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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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Disease encyclopedia

High magnification micrograph of amebiasis Digestive system

Amoebiasis

Infectious · Acute

An intestinal infection with the parasite Entamoeba histolytica, causing diarrhoea, dysentery and sometimes liver abscess.

5 min read
Nodular pulmonary amyloidosis is usually localized and an incidental finding on chest radiography 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.

6 min read
Diagram of a human highlighting the areas affected by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) including the upper motor neurons, lower motor neurons, and frontotemporal region of the brain, alon Nervous system

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Non-infectious · Chronic

A progressive disease of the nerves that control muscles, causing increasing weakness, difficulty speaking, swallowing and breathing.

6 min read
Anaemia 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!

6 min read
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.

5 min read
Diagram showing stage 1 anal cancer Digestive system

Anal cancer

Non-infectious · Chronic

A rare cancer that starts in the tissues of the anus, most often linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.

5 min read
geomed Digestive system

Anal fissure

Non-infectious · Acute or chronic

A small tear in the lining of the anus that causes sharp pain and bleeding when passing stools.

5 min read
Fistula diag Digestive system

Anal fistula

Non-infectious · Chronic

A small tunnel between the inside of the anus and the skin near it, usually after an anal abscess.

6 min read
Anal condyloma Digestive system

Anal warts

Infectious · Chronic

Small growths in and around the anus caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), usually spread through sexual contact.

5 min read
A rash on the chest of a person with anaphylaxis Immune system

Anaphylaxis

Non-infectious · Acute

A severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that develops rapidly and needs immediate treatment with adrenaline.

5 min read
An illustration of a man feeling tightness or pain in the chest - a symptom of angina or of a heart attack 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.

6 min read
Angioedema: image from Wikimedia Commons 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.

5 min read
Anisakis simplex in a characteristic "watch-spring coil" shape Digestive system

Anisakiasis

Infectious · Acute

A parasitic infection caused by eating raw or undercooked fish or squid containing Anisakis worm larvae.

5 min read
Anisocoria (unequal pupils): image from Wikimedia Commons 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.

5 min read
Bimalleolar fracture and right ankle dislocation on X-ray (anteroposterior) 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.

7 min read
Lateral view of the human ankle 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.

5 min read
Spondylitis ankylosans (morbus bechterew) anagoria 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.

6 min read
This image is a reproduction of two photographs taken in 1866 and 1870 (photographer unknown) 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.

6 min read