The conditions are as follows, but not limited to:
A pre-existing condition refers to any health condition, illness, or disease that a person has before they apply for a new health insurance policy or before they receive treatment for a new medical issue. In the context of health insurance or healthcare, pre-existing conditions are particularly relevant because they may influence the availability, terms, or cost of coverage. Below is a comprehensive list of pre-existing conditions across various medical specialties, including both common and less common conditions.
1. Cardiovascular Conditions
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
- Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
- Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)
- Angina (Chest Pain)
- Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation, Ventricular Tachycardia)
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
- Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident)
- Heart Valve Diseases (e.g., Mitral Valve Prolapse, Aortic Stenosis)
- Cardiomyopathy
- Aneurysm (e.g., Aortic Aneurysm)
2. Respiratory Conditions
- Asthma
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Emphysema
- Chronic Bronchitis
- Pulmonary Fibrosis
- Sleep Apnea
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Lung Cancer
- Bronchiectasis
3. Endocrine Disorders
- Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
- Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
- Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)
- Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)
- Graves' Disease
- Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
- Cushing's Syndrome
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Addison's Disease
- Pituitary Disorders
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Obesity (BMI ≥ 30)
4. Gastrointestinal Disorders
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) (e.g., Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis)
- Celiac Disease
- Peptic Ulcers
- Hepatitis (e.g., Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C)
- Cirrhosis
- Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
- Gallstones
- Pancreatitis
- Diverticulitis
- Chronic Constipation
- Gallbladder Disease
5. Neurological Conditions
- Epilepsy
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Alzheimer's Disease
- Migraine Headaches
- Neuropathy (e.g., Diabetic Neuropathy, Peripheral Neuropathy)
- Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accident)
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Tourette Syndrome
- Cerebral Palsy
- Brain Tumors
- Sleep Disorders (e.g., Insomnia, Narcolepsy)
6. Musculoskeletal Conditions
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Gout
- Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)
- Osteoporosis
- Fibromyalgia
- Spondyloarthritis (e.g., Ankylosing Spondylitis)
- Back Pain (e.g., Herniated Disc, Sciatica)
- Tendonitis and Bursitis
- Chronic Pain Syndromes
- Scoliosis
- Muscular Dystrophy
7. Skin Conditions
- Psoriasis
- Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
- Chronic Urticaria (Hives)
- Vitiligo
- Acne Vulgaris
- Rosacea
- Lichen Planus
- Alopecia Areata
- Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Keloids
- Bullous Pemphigoid
- Pemphigus Vulgaris
- Chronic Dermatitis
8. Infectious Diseases
- HIV/AIDS
- Hepatitis B and C
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- Chronic Sinusitis
- Chronic Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
- Recurrent Fungal Infections
- Recurrent Pneumonia
- Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- Chronic Herpes Zoster (Shingles)
9. Hematologic Disorders
- Anemia (e.g., Iron Deficiency Anemia, Sickle Cell Anemia)
- Hemophilia
- Thalassemia
- Blood Clotting Disorders (e.g., Factor V Leiden, Antiphospholipid Syndrome)
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes
- Polycythemia Vera
- Hemochromatosis
- Aplastic Anemia
10. Autoimmune Diseases
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Graves' Disease
- Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
- Celiac Disease
- Crohn’s Disease
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Sjögren's Syndrome
- Addison's Disease
- Psoriasis
- Vitiligo
- Pernicious Anemia
11. Cancer (Active or Historical)
- Breast Cancer
- Lung Cancer
- Colorectal Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma
- Ovarian Cancer
- Cervical Cancer
- Melanoma
- Esophageal Cancer
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Renal Cancer (Kidney Cancer)
- Thyroid Cancer
- Head and Neck Cancers
12. Mental Health Conditions
- Depression
- Anxiety Disorders (e.g., Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder)
- Bipolar Disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Eating Disorders (e.g., Anorexia, Bulimia)
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Borderline Personality Disorder
- Addiction and Substance Use Disorders
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Insomnia
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
13. Genetic Disorders
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Down Syndrome
- Huntington’s Disease
- Marfan Syndrome
- Hemophilia
- Sickle Cell Disease
- Tay-Sachs Disease
- Fragile X Syndrome
- Achondroplasia (Dwarfism)
- Polycystic Kidney Disease
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
14. Reproductive and Genitourinary Conditions
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Endometriosis
- Infertility
- Chronic Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
- Fibroids (Uterine Fibroids)
- Chronic Prostatitis
- Urinary Incontinence
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Chronic Bladder Infections
15. Blood Pressure & Circulatory Conditions
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Varicose Veins
- Chronic Venous Insufficiency
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
- Pulmonary Hypertension
- Chronic Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
16. Pregnancy-Related Conditions
- Gestational Diabetes
- Preeclampsia
- Ectopic Pregnancy (History)
- Premature Birth History
- Postpartum Depression
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
17. Eye Disorders
- Glaucoma
- Macular Degeneration
- Cataracts
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- Dry Eye Syndrome
- Retinal Detachment
- Uveitis
- Optic Neuritis
Important Notes
- Chronic vs. Acute: Pre-existing conditions can be chronic (long-term) or acute (short-term but severe).
- Coverage & Pre-Existing Conditions: In many healthcare systems, pre-existing conditions may impact the cost or availability of insurance, although certain regulations (like the Affordable Care Act in the U.S.) have limited insurers' ability to deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions.
- Flare-Ups: Some conditions may be dormant or in remission but can "flare up" or worsen under stress, illness, or other factors.
This list covers a wide variety of conditions that are commonly recognized as pre-existing in the context of healthcare coverage, though individual policies and providers may have different definitions or exclusions.
The term "dreaded diseases" often refers to those illnesses that are particularly feared because of their severity, the difficulty in treating them, or the potential for death or long-term suffering. Below is a comprehensive list of diseases that are often considered dreaded for various reasons, such as their fatality, complexity, or social stigma:
1. Cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Lung Cancer
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Leukemia
- Liver Cancer
- Colon Cancer
- Brain Cancer (e.g., Glioblastoma)
- Ovarian Cancer
- Esophageal Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
2. Neurodegenerative Diseases
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) / Lou Gehrig's Disease
- Huntington's Disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Frontotemporal Dementia
3. Infectious Diseases
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
- Tuberculosis
- Hepatitis B and C
- Malaria
- Ebola Virus Disease
- Dengue Fever
- Zika Virus
- COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2)
- Smallpox
- Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
- Meningitis (Bacterial)
- Rabies
- Measles (in certain regions with low vaccination rates)
4. Cardiovascular Diseases
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
- Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)
- Stroke (Ischemic and Hemorrhagic)
- Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
- Arrhythmias (e.g., Atrial Fibrillation)
- Aortic Aneurysm
- Hypertension (severe, untreated)
5. Autoimmune Diseases
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis (Inflammatory Bowel Diseases)
- Celiac Disease
- Graves’ Disease (Hyperthyroidism)
6. Respiratory Diseases
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Pulmonary Fibrosis
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Asthma (severe or uncontrolled)
- Tuberculosis
- Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
7. Renal Diseases
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
- End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
- Acute Kidney Failure
- Polycystic Kidney Disease
8. Rare Genetic Diseases
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Sickle Cell Disease
- Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
- Tay-Sachs Disease
- Huntington's Disease
- Hemophilia
9. Mental Health Disorders
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar Disorder (Severe)
- Severe Depression
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Anxiety Disorders (e.g., Panic Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
10. Endocrine Disorders
- Thyroid Cancer
- Addison's Disease
- Cushing’s Syndrome
- Acromegaly
- Hyperparathyroidism
11. Digestive System Diseases
- Pancreatitis (acute and chronic)
- Liver Cirrhosis
- Gastric Ulcers
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Hepatitis (A, B, C, D, E)
12. Blood Disorders
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma
- Thalassemia
- Aplastic Anemia
- Hemophilia
- Sickle Cell Anemia
- Polycythemia Vera
13. Skin Diseases
- Melanoma (Skin Cancer)
- Psoriasis
- Eczema (severe cases)
- Vitiligo (in extreme forms)
- Leprosy (Hansen's Disease)
14. Reproductive Health Disorders
- Endometriosis
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
- Ectopic Pregnancy
- Infertility (especially if caused by conditions like azoospermia or premature ovarian failure)
15. Rare and Emerging Diseases
- Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD)
- Prion Diseases
- Zika Virus
- Nipah Virus
- Chikungunya Virus
- Marburg Virus
- MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome)
16. Diseases of the Musculoskeletal System
- Osteoarthritis (severe)
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Osteoporosis (severe, leading to fractures)
- Fibromyalgia
17. Environmental and Lifestyle-Related Diseases
- Asbestosis (caused by asbestos exposure)
- Silicosis (from inhaling silica dust)
- Lead Poisoning
- Radon Poisoning
- Mercury Poisoning
18. Pregnancy-related Complications
- Preeclampsia
- Eclampsia
- Gestational Diabetes
- Placental Abruption
- Preterm Labor
These diseases are considered "dreaded" because they can severely impact a person's quality of life, lead to long-term health complications, or be fatal, often with limited treatment options or high treatment costs. Advances in medicine continue to improve treatment and management, but many of these diseases remain a significant burden on individuals and healthcare systems globally.
Chronic dermatoses refer to a group of long-lasting skin conditions that typically persist over time, often with periods of flare-ups and remissions. These conditions may affect a person's quality of life and can require ongoing management. Here's a comprehensive list of chronic dermatoses:
1. Psoriasis
- An autoimmune condition characterized by the rapid turnover of skin cells, leading to thick, scaly plaques, often on the scalp, elbows, and knees.
2. Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
- A chronic inflammatory skin condition, commonly associated with allergic reactions, leading to itching, redness, and dry, cracked skin.
3. Seborrheic Dermatitis
- A common condition causing scaly patches, red skin, and dandruff, typically affecting areas rich in sebaceous glands (e.g., scalp, face, and upper chest).
4. Chronic Urticaria (Chronic Hives)
- Characterized by recurrent, itchy hives or welts on the skin, lasting for more than six weeks, and often triggered by unknown factors.
5. Lichen Planus
- An inflammatory condition that affects the skin and mucous membranes, causing flat, purple, itchy lesions.
6. Chronic Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE)
- A form of lupus that affects the skin, causing disc-shaped, scaly lesions, usually on the face, scalp, and ears.
7. Vitiligo
- A skin disorder in which patches of skin lose their pigment, leading to white, depigmented areas due to the destruction of melanocytes.
8. Chronic Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (Mycosis Fungoides)
- A type of cancer that presents with red, scaly, itchy patches or plaques on the skin, often progressing to more severe forms.
9. Rosacea
- A chronic skin condition that causes redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes pustules or papules, typically affecting the central face.
10. Chronic Folliculitis
- Inflammation of the hair follicles, leading to recurring pimples or pustules, often with scarring.
11. Lichen Sclerosus
- A chronic, progressive skin condition causing white, thin, and wrinkled patches, commonly affecting genital and anal regions.
12. Keloids
- Raised, thickened scars that form after skin injury or surgery, often growing beyond the borders of the original wound.
13. Chronic Acne (Acne Vulgaris)
- A common chronic condition characterized by pimples, blackheads, and cysts, typically on the face, chest, and back.
14. Chronic Pruritus
- Persistent itching that may be associated with a variety of skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or systemic diseases.
15. Nummular Dermatitis (Nummular Eczema)
- A form of eczema characterized by round, coin-shaped lesions that are itchy, scaly, and often inflamed.
16. Actinic Keratosis (AK)
- Precancerous, scaly patches of skin caused by sun damage, which can sometimes progress to squamous cell carcinoma.
17. Ichthyosis
- A group of skin disorders characterized by dry, scaly skin. The most common form is ichthyosis vulgaris, which presents with patches of dry, thickened skin.
18. Morphea (Localized Scleroderma)
- A condition characterized by the thickening and hardening of the skin, usually in localized areas.
19. Systemic Scleroderma (Scleroderma)
- A chronic autoimmune disorder affecting the skin and internal organs, leading to hardening and tightening of the skin, along with possible systemic involvement.
20. Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris (PRP)
- A rare skin disorder that causes red, scaly patches and thickened skin, often with a characteristic "island of sparing" where unaffected areas are visible.
21. Hypertrophic Scarring
- Thick, raised scars that remain confined to the area of injury but can cause long-term cosmetic and functional concerns.
22. Granuloma Annulare
- A benign condition marked by ring-shaped, raised, reddish patches, often on the hands, feet, and other extremities.
23. Pyoderma Gangrenosum
- A rare, painful skin ulceration often associated with systemic diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), rheumatoid arthritis, or blood disorders.
24. Tinea (Chronic Fungal Infections)
- Chronic dermatophyte infections (e.g., tinea corporis, tinea pedis, tinea cruris) that cause ringworm-like rashes, often recurring due to reinfection.
25. Pachyonychia Congenita
- A rare genetic disorder characterized by thickened nails, thickened skin on the palms and soles, and oral lesions.
26. Bullous Pemphigoid
- An autoimmune blistering disorder that causes large, fluid-filled blisters, typically affecting older adults.
27. Pemphigus Vulgaris
- A rare and serious autoimmune disease that causes blisters and erosions of the skin and mucous membranes, leading to painful sores.
28. Sarcoidosis
- A systemic disease that can cause granulomas to form in various organs, including the skin, where it may present as raised, reddish-brown patches.
29. Chronic Dermatophytosis
- A persistent fungal infection that often affects the skin, nails, or scalp, requiring long-term antifungal treatment.
30. Contact Dermatitis (Chronic)
- A chronic allergic or irritant reaction to substances that come into contact with the skin, leading to redness, itching, and blistering.
This list includes many of the most commonly encountered chronic dermatoses, but there are other rare and less common conditions that also fall under the category of chronic dermatologic diseases. Each condition may have varying degrees of severity and impact, and management often involves a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, and skin care routines.
Acanthosis Nigricans | Dark thin skin folds, usually in the neck and axillae |
Acne Pimples | |
Acne Keloid | |
Acne Keloidalis | Other names: Dermatitis papillaris capillitis ; Folliculitis Keloidalis ; Folliculitis Keloidis Nuchae ; Nuchal Keloi ; Acne Keloidalis) |
Acne Rosacea Hyperemic pimples, comedones | |
Acquired Ichthyosis | |
Acquired Keratosis (Keratoderma) Palmaros ET | Plantaris Keratoderma of palms and feet |
Acrochordon skin tag | |
Actinic Reticuloid | |
Fimpetigo | Allergic skin reaction |
Albinism Generalized Hypopigmentation | |
Allergic Contact dermatitis | Allergic skin reaction |
Alopecia Areata Spot baldness | Hair loss |
Rosac | (Male Baldness) / Hair loss |
Anhidrosis | Excessive sweating |
Apocrine miliaria | Sweat rash |
Arterial Insufficiency | |
Atopic Dermatitis | Skin asthma, prurigo Besnier, neurodermitis, endogenous eczema, infantile eczema, prurigo diathsique |
Beau’s Lines | Horizontal lines over the finger nails |
Becker’s Nevus | Pigmented hairy epidermal nevus |
Bleu Nevus | Dermal melanocytoma |
Bullous Lichen Planus | Blistering target lesions |
Bullous Pemphigoid | Diffuse blistering lesions |
Café Au Lait Spots | Light brown birthmarks |
Chloasma | Masked facies of pregnancy |
Chromhidrosis | Condition of secreting colored sweat or Chronic Blistering diseases |
Chronic Bullous Disease of childhood | |
Chronic Paronychia | Nail erosion |
Chronic Urticaria | Skin allergy ; Hives |
Chronic Urticaria | Involves daily or intermittent hives greater than 4 weeks |
Cicatrial Alopecia | Scarring hair loss |
Cicatrial Pemphigoid | |
Connective Tissue Diseases | |
Contact Dermatitis | |
Corns and Callosities | SLE ; Dermatomyositis, Scleroderma, Mixed Connective Tissue disease |
Cutaneous Drug Reactions | Drug allergy |
Cutaneous Kaposi's Sarcoma | Skin Cancer |
Cutaneous Lymphoma (Mycosis Fungiodes ; Follicular Mucinosis) | Skin Cancer |
Cutaneous Mastocytosis | Epidermotropism, urticaria pigmentosa |
Cutaneous Sezary Syndrome | |
Cutaneous Vasculitis | |
Decubitus Ulcer | Bed sore |
Deep Vein Thrombosis | Varicose veins |
Degos disease | |
Dematofibroma Histocytoma | |
Dermatitis Herpetiformis | Eczema |
Dermatitis unspecified | |
Dermatographism (Skin writing disease, paper skin diabetic dermopathy | Skin spots |
Discoid Lupus Erythematosus | SLE |
Drug induced pemphigus | |
Dyshidrosis | Finger cyst, blistering eczema |
Eccrine sweat disorder, unspecified | |
Eczema Dermatitis | |
Eczema | Nummular eczema, xerotic eczema, Dermatitis |
Epidermal cyst | Epithelial cyst, epidermal inclusion cyst, infundibular cyst, keratin cyst, sebaceous cyst |
Epidermal thickening unspecified | |
Epidermotropism | |
Epidermolysis bullosa | |
Erythema intertrigo | |
Erythema marginatum | Rheumatic fever related rash |
Erythema Multiforme EM | target lesions |
Erythema Muliforme unspecified | |
Erythema Nodosum EN | |
Exfoliative dermatitis | Scaling dermatitis , Pityriasis rubra (Hebra), Wison-Brocq disease Facial Dermatitis |
Freckles speckles (angel kisses) | |
Generalized skin eruption | due to drugs and medicaments ; drug allergy |
Gougerot - Blum Disease | Pigmented purpuric lichenoid dermatitis |
Granuloma Annulare | Ring like rashes |
Granulomatous Disease | |
Subcutaneous Tissue | |
Hansen's Disease | Leprosy |
Hidradenitis Suppurativa HS | |
Hypertrichosis , unspecified | Excessive hair outgrowth |
Hypertrophic disorder of skin, unspecified | |
Hypertrophic Lichen Planus | |
Ichthyoses Harlequin Itchyosis | Fish scale skin |
Infantile Papular Acrodermatitis | Giannoti - Crosti |
Irritant contact dermatitis | Occupation related dermatitis |
ICD Keloid scar | Hypertrophic scar |
Keratosis Pilaris | Chicken skin |
Keratosis Punctata (Palmaris ET Plantaris) | Palmoplantar keratoderma |
Leukoderma | not elesewhere classified vitiligo |
Lichen Nitidus Lichen like skin | |
Lichen Planus Lichen like skin | |
Lichen Planus , unspecified | |
Lichen ruber moniliformis | |
Lichen Sclerosus ET Atrophicus | |
Lichen Simplex Chronicus LSC | |
Lichen Simplex chronicus, Xerotic eczema | |
Lichen Striatus | |
Lichenoid drug reaction | |
Linear scleroderma | |
Localized scleroderma (Morphea) | |
Majocchi's disease | Purpura annularis telanglectodes |
Melanoma | |
Miliaria Crystallina | Sweat rash |
Miliaria Profunda | Wildfire |
Miliaria Rubra | Prickly heat |
Miliaria Unspecified | |
Mornbilliform drug eruption | Drug induced maculopapular rash |
Morphea | Localized scleroderma |
Mucha Habermann disease pleva | Pityriasis Lichenoides Et Varioliformis Acuta |
Nail Disorders | |
Nail Dystropathy | Nail degeneration |
Neurotic Excoriations | self inflicted scratch marks |
Nevus mole | |
Nevus of OTA Blue hyperpigmentation around the eye, congenital melanosis bulbi, nevus fuscoceruleus | |
Onychogryphosis | Claw nail, Ram's horn nail |
Onycholysis | Nail erosion |
Other disorders of diminished melanin formation | |
Other disorders of skin and subcutaneous tissue | |
Papulosquamous disorder | |
Pemphigus Vulgaris | Diffuse large deep seated blisters |
Phytophotocontact dermatitis | Berloque dermatitis |
Pigmented purpuric dermatosis | Schambergs disease |
Lichenoides Pleva | |
Pityriasis Rosea | Herald patch |
Pityriasis Rubra pilaris | |
Pityriasis Vesicolor ringworm | |
Port wine stain | Reddish / purplish birthmark |
Ppurigo mitis | scratched slighly lesions |
Ppurigo nodularis | scratched nodular lesions |
Pseudofolliculitis barbae | Razor bumps, barber's itch |
Psoriasis | |
Psoriasis : Pustulosis palmaris ET Plantaris | |
Pyoderma Gangrenosum | |
Rosacea Acne Rosacea | |
Rosacea Unspecified | |
Seborrheic Dermatitis | Dandruff Seborrheic dermatitis / keratitis |
Also seborrheic dermatitis AME, Seborrhea | |
SLE - Discoid lupus erythematous | subacute cutaneous lupus ertythematosus , malar rash |
Lupus Profondus | Eroded skin lesions brought about by lupus solar keratosis |
Steven Johnsons syndrome | |
Steatocystoma multiplex | |
Syringoma | |
Telagiectasia macularis eruptiva perstans | Non pruritic mastocystosis |
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis | |
Unspecified contact dermatitis | |
Urticaria Hives | |
Varicose veins | |
Vasculitis | |
Venous lake Angioma | |
Verruca Plana | Flat warts |
Verruca Vulgaris | Common warts |
Vitiligo | Hypopigmentation disease |
Xanthelasma | |
Xerosis | Dry skin |
Xerosis Cutis | Dry skin |
Xerotic Eczema | Dry scaling skin |
Yellow nail syndrome |
Autoimmune diseases occur when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, mistaking them for harmful invaders. There are over 80 known autoimmune disorders, and they can affect virtually any part of the body, leading to a wide range of symptoms. Here's a comprehensive list of autoimmune diseases:
1. Systemic Autoimmune Diseases (Affecting Multiple Organs)
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
- Sjögren's Syndrome
- Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis)
- Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD)
- Vasculitis (e.g., Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis, Takayasu Arteritis)
- Antiphospholipid Syndrome
- Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)
2. Organ-Specific Autoimmune Diseases
- Thyroid Disorders
- Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
- Graves' Disease
- Thyroid Eye Disease (Graves' Orbitopathy)
- Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM)
- Celiac Disease
- Addison's Disease (Adrenal Insufficiency)
- Pernicious Anemia
- Autoimmune Hepatitis
- Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC)
- Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC)
- Chronic Active Hepatitis
- Autoimmune Gastritis
- Pemphigus Vulgaris (Skin and mucous membrane blistering)
- Bullous Pemphigoid (Blistering skin disease)
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Crohn’s Disease
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Myasthenia Gravis
- Graves' Disease
- Sjögren's Syndrome
- Autoimmune Uveitis (Inflammation of the eye)
- Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease (VKH) (A rare autoimmune disorder affecting the eyes, skin, and central nervous system)
3. Neurological Autoimmune Diseases
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Neuromyelitis Optica (Devic’s Disease)
- Autoimmune Encephalitis
- Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)
- Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)
- Hashimoto's Encephalopathy
- Autoimmune Brain Inflammation
4. Musculoskeletal Autoimmune Diseases
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- Reactive Arthritis
- Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (SJIA)
- Polymyositis
- Dermatomyositis
- Spondyloarthritis
- Lupus Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia (Potential autoimmune component)
5. Skin-Related Autoimmune Diseases
- Psoriasis
- Vitiligo
- Lichen Planus
- Alopecia Areata
- Pemphigus Vulgaris
- Bullous Pemphigoid
- Dermatitis Herpetiformis (Associated with celiac disease)
- Chronic Urticaria (Chronic hives)
6. Gastrointestinal Autoimmune Diseases
- Celiac Disease
- Crohn’s Disease
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Autoimmune Hepatitis
- Microscopic Colitis
- Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC)
- Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC)
- Autoimmune Gastritis
- Atrophic Gastritis
7. Blood-Related Autoimmune Diseases
- Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA)
- Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)
- Evans Syndrome
- Autoimmune Neutropenia
- Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome (ALPS)
- Aplastic Anemia
- Antiphospholipid Syndrome (Increased risk of blood clots)
8. Kidney-Related Autoimmune Diseases
- Lupus Nephritis (A complication of systemic lupus erythematosus)
- Goodpasture Syndrome (A rare autoimmune disease affecting the kidneys and lungs)
- IgA Nephropathy (Berger's Disease)
- Minimal Change Disease
- Chronic Interstitial Nephritis
- Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)
- Primary Glomerulonephritis
9. Lung-Related Autoimmune Diseases
- Sarcoidosis
- Pulmonary Alveolar Proteinosis
- Goodpasture Syndrome (Affects both lungs and kidneys)
- Autoimmune Interstitial Lung Disease
- Rheumatoid Lung Disease (Associated with rheumatoid arthritis)
- Lung Involvement in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
10. Endocrine and Metabolic Autoimmune Diseases
- Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
- Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
- Graves' Disease
- Addison's Disease (Adrenal Insufficiency)
- Pernicious Anemia (Vitamin B12 deficiency due to autoimmunity)
- Autoimmune Polyendocrine Syndrome (APS)
- Type 1 Diabetes with Autoimmune Thyroid Disease
- Autoimmune Hypoparathyroidism
11. Autoimmune Diseases with Vascular Involvement
- Vasculitis (Inflammation of blood vessels)
- Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA, Wegener's Granulomatosis)
- Microscopic Polyangiitis
- Takayasu Arteritis
- Kawasaki Disease
- Behçet's Disease
- Churg-Strauss Syndrome (Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis)
- Henoch-Schönlein Purpura
- Cryoglobulinemic Vasculitis
12. Miscellaneous Autoimmune Diseases
- Cogan’s Syndrome (A rare disorder that causes inflammation in the eyes and inner ear)
- Stiff-Person Syndrome (A neurological disorder with stiff muscles and spasms)
- Relapsing Polychondritis (Affects cartilage, particularly in the ears, nose, and joints)
- Aicardi-Goutières Syndrome (Rare genetic autoimmune condition)
- Meniere's Disease (Though not fully autoimmune, some forms have an autoimmune component)
- T1D + Celiac Disease + Thyroid Disease (Autoimmune Triad)
13. Rare and Emerging Autoimmune Diseases
- Autoimmune Encephalitis
- Autoimmune Autonomic Ganglionopathy
- Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome (APS)
- Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases (e.g., Common Variable Immunodeficiency, X-linked Agammaglobulinemia)
- Alzheimer's Disease (Some emerging studies suggest an autoimmune link)
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Potential autoimmune involvement)
- Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD) (Occurs after stem cell or organ transplants)
Key Points
- Overlap and Comorbidities: Many autoimmune diseases share similar symptoms and can overlap. For example, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus can both lead to joint pain and inflammation, though they are distinct conditions.
- Diagnosis: Diagnosing autoimmune diseases typically involves a combination of clinical signs, laboratory tests (e.g., autoantibodies), and sometimes biopsy or imaging studies.
- Treatment: Most autoimmune diseases are chronic and require ongoing management. Common treatments include immunosuppressive drugs, biologic therapies, steroids, and anti-inflammatory medications.
This list provides a broad overview of the many autoimmune diseases known to date. Many of these diseases are chronic, and their exact causes are still being studied, but they often involve genetic, environmental, and immune system factors.
Maternity complications refer to health issues that arise during pregnancy, childbirth, or the postpartum period. These complications can affect the mother, the baby, or both. Below is a comprehensive list of maternity complications, grouped into categories based on the phase of pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period.
1. Pregnancy Complications
A. Maternal Health Conditions
- Gestational Diabetes: High blood sugar levels during pregnancy, which typically resolves after delivery but can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes later in life.
- Preeclampsia: A pregnancy-related condition marked by high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organs, such as kidneys. Can progress to eclampsia, which involves seizures.
- Eclampsia: A severe form of preeclampsia that includes seizures, potentially life-threatening for both mother and baby.
- Hyperemesis Gravidarum: Severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, and weight loss.
- Anemia: Low red blood cell count, often due to iron deficiency, which can lead to fatigue and complications during labor.
- Infections (e.g., Urinary Tract Infections, Group B Streptococcus, TORCH infections):
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Can lead to kidney infections if untreated.
- Group B Streptococcus: Bacteria that can be passed to the baby during delivery, leading to serious infections.
- TORCH infections: A group of infections that can affect the fetus, including Toxoplasmosis, Other (syphilis, varicella, parvovirus), Rubella, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Herpes simplex virus.
- Thrombophilia: Blood clotting disorders that increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, and stroke during pregnancy.
- Cholestasis of Pregnancy: A liver condition that causes itching and can affect fetal health.
- Placenta Previa: The placenta is positioned low in the uterus and covers or is near the cervix, leading to bleeding and delivery complications.
- Placental Abruption: Premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, causing bleeding and depriving the baby of oxygen and nutrients.
- Polyhydramnios: Excessive amniotic fluid, which can cause preterm labor, fetal malpresentation, and other complications.
- Oligohydramnios: Low amniotic fluid, which can lead to fetal distress, growth restrictions, or umbilical cord compression.
- Hydatidiform Mole (Molar Pregnancy): An abnormal pregnancy where a non-viable fertilized egg leads to abnormal tissue growth in the uterus.
- Cervical Insufficiency: Weakening of the cervix that can lead to premature delivery, often resulting in a miscarriage.
- Multiple Pregnancy (Twins, Triplets, etc.): Higher risk of complications such as preterm labor, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and low birth weight.
B. Fetal Health Conditions
- Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR): When a baby doesn’t grow to the expected size in the womb, often due to placental insufficiency or other health conditions.
- Fetal Distress: Abnormalities in the baby's heart rate, often a sign of insufficient oxygen supply.
- Preterm Labor and Birth: Labor that begins before 37 weeks of gestation, increasing the risk of premature birth and associated complications.
- Stillbirth: The death of the fetus after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
- Congenital Abnormalities: Birth defects or malformations that affect the baby's development.
- Hydrocephalus: Excess fluid in the baby's brain, which can be detected through imaging and may require treatment after birth.
- Spina Bifida: A neural tube defect in which the spine and spinal cord do not form properly.
2. Labor and Delivery Complications
A. Complications During Labor
- Prolonged Labor: Labor that lasts longer than usual, which can increase the risk of infection, fetal distress, or the need for cesarean delivery.
- Failure to Progress: When the cervix doesn’t dilate or the baby doesn’t descend as expected, often resulting in the need for a cesarean section.
- Umbilical Cord Prolapse: The umbilical cord slips into the birth canal ahead of the baby, potentially compressing the cord and cutting off the baby's oxygen supply.
- Shoulder Dystocia: When the baby’s shoulder gets stuck after the head is delivered, requiring special maneuvers to safely deliver the baby.
- Breech Presentation: When the baby is positioned feet or buttocks first, requiring intervention for safe delivery, often by cesarean section.
- Intrapartum Fetal Distress: Abnormal fetal heart rates or other signs of distress during labor, requiring immediate medical attention.
- Precipitous Labor: Very rapid labor, lasting less than three hours, which can increase the risk of uterine rupture and injury to both mother and baby.
B. Complications During Delivery
- Cesarean Section Complications: Risks include infection, bleeding, injury to surrounding organs, and longer recovery time.
- Perineal Tears: Tearing of the skin and tissue around the vaginal opening, which may require stitches and can lead to longer recovery times.
- Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH): Excessive bleeding after delivery, often due to uterine atony (failure of the uterus to contract).
- Uterine Rupture: A tear in the uterus, often occurring during labor or after a prior cesarean section, which is a life-threatening emergency.
- Amniotic Fluid Embolism: A rare but serious complication in which amniotic fluid enters the mother’s bloodstream, causing severe allergic-like reactions, shock, and organ failure.
- Retained Placenta: When the placenta or part of the placenta remains in the uterus after delivery, requiring removal to prevent infection or excessive bleeding.
- Obstetric Fistula: An abnormal opening between the birth canal and bladder or rectum, often caused by prolonged labor or trauma during delivery.
3. Postpartum Complications
A. Maternal Health Conditions
- Postpartum Depression (PPD): A severe form of depression that occurs after childbirth, affecting the mother's mood and ability to care for herself and her baby.
- Postpartum Anxiety: Intense feelings of worry or fear, often occurring after childbirth, and can interfere with daily functioning.
- Postpartum Psychosis: A rare but serious mental health condition involving delusions, hallucinations, and confusion, requiring immediate medical attention.
- Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH): Severe bleeding after delivery, often caused by uterine atony or placental complications.
- Infections:
- Endometritis: Infection of the uterine lining, typically after a cesarean section or prolonged labor.
- Mastitis: Infection of the breast tissue, often associated with breastfeeding.
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Infection in the urinary tract, common after delivery, especially following catheterization.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or Pulmonary Embolism (PE): Blood clots that form in the veins (often in the legs) and can travel to the lungs, potentially causing life-threatening complications.
- Postpartum Pre-eclampsia: High blood pressure and organ dysfunction following delivery, which can lead to seizures (eclampsia).
- Diastasis Recti: Separation of the abdominal muscles that can cause a bulge in the midline of the abdomen.
- Bladder Dysfunction: Difficulty urinating or incontinence after childbirth, often due to nerve or muscle damage during labor.
B. Infant Health Conditions
- Neonatal Jaundice: High bilirubin levels in the baby's blood, causing yellowing of the skin and eyes.
- Neonatal Infection: Infections such as pneumonia, sepsis, or meningitis, which can occur in newborns, especially those born prematurely.
- Breastfeeding Difficulties: Problems with latch, milk production, or baby’s ability to breastfeed effectively.
- Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar levels in the newborn, which can lead to seizures if untreated.
- Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS): Difficulty breathing due to underdeveloped lungs, particularly in premature infants.
- Meconium Aspiration Syndrome: When a newborn inhales meconium (the first stool) into the lungs during or before delivery, leading to breathing problems.
- Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS): Withdrawal symptoms in a newborn after exposure to drugs or alcohol in utero.
This list provides a thorough overview of potential complications that can occur during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and the postpartum period. It's essential for expectant mothers to have regular prenatal care to monitor for and manage these complications as early as possible. Many of these complications are treatable or manageable with medical intervention, and early detection often leads to better outcomes for both mother and baby.
Errors of refraction refer to visual disorders caused by the eye's inability to focus light properly on the retina. These refractive errors result in blurred vision and are typically corrected with corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses) or refractive surgery. Here’s a list of the main types of refractive errors:
1. Myopia (Nearsightedness)
- Definition: A condition where distant objects appear blurry because light entering the eye is focused in front of the retina.
- Cause: The eyeball is too long, or the cornea is too curved.
- Symptoms: Blurry vision for distant objects, but near objects are seen clearly.
- Correction: Concave (minus) lenses (glasses or contact lenses) or refractive surgery.
2. Hyperopia (Farsightedness)
- Definition: A condition where close objects appear blurry because light entering the eye is focused behind the retina.
- Cause: The eyeball is too short, or the cornea is too flat.
- Symptoms: Difficulty seeing close objects, with distance vision being clearer. People may experience eye strain or headaches while reading or doing close-up work.
- Correction: Convex (plus) lenses (glasses or contact lenses) or refractive surgery.
3. Astigmatism
- Definition: A condition where the cornea or lens has an irregular shape, causing light to focus on multiple points on the retina rather than a single point.
- Cause: The cornea or lens is shaped more like a football rather than a spherical shape.
- Symptoms: Blurry or distorted vision at all distances, eye strain, headaches, and difficulty seeing fine details.
- Correction: Cylindrical lenses (glasses or contact lenses), or refractive surgery such as LASIK.
4. Presbyopia
- Definition: The age-related loss of the ability to focus on close objects, typically beginning around age 40.
- Cause: The lens inside the eye becomes less flexible, making it harder to focus on near objects.
- Symptoms: Difficulty reading small print, needing to hold reading materials farther away, eye strain when focusing on close work.
- Correction: Reading glasses, bifocals, progressive lenses, or surgery (such as LASIK or lens implants).
5. Anisometropia
- Definition: A condition where there is a significant difference in the refractive error between the two eyes.
- Cause: One eye may be more nearsighted, farsighted, or have a different amount of astigmatism than the other.
- Symptoms: Double vision, eyestrain, or difficulty with depth perception due to the mismatch in focusing ability.
- Correction: Corrective lenses (glasses or contacts) with different prescriptions for each eye, or sometimes refractive surgery.
6. Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)
- Definition: A condition where one eye does not develop proper vision, often due to a significant refractive error in one eye (such as a large difference in prescription between the two eyes).
- Cause: The brain ignores input from the weaker eye, leading to poor vision despite normal eye health.
- Symptoms: Poor or reduced vision in one eye, sometimes with no obvious visual symptoms.
- Correction: Corrective lenses, eye patching, or vision therapy.
7. Keratoconus
- Definition: A condition where the cornea thins and bulges into a cone-like shape, distorting vision.
- Cause: A progressive thinning of the cornea that causes irregular astigmatism.
- Symptoms: Blurry or distorted vision, sensitivity to light, eye strain, and difficulty with night vision.
- Correction: Contact lenses (often specially designed, such as rigid gas permeable or scleral lenses), corneal cross-linking, or corneal transplant in severe cases.
Summary of Refraction Errors and Their Corrections
Error of Refraction | Cause | Symptoms | Correction |
---|---|---|---|
Myopia (Nearsightedness) | Eyeball too long or cornea too curved | Blurred distant vision | Concave (minus) lenses, refractive surgery (LASIK) |
Hyperopia (Farsightedness) | Eyeball too short or cornea too flat | Blurred near vision | Convex (plus) lenses, refractive surgery (LASIK) |
Astigmatism | Irregular shape of the cornea or lens | Blurred or distorted vision at all distances | Cylindrical lenses, refractive surgery (LASIK) |
Presbyopia | Age-related lens stiffening | Difficulty reading close-up | Reading glasses, bifocals, progressive lenses |
Anisometropia | Significant difference in refraction between eyes | Double vision, eye strain, poor depth perception | Different prescription lenses for each eye |
Amblyopia (Lazy Eye) | Brain ignores input from one eye | Reduced vision in one eye | Corrective lenses, eye patching, vision therapy |
Keratoconus | Corneal thinning and bulging | Blurry, distorted vision | Specialty contact lenses, corneal cross-linking, or transplant |
These refractive errors are commonly diagnosed during routine eye exams. Medical technologists (or optometrists, ophthalmologists) use various tools like phoropters, autorefractors, and retinoscopes to measure and diagnose these conditions. Treatment usually involves prescription corrective lenses, and in some cases, surgical interventions may be needed to improve vision.
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are infections transmitted primarily through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Some STDs can also be spread through non-sexual means, such as through blood transfusions or from mother to child during childbirth. Here's a comprehensive list of common and less common sexually transmitted diseases:
1. Bacterial STDs
Bacterial STDs are typically treated with antibiotics.
- Chlamydia: Caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, it is one of the most common bacterial STDs, often asymptomatic, but can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women if untreated.
- Gonorrhea: Caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, it can affect the genitals, rectum, throat, and eyes. It often causes painful urination and discharge.
- Syphilis: Caused by Treponema pallidum, it progresses through stages (primary, secondary, latent, tertiary), and can cause serious complications if left untreated, including neurological and cardiovascular damage.
- Chancroid: Caused by Haemophilus ducreyi, this disease is characterized by painful genital ulcers and swollen lymph nodes.
- Mycoplasma Genitalium: A bacterium that can cause urethritis in men and cervicitis in women, and has been linked to infertility in women.
- Lymphogranuloma Venereum (LGV): Caused by certain strains of Chlamydia trachomatis, it leads to painful lymph node swelling and genital ulcers.
2. Viral STDs
Viral STDs are typically not curable, but can be managed with antiviral treatments.
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): A virus that attacks the immune system and, if untreated, can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It is spread through sexual contact, shared needles, or from mother to child.
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV): A group of more than 200 related viruses. Some types cause genital warts, while others are linked to cancers of the cervix, anus, penis, and throat. Vaccines are available to prevent certain types.
- Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV):
- HSV-1: Commonly causes oral herpes (cold sores), but can also cause genital herpes.
- HSV-2: Primarily causes genital herpes, characterized by painful sores and blisters.
- Hepatitis B: A viral infection of the liver, which can lead to chronic disease and cirrhosis. Hepatitis B is preventable with a vaccine.
- Hepatitis C: Mostly transmitted through blood, but can also be spread through sexual contact. It causes liver disease and can become chronic.
- Molluscum Contagiosum: A viral infection that causes small, firm, raised bumps on the skin, often spread through direct skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact.
- Zika Virus: While mainly transmitted by mosquitoes, it can also be sexually transmitted. It poses significant risks to pregnant women, including birth defects such as microcephaly.
3. Parasitic STDs
Parasitic STDs are caused by organisms such as protozoa or ectoparasites.
- Trichomoniasis: Caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas vaginalis, it can lead to vaginitis in women and urethritis in men, causing itching, discharge, and discomfort during urination or sex.
- Pubic Lice (Crabs): Tiny parasitic insects that infest the coarse hair of the genital area. They cause itching and discomfort.
- Scabies: Caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, scabies are small burrowing parasites that cause intense itching, typically in the genital area and other parts of the body.
4. Fungal Infections
Though not always classified as STDs, some fungal infections are transmitted through sexual contact.
- Candidiasis (Yeast Infection): Caused by an overgrowth of the Candida fungus, this infection can affect the vagina (vaginal yeast infection), penis (balanitis), and mouth (oral thrush). It can be triggered by antibiotics, pregnancy, or other factors, and can sometimes be transmitted sexually.
5. Other Infections and Conditions
Some conditions are transmitted sexually but do not fall neatly into the categories above.
- Bacterial Vaginosis (BV): An imbalance in the bacteria that naturally live in the vagina. Though not strictly an STD, it can be influenced by sexual activity and can increase the risk of other STDs.
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): An infection of the female reproductive organs, often caused by untreated bacterial STDs like chlamydia or gonorrhea. PID can cause chronic pain, infertility, and other serious complications.
List of STDs by Transmission and Symptoms
1. Asymptomatic STDs (Can have no symptoms but still be transmitted)
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- HPV (some strains)
- HIV
- Herpes (in some cases)
2. STDs with Visible Symptoms
- Syphilis (sores, rashes)
- Genital Warts (HPV) (visible warts)
- Herpes (sores/blisters)
- Chancroid (painful ulcers)
- Molluscum Contagiosum (raised bumps)
- Pubic Lice (visible lice or nits)
3. STDs that Affect the Liver
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
4. STDs Affecting the Genital and Urinary Systems
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- Trichomoniasis
- Mycoplasma Genitalium
- Ureaplasma
5. STDs Linked to Cancer
- HPV (cervical, anal, and other cancers)
- Hepatitis B (liver cancer)
Prevention and Treatment
- Vaccines: Available for HPV (Gardasil), Hepatitis B, and some HPV-related cancers.
- Condoms: Effective in reducing the risk of many STDs, including HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and others.
- Antiviral Medications: For managing HIV, Herpes (HSV), and Hepatitis (such as HIV antiretroviral therapy, acyclovir for herpes, and antivirals for hepatitis B and C).
- Antibiotics: For bacterial STDs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, chancroid, and mycoplasma genitalium.
- Antiprotozoal Medications: For treating trichomoniasis.
- Topical Treatments: For treating pubic lice and scabies.
Note on Screening and Diagnosis
Regular screening for STDs is important for sexually active individuals, especially for those with multiple partners or those not using barrier methods. Some STDs, like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV, can be detected through urine tests, blood tests, or swabs. Early detection and treatment are critical for reducing the risk of complications, transmission to partners, and long-term health effects.
Conclusion
STDs are a major public health concern, but most are preventable with safe sex practices, regular screening, and vaccination (where available). It's important for sexually active individuals to communicate with their partners, get tested regularly, and seek medical treatment if they suspect they have an STD. Early diagnosis and intervention can prevent serious health problems and transmission to others.
Here is a comprehensive list of congenital illnesses (inherited or present at birth) and congenital deformities (physical abnormalities present at birth). These conditions can result from genetic mutations, environmental factors, or unknown causes.
I. Congenital Illnesses (Congenital Diseases & Disorders)
These conditions affect organ function, metabolism, immunity, or development.
A. Genetic Disorders
- Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21) – Intellectual disability, characteristic facial features, heart defects.
- Turner Syndrome – Affects females; short stature, infertility, heart defects.
- Klinefelter Syndrome – Affects males; extra X chromosome (XXY), tall stature, infertility.
- Edward’s Syndrome (Trisomy 18) – Severe developmental delays, heart defects, shortened lifespan.
- Patau Syndrome (Trisomy 13) – Severe intellectual disability, cleft lip, extra fingers/toes.
- Cystic Fibrosis – Affects lungs and digestive system, thick mucus buildup.
- Sickle Cell Anemia – Abnormal hemoglobin, sickle-shaped red blood cells.
- Thalassemia – Blood disorder causing anemia due to faulty hemoglobin.
- Tay-Sachs Disease – Neurodegenerative disorder, common in Ashkenazi Jews.
- Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy – Progressive muscle degeneration.
- Phenylketonuria (PKU) – Inability to process phenylalanine, causing brain damage.
- Marfan Syndrome – Connective tissue disorder affecting heart, eyes, and skeleton.
- Huntington’s Disease – Neurodegenerative disorder with motor and cognitive decline.
- Hemophilia – Blood-clotting disorder, excessive bleeding.
- Albinism – Lack of melanin, causing vision problems and light sensitivity.
- Neurofibromatosis – Tumors on nerve tissues.
B. Metabolic Disorders
- Galactosemia – Inability to process galactose, leading to liver damage.
- Maple Syrup Urine Disease – Inability to break down certain amino acids.
- Glycogen Storage Diseases – Affects glucose metabolism and energy storage.
C. Congenital Infections (TORCH Infections)
- Toxoplasmosis – Causes brain and eye damage in infants.
- Rubella (German Measles) – Heart defects, cataracts, deafness.
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) – Hearing loss, developmental delay.
- Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) – Severe neurological damage, skin lesions.
- Syphilis – Bone deformities, neurological impairment.
D. Congenital Heart Diseases
- Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) – Hole in the atrial septum.
- Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) – Hole in the ventricular septum.
- Tetralogy of Fallot – Cyanosis, four heart defects.
- Transposition of the Great Arteries – Major arteries reversed, affecting blood circulation.
- Coarctation of the Aorta – Narrowing of the aorta, causing high blood pressure.
E. Neurological Disorders
- Spina Bifida – Incomplete closure of the spinal column.
- Anencephaly – Missing parts of the brain and skull.
- Microcephaly – Abnormally small head and brain.
- Hydrocephalus – Excess cerebrospinal fluid in the brain.
II. Congenital Deformities (Physical Abnormalities Present at Birth)
These conditions affect the shape and structure of body parts.
A. Craniofacial Deformities
- Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate – Split in the upper lip or roof of the mouth.
- Craniosynostosis – Premature closure of skull sutures, causing skull deformities.
- Micrognathia – Abnormally small jaw.
- Hypertelorism – Wide-set eyes.
- Pierre Robin Sequence – Small jaw, tongue displacement, cleft palate.
B. Limb Deformities
- Polydactyly – Extra fingers or toes.
- Syndactyly – Fingers or toes fused together.
- Clubfoot (Talipes Equinovarus) – Foot twisted inward.
- Amelia – Complete absence of a limb.
- Phocomelia – Short or missing limbs.
C. Skeletal Deformities
- Achondroplasia (Dwarfism) – Short stature due to abnormal bone growth.
- Osteogenesis Imperfecta – Brittle bones prone to fractures.
- Kyphosis – Severe curvature of the upper spine.
- Scoliosis – Lateral curvature of the spine.
D. Genitourinary Deformities
- Hypospadias – Urethral opening on the underside of the penis.
- Epispadias – Urethral opening on the upper side of the penis.
- Ambiguous Genitalia – External genitals not clearly male or female.
- Bladder Exstrophy – Bladder exposed outside the body.
E. Gastrointestinal Deformities
- Omphalocele – Abdominal organs protrude through the belly button.
- Gastroschisis – Intestines outside the body due to a hole in the abdominal wall.
- Esophageal Atresia – Esophagus does not connect to the stomach.
- Imperforate Anus – Absence of a normal anal opening.
F. Respiratory and Thoracic Deformities
- Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) – Abdominal organs move into the chest cavity.
- Pectus Excavatum – Sunken chest (funnel chest).
- Pectus Carinatum – Protruding chest (pigeon chest).
Psychological or mental illnesses encompass a wide range of conditions that affect mood, thinking, behavior, and emotional regulation. These illnesses can vary in severity and can be caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Here's a comprehensive list of psychological-related illnesses, grouped into major categories for easier reference:
1. Mood Disorders (also called Affective Disorders)
Mood disorders primarily involve disturbances in emotional state and are often marked by intense feelings of sadness, irritability, or elation.
- Depressive Disorders:
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest, and fatigue.
- Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) (formerly known as Dysthymia): A chronic form of depression lasting for at least two years.
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Depression occurring at a specific time of year, usually during winter months, due to decreased sunlight.
- Postpartum Depression: Depression occurring after childbirth, often involving mood swings, fatigue, and feelings of inadequacy.
- Bipolar Disorders:
- Bipolar I Disorder: Characterized by manic episodes that last at least seven days or by manic symptoms so severe that immediate hospital care is needed, along with depressive episodes.
- Bipolar II Disorder: Involves patterns of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes (a less severe form of mania), but not full-blown manic episodes.
- Cyclothymic Disorder: A less severe form of bipolar disorder, marked by periods of hypomanic symptoms and depressive symptoms lasting for at least two years.
2. Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders involve excessive fear or worry, often leading to physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sweating, or trembling.
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): Persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life, occurring for at least six months.
- Panic Disorder: Recurrent and unexpected panic attacks (intense fear or discomfort with physical symptoms), often accompanied by persistent worry about having more attacks.
- Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia): Intense fear or anxiety about social situations, often leading to avoidance of them.
- Specific Phobias: Intense fear of a specific object or situation, such as heights, animals, or flying.
- Agoraphobia: Fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable, often leading to avoidance of public places.
3. Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders
These disorders involve persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Recurrent, unwanted thoughts and/or compulsive behaviors (e.g., hand-washing, checking) aimed at reducing anxiety.
- Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): An obsessive preoccupation with perceived flaws or defects in physical appearance.
- Hoarding Disorder: Difficulty discarding items, leading to excessive accumulation of things, which disrupts daily life.
- Trichotillomania (Hair-Pulling Disorder): Recurrent pulling out of one's own hair, leading to hair loss.
- Excoriation (Skin-Picking) Disorder: Recurrent picking at one's skin, leading to skin lesions and scarring.
4. Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders
These disorders are triggered by exposure to a traumatic or stressful event.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A condition that can develop after exposure to a life-threatening event, characterized by flashbacks, nightmares, and heightened anxiety.
- Acute Stress Disorder: Similar to PTSD but occurs immediately after a traumatic event and lasts for at least three days but less than one month.
- Adjustment Disorder: Difficulty adjusting to a significant life change, such as a divorce, loss of a job, or the death of a loved one.
5. Eating Disorders
Eating disorders involve extreme preoccupation with food, body weight, and shape, leading to harmful eating behaviors.
- Anorexia Nervosa: Characterized by extreme restriction of food intake, intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image.
- Bulimia Nervosa: Recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, excessive exercise, or laxative use.
- Binge Eating Disorder: Recurrent episodes of binge eating without compensatory behaviors (e.g., purging).
- Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID): A serious eating disorder involving an extreme lack of interest in food, often leading to weight loss or nutritional deficiency.
6. Psychotic Disorders
Psychotic disorders involve distorted thinking, perceptions, and emotions, including hallucinations and delusions.
- Schizophrenia: A chronic mental health condition characterized by hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and cognitive impairments. It often leads to severe disruptions in functioning.
- Schizoaffective Disorder: A condition that features symptoms of both schizophrenia and mood disorders (either depression or mania).
- Delusional Disorder: The presence of one or more non-bizarre delusions (false beliefs) for at least one month without other psychotic symptoms.
7. Personality Disorders
Personality disorders involve enduring patterns of thought and behavior that deviate from the expectations of the individual's culture, causing significant distress or functional impairment.
- Cluster A (Odd or Eccentric Disorders):
- Paranoid Personality Disorder: A pervasive distrust and suspicion of others.
- Schizoid Personality Disorder: A detachment from social relationships and a restricted range of emotional expression.
- Schizotypal Personality Disorder: A pattern of peculiar thoughts, behaviors, and social anxiety.
- Cluster B (Dramatic, Emotional, or Erratic Disorders):
- Antisocial Personality Disorder: Disregard for the rights of others, often involving criminal behavior and a lack of remorse.
- Borderline Personality Disorder: Instability in relationships, self-image, and emotions, often with impulsive behaviors.
- Histrionic Personality Disorder: A pattern of excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behavior.
- Narcissistic Personality Disorder: A grandiose sense of self-importance, need for admiration, and lack of empathy.
- Cluster C (Anxious or Fearful Disorders):
- Avoidant Personality Disorder: Extreme shyness and fear of rejection or criticism, leading to social inhibition.
- Dependent Personality Disorder: Excessive need to be taken care of, leading to submissive and clinging behaviors.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD): Preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control.
8. Neurodevelopmental Disorders
These disorders are typically diagnosed in childhood and involve developmental deficits that affect intellectual, social, and emotional functioning.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A developmental disorder characterized by challenges in social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors.
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
- Learning Disabilities: Difficulties in reading, writing, or mathematics (e.g., dyslexia, dyscalculia).
- Intellectual Disability (formerly known as Mental Retardation): Below-average intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior deficits that impact daily life.
9. Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders
These disorders involve physical symptoms that are distressing and cause significant disruption in daily functioning, but the symptoms are not fully explained by medical conditions.
- Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD): Characterized by excessive focus on physical symptoms (such as pain or fatigue) that are not fully explained by medical conditions.
- Illness Anxiety Disorder (formerly Hypochondriasis): A preoccupation with having a serious illness, despite medical reassurance.
- Conversion Disorder (Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder): Neurological symptoms (such as paralysis or blindness) that cannot be explained by medical conditions.
- Factitious Disorder (formerly Munchausen Syndrome): The intentional production of symptoms of illness to gain attention or sympathy.
10. Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders
These disorders involve the problematic use of substances, including drugs, alcohol, and behaviors like gambling.
- Substance Use Disorders: Conditions related to the misuse of alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications, leading to dependence or addiction.
- Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD): Chronic use of alcohol, resulting in dependency and withdrawal symptoms.
- Gambling Disorder: A pattern of compulsive gambling behavior that disrupts daily life and causes distress.
11. Sleep-Wake Disorders
These disorders involve disturbances in sleep patterns and are often associated with other mental health issues.
- Insomnia Disorder: Difficulty falling or staying asleep despite having the opportunity to sleep.
- Narcolepsy: A neurological condition characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks.
- Sleep Apnea: A sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep.
- Parasomnias: Involve abnormal behaviors during sleep, such as sleepwalking or night terrors.
This list covers many of the major psychological conditions, but it is not exhaustive. Mental health disorders can vary greatly in their severity and impact, and treatment approaches are often tailored to the individual's needs. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, it is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.