Blood (haematology)
Bacteraemia
Infectious · Acute
The presence of bacteria in the bloodstream, which can be harmless and brief or lead to serious infection and sepsis.
GeoMed · Disease encyclopedia
Disease encyclopedia
Causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment approaches and prevention for common conditions. Browse A–Z, by body system, or search.
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Cardiovascular system
Cardiomyopathy (dilated)
Non-infectious · Chronic
A weakened, enlarged heart muscle that pumps poorly.
Mental health
Cardiovascular system
Cardiac tamponade
Non-infectious · Acute
Fluid around the heart that squeezes it and stops it filling.
Blood (haematology)
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Blood (haematology)
Amyloidosis
Non-infectious · Chronic
A group of rare conditions in which abnormal proteins called amyloid build up in organs and tissues, affecting how they work.
Blood (haematology)
Anaemia
Non-infectious · Chronic
Imagine feeling exhausted all the time, no matter how much sleep you get. You might think it's stress or just part of life, but for millions of people worldwide, it could be anemia. In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that over 1.6 billion people suffer from anemia, with iron-deficiency anemia being the most common. It's not just about feeling tired; it can lead to serious health issues if left untreated. This condition is more than just a minor inconvenience, it’s a signal from your body that something needs attention. Let’s dive into what anemia really is, its causes, symptoms, and how you can take action to prevent and treat it. Your health is too important to ignore!
Blood (haematology)
Anaemia of chronic disease
Non-infectious · Chronic
A common type of anaemia caused by long-term inflammation, infection, cancer or kidney disease, which reduces the body's ability to use iron.
Blood (haematology)
Antiphospholipid syndrome
Non-infectious · Chronic
An autoimmune condition in which antibodies make the blood more likely to clot, causing thrombosis and pregnancy complications.
Cardiovascular system
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Blood (haematology)
Amyloidosis
Non-infectious · Chronic
A group of rare conditions in which abnormal proteins called amyloid build up in organs and tissues, affecting how they work.
Cardiovascular system
Angina
Non-infectious · Chronic
Chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, usually brought on by exertion and relieved by rest.
Cardiovascular system
Aortic coarctation in adults
Non-infectious · Chronic
A narrowing of the aorta, present from birth, that may only be found in adulthood, often because of high blood pressure in the arms.
Cardiovascular system
Aortic dissection
Non-infectious · Acute
A tear in the inner layer of the aorta that allows blood to split the layers of the artery wall, a life-threatening emergency.
Respiratory system
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Respiratory system
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
Non-infectious · Chronic
An inherited condition in which low levels of a protective protein lead to lung damage (emphysema) and sometimes liver disease.
Respiratory system
Anthrax
Infectious · Acute
A serious bacterial infection caused by Bacillus anthracis, caught mainly from infected animals or animal products.
Respiratory system
Asbestosis
Non-infectious · Chronic
A long-term lung disease caused by breathing in asbestos fibres, leading to scarring and stiffening of the lungs.
Respiratory system
Aspergillosis
Infectious · Acute or chronic
A group of conditions caused by the Aspergillus mould, ranging from allergic reactions to serious lung infections in people with weak immunity.
Endocrine system
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Endocrine system
Adrenal insufficiency (secondary)
Non-infectious · Chronic
A lack of cortisol caused by the pituitary or hypothalamus not stimulating the adrenal glands, often after long-term steroid use.
Endocrine system
Amenorrhoea
Non-infectious · Chronic
Absence of periods, either because they never started by age 15 or because they stopped for three months or more.
Endocrine system
Type 1 diabetes
Non-infectious · Chronic
An autoimmune condition where the body cannot make insulin.
Urinary system
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Urinary system
Alport syndrome
Non-infectious · Chronic
An inherited condition affecting a type of collagen in the kidneys, ears and eyes, causing kidney disease and hearing loss.
Blood (haematology)
Amyloidosis
Non-infectious · Chronic
A group of rare conditions in which abnormal proteins called amyloid build up in organs and tissues, affecting how they work.
Urinary system
Benign prostatic hyperplasia
Non-infectious · Chronic
Non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland in older men, which can cause problems passing urine.
Urinary system
Bladder cancer
Non-infectious · Chronic
Cancer that starts in the lining of the bladder, most often causing painless blood in the urine, and strongly linked to smoking.
Digestive system
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Digestive system
Alcoholic liver disease
Non-infectious · Chronic
Liver damage caused by drinking too much alcohol over time, progressing from fatty liver to hepatitis and cirrhosis.
Digestive system
Alcohol use disorder
Non-infectious · Chronic
A medical condition in which a person has difficulty controlling their drinking despite harm to their health, relationships or responsibilities.
Respiratory system
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
Non-infectious · Chronic
An inherited condition in which low levels of a protective protein lead to lung damage (emphysema) and sometimes liver disease.
Digestive system
Amoebiasis
Infectious · Acute
An intestinal infection with the parasite Entamoeba histolytica, causing diarrhoea, dysentery and sometimes liver abscess.
Nervous system
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Nervous system
Absence seizures
Non-infectious · Chronic
Brief episodes of blank staring caused by sudden bursts of abnormal brain activity, most common in children.
Nervous system
African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness)
Infectious · Chronic
A parasitic infection spread by tsetse flies in sub-Saharan Africa, which can invade the brain and is fatal without treatment.
Nervous system
Alcohol withdrawal
Non-infectious · Acute
Symptoms that occur when someone who is physically dependent on alcohol suddenly stops or cuts down, ranging from shakiness to life-threatening seizures and delirium.
Nervous system
Alzheimer's disease
Non-infectious · Chronic
The most common cause of dementia, a progressive brain disease that gradually affects memory, thinking and daily abilities.
Musculoskeletal system
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Musculoskeletal system
Ankle fracture
Non-infectious · Acute
A break in one or more of the bones that form the ankle joint, usually caused by twisting, a fall or a direct blow.
Musculoskeletal system
Ankle sprain
Non-infectious · Acute
A stretch or tear of the ligaments that support the ankle, usually from rolling or twisting the foot.
Musculoskeletal system
Ankylosing spondylitis
Non-infectious · Chronic
A long-term inflammatory arthritis that mainly affects the spine and pelvis, causing back pain and stiffness that improve with movement.
Musculoskeletal system
Anterior cruciate ligament tear
Non-infectious · Acute
A tear of one of the main ligaments inside the knee, usually from a sudden twist, pivot or landing during sport.
Immune system
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Nervous system
African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness)
Infectious · Chronic
A parasitic infection spread by tsetse flies in sub-Saharan Africa, which can invade the brain and is fatal without treatment.
Immune system
Allergic conjunctivitis
Non-infectious · Acute or chronic
Inflammation of the clear lining of the eye caused by an allergic reaction, leading to itchy, red, watery eyes.
Immune system
Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
Non-infectious · Chronic
An allergic reaction in the nose causing sneezing, a runny or blocked nose and itching, often triggered by pollen or dust mites.
Immune system
Alopecia areata
Non-infectious · Acute or chronic
An autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing round patches of hair loss.
Skin (integumentary system)
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Immune system
Alopecia areata
Non-infectious · Acute or chronic
An autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing round patches of hair loss.
Skin (integumentary system)
Alopecia (telogen effluvium)
Non-infectious · Acute
Temporary, widespread hair shedding that starts a few months after a stress to the body, such as illness, childbirth or crash dieting.
Digestive system
Anal warts
Infectious · Chronic
Small growths in and around the anus caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), usually spread through sexual contact.
Immune system
Angioedema
Non-infectious · Acute
Swelling deep under the skin, often around the eyes, lips, tongue or throat, caused by fluid leaking from small blood vessels.
Eyes and vision
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Eyes and vision
Age-related macular degeneration
Non-infectious · Chronic
A common eye condition in older adults that damages the macula, causing loss of central vision.
Immune system
Allergic conjunctivitis
Non-infectious · Acute or chronic
Inflammation of the clear lining of the eye caused by an allergic reaction, leading to itchy, red, watery eyes.
Eyes and vision
Amblyopia (lazy eye)
Non-infectious · Chronic
Reduced vision in one eye that develops in childhood because the brain and eye are not working together properly.
Nervous system
Anisocoria (unequal pupils)
Non-infectious · Acute or chronic
A difference in the size of the pupils, which can be harmless or a sign of a problem with the nerves that control the eye.
Ear, nose and throat
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Ear, nose and throat
Age-related hearing loss
Non-infectious · Chronic
The gradual loss of hearing in both ears that happens with ageing, especially for high-pitched sounds.
Immune system
Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
Non-infectious · Chronic
An allergic reaction in the nose causing sneezing, a runny or blocked nose and itching, often triggered by pollen or dust mites.
Urinary system
Alport syndrome
Non-infectious · Chronic
An inherited condition affecting a type of collagen in the kidneys, ears and eyes, causing kidney disease and hearing loss.
Nervous system
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Non-infectious · Acute or chronic
Brief spells of spinning dizziness triggered by changes in head position, caused by loose crystals in the inner ear.
Reproductive system
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Endocrine system
Amenorrhoea
Non-infectious · Chronic
Absence of periods, either because they never started by age 15 or because they stopped for three months or more.
Reproductive system
Bacterial vaginosis
Infectious · Acute
A common imbalance of the bacteria in the vagina that causes a thin, grey-white discharge with a fishy smell.
Reproductive system
Balanitis
Infectious · Acute
Inflammation of the head of the penis, often caused by infection, irritation or poor hygiene, most common in uncircumcised males.
Reproductive system
Bartholin's cyst
Non-infectious · Acute
A fluid-filled swelling at the entrance to the vagina caused by a blocked Bartholin's gland, which can become infected and form an abscess.
Mental health
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Mental health
Adjustment disorder
Non-infectious · Acute
An emotional or behavioural reaction to a stressful life event that is stronger or lasts longer than expected and affects daily life.
Digestive system
Alcohol use disorder
Non-infectious · Chronic
A medical condition in which a person has difficulty controlling their drinking despite harm to their health, relationships or responsibilities.
Nervous system
Alcohol withdrawal
Non-infectious · Acute
Symptoms that occur when someone who is physically dependent on alcohol suddenly stops or cuts down, ranging from shakiness to life-threatening seizures and delirium.
Mental health
Anorexia nervosa
Non-infectious · Chronic
A serious eating disorder in which a person restricts food intake because of an intense fear of gaining weight, leading to dangerously low body weight.
Mouth and teeth
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Mouth and teeth
Aphthous stomatitis (recurrent)
Non-infectious · Chronic
Recurrent mouth ulcers that appear as painful round sores inside the mouth and heal on their own.
Immune system
Behçet's disease
Non-infectious · Chronic
A rare, long-term inflammatory condition causing blood vessel inflammation, with mouth and genital ulcers, eye inflammation and skin problems.