| Acne |
A skin condition that occurs due to overproduction of oil by the glands of the skin producing pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads on the surface of the skin. |
| AIDS |
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome is the final and most serious stage of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus which causes severe damage to the immune system. |
| Allergies |
An immune system reaction to a typically harmless substance. The immune system is treating an allergen as an unwanted invader and thus has an allergic reaction. |
| Alzheimer's |
A slowly progressive form of dementia, which is a progressive, acquired impairment of intellectual functions. Memory impairment is a necessary feature for diagnosis. |
| Amnesia |
A condition characterized by a loss of memory for long or short intervals of time. May be caused by injury, shock, senility, severe illness, or mental disease. |
| Anemia |
A lower than normal number of red blood cells (erythrocytes) in the blood, usually measured by a decrease in the amount of hemoglobin. |
| Anthrax |
An infectious disease caused by the spore-forming bacteria called Bacillus anthracis. Humans get skin(cutaneious anthrax), gastrointestinal tract, or the lungs. |
| Appendicitis |
A sudden inflammation of the appendix, a small, finger shaped tube that branches off the large intestine. Usually causing emergency abdominal surgery. |
| Arteriosclerosis |
The thickening, hardening, and loss of elasticity of the walls of the blood vessels causing the passageways through the vessels to narrow. |
| Arthritis |
Joint inflammation that is painful, warm to the touch, possibly red, swollen, and associated with a loss of function. May be affected by 100 or more different conditions. |
| Asthma |
A condition that affects the air passages of the lungs. The air passages inflame, becoming red and swollen and become over extra sensitive to a number of things. |
| Autism |
A complex developmental disorder that usually appears in the first 3 years of life. It affects the brain's normal development of social and communication skills. |
| Autoimmune diseases |
Caused by an immune response against the body's own tissues. The immune response may be inappropriate, excessive, or lacking. |
| Back Pain |
Caused by a number of factors from injuries to the effects of aging. May be a sprain, or strain causing either Neuropathic pain or Nociceptive pain. |
| Bad breath |
Halitosis, maybe caused by poor oral hygiene, gum disease, eating certain foods, tobacco and alcohol products, dry mouth, systemic diseases like cancer, diabetes... |
| Baker's cyst |
An accumulation of joint fluid (synovial fluid) that forms behind the knee. |
| Bell's Palsy |
Named after Sir Charles Bell, a Scottish surgeon - a condition that causes the facial muscles to weaken or become paralyzed, and is not permanent. |
| Bipolar disorder |
A chronic disease causing pathological mood swings from mania to depression, with a pattern of exacerbation and remission that are sometimes cyclic. |
| Bladder dysfunction |
Also called Urinary Incontinence - Loss of bladder control, common in older people but not caused by age. Women are more likely to have this treatable condition. |
| Blindness |
The definition for Legal Blindness is used to determine who can get government services for the blind. Only 1 in 10 people who are legally blind see nothing at all. |
| Breast cancer |
Cancer affecting the breast mostly in women, occasionally in men. Cells in the breast tissue that change or grow out of control and function are called tumors. |
| Breathing difficulties |
A sensation of difficult or uncomfortable breathing or a feeling of not getting enough air. Other forms are Wheezing, Rapid breathing, Apnea and lung diseases. |
| Bronchitis |
An inflammation of the bronchi- the main air passages to the lungs. Acute bronchitis follows viral respiratory infections, while chronic cases are long term and excessive. |
| Cataract |
A cloudy or opaque area in the lens of the eye. Adult cataracts are classified as immature, mature, and hyper mature. |
| Cavities |
Tooth decay. There are three basic types; Coronal cavities (on chewing surfaces), Root cavities, and Recurrent decay (forms around existing fillings and crowns). |
| Cervical cancer |
Caused by the abnormal growth and division of cells that make up the cervix (the narrow, lower end of the uterus 'womb'). |
| Chronic fatigue syndrome |
A condition of prolonged and severe tiredness or weariness (fatigue) that is not relieved by rest and is not caused by other conditions. |
| Cold |
Slang term to describe a viral upper respiratory infection resulting from inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nasal cavity. |
| Cold sores |
Herpes labialis is an infection caused by the herpes simplex virus, an eruption of small and usually painful blisters on the lips, mouth, gums and around the mouth. |
| Colitis |
Also known as Ulcerative colitis. A condition affecting the large intestine- the rectum and colon. Inflammation occurs and ulcers develop causing a list of symptoms. |
| Congestive heart failure |
General term describing heart failure, referring to the fluid in the lungs or body that results from the heart's inability to pump. |
| Constipation |
Passage of small amount of hard, dry bowel movements, usually fewer than three times a week. Having bowel movements may be difficult and painful. |
| Coronary artery disease |
A disease that develops when one or more of the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrower than they used to be. |
| Cough |
A sudden, often involuntary, forceful release of air from the lungs. If producing and expelling something it is "productive" and usually should not be suppressed by drugs. |
| Cysts |
A closed pocket or pouch of tissue. It can be filled with air, fluid, pus, or other material and may form within any tissue in the body. |
| Deafness |
Hearing loss is often classified in various categories such as Mild, Moderate, Severe, and Profound which is measured in decibels ranging from approx. 25db to 95db+. |
| Dementia |
A group of symptoms involving progressive impairment of all aspects of brain function. Few are treated and most are progressive, irreversible, degenerative conditions. |
| Diabetes |
A problem with the body's fuel system. It is caused by lack of insulin, a hormone made in the pancreas (an organ that secretes enzymes needed for digestion). |
| Diarrhea |
Loose watery stools occurring more than 3 times a day and usually lasting a day or two - may cause dehydration but generally goes away on its own. |
| Dyslexia |
Having difficulty processing information "difficulty with words". It affects the skills needed for learning to read, write and spell. |
| Ear ache |
Generally caused by a Middle Ear Infection (Otitis media) accompanied by achiness, fever, sleeplessness, redness of the eardrum, and fluid behind the eardrum. |
| Eczema |
Atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin disorder categorized by scaly and itching rashes. A hypersensitivity reaction occurs in the skin, causing chronic inflammation. |
| Edema |
Swelling involves the enlargement of organs, skin, or other body structures caused by excessive buildup of fluid in the tissues and can be generalized or localized. |
| Emphysema |
A lung disease which involves damage to the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs. Unable to completely deflate, therefore unable to fill with fresh air to ensure adequate oxygen. |
| Endometriosis |
A condition in which the tissue that normally lines the uterus (endometrial) grows in other areas of the body, causing pain, irregular bleeding, and frequently infertility. |
| Epilepsy |
A disorder involving repeated seizures of any type. Seizures (fits) are episodes of disturbed brain function that causes changes in attention and/or behavior. |
| Fainting |
A temporary loss of consciousness due to a drop in blood flow to the brain. The episode is usually brief and is followed by rapid and complete recovery. |
| Fever |
Normal body temperature varies with an average of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 Centigrade), 99-100 degrees Fahrenheit maybe low-grade fever, 100+ is a classified fever. |
| Flu |
A common viral infection of the nose, throat and lungs which often occurs in the winter. There are three main viruses, Influenza A, B, and C. |
| Gas |
Intestinal gas, is the exhaust fume of digestion and is produced by bacteria in the colon and is made up of hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and methane. |
| Gingivitis |
An inflammation of the gums - is the initial stage of gum disease and the easiest to treat. Caused by plaque- a bacteria that forms constantly on the teeth and gums. |
| Glaucoma |
A name for a group of diseases that can destroy the optic nerve, the main nerve of the eye and may lead to irreversible blindness (almost always preventable). |
| Gout |
Acute Gouty Arthritis is the attack of a metabolic disease marked by uric acid deposits in the joints. Painful arthritis, especially in the joints of the feet and legs. |
| Gum disease |
Earliest stage, your gums might swell and bleed easily. At worst, you might lose your teeth. Two main stages are Gingivitis and Periodontitis, both need attention. |
| Hair loss |
Most common is (androgenetic alopecia) male pattern baldness, other types are (alopecia areata) patchy hair loss, and (telogen effluvium) temporary hair loss. |
| Hay fever |
Seasonal allergic rhinitis "hay fever" is an inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the nose, causing sneezing, itching, runny nose and nasal congestion. |
| Headaches |
Any pain in the head associated with any cause. Muscle contraction and vascular problems usually cause tension headaches and cluster (migraine) headaches. |
| Heart attack |
Occurs when there is sudden blockage of blood flow to a portion of the heart resulting in severe chest pain, sweating, nausea, weakness, and shortness of breath. |
| Heart disease |
A variety of disorders and conditions that can affect the heart. Most common is coronary heart disease. |
| Hemorrhoids |
A condition where the veins around the anus or lower rectum are swollen and inflamed. Strain, pregnancy, age, and chronic bowel conditions are contributing causes. |
| Hepatitis |
Inflammation of the liver caused by infections with various organisms, including bacteria, viruses (Hepatitis A, B, C, etc.), or parasites. |
| Hernia |
An inguinal hernia is when a loop of intestine enters the inguinal canal, a tubular passage through the lower layers of the abdominal wall. |
| High blood pressure |
"Hypertension", a disorder generally including systolic blood pressure ( the "top" number of your blood pressure measurement, the pressure when the heart beats). |
| High cholesterol |
Too much cholesterol, a waxy material found in all parts of the body, can cause heart disease by building up on the artery walls and block blood flow to the heart. |
| Hip fractures |
The upper femur is normally one of the strongest bones in the body. Osteoporosis is the underlying cause in most cases and usually requires hospitalization. |
| Hives |
Also called Urticaria, raised red welts of various size on the surface of the skin, usually in batches, often itchy with localized swelling, which can come and go. |
| Hypertension |
Also known as high blood pressure. Occurs when the blood pressing on the inside of the arteries (blood vessels) is higher than normal. You may not show symptoms. |
| Hypoglycemia |
Occurs when your body's blood sugar, or glucose is abnormally low. The term insulin shock is used to describe severe hypoglycemia that results in unconsciousness. |
| Impotence |
Involves the inability to achieve and maintain penile erection sufficient to complete satisfactory intercourse. "Sexual dysfunction- male; Erectile dysfunction. |
| Indigestion |
Also known as upset stomach or dyspepsia, is a discomfort or a burning feeling in the upper abdomen, often accompanied by nausea, abdominal bloating, and belching. |
| Inflammation |
Describes an area on the body that is swollen, red, hot, and in pain. |
| Inflammatory bowel disease |
Includes Crohn's Disease and ulcerative colitis. Two similar conditions of inflammation in the large intestine (colon) and rectum. |
| Insomnia |
Sleeping difficulty; Chronic and persistent difficulty in either falling asleep, remaining asleep through the night, or waking up too early. |
| Irregular periods |
Most women develop a menstrual cycle pattern. Typically occurring about every 28 days and lasting about 5 days, changes in this pattern may be considered irregular. |
| Kidney disease |
Any disease or disorder that affects the function of the kidneys such as, acute kidney failure, atheroembolic renal disease, acute nephritic syndrome, and kidney cancer. |
| Kidney stones |
A condition in which one or more stones are present in the pelvis or calyces of the kidney or in the ureter. Also called Renal calculi. Overly concentrated urine substance. |
| Lactose intolerance |
The inability to digest significant amounts of lactose, the predominant sugar of milk, generally resulting from a shortage of the enzyme lactase. |
| Laryngitis |
An inflammation of the larynx (voice box) generally associated with hoarseness or loss of voice. May be viral, bacterial, part of a cold, bronchitis, flu, or pneumonia. |
| Legionnaire's disease |
Legionellosis is an infection caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila. Legionnaires' disease is a severe infection including pneumonia. |
| Leprosy |
(Hansen's disease) An infectious disease known since Biblical times, characterized by disfiguring skin lesions, peripheral nerve damage, and progressive debilitation. |
| Leukemia |
Any of a group of diseases of the reticuloendothelial system involving uncontrolled proliferation of white blood cells (leukocytes). |
| Lime (Lime) disease |
A bacterial illness caused by 'spirochete' that is transmitted to humans from the bite of a deer tick causing abnormalities in the skin, joints, heart and nervous system. |
| Liver cancer |
Abnormal cellular growth forming a mass (tumor), often times spreading from another location via the bloodstream to the liver. Some symptoms are pain, fever, jaundice. |
| Lou Gehrig's disease |
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a rapidly progressive, invariable fatal neurological disease that attacks the nerve cells responsible for voluntary muscles. |
| Low back pain |
Chronic ache in the lower back, especially after sitting or standing for an extended period of time. Pain may be sharp, persistent, and localized. |
| Lung cancer |
An uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in one or both lungs. Most common type is Non-small-cell lung cancer which grows and spreads more slowly. |
| Lupus |
A chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disorder that may affect many organ systems including the skin, joints and internal organs. |
| Measles |
A highly contagious viral illness characterized by a fever, cough, conjunctivitis (redness and irritation in membranes of the eyes), and spreading rash. |
| Melanoma |
A malignant (cancerous) pigmented tumor of the skin that involves the cells that produce pigment (melanin). Skin cancer. It is an aggressive type of cancer. |
| Menstrual cramps |
Dysmenorrhea - painful periods, including severe cramps usually caused by a hormone called prostaglandin. |
| Mental disorders |
Psychiatric illness or diseases manifested by breakdowns in the adaptation process expressed primarily as abnormalities of thought, feeling, and behavior. |
| Mental retardation |
Below-average general intellectual function with associated deficits in adaptive behavior that occurs before age 18. Failure to adapt normally and grow mentally. |
| Migraine headaches |
Repeated or recurrent headaches, possibly due to temporary changes in the brain's blood vessels. They occur with nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light. |
| Mood swings |
The manic phase is characterized by elevated mood (hyperactivity), the depressive phase has a loss of self-esteem, with a tendency to be easily distracted, withdrawal. |
| Morning sickness |
Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy which often occurs in the morning. Usually begins during the first month of pregnancy and continues until the 14th to 16th week. |
| Multiple sclerosis |
A disorder of the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) caused by progressive damage to the outer covering of nerve cells (myelin). |
| Mumps |
A sudden illness caused by the virus paramyxovirus that is spread by direct contact as well as by air and saliva inflaming salivary glands and other tissues. |
| Muscular dystrophy |
A group of disorders characterized by progressive muscle weakness and loss of muscle tissue. |
| Narcolepsy |
A sleep disorder associated with uncontrollable sleepiness and frequent daytime sleeping, usually preceded by drowsiness. |
| Nausea |
An unpleasant sensation, vaguely referred to the epigastrium (upper central region) and abdomen and often culminating in vomiting. |
| Nose bleeds |
Bleeding from the nose. An abundant supply of tiny blood vessels makes the nose particularly vulnerable to bleeding. |
| Osteoporosis |
A disease where you lose bone tissue. It happens when the body does not make enough new bone, also when too much old bone is reabsorbed by the body. |
| Ovarian cancer |
Often found as a tumor (lump). Normal cells divide (split) in a planned way making more when needed. Cancer happens when cells grow and divide out of control or order. |
| Ovarian cysts |
Common growths that may occur on an ovary. It is a fluid-filled sac, like a blister. Cysts are usually harmless and go away in a few months. |
| Palpitations |
A pounding or racing feeling in your heart. You may feel that your heartbeat is not normal. You may feel a flip-flopping feeling in your chest. Usually not a serious problem |
| Pancreatitis |
When the pancreas ( an organ that makes insulin and other enzymes for digestion) is irritated (inflamed). This may come and go, or happen just once. |
| Parkinson's disease |
A slowly progressive disease of the brain. Causes trouble with normal body movement. Tremors or shaking are early signs. It may be treated but has no known cure. |
| Pinkeye |
Acute contagious conjunctivitis, marked by intense hyperemia ( an excess of blood) and profuse mucopurulent ( mucus and pus) discharge at the eye area. |
| Pneumonia |
An inflammation of the lungs caused by bacterial, viral or fungal infection. Also called Pneumonitis; Bronchopneumonia; Community acquired pneumonia. |
| Polio |
Poliomyelitis is a disorder caused by a viral infection (poliovirus) that can affect the whole body, including muscle and nerves. Severe cases cause paralysis. |
| Postpartum depression |
Many new mothers feel sad, afraid, angry, or nervous after their baby is born. Baby 'blues' are very common. Depression is when these blues don't go away or get worse. |
| Premenstrual syndrome |
Known as 'PMS', symptoms may begin 1 to 2 weeks before your monthly period. It can affect how you act or feel and usually goes away after your period starts. |
| Prostate cancer |
Starts as a tumor (lump) with no early signs. Cancer cells grow and divide without order or control. The prostate gland is a male sex gland that helps make semen (cum). |
| Psoriasis |
A long-term skin disease you may get at any age. Usually looks like red, raised, itchy patches on your skin. The red areas are covered with silver-colored scales. |
| Rabies virus |
A frequently-fatal acute viral infection which can be transmitted to humans by infected animals (often dogs or bats) via a bite or exposure of broken skin. |
| Rash |
Involves changes in the color or texture of the skin. Cause may be determined from its visible characteristics and other coexisting symptoms. Redness, inflammation. |
| Rheumatic fever |
A systemic inflammatory disease which may develop after an infection with streptococcus bacteria (such as strep throat or scarlet fever) and can affect other body parts. |
| Rheumatism |
A general disease that is painful, often multiple, local inflammations, usually affecting the joints and muscles, but also extending sometimes to the deeper organs. |
| Rickets |
A childhood disorder involving softening and weakening of the bones, primarily caused by lack of vitamin D, calcium, and/or phosphate. |
| Ringworm |
An infection of the skin caused by a fungus. Common among children, but may affect people of all ages. |
| Rubella virus |
Known as German measles or 3 day measles. Usually an infection of young children. Usually a rash of tiny, flat or slightly raised, pink-red spots all over the body. |
| Sarcoma |
A form of cancer that arises in the supportive tissues such as bone, cartilage, fat, or muscle. |
| Scarlet fever |
A disease caused by an infection of the throat with group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal bacteria (strep throat). |
| Schizophrenia |
A long-term mental illness. Makes it difficult to know what is real and what isn't. Affects one's behavior. There is treatment, but no known cure. |
| Scoliosis |
A lateral (away from the middle) or sideways curvature of the spine. Generally either congenital, neuromuscular, or idiopathic (unknown). |
| Seasonal affective disorder |
A form of depression that recurs with a fall-winter onset and a spring-summer remission (also known as SAD). More serious than "winter blahs" or cabin fever. |
| Seizures |
A seizure or convulsion can be a sudden, violent, uncontrollable contraction of a group of muscles. May be a brief "loss of contact" or the appearance of a day dream. |
| Senile |
Pertaining to old age- affected with the infirmities (feeble and unsound) of old age. Senile weakness; characteristic of becoming old. |
| Sexual difficulties |
Problems or difficulties during any stage of the sexual act (which includes desire, arousal, orgasm, and resolution) preventing the individual or couple from enjoying sex. |
| Sickle cell disease |
An inherited, chronic disease in which the red blood cells, normally disc-shaped, become crescent shaped. They function abnormally and cause small blood clots. |
| Small pox |
A viral disease characterized by a skin rash and a high death rate. Also called Variola- major and minor. |
| Spina bifida |
A congenital disorder (birth defect) where the backbone and spinal cord do not close before birth, resulting in the spinal cord and its covering membranes to protrude out. |
| Spotted fever |
An acute feverish disease initially recognized in the Rocky Mountain states caused by aerobic bacteria and transmitted by hard-shelled ticks. |
| Strep throat |
Streptococcal pharyngitis; an inflammation (irritation and swelling with the presence of extra immune cells) of the pharynx (part of throat between tonsils and larynx). |
| Stroke |
A cardiovascular disease. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that brings oxygen and nutrients to the brain bursts or is clogged by a blood clot or some other mass. |
| Tapeworms |
Also known as cestodes, ribbon-shaped segmented worms which inhabit the intestinal tract of many vertebrates (including humans) |
| Tay-Sachs disease |
Caused by a deficiency of hexosaminidase, an enzyme that is important in the metabolism of gangliosides (a type of chemical substance found in nerve tissue). |
| Thrombosis |
Obstruction of an artery or vein by a blood clot (thrombus). Arterial thrombosis is generally more serious because the oxygen and nutrition supply to an area is haltered. |
| Thrush |
Oral thrush is caused by a fungus called Candida albicans. Low resistance to infection can cause this fungus to grow, leading to lesions in your mouth and tongue. |
| Tooth decay |
A lay term for carious lesions in a tooth; decomposition of tooth structure. |
| Toothache |
A pain in or about the tooth. Generally the result of tooth decay or sometimes an infection. Radiating pain from other locations is sometimes perceived to be from teeth. |
| Toxic shock syndrome |
A severe disease caused by a toxin made by Staphylococcus aureus, characterized by shock and multiple organ dysfunction. Also called TSS. |
| Tubal pregnancies |
Also called Ectopic pregnancy, occurring when the fertilized egg implants in tissue outside of the uterus and the placenta and fetus begin to develop there. |
| Tuberculosis |
Also called TB, Pulmonary tuberculosis is a contagious bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The lungs are primarily involved but it can spread. |
| Tumors |
A growth of tissue that forms an abnormal mass. Tumors generally provide no useful function and grow at the expense of healthy tissues. |
| Typhoid fever |
Also called Enteric fever. A bacterium infection characterized by diarrhea, systemic disease, and a rash - most commonly caused by the bacteria Salmonella typhi. |
| Upper respiratory infections |
Also known as 'common cold'. Affects your nose, throat, ears, and sinuses. It is viral and may be passed from person to person by coughing, sneezing or touching hands |
| Urinary tract infection |
Caused by microorganisms (bacteria, usually originating in the bowels) and traveling into the urethra, bladder, or kidneys. |
| Vaginitis |
An infection of the vagina that does not include the urinary tract. Symptoms may include itching, pain, vaginal odor, and a vaginal discharge. |
| Varicose veins |
Enlarged, Painful, Twisted veins, Superficial, Blood pooling, Valve dysfunction |
| Vertigo |
Dizziness- may happen once in a while or it may be present most of the time. Feels like the room is spinning or whirling. You may feel lightheaded or faint. |
| Vomiting |
Also known as throwing up. It happens when the stomach gets rid of what is in it. Too much of this can cause dehydration. Many conditions cause an upset stomach. |
| Vulvovaginitis |
Inflammation and infection of the vulva and vagina, causing itching, irritation, or pain in the external genital area (vulva) and pain in the vagina during intercourse. |
| Warts |
A benign skin growth caused by a virus. Not highly contagious, but can be transmitted from person to person. |
| Whooping cough |
Also called Pertussis, a highly contagious disease which affects the respiratory system and produces spasms of coughing that usually end in a high-pitched "whoop". |
| Yeast infection |
A common type of vulvovaginitis, a result of excessive growth of a family of fungi that normally live and thrive in the vagina. |
| Yellow fever |
A viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes and characterized by fever, jaundice, kidney failure, and bleeding. |