Comprehensive Symptom Navigator

Mononucleosis (Glandular Fever)

Symptoms:
fever; sore throat; swollen lymph nodes; fatigue; enlarged spleen; headache; muscle aches

Root Cause:
Infection by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), spread through saliva ("kissing disease").

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical symptoms, blood tests (monospot test, EBV antibodies).

Treatment:
Supportive care (hydration, rest, symptom relief); avoid physical activity to prevent spleen rupture.

Medications:
Pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen , ibuprofen ) for fever and pain.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in adolescents and young adults; about 90% of adults are infected with EBV by adulthood.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Close contact with infected individuals, sharing drinks or utensils.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent; symptoms resolve in 2–4 weeks, though fatigue may persist.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Spleen rupture, secondary infections, prolonged fatigue.

Sore Throat and Pharyngitis

Specialty: Internal Medicine

Category: Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Conditions

Symptoms:
throat pain; difficulty swallowing; red and swollen throat; fever; swollen lymph nodes; hoarseness

Root Cause:
Inflammation of the pharynx due to viral infections (e.g., adenovirus, rhinovirus) or bacterial infections (e.g., Streptococcus pyogenes).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation, rapid strep test, throat culture.

Treatment:
Supportive care for viral cases; antibiotics for bacterial infections.

Medications:
Pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen , ibuprofen ), antibiotics (e.g., penicillin, amoxicillin ) for bacterial pharyngitis.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Extremely common; most cases are viral and self-limiting.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Close contact with infected individuals, weakened immune system, smoking.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent; viral cases resolve in days, bacterial cases improve with antibiotics.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Abscess formation, rheumatic fever, post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis.

Leukemia (e.g., Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia [ALL], Acute Myeloid Leukemia [AML])

Specialty: Pediatrics

Category: Hematologic and Oncologic Disorders

Sub-category: Oncologic Conditions

Symptoms:
fatigue; pallor; easy bruising or bleeding; frequent infections; bone or joint pain; fever; swollen lymph nodes; unexplained weight loss

Root Cause:
Abnormal proliferation of immature white blood cells in the bone marrow, leading to suppression of normal blood cell production.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests (complete blood count, peripheral smear), bone marrow biopsy, cytogenetic analysis, flow cytometry, lumbar puncture (to assess central nervous system involvement).

Treatment:
Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy (in specific cases), stem cell transplant (for high-risk or relapsed cases).

Medications:
Commonly prescribed medications include chemotherapy agents such as vincristine (microtubule inhibitor), methotrexate (antimetabolite), cytarabine (antimetabolite), and daunorubicin (anthracycline). Targeted therapies, like tyrosine kinase inhibitors (e.g., imatinib for Philadelphia chromosome-positive ALL), may also be used.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood cancer, accounting for about 25-30% of pediatric cancers. AML is less common but still significant in children.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of leukemia, genetic disorders (e.g., Down syndrome, Li-Fraumeni syndrome), prior exposure to radiation or chemotherapy, and certain environmental exposures.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis varies by subtype; 5-year survival rates for ALL exceed 85% in children with appropriate treatment, whereas survival for AML is lower but improving with advancements in therapy.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Complications include anemia, infections, bleeding disorders, relapse, and late effects of chemotherapy (e.g., cardiotoxicity, neurocognitive decline, secondary malignancies).

Strep Throat

Specialty: Pediatrics

Category: Infectious Diseases

Sub-category: Common Pediatric Infections

Symptoms:
sore throat; painful swallowing; fever; swollen tonsils; white patches or streaks on the tonsils; swollen lymph nodes; headache; nausea or vomiting (in children)

Root Cause:
Bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Rapid antigen detection test (RADT); throat culture for confirmation.

Treatment:
Antibiotic therapy to reduce symptoms and prevent complications, along with supportive care for symptom relief.

Medications:
Penicillin or amoxicillin (beta-lactam antibiotics) are the first-line treatments. In penicillin-allergic individuals, macrolides (e.g., azithromycin ) or cephalosporins may be prescribed.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in school-aged children; peaks during late fall and early spring.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Close contact with infected individuals, crowded environments (e.g., schools), young age (5–15 years).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with prompt treatment; symptoms typically resolve within 3–5 days.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Rheumatic fever, post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, peritonsillar abscess, or scarlet fever.

Erysipelas

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Skin and Soft-Tissue Infections

Symptoms:
bright red, swollen, warm, and painful skin lesion; fever; chills; swollen lymph nodes; sharp raised edges on the affected area

Root Cause:
Bacterial infection, commonly Group A Streptococcus, affecting the upper dermis and superficial lymphatics.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination; culture of exudate or blood cultures in severe cases; imaging if deeper infection is suspected.

Treatment:
Oral or intravenous antibiotics, supportive measures like elevation and analgesics.

Medications:
Penicillin (beta-lactam antibiotic) is first-line; clindamycin (lincosamide) or erythromycin (macrolide) for penicillin-allergic patients.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common; particularly among middle-aged and elderly individuals.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Skin injuries, obesity, diabetes, immunosuppression, lymphedema.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally excellent with appropriate antibiotic therapy.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Recurrence, abscess formation, lymphedema, systemic infection.

Rubella (Skin Manifestation)

Specialty: Dermatology

Category: Skin Disorders

Sub-category: Infectious Skin Diseases - Viral Infections

Symptoms:
pink, maculopapular rash starting on face and spreading downward; mild fever; swollen lymph nodes; joint pain

Root Cause:
Viral infections caused by Measles Virus or Rubella Virus, transmitted via respiratory droplets.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical presentation; PCR testing, serology for IgM antibodies.

Treatment:
Supportive care; prevention via vaccination.

Medications:
Supportive care (e.g., antipyretics like acetaminophen ). Vitamin A supplementation – for measles in malnourished children.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare in vaccinated populations; outbreaks occur in areas with low vaccination coverage.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Unvaccinated status, close contact with infected individuals, and travel to endemic areas.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Self-limiting in most cases; complications are more common in malnourished or immunocompromised individuals.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Congenital rubella syndrome in pregnant women; Arthritis

Pharyngeal or Laryngeal Pathology

Specialty: Ear

Category: Ear Pain (Otalgia)

Sub-category: Referred Otalgia (Pain Referred to the Ear)

Symptoms:
sore throat; hoarseness; difficulty swallowing; ear pain; neck pain; swollen lymph nodes; cough

Root Cause:
Infections, tumors, or structural abnormalities in the pharynx or larynx causing referred pain to the ear through shared neural pathways.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation, imaging studies (e.g., CT or MRI), laryngoscopy, biopsy (if a tumor is suspected), and throat culture for infections.

Treatment:
Depends on the cause; antibiotics or antivirals for infections, surgical resection for tumors, or speech therapy for vocal strain.

Medications:
Antibiotics like penicillin for bacterial infections; antivirals for viral infections; corticosteroids like prednisone for inflammation; proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole for reflux-associated laryngeal issues.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Pharyngeal infections like pharyngitis are very common; laryngeal cancer is less common, with approximately 13,000 cases diagnosed annually in the U.S.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Smoking, alcohol use, GERD, vocal strain, and exposure to environmental irritants.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good for infections with appropriate treatment; varies for cancer depending on stage and type but improves with early detection.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Chronic pain, airway obstruction, voice changes, and in severe cases, metastasis of tumors.

Pharyngitis (Viral - e.g., Adenovirus, EBV)

Specialty: Nose and Throat

Category: Throat (Pharyngeal and Laryngeal) Conditions

Sub-category: Infectious and Inflammatory Conditions

Symptoms:
sore throat; fever; fatigue; swollen lymph nodes; headache; cough

Root Cause:
Viral infections, such as adenovirus and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cause inflammation of the pharynx.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms and rapid tests for common viral infections (e.g., rapid strep test can help rule out bacterial causes). Throat swabs and blood tests may be used to confirm EBV.

Treatment:
Supportive care such as rest, hydration, pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen), and throat lozenges. EBV infection may require antiviral medications in severe cases.

Medications:
Over-the-counter analgesics (e.g., acetaminophen , ibuprofen ) for pain relief. In severe cases of EBV, antiviral drugs like acyclovir may be prescribed, though they are rarely used unless complications arise.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common, especially in children and young adults. EBV is the cause of infectious mononucleosis, which affects approximately 1 in 4 young adults.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Close contact with infected individuals, weakened immune system, age (most common in children and young adults).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good; viral pharyngitis resolves within a week or two. EBV-related mononucleosis can last longer but usually improves with supportive care.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Rare but can include secondary bacterial infections, such as a streptococcal infection, and complications from EBV, such as splenomegaly or hepatitis.

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.

Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis (ANUG, Trench Mouth)

Specialty: Dental and Oral Health

Category: Gum and Periodontal Conditions

Sub-category: Gingival (Gum) Disorders

Symptoms:
severe gum pain; bleeding gums; foul breath; fever; metallic taste; ulcerations between teeth; swollen lymph nodes

Root Cause:
Severe bacterial infection due to poor oral hygiene, malnutrition, or immunosuppression; often involves spirochetes and fusobacteria.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical observation of characteristic ulcers, pain, and necrosis; medical history review; microbiological testing in some cases.

Treatment:
Debridement of necrotic tissue, improved oral hygiene, and systemic antibiotics for infection control.

Medications:
Antibiotics like metronidazole or amoxicillin-clavulanate for infection control; analgesics (e.g., ibuprofen or acetaminophen ) for pain management.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare in developed countries; more common in regions with poor access to dental care or in immunosuppressed populations.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Poor oral hygiene, malnutrition, stress, smoking, HIV/AIDS, and other conditions causing immune suppression.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with prompt treatment, though untreated cases can lead to rapid tissue destruction and systemic infection.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Periodontitis, systemic infections (e.g., sepsis), and oroantral fistula formation.

Immunodeficiency due to HIV/AIDS

Specialty: Allergies and Immunology

Category: Immunologic Disorders

Sub-category: Secondary Immunodeficiency Disorders

Symptoms:
persistent fatigue; frequent infections; weight loss; swollen lymph nodes; night sweats; fever; opportunistic infections like pneumocystis pneumonia or kaposi's sarcoma

Root Cause:
HIV infects and destroys CD4+ T cells, leading to a weakened immune system and vulnerability to infections and cancers.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
HIV antibody/antigen tests; CD4+ T cell count; Viral load testing; AIDS diagnosis based on specific opportunistic infections or CD4 count below 200 cells/mm³

Treatment:
Array

Medications:
Antiretroviral therapy (ART), prophylactic antibiotics (e.g., Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole), and vaccines as appropriate.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 39 million people living with HIV globally as of 2022.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Unprotected sexual activity; IV drug use; Mother-to-child transmission; Contaminated blood transfusions

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With ART, individuals can lead near-normal life spans; untreated HIV progresses to AIDS, leading to high mortality.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Opportunistic infections; Cancers (e.g., Kaposi's sarcoma); Neurological disorders; Wasting syndrome

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

Specialty: Hematology

Category: Stem Cells and Disorders

Symptoms:
fatigue; fever; frequent infections; unexplained bruising or bleeding; shortness of breath; bone or joint pain; swollen lymph nodes; pale skin; unintended weight loss

Root Cause:
Rapid proliferation of immature lymphoblasts in the bone marrow, crowding out normal blood cells.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests (CBC showing high white blood cell counts, low red blood cells and platelets), bone marrow biopsy, flow cytometry, cytogenetic analysis, and imaging studies.

Treatment:
Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, stem cell transplantation, and supportive care (e.g., blood transfusions, antibiotics).

Medications:
Medications commonly prescribed include vincristine (vinca alkaloid), dexamethasone (corticosteroid), asparaginase (enzyme), and imatinib (tyrosine kinase inhibitor, if Philadelphia chromosome-positive ALL).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Most common childhood cancer, with approximately 3,000–5,000 cases annually in the United States; less common in adults.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic syndromes (e.g., Down syndrome), family history of leukemia, previous chemotherapy or radiation, and exposure to high doses of radiation.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
High cure rates in children (5-year survival over 90%), lower in adults (35–50% 5-year survival); depends on age, subtype, and treatment response.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Infection, relapse, long-term side effects of chemotherapy (e.g., cardiotoxicity, neurotoxicity), and secondary malignancies.

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

Specialty: Hematology

Category: Stem Cells and Disorders

Symptoms:
swollen lymph nodes; fatigue; frequent infections; fever; night sweats; unexplained weight loss; easy bruising or bleeding

Root Cause:
Accumulation of abnormal, mature-appearing but dysfunctional B-lymphocytes in the blood, bone marrow, and lymphoid tissues.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Complete blood count (CBC), flow cytometry, bone marrow biopsy, genetic testing (FISH), and imaging studies.

Treatment:
Targeted therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplantation in advanced cases.

Medications:
Ibrutinib (BTK inhibitor)

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Most common leukemia in adults in Western countries, typically diagnosed in individuals over 60 years old.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Older age, male gender, family history, exposure to certain chemicals (e.g., Agent Orange).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; many cases are slow-progressing and managed without treatment for years. Advanced cases may require aggressive therapy.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Infections, anemia, transformation to aggressive lymphoma (Richter's syndrome), and immune system dysfunction.

Pediatric Lymphomas

Specialty: Oncology

Category: Sarcomas

Sub-category: Pediatric Cancers

Symptoms:
swollen lymph nodes; fever; night sweats; weight loss; fatigue; itching

Root Cause:
Cancer of the lymphatic system; can be either Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) or non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Lymph node biopsy, imaging (CT, PET, MRI), blood tests.

Treatment:
Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplant.

Medications:
Chemotherapy agents like doxorubicin , vincristine , cyclophosphamide , etoposide ; targeted therapies like rituximab .

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Lymphomas make up 5-7% of all pediatric cancers.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic syndromes, compromised immune system, Epstein-Barr virus infection (for HL).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
High cure rates for Hodgkin lymphoma (over 90% for localized disease), while non-Hodgkin lymphoma prognosis depends on subtype and staging.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Secondary cancers, organ damage from treatment, fertility issues, infections.

AIDS-Related Lymphomas

Specialty: Hematology

Category: Immune System Disorders

Symptoms:
swollen lymph nodes; night sweats; fever; weight loss; fatigue; abdominal pain; chest pain or shortness of breath

Root Cause:
Immunosuppression from HIV/AIDS leading to the proliferation of malignant lymphocytes, often associated with Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Lymph node biopsy, imaging (CT, PET), blood tests, HIV viral load, and EBV testing.

Treatment:
Combination chemotherapy (e.g., CHOP regimen), antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV, and targeted therapies (e.g., rituximab).

Medications:
Rituximab (anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody), doxorubicin (anthracycline), vincristine , and prednisone (corticosteroid).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Increased risk in people with untreated HIV/AIDS; accounts for 3–5% of all non-Hodgkin lymphomas.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Advanced HIV, low CD4 counts, and co-infection with EBV.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Highly variable depending on HIV control and lymphoma type; overall 5-year survival ~30–50%.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Opportunistic infections, relapse, and progression to other AIDS-defining illnesses.

Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL)

Specialty: Hematology

Category: Lymphoid Neoplasms

Sub-category: T-Cell Lymphomas

Symptoms:
swollen lymph nodes; fever; night sweats; fatigue; skin lesions; weight loss; abdominal or chest pain

Root Cause:
Proliferation of T-cells expressing anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), driven by genetic mutations or translocations.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Lymph node biopsy, immunohistochemistry (CD30-positive cells), ALK gene rearrangement testing, and imaging (CT, PET).

Treatment:
Chemotherapy (CHOP or brentuximab-containing regimens), targeted therapy (e.g., ALK inhibitors), and sometimes stem cell transplantation.

Medications:
Brentuximab vedotin (anti-CD30 antibody-drug conjugate), crizotinib (ALK inhibitor), and CHOP components (cyclophosphamide , doxorubicin , vincristine , prednisone ).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, accounting for about 2% of all non-Hodgkin lymphomas; more common in children and young adults.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Genetic mutations, compromised immune system, and family history.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good for ALK-positive ALCL (5-year survival ~70–80%), poorer for ALK-negative subtypes.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Relapse, secondary malignancies, and long-term chemotherapy effects.

B-Cell Lymphoma

Specialty: Hematology

Category: Stem Cells and Disorders

Symptoms:
swollen lymph nodes; fever; night sweats; unexplained weight loss; fatigue; abdominal or chest pain; skin rashes or lumps

Root Cause:
Uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal B-lymphocytes, typically originating in the lymphatic system.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical exam, lymph node biopsy, imaging tests (CT, MRI, PET scans), blood tests, bone marrow biopsy, flow cytometry, and immunohistochemistry.

Treatment:
Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplantation, and in some cases, surgery.

Medications:
Rituximab (monoclonal antibody)

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Most common non-Hodgkin lymphoma, accounting for about 85% of cases globally.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Older age, male gender, family history of lymphoma, immunosuppression, viral infections (e.g., EBV, HIV), and chronic inflammation.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Depends on subtype and stage; early-stage localized lymphoma often has a good prognosis, with a 5-year survival rate exceeding 70% in some cases. Advanced-stage lymphoma is more challenging but can respond well to modern therapies.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Secondary cancers, organ damage due to metastasis, infections, anemia, and treatment-related toxicities.

Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL)

Specialty: Hematology

Category: Stem Cells and Disorders

Symptoms:
swollen lymph nodes; unexplained fever; night sweats; weight loss; fatigue; loss of appetite; shortness of breath; chest pain

Root Cause:
Rapid and abnormal growth of large B-cells (a type of white blood cell), leading to tumor formation in lymph nodes and/or extranodal sites.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination, blood tests, lymph node biopsy, imaging studies (e.g., PET or CT scans), and molecular testing to identify genetic markers and cell surface proteins.

Treatment:
Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy (if localized), and stem cell transplantation in refractory or relapsed cases.

Medications:
Commonly prescribed medications include R-CHOP regimen (Rituximab – a monoclonal antibody, Cyclophosphamide – an alkylating agent, Doxorubicin – an anthracycline, Vincristine – a vinca alkaloid, and Prednisone – a corticosteroid).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
DLBCL is the most common subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, accounting for about 30-40% of cases worldwide.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Older age, male sex, family history of lymphoma, weakened immune system, exposure to certain infections (e.g., Epstein-Barr virus), and previous cancer treatments.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis varies; approximately 60-70% achieve remission with R-CHOP therapy. Advanced stage, high-risk genetic markers, and refractory disease worsen outcomes.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Relapse, tumor lysis syndrome, secondary infections, organ dysfunction, and therapy-related secondary cancers.

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL)

Specialty: Hematology

Category: Stem Cells and Disorders

Symptoms:
swollen lymph nodes; fever; night sweats; unintended weight loss; fatigue; itchy skin; abdominal pain or swelling

Root Cause:
Abnormal proliferation of lymphocytes, often linked to genetic mutations, immune system dysfunction, or exposure to certain infections (e.g., Epstein-Barr virus).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical examination, blood tests, imaging studies (CT, PET), lymph node biopsy, bone marrow biopsy.

Treatment:
Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplant in advanced cases.

Medications:
Rituximab (monoclonal antibody), CHOP regimen (cyclophosphamide , doxorubicin , vincristine , prednisone ), other targeted therapies like ibrutinib or lenalidomide .

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 4% of all cancers in the U.S.; more common in men and older adults.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age over 60, weakened immune system, infections (HIV, EBV, H. pylori), exposure to chemicals or radiation, family history of lymphoma.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies widely based on subtype and stage; 5-year survival rate is around 73% overall but higher for indolent forms.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Increased risk of infections, secondary malignancies, organ dysfunction due to metastasis, treatment-related side effects.

Bartonellosis (Bartonella Infection)

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Bacterial Infections

Symptoms:
fever; malaise; swollen lymph nodes; skin lesions; bone pain; neurological symptoms in severe cases

Root Cause:
Infection by Bartonella species, transmitted by vectors such as fleas or sandflies. Notable forms include cat scratch disease (Bartonella henselae) and Carrion's disease (Bartonella bacilliformis).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood cultures, serological testing, and PCR for Bartonella DNA.

Treatment:
Antibiotic therapy and symptomatic management.

Medications:
Azithromycin (macrolide) for mild cases; doxycycline (tetracycline ) combined with rifampin for severe or systemic infections.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Variable; more common in regions with endemic transmission or vector exposure.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Exposure to infected animals (e.g., cats), vector bites, or immunosuppression.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally favorable with treatment; severe forms require intensive management.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Endocarditis, neurological dysfunction, or vascular lesions in severe cases.

Group A Streptococcal (GAS) Infections

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Bacterial Infections

Symptoms:
sore throat; fever; red rash (scarlet fever); swollen lymph nodes; skin infections; muscle pain

Root Cause:
Caused by Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria, which produce toxins leading to localized or systemic infections.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Throat culture, rapid antigen detection tests (RADT), and blood tests for severe infections.

Treatment:
Antibiotics are the mainstay, with supportive care for symptoms. Surgical intervention may be required for necrotizing fasciitis.

Medications:
Penicillin or amoxicillin (beta-lactam antibiotics) as first-line treatment. For penicillin-allergic patients, macrolides such as azithromycin or clindamycin can be prescribed.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Widespread globally, affecting millions annually. Common in children and can lead to outbreaks in schools or communities.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Close contact with infected individuals, crowded living conditions, breaks in the skin.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with early treatment. Complications can arise if untreated, such as rheumatic fever or post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Rheumatic fever, post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, toxic shock syndrome, and necrotizing fasciitis.

Bacterial Pharyngitis

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: HEENT Infections

Symptoms:
sore throat; fever; difficulty swallowing; swollen lymph nodes; red throat with or without exudates

Root Cause:
Inflammation of the pharynx caused by bacterial pathogens, most commonly Group A Streptococcus (GAS).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Rapid antigen detection test (RADT) for GAS; throat culture as the gold standard.

Treatment:
Antibiotic therapy to eradicate the infection, reduce symptoms, and prevent complications.

Medications:
Penicillin V or amoxicillin is the first-line treatment. For penicillin-allergic patients, alternatives include azithromycin or clindamycin (macrolide and lincosamide antibiotics, respectively).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
GAS causes 20-30% of pharyngitis in children and 5-15% in adults.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Close contact with infected individuals, young age, crowded living conditions.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with prompt treatment; untreated infections may lead to complications like rheumatic fever or glomerulonephritis.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Rheumatic fever, post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, peritonsillar abscess.

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.

Mycobacterium Haemophilum Infection

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Mycobacterial Infections

Symptoms:
skin lesions; arthritis; osteomyelitis; fever; swollen lymph nodes

Root Cause:
Caused by Mycobacterium haemophilum, which is an opportunistic pathogen, primarily affecting immunocompromised individuals.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Culture on iron-enriched media or molecular diagnostic methods such as PCR; biopsy of infected tissue.

Treatment:
Combination antibiotic therapy tailored based on susceptibility testing.

Medications:
Antibiotics such as clarithromycin (macrolide), rifampin (rifamycin ), and ethambutol (antimycobacterial agent) are commonly prescribed.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare; most cases occur in immunocompromised patients, particularly those undergoing chemotherapy or organ transplantation.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Immunosuppression, cancer, HIV/AIDS, organ transplantation, or use of immunosuppressive therapy.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Variable; good with appropriate treatment but may be severe or fatal in severely immunocompromised individuals.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Disseminated infection, chronic skin or bone involvement, and systemic disease.

Leishmaniasis

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Parasitic Infections

Symptoms:
fever; weight loss; swollen lymph nodes; skin sores; enlarged spleen and liver; anemia; fatigue

Root Cause:
Infection caused by Leishmania parasites transmitted through the bite of infected sandflies.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Microscopic examination of tissue samples, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), serological tests, or parasite culture.

Treatment:
Antiparasitic medications, supportive care for organ involvement, and wound management for skin lesions.

Medications:
Pentavalent antimonials (e.g., sodium stibogluconate, meglumine antimoniate), liposomal amphotericin B (especially for visceral leishmaniasis), miltefosine (an oral antiprotozoal), paromomycin (an aminoglycoside antibiotic).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Endemic in tropical and subtropical regions, affecting over 12 million people globally, with 1–2 million new cases annually.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Poor housing, malnutrition, deforestation, exposure to sandfly habitats, immunosuppression (e.g., HIV co-infection).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Treatable with timely medical intervention; visceral leishmaniasis can be fatal without treatment.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis, secondary infections, organ damage, and chronic skin ulcers.

Toxoplasmosis

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Parasitic Infections

Symptoms:
mild flu-like symptoms; swollen lymph nodes; muscle aches; fever

Root Cause:
Caused by Toxoplasma gondii, transmitted through undercooked meat, cat feces, or congenital infection.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests for antibodies, PCR tests, and imaging for severe cases.

Treatment:
Treatment depends on severity and includes antiparasitic and antibiotic combinations.

Medications:
Pyrimethamine (antimalarial), sulfadiazine (antibiotic), and folinic acid for combination therapy.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately 30% of the global population is exposed; prevalence varies by region.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Contact with cat feces, undercooked meat, and weakened immune system.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Good in healthy individuals; severe or congenital cases may lead to long-term complications.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Encephalitis, vision problems, and severe outcomes in immunocompromised individuals.

Cat Scratch Disease (Cat Scratch Fever)

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Skin and Soft-Tissue Infections

Symptoms:
swollen lymph nodes; fever; fatigue; headaches; blister or papule at the site of the scratch or bite

Root Cause:
Infection by Bartonella henselae, transmitted through cat scratches, bites, or flea contact.

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

Treatment:
Supportive care for mild cases; antibiotics for severe or systemic disease.

Medications:
Azithromycin (macrolide antibiotic) is the first-line treatment; doxycycline or rifampin may be used for severe cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Relatively rare, most common in children and young adults.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Cat ownership, exposure to kittens or flea-infested cats.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent in most cases; symptoms typically resolve with or without treatment.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Rarely, encephalitis, endocarditis, or Parinaud's oculoglandular syndrome.

Scarlet Fever

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Bacterial Infections

Symptoms:
fever; red, sandpaper-like rash; sore throat; strawberry tongue; swollen lymph nodes

Root Cause:
Infection with Streptococcus pyogenes producing erythrogenic toxin.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical features; throat culture or rapid strep test to confirm streptococcal infection.

Treatment:
Antibiotics to eradicate the bacteria and prevent complications.

Medications:
Penicillin or amoxicillin (beta-lactam antibiotics); azithromycin (macrolide) for penicillin-allergic individuals.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Less common in developed countries due to antibiotic use; outbreaks still occur.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Recent strep throat infection, close contact with infected individuals.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent with antibiotic treatment; resolves within 1–2 weeks.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Rheumatic fever, post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, or abscess formation.

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Infectious Mononucleosis

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Viral Infections

Symptoms:
fatigue; fever; sore throat; swollen lymph nodes; splenomegaly; rash

Root Cause:
EBV infection targets B lymphocytes, causing an immune response that leads to widespread inflammation and systemic symptoms.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Monospot test, EBV serology (antibody testing), complete blood count (CBC) with atypical lymphocytosis.

Treatment:
Supportive care (hydration, rest, antipyretics). Corticosteroids in severe cases of airway obstruction.

Medications:
No specific antiviral therapy; symptomatic treatment includes NSAIDs like ibuprofen or acetaminophen for fever and sore throat.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 90–95% of the global population at some point in life; symptomatic mono occurs primarily in adolescents and young adults.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Close contact with infected individuals, immunosuppression, and young age (15–25 years).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Excellent in most cases, with symptoms resolving within 2–4 weeks; fatigue may persist longer.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Splenic rupture, secondary bacterial infections, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, and rarely, lymphoma.

Herpes Simplex

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Viral Infections

Symptoms:
painful blisters or sores around the mouth or genitals; itching or tingling sensations; fever; swollen lymph nodes; pain during urination (genital hsv)

Root Cause:
Caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), primarily HSV-1 (oral herpes) and HSV-2 (genital herpes). The virus infects nerve cells and establishes latency, reactivating under certain conditions.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is through clinical examination, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, viral culture, or serology for HSV antibodies.

Treatment:
Antiviral therapy to reduce symptoms and frequency of outbreaks; suppressive therapy for recurrent cases.

Medications:
Antiviral medications such as acyclovir (a nucleoside analog), valacyclovir (a prodrug of acyclovir ), and famciclovir (a guanosine analog). These drugs reduce viral replication and alleviate symptoms.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Approximately two-thirds of the global population under 50 years old have HSV-1, and 11% have HSV-2.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Unprotected sexual contact, sharing personal items (e.g., razors, towels), weakened immune systems, and contact with infected individuals.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Lifelong infection with periodic outbreaks; symptoms can be managed with treatment, and suppressive therapy can reduce recurrence and transmission risk.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Severe infections in immunocompromised individuals, neonatal herpes, herpetic keratitis (eye infection), and increased risk of HIV transmission.

Human Cowpox Infection

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Viral Infections

Sub-category: Zoonotic Infections

Symptoms:
skin lesions; fever; headache; muscle aches; fatigue; swollen lymph nodes; blistering rash

Root Cause:
Infection with the cowpox virus, a zoonotic poxvirus primarily transmitted from animals (particularly rodents or cats) to humans through direct contact.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is based on clinical presentation and confirmed with PCR or viral culture of the lesion.

Treatment:
Symptomatic treatment; in severe cases, antiviral drugs like tecovirimat (a smallpox drug) may be used.

Medications:
Tecovirimat (a drug used to treat orthopoxvirus infections like smallpox and cowpox) and cidofovir (an antiviral). Supportive care may include analgesics and wound care.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Rare, with most cases occurring in people with direct contact with infected animals.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Animal exposure, particularly handling infected rodents or pets with cowpox lesions.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally self-limiting, with most people recovering fully; however, complications can arise if untreated.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Secondary bacterial infections, scarring, or prolonged skin lesions in immunocompromised individuals.

Human Herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) Infection

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: Viral Infections

Sub-category: Herpesviridae Infections

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Roseola Infantum

Specialty: Infectious Diseases

Category: COVID-19 Reinfections

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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