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.
GeoMed · Disease encyclopedia
Disease encyclopedia
Causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment approaches and prevention for common conditions. Browse A–Z, by body system, or search.
Filters
Category
Body system
Course
Disease encyclopedia
Musculoskeletal system
Respiratory system
Anthrax
Infectious · Acute
A serious bacterial infection caused by Bacillus anthracis, caught mainly from infected animals or animal products.
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
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.
Cardiovascular system
Aortic regurgitation
Non-infectious · Chronic
A leaky aortic valve that lets blood flow back into the heart, making the heart work harder over time.
Cardiovascular system
Aortic stenosis
Non-infectious · Chronic
Narrowing of the aortic valve that restricts blood flow out of the heart, most often caused by age-related calcium build-up.
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.
Blood (haematology)
Aplastic anaemia
Non-infectious · Chronic
A rare, serious condition in which the bone marrow stops making enough red cells, white cells and platelets.
Digestive system
Appendicitis
Non-infectious · Acute
Inflammation of the appendix, a small pouch attached to the large bowel, which usually causes worsening pain in the lower right abdomen.
Cardiovascular system
Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy
Non-infectious · Chronic
An inherited heart muscle disease in which muscle is replaced by fat and scar tissue, causing dangerous heart rhythms.
Musculoskeletal system
Arthritis
Non-infectious · Chronic
By 2030, arthritis is expected to affect over 78 million adults in the United States alone." Let that sink in. That’s nearly one in four people grappling with joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. If you’ve watched a loved one, or maybe even yourself, struggle with arthritis, you know it’s more than just an inconvenience. It can be life-altering. But here’s the good news: understanding arthritis, its symptoms, and treatment options can make a world of difference. Whether it’s your grandmother’s swollen hand joints or your own aching knees, there are actionable steps to regain control and improve quality of life. Let’s unpack everything you need to know about arthritis.
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.
Digestive system
Ascariasis
Infectious · Acute
An infection with the large roundworm Ascaris lumbricoides, caught by swallowing eggs from soil contaminated with human faeces.
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.
Respiratory system
Asthma attack (acute severe asthma)
Non-infectious · Acute
A sudden worsening of asthma in which the airways narrow severely, causing breathlessness, wheeze and difficulty speaking; it can be life-threatening.
Respiratory system
Atelectasis
Non-infectious · Acute
Partial or complete collapse of part of the lung, often after surgery, a blockage in the airway or pressure on the lung.
Cardiovascular system
Atherosclerosis
Non-infectious · Chronic
The build-up of fatty plaques inside artery walls, which narrows arteries and is the main cause of heart attacks and strokes.