Root Cause:
Severe form of preeclampsia characterized by hemolysis (H), elevated liver enzymes (EL), and low platelet count (LP). It reflects systemic endothelial dysfunction and microangiopathy.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests showing hemolysis (schistocytes on blood smear), elevated liver enzymes (AST/ALT), low platelet count (<100,000/µL), and signs of end-organ damage; urine tests for proteinuria; imaging if indicated.

Treatment:
Delivery of the baby as the definitive treatment; supportive care with blood pressure management, magnesium sulfate for seizure prevention, and transfusions (platelets, red blood cells) if necessary.

Medications:
Antihypertensives such as labetalol or nifedipine , magnesium sulfate (anticonvulsant), and corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone ) to improve platelet count and fetal lung maturity.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Occurs in approximately 0.5-0.9% of pregnancies, often associated with severe preeclampsia.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
History of preeclampsia, multiple pregnancies, obesity, pre-existing hypertension, or autoimmune disorders.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Favorable with prompt delivery and management; however, maternal and fetal morbidity or mortality risk is higher without early intervention.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), liver rupture, kidney failure, stroke, placental abruption, preterm delivery, or maternal and fetal death.

Wilms Tumor

Specialty: Oncology

Category: Sarcomas

Sub-category: Pediatric Cancers

Symptoms:
abdominal mass; abdominal pain; fever; blood in urine; high blood pressure; poor appetite; weight loss

Root Cause:
A type of kidney cancer that primarily affects children, usually involving one kidney, but can occasionally involve both.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, biopsy, blood and urine tests.

Treatment:
Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy.

Medications:
Chemotherapy agents like vincristine , actinomycin D, and doxorubicin ; pain relievers such as ibuprofen or morphine for post-surgical pain management.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Occurs in about 7-10% of childhood cancers, with around 500 cases diagnosed annually in the U.S.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic conditions like WAGR syndrome, Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, or Li-Fraumeni syndrome.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
90% survival rate in localized cases; survival rates decrease in cases with metastasis.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Recurrence, kidney damage, long-term effects from chemotherapy or radiation, high blood pressure.

Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome

Specialty: Hematology

Category: Coagulation, Hemostasis, and Disorders

Symptoms:
pale or yellowed skin (jaundice); fatigue; irritability; reduced urination; swelling (edema), particularly in the face, hands, or feet; diarrhea (often bloody); high blood pressure; confusion or seizures in severe cases

Root Cause:
HUS is characterized by the triad of hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and acute kidney injury, commonly triggered by shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infections or other causes like complement dysregulation (atypical HUS).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is based on laboratory findings including hemolytic anemia (schistocytes on blood smear), low platelet count, elevated creatinine, and stool culture or PCR to detect STEC. Complement studies are performed for atypical HUS.

Treatment:
Supportive care, including fluid management, electrolyte correction, and blood transfusions as needed. Dialysis may be required for acute kidney injury. For atypical HUS, eculizumab (a monoclonal antibody targeting complement C5) is used.

Medications:
In STEC-HUS, no specific medication targets the infection, but supportive care is critical. In atypical HUS, eculizumab (class

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
STEC-HUS is more common in children under 5 years, with approximately 1-2 cases per 100,000 annually in developed countries. Atypical HUS is extremely rare, with an estimated incidence of 2 cases per 1 million individuals annually.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Exposure to contaminated food or water (for STEC-HUS), genetic predisposition (for atypical HUS), and certain infections or medications.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
The prognosis for STEC-HUS in children is favorable with appropriate supportive care, though some may develop long-term kidney damage. Atypical HUS has a more variable prognosis, heavily reliant on timely treatment with eculizumab.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic kidney disease, hypertension, seizures, or neurological complications; in atypical HUS, recurrent episodes can lead to significant morbidity.

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD1, PKD2 mutations)

Specialty: Genetics

Category: Genetic Contributions to Common Diseases

Sub-category: Kidney Disorders

Symptoms:
abdominal or flank pain; hematuria (blood in urine); frequent urinary tract infections; high blood pressure; kidney stones; progressive kidney failure; enlarged kidneys

Root Cause:
Genetic mutations in the PKD1 or PKD2 genes cause abnormal development of fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys, leading to progressive kidney damage.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosed with imaging (e.g., ultrasound, MRI) and genetic testing.

Treatment:
Treated with tolvaptan to slow cyst growth, blood pressure management with ACE inhibitors/ARBs, and dialysis or kidney transplant for advanced disease.

Medications:
Tolvaptan (a vasopressin receptor antagonist) is often prescribed to slow cyst growth and preserve kidney function. Blood pressure medications such as ACE inhibitors or ARBs are used to control hypertension. Pain management may include acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (with caution).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 1 in 400 to 1,000 individuals worldwide, making it one of the most common genetic kidney disorders.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of PKD, presence of PKD1 mutations (associated with more severe disease compared to PKD2 mutations), and advanced age.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) occurs in about 50% of patients by age 60. Lifelong management can improve quality of life and delay complications.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant, chronic pain, hypertension, liver cysts, cardiovascular disease, and increased risk of aneurysms.

Cocaine overdose

Specialty: Toxicology

Category: Acute Poisoning

Sub-category: Chemical Poisoning

Symptoms:
chest pain; rapid heart rate; high blood pressure; agitation; seizures; hyperthermia; confusion; respiratory depression

Root Cause:
Excessive stimulation of the central nervous system and cardiovascular system due to toxic levels of cocaine, leading to dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin overload.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation based on symptoms, history of cocaine use, and toxicology screening (urine or blood tests).

Treatment:
Supportive care, sedation with benzodiazepines, cooling for hyperthermia, intravenous fluids, and treatment of cardiovascular complications.

Medications:
Benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam or diazepam ) for agitation and seizures; antihypertensives like labetalol for severe hypertension; sodium bicarbonate for arrhythmias due to cocaine-induced acidosis.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Cocaine-related overdoses account for thousands of emergency visits annually, with increasing trends in recent years.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
High-dose cocaine use, concurrent use of other stimulants or alcohol, preexisting heart disease, and lack of access to timely medical care.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good if treated promptly, though delayed treatment or severe complications (e.g., cardiac arrest or stroke) can lead to long-term damage or death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Stroke, myocardial infarction, rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney injury, and sudden death.

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.

Poststreptococcal Glomerulonephritis

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Immune-mediated Disorders

Symptoms:
swelling in the face and extremities; dark-colored urine; high blood pressure; fatigue; reduced urine output

Root Cause:
Immune response to Streptococcus infection leading to inflammation of glomeruli in the kidneys.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical history of recent strep infection, urine analysis (hematuria, proteinuria), and blood tests (low complement levels, elevated ASO titer).

Treatment:
Supportive care; addressing hypertension, fluid balance, and in rare cases, immunosuppressive therapy.

Medications:
Diuretics for fluid overload, antihypertensives (e.g., ACE inhibitors or ARBs) for blood pressure control. No direct antibiotic therapy unless active strep infection persists.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
More common in children following strep throat or skin infections.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Recent strep infections, especially in crowded or resource-limited settings.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Usually resolves with supportive care; chronic kidney damage is rare.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Acute kidney injury, hypertensive encephalopathy, or nephrotic syndrome in severe cases.