Conditions & Treatment

Acute Bronchitis
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the breathing tubes (airways) that are called bronchi, which causes increased production of mucus and other changes.

Allergic Rhinitis (Allergies)
Rhinitis is a reaction that occurs in the nose when airborne irritants (allergens) trigger the release of histamine. Histamine causes inflammation and fluid production in the fragile linings of nasal passages, sinuses, and eyelids.

Allergies
Allergies are among the most common heath problems, with more than 50 million people afflicted with asthma, seasonal hay fever, or other allergy-related conditions each year.

Asthma
Asthma is a chronic, inflammatory disease in which the airways become sensitive to allergens (any substance that triggers an allergic reaction).

Asthma and Children
Approximately 6.5 million children have been diagnosed with asthma according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Asthma is one of the most common, serious, chronic diseases among children, accounting for 14 million absences from school each year.

Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is long-standing pain that persists beyond the usual recovery period or occurs along with a chronic health condition, such as arthritis.

Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a physiological reaction that occurs after skin comes in contact with certain substances.

Dermatitis
Dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin. Dermatitis actually refers to a number of skin conditions that inflame the skin.

Food Allergies
A food allergy is an abnormal response of the body to a certain food.

Latex Allergy
Some children and adults have an allergy or sensitivity to latex (rubber). Reactions can be seen when products made from latex come in contact with the person’s skin, mucous membranes (like the mouth, genitals, bladder or rectum), or the bloodstream (during surgery).

Occupational Asthma
Occupational asthma is a type of asthma caused by exposure to inhaled irritants in the workplace. Symptoms may disappear when the irritants that caused the asthma are avoided.

Occupational Lung Diseases
Repeated and long-term exposure to certain irritants on the job can lead to an array of lung diseases that may have lasting effects, even after exposure ceases.

Poison Ivy / Poison Oak
There are three native American plants that collectively may be called poison ivy: poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac.

Rhinitis
Rhinitis is a reaction that occurs in the eyes, nose and throat when airborne irritants (allergens) trigger the release of histamine.

Sinusitis
Sinusitis is an infection of the sinuses near the nose. These infections usually occur after a cold or after an allergic inflammation.

Urticaria / Hives
Urticaria, or hives, is a condition in which red, itchy, and swollen areas appear on the skin – usually as an allergic reaction from eating certain foods or taking certain medicines.

Anemia of Folate Deficiency
Folate deficiency is the lack of folic acid (one of the B vitamins) in the blood, which can cause a type of anemia known as megaloblastic (pernicious) anemia.

Anemias
There are many types of anemias that require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview.

Aplastic Anemia
Aplastic anemia occurs when the bone marrow produces too few red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, making the patient susceptible to infection and making it more difficult for blood to clot.

Beta Thalassemia (Cooley’s Anemia)
Beta thalassemia is caused by mutations in the beta chain of the hemoglobin molecule. There are two types of Beta Thalassemia: beta thalassemia major (Cooley’s anemia) – both (two) beta chain genes have deletions, causing the most severe type of beta thalassemia. Thalassemia major patients need frequent blood transfusions and may not survive a normal lifespan. During the first one to two years of life, they can be pale, fussy, have a poor appetite, and have many infections. Without treatment, the spleen, liver, and heart become enlarged, and bones can become thin and brittle. A major problem is the build up of iron in the heart and other organs, resulting in heart failure for some patients in their teens or early 20s. halassemia minor or thalassemia trait – one beta gene has a deletion, resulting in anemia. Thalassemia minor is further divided into: thalassemia minima – person has few or no symptoms. thalassemia intermedia – person has moderate to severe anemia.

Bleeding / Clotting Disorders
Abnormalities in platelets (which regulate clotting of the blood), or defects in the blood vessels themselves, can lead to excessive bleeding. Similarly, excess clotting can cause problems by obstructing veins and arteries.

Blood Disorders
There are many Hematology & Blood Disorders that require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) / Thrombophlebitis
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot develops in a vein deep in the body.

G6PD (Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase) Deficiency
G6PD deficiency is the lack of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (an enzyme present in red blood cells) in the blood, which can cause a type of anemia known as hemolytic anemia.

Hemochromatosis
Hemochromatosis, also called iron overload disease, is one of the most common genetic disorder in the US.

Hemolytic Anemia
Hemolytic anemia is a disorder in which the red blood cells are destroyed faster than the bone marrow can produce them.

Hemophilia
Hemophilia is an inherited bleeding, or coagulation, disorder. Children with hemophilia lack the ability to stop bleeding because of the low levels, or complete absence, of specific proteins, called “factors,” in their blood that are necessary for clotting.

Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
TP is a blood disorder characterized by an abnormal decrease in the number of platelets in the blood.

Iron-Deficiency Anemia
The most common cause of anemia is iron deficiency. Iron is needed to form hemoglobin.

Megaloblastic (Pernicious) Anemia
Megaloblastic anemia is a type of anemia characterized by very large red blood cells.

Polycythemia Vera
Polycythemia vera is a rare blood disorder in which there is an increase in all blood cells, particularly red blood cells.

Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder characterized by defective hemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the tissues of the body).

Thalassemias
Thalassemia is an inherited disorder that affects the production of normal hemoglobin (a type of protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the tissues in the body).

Thrombocythemia
Thrombocythemia is a myeloproliferative disorder. It is characterized by the production of too many platelets in the bone marrow.

Arthritis
Arthritis and other rheumatic diseases are characterized by pain, swelling, and limited movement in joints and connective tissues in the body.

Avascular Necrosis
Avascular necrosis is a disease that may cause bone or joint collapse as a result of loss of blood supply to the bone due to injury or other causes (such as long-term use of certain medications).

Back and Neck Pain
Low back pain can range from mild, dull, annoying pain, to persistent, severe, disabling pain in the lower back that restrict mobility. Neck pain is pain that occurs in the area of the seven cervical vertebrae in the neck area.

Benign Bone Tumors
There are many benign bone tumors that require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview.

Bone Cancers
There are different types of bone cancers, which are typically defined as a malignant (cancerous) tumor of the bone that destroys normal bone tissue.

Calluses and Corns
Calluses are protective pads made up of the thickened upper layer of skin due to repeated rubbing of the area. Corns are small calluses that develop on the top of the toes due to pressure or rubbing against shoes or other toes.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the median nerve is compressed as it passes through an opening from the wrist to the hand called the carpal tunnel.

Chondroblastoma
Sometimes called Codman’s tumor, a chondroblastoma is a rare type of benign bone tumor that originates from cartilage.

Chondrosarcoma
Chondrosarcoma is a type of bone cancer that develops in cartilage cells.

Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is long-standing pain that persists beyond the usual recovery period or occurs along with a chronic health condition, such as arthritis.

Congenital Hand Deformities
Congenital anomalies are deformities that are present at birth.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Cubital tunnel syndrome feels similar to the pain that occurs from hitting the “funny” bone in your elbow. The “funny” bone in the elbow is actually the ulnar nerve, a nerve that crosses the elbow (the ulnar nerve begins in the side of the neck and ends in the fingers).

Dupuytrens Contracture
Dupuytren’s contracture, also called Dupuytren’s disease, usually begins with a thickening of the skin in the palm of the hand, which may develop into a hard lump or thick band that eventually could cause the fingers to contract, or pull into the palm.

Elbow Pain and Problems
Common elbow problems include the following: arthritis – common forms of arthritis, bursitis, fractures, and injury.

Enchondroma
An enchondroma is a type of benign (non-cancerous) bone tumor that originates from cartilage.

Ewing Sarcoma
Ewing sarcoma is a cancer that occurs primarily in the bone or soft tissue.

Fibrous Dysplasia
Fibrous dysplasia is a chronic disorder in which bone expands due to abnormal development of fibrous tissue, often resulting in uneven growth of bones, pain, brittle bones, or bone deformity.

Foot Pain and Problems
Foot pain is often caused by improper foot function. Improperly fitted shoes can worsen and, in some cases, cause foot problems.

Fractures
A fracture is a partial or complete bone break. When a fracture occurs, it is classified as either open or closed.

Giant Cell Tumor
A giant cell tumor is one that is made up of a large number of benign (non-cancerous) cells that form an aggressive tumor – usually near the end of the bone near a joint.

Hand Pain and Problems
There are many common hand problems that can interfere with activities of daily living (ADLs),

Head and Neck Cancer
Cancer that starts in any part of the head or neck (except the brain or eye) is called head and neck cancer.

Hip Fracture
A hip fracture is a break in the femur (thigh bone) of the hip joint.

Hip Problems
The following are some of the most common hip problems: arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, traumatic arthritis, avascular necrosis, bursitis, and hip pointer.

Knee Pain and Problems
Many knee problems are a result of the aging process and continual wear and stress on the knee joint (i.e., arthritis). Other knee problems are a result of an injury or a sudden movement that strains the knee.

Kyphosis
A normal spine, when viewed from behind appears straight. However, a spine affected by kyphosis shows evidence of a forward curvature of the back bones (vertebrae) in the upper back area, giving a “humpback” appearance.

Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
Lateral epicondylitis, also known as tennis elbow, is characterized by pain in the back side of the elbow and forearm, along the thumb side when the arm is alongside the body with the thumb turned away. The pain is caused by damage to the tendons that bend the wrist backward away from the palm.

Ligament Injuries to the Knee
Ligament injuries to the knee include injuries to one of the four knee ligaments (elastic bands of tissue that connect bones to each other).

Low Back Pain
Low back pain can range from mild, dull, annoying pain, to persistent, severe, disabling pain in the lower back. Pain in the lower back can restrict mobility and interfere with normal functioning.

Lumbar Disc Disease (Herniated Disc)
Lumbar disc disease occurs in the lumbar area of the spine. As discs degenerate, fragments of the disc material can press on the nerve roots located just behind the disc space, causing pain, numbness or changes in sensation.

Lumbar Strain (Weight Lifter’s Back)
A lumbar strain is an injury to the lower back, which results in damaged tendons and muscles that spasm and feel sore.

Medial Epicondylitis (Golfers and Baseball Elbow)
Medial epicondylitis, also known as golfer’s elbow, baseball elbow, suitcase elbow, or forehand tennis elbow, is characterized by pain from the elbow to the wrist on the palm side of the forearm.

Myeloma Bone Disease / Multiple Myeloma
Myeloma bone disease is cancer that affects certain white blood cells called plasma cells.

Neck Pain
The neck is located between the head and the shoulders. Because of its location and range of motion, it is often left unprotected and subject to injury.

Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a chronic, degenerative, joint disease characterized by the breakdown of joint cartilage and adjacent bone in the neck, lower back, knees, hips and/or fingers.

Osteochondroma
Also called osteocartilaginous exostoses, osteochondroma is an overgrowth of cartilage and bone near the end of the bone near the growth plate.

Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), also known as brittle-bone disease, is a genetic (inherited) disorder characterized by bones that break easily without a specific cause.

Osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis is an inflammation or swelling of bone tissue that is usually the result of an infection.

Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis, or porous bone, is a disease in which there is a loss of bone mass and destruction of bone tissue, causing weakening of the bones in the hips, spine and wrists.

Osteosarcoma
Osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer that develops in the osteoblast cells that form the outer covering of bone.

Paget’s Disease of the Bone
Paget’s disease of the bone is a chronic bone disorder in which bones become enlarged and deformed. Bone may become dense, but fragile, because of excessive breakdown and deformation of bone.

Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee)
Patellar tendonitis, also known as jumper’s knee, is a condition caused by inflammation of the tendon connecting the kneecap to the shin bone, often caused by overuse of the knee joint.

Patellofemoral Stress Syndrome (Runner’s Knee)
Patellofemoral stress syndrome is a condition common among runners involving knee pain caused by irritation of the cartilage of the kneecap.

Pelvis Problems
Two of the more common pelvic problems include pelvic fractures and osteitis pubis.

Repetitive Motion Injury
Repetitive motion injuries, also called repetitive stress injuries, are temporary or permanent injuries to muscles, nerves, ligaments, and tendons caused by performing the same motion over and over again.

Rotator Cuff Injury
An injury to the rotator cuff, such as a tear, may happen suddenly when falling on an outstretched hand or develop over time due to repetitive activities.

Sciatica
Sciatica, also known as lumbar radiculopathy, is a pain that originates along the sciatic nerve, which extends from the back of the pelvis down the back of the thigh.

Scoliosis
A spine affected by scoliosis shows evidence of a lateral, or sideways, curvature, and a rotation of the back bones (vertebrae), giving the appearance that the person is leaning to one side.

Shoulder Dislocation
Dislocation of the shoulder means the displacement of the upper arm bone (humerus) out of the shoulder joint.

Shoulder Pain and Problems
Common shoulder problems include the following: dislocation, separation, bursitis, impingement syndrome, tendonitis, rotator cuff tear, adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder), and fracture.

Shoulder Tendonitis
Tendonitis of the shoulder is an inflammation of the rotator cuff and/or biceps tendon.

Soft-Tissue Injuries
Many activities can lead to soft-tissue damage of muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

Sprains and Strains
The majority of sports injuries are caused by minor trauma involving muscles, ligaments, and/or tendons, including contusions (bruises), sprains and strains.

Torn Meniscus
Meniscus tears can occur during a rotating movement while bearing weight, such as when twisting the upper leg while the foot stays in one place during sports and other activities.

Torticollis (Wryneck)
Torticollis, also known as wryneck, is a twisting of the neck that causes the head to rotate and tilt at an odd angle.

Whiplash Injury
Whiplash is an injury to the neck caused by the neck bending forcibly forward and then backward, or vice versa.

Acute Spinal Cord Injury
Acute spinal cord injury (SCI) is a traumatic injury that either results in a bruise (also called a contusion), a partial tear, or a complete tear (called a transection) in the spinal cord.

Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, neuro degenerative disease that occurs when nerve cells in the brain die, often resulting in symptoms such as impaired memory, thinking and behavior.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a terminal neurological disorder characterized by progressive degeneration of nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain.

Aphasia
Aphasia is a language disorder caused by damage in a specific area of the brain that controls language expression and comprehension, and leaves a person unable to communicate effectively with others.

Ataxia
Ataxia causes a failure of muscle control in the arms and legs which may result in a lack of balance, coordination and possibly a disturbance in gait.

Ataxia Telangiectasia (A-T)
Ataxia telangiectasia is a rare childhood disease that affects the nervous system and some other body systems.

Bell’s Palsy
Bell’s palsy is an unexplained episode of facial muscle weakness or paralysis that begins suddenly and worsens over three to five days. This condition results from damage to the 7th (facial) cranial nerve, and pain and discomfort usually occurs on one side of the face or head.

Brain Tumors
A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue in the brain. The tumor can either originate in the brain itself, or come from another part of the body and travel to the brain (metastasize). Brain tumors may be classified as either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), depending on their behavior.

Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is long-standing pain that persists beyond the usual recovery period or occurs along with a chronic health condition, such as arthritis.

Craniosynostosis (Craniofacial Anomaly)
Craniosynostosis is a condition in which sutures close too early, causing problems with normal brain and skull growth.

Epilepsy and Seizures
Epilepsy is a neurological condition involving the brain that makes people more susceptible to having seizures.

Fabry Disease
Fabry disease is a rare genetic disorder, seen in all ethnic groups, caused by a deficiency of a lysosomal enzyme.

Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis is a stomach disorder in which the stomach takes too long in emptying its contents.

Gaucher’s Disease
Gaucher disease is an inherited lysosomal storage disorder.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Guillain-Barré syndrome is a neurological disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system.

Head Injury
A head injury is a broad term that describes a vast array of injuries that occur to the scalp, skull, brain, and underlying tissue and blood vessels in the head.

Headache
A headache is pain or discomfort in the head or face area.

Landau-Kleffner Syndrome
Landau-Kleffner syndrome (also called infantile acquired aphasia, acquired epileptic aphasia or aphasia with convulsive disorder) is a language disorder characterized by the gradual or sudden loss of the ability to use or comprehend spoken language.

Menieres Disease
Ménière’s disease is a balance disorder caused by an abnormality found in a section of the inner ear called the labyrinth.

Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system. It is thought to be an autoimmune disorder. It is an unpredictable condition that can be relatively benign, disabling, or devastating.

Muscular Contraction and Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are the most common type of headache. Stress and muscle tension are often factors in tension type headaches.

Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a complex, autoimmune disorder in which antibodies destroy neuromuscular connections. This causes problems with the voluntary muscles of the body, especially the eyes, mouth, throat, and limbs.

Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a chronic, neurological sleep disorder with no known cause. It involves the body’s central nervous system. Narcolepsy is a genetic disorder, but what causes narcolepsy is not yet known.

Neurocutaneous Syndromes
Neurocutaneous syndrome is a broad term for a group of neurologic disorders that can cause tumors to grow inside the brain, spinal cord, organs, skin and skeletal bones.

Nightmares and Night Terrors
Nightmares are scary dreams that awaken children and make them afraid to go back to sleep. A night terror is a partial waking from sleep with behaviors such as screaming, kicking, panic, sleep walking, thrashing or mumbling.

Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease (PD or, simply, Parkinson’s) is a slowly progressing, degenerative disease that is associated with symptoms such as tremor or trembling of the arms, jaw, legs and face, stiffness or rigidity of the limbs and trunk, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), postural instability or impaired balance and coordination.

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sleep disorder in which a person experiences unpleasant sensations in the legs.

Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a serious breathing disorder that causes brief interruptions of breathing during sleep.

Snoring
Snoring is the sound that occurs during sleep when flow of air is obstructed in the area where the tongue and upper throat meet the soft palate and uvula.

Spasmodic Dysphonia
Spasmodic dysphonia, also called laryngeal dystonia, is a voice disorder. It is characterized by involuntary spasms or movements in the muscles of the larynx, which causes the voice to break, and have a tight, strained, or strangled sound.

Spinal Cord Injury
Acute spinal cord injury (SCI) is due to a traumatic injury that can either result in a bruise (also called a contusion), a partial tear, or a complete tear (called a transection) in the spinal cord.

Stroke
Stroke, also called brain attack, occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted.

Stuttering

Stuttering, sometimes referred to as stammering or diffident speech, is a speech disorder.

Vascular Headaches and Migraines
This throbbing type of headache is distinguished by the fact that symptoms other than pain occur with the headache.

Acute Myelogenous Leukemia
Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the blood in which too many granulocytes, a type of white blood cell, are produced in the bone marrow.

Adrenal Tumors / Pheochromocytoma
Tumors of the adrenal glands can cause many problems by excess secretion of certain adrenal-produced hormones, most often resulting in high blood pressure, which can be extreme.

Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell cancer, sometimes called non-melanoma skin cancer, usually appears as a small, fleshy bump or nodule on the head, neck, or hands. Occasionally, these nodules appear on the trunk of the body, usually as flat growths.

Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome (Gorlin Syndrome)
Basal cell nevus syndrome is caused by a tumor suppressor gene, called PTCH, located on chromosome 9. Mutations in this gene may increase the risk of ovarian cancer.

Biliary Cirrhosis / Bile Duct Cancer
Biliary cirrhosis is a rare form of liver cirrhosis, caused by disease or defects of the bile ducts.

Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer occurs when there are abnormal, cancerous cells growing in the bladder.

Bone Cancers
There are different types of bone cancers, which are typically defined as a malignant (cancerous) tumor of the bone that destroys normal bone tissue.

Brain Tumors
A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue in the brain. The tumor can either originate in the brain itself, or come from another part of the body and travel to the brain (metastasize). Brain tumors may be classified as either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), depending on their behavior.

Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a condition in which certain cells in the breast become abnormal and multiply without control to form a tumor.

Breast Cancer in Men
Breast cancer in men is a rare condition in which certain cells in the breast become abnormal and multiply without control to form a tumor.

Cardiac Sarcoma
Cardiac sarcoma is a type of tumor that occurs in the heart. Cardiac sarcoma is a primary malignant (cancerous) tumor.

Cervical Cancer
If abnormal cells on the surface of the cervix spread deeper into the cervix, or to other tissues or organs, the disease is then called cervical cancer, or invasive cervical cancer.

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a cancer of the blood in which too many lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, are produced by the bone marrow and by organs of the lymph system.

Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia
Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a cancer of the blood in which too many granulocytes, a type of white blood cell, are produced in the bone marrow.

Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is long-standing pain that persists beyond the usual recovery period or occurs along with a chronic health condition, such as arthritis.

Cowden Syndrome
The risk for breast cancer, gastrointestinal cancers, and thyroid cancer is increased with Cowden syndrome, a rare autosomal dominant disorder that is also associated with a number of specific noncancerous features.

Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is a disease caused when T-lymphocytes become malignant and affect the skin. T-lymphocytes are the infection-fighting white blood cells in the lymph system that kill harmful bacteria in the body, among other things.

Endometrial Cancer
Cancer of the endometrium, the most common cancer of the female reproductive organs, is a disease in which malignant (cancerous) cells are found in the endometrium. Endometrioid cancer is a specific type of endometrial cancer.

Esophageal Cancer
Esophageal cancer is cancer that develops in the esophagus, the muscular tube that connects the throat to the stomach.

Generalized Exfoliative Dermatitis
Generalized exfoliative dermatitis is a severe inflammation of the entire skin surface due to a reaction to certain drugs, or as a result of complications from another skin condition.

Hereditary Breast Ovarian Cancer Syndrome (BRCA1 / BRCA2)
Hereditary breast ovarian cancer syndrome is an abnormal version of the gene BRCA1 or BRCA2, which increases a person’s risk of developing various types of cancer.

Hodgkin’s Disease
Hodgkin disease is a type of lymphoma, a cancer in the lymphatic system.

Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer begins in the kidneys – two large, bean-shaped organs – one located to the left, and the other to the right of the backbone.

Laryngeal Cancer (Cancer of the Larynx)
Laryngeal cancer includes cancerous cells found in any part of the larynx – the glottis, the supraglottis, or the subglottis.

Li-Fraumeni Syndrome
The risk for breast cancer and many other forms of cancer is increased with Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS), a genetic autosomal dominant cancer syndrome.

Liver Tumors
Tumors are abnormal masses of tissue that form when cells begin to reproduce at an increased rate. The liver can grow both non-cancerous (benign) and cancerous (malignant) tumors.

Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is cancer that usually starts in the lining of the bronchi (the main airways of the lungs), but can also begin in other areas of the respiratory system, including the trachea, bronchioles, or alveoli.

Lymphedema Following a Mastectomy
When the normal drainage pattern in the lymph nodes is disturbed or damaged (such as during radiation or during surgery to remove lymph nodes), this may cause an abnormal collection of fluid that causes the arm to swell.

Melanoma
Melanoma is a disease of the skin in which cancer cells are found in the melanocytes, the cells that produce color in the skin or pigment known as melanin.

Merkel Cell Cancer
Merkel cell cancer is also known as neuroendocrine cancer of the skin, or trabecular cancer.

Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin disease is a type of lymphoma, which is a cancer in the lymphatic system.

Oral Cancer
Oral cancer is cancer found in the oral cavity (the mouth area) and the oropharynx (the throat area at the back of the mouth).

Osteosarcoma
Osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer that develops in the osteoblast cells that form the outer covering of bone.

Ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer is a disease in which malignant cells are found in an ovary.

Ovarian Cancer and Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colon Cancer (HNPCC)
The risk for ovarian cancer is increased with hereditary nonpolyposis colon cancer (HNPCC), an autosomal dominant cancer genetic syndrome.

Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer death in men and women in the US. Pancreatic cancer occurs when malignant cells grow out of control.

Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome
The risk for breast and ovarian cancer is increased with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS), a rare early-onset autosomal dominant disorder, associated with specific physical characteristics in addition to increased cancer risks.

Prostate Cancer
Early prostate cancer may not present any symptoms and can only be found with regular prostate examinations by your physician.

Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is a malignant tumor that grows in the skin cells and accounts for more than 50 percent of all cancers.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell skin cancer (sometimes referred to as non-melanoma carcinoma) may appear as nodules, or as red, scaly patches of skin.

Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is cancer that starts in any part of the stomach.

Testicular Cancer
Cancer that develops in a testicle is called testicular cancer.

Uterine Cancer
Cancers that occur in each part of the uterus have their own names, such as cervical cancer or endometrial cancer, but are sometimes broadly defined as uterine cancer because the structure is part of the uterus.

Vaginal Cancer
Cancer of the vagina, a rare kind of cancer in women, is a disease in which malignant cells are found in the tissues of the vagina.

Vulvar Cancer
Vulvar cancer is a malignancy that can occur on any part of the external organs, but most often affects the labia majora or labia minora.

Aneurysm
An aneurysm is a bulging, weakened area in the wall of a blood vessel resulting in an abnormal widening or ballooning greater than 50 percent of the normal diameter.

Cerebral Aneurysm
A cerebral aneurysm (also called an intracranial aneurysm or brain aneurysm) is a bulging, weakened area in the wall of an artery in the brain, resulting in an abnormal widening or ballooning. Because there is a weakened spot in the artery wall, there is a risk for rupture (bursting) of the aneurysm.

Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is long-standing pain that persists beyond the usual recovery period or occurs along with a chronic health condition, such as arthritis.

Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when the leg veins do not allow blood to travel back to the heart.

Claudication
Claudication refers to limping because of pain in the thigh, calf, and/or buttocks that occurs when walking. Claudication may be a symptom of peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

Peripheral Vascular Disease
Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a slow and progressive circulation disorder. It may involve disease in any of the blood vessels outside of the heart and diseases of the lymph vessels – the arteries, veins, or lymphatic vessels.

Pulmonary Embolism
A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blood clot that develops in a blood vessel elsewhere in the body (most commonly from the leg), travels to an artery in the lung, and forms an occlusion (blockage) of the artery.

Renal Vascular Disease
Renal vascular disease is the name given to a variety of complications that affect the arteries and veins of the kidneys.

Stroke
Stroke, also called brain attack, occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted.

Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
A thoracic aortic aneurysm, also called TAA, is a bulging, weakened area in the wall of the thoracic aorta (the largest artery in the body), resulting in an abnormal widening or ballooning.

Thrombosis
Thrombosis occurs when clots obstruct veins (blood vessels that carry blood from the body back into the heart) or arteries (blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the body).

Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are enlarged veins that are visible through the skin and may appear as blue or purple twisted, knot-like cords.

Vasculitis
Vasculitis refers to a group of diseases that result in inflammation, or swelling, of blood vessels. The inflammation damages the vessels, thus affecting the organs supplied by these blood vessels.

Acne
Acne is a disorder of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. The glands become clogged, leading to pimples and cysts.

Actinic Keratosis
Actinic keratosis, also known as a solar keratosis, is a scaly or crusty bump that arises on the skin surface.

Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)
Atopic dermatitis, also called eczema, is a hereditary and chronic skin disorder that causes a person’s skin to itch, turn red and flake. It mostly affects infants or very young children.

Baldness (Alopecia)
Baldness, also known as alopecia, is hair loss, or absence of hair.

Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell cancer, sometimes called non-melanoma skin cancer, usually appears as a small, fleshy bump or nodule on the head, neck, or hands. Occasionally, these nodules appear on the trunk of the body, usually as flat growths.

Birthmarks
Birthmarks are areas of discolored and/or raised skin that are apparent at birth or within a few weeks of birth. Birthmarks are made up of malformed pigment cells or blood vessels.

Candidiasis (Yeast Infection)
Candidiasis, sometimes called moniliasis or a yeast infection, is an infection caused by yeast on the skin and/or mucous membranes.

Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a physiological reaction that occurs after skin comes in contact with certain substances.

Cradle Cap / Seborrheic Dermatitis
Also called cradle cap, seborrheic dermatitis in the infant is characterized by fine white scales. Seborrheic dermatitis can also occur in the diaper area, face, neck, and trunk. Seborrheic dermatitis in this age group usually clears within the first year.

Creeping Eruption
Creeping eruption is a skin infection caused by hookworms, which normally are found on dogs and cats.

Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is a disease caused when T-lymphocytes become malignant and affect the skin. T-lymphocytes are the infection-fighting white blood cells in the lymph system that kill harmful bacteria in the body, among other things.

Dermatitis
Dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin. Dermatitis actually refers to a number of skin conditions that inflame the skin.

Dermatitis Herpetiformis
Dermatitis herpetiformis is an intensely pruritic (itchy) skin disease characterized by eruptions of clusters of small blisters or vesicles (small elevations of the skin containing fluid) and small bumps or papules (small, solid, elevations on the skin).

Diaper Rash
Diaper dermatitis, commonly known as a diaper rash, is a term used to describe different skin rashes in the diapered area. The rash is usually red, scaling and, rarely, ulcerated.

Dry Skin
Dry skin is a very common skin condition, usually characterized by irritated skin and itchiness. Dry skin often worsens in the winter, when the air is cold and dry.

Erythema Multiforme
Erythema multiforme is a skin disorder characterized by symmetrical, red, raised skin areas all over the body.

Erythema Nodosum
Erythema nodosum is characterized by tender, red bumps, usually found on the shins. Quite often, erythema nodosum is not a separate disease, but, rather, a sign of some other disease, or of a sensitivity to a drug.

Excessive Sweating
Excessive sweating, also called hyperhidrosis, can affect the entire body, but usually occurs in the palms, soles, armpits, and/or groin area.

Folliculitis and Carbuncles
Folliculitis is the inflammation of hair follicles due to an infection, injury, or irritation. Boils are pus-filled lesions that are painful and usually firm. Carbuncles are clusters of boils.

Fungal Infections of the Skin
Skin fungi live in the dead, top layer of skin cells in moist areas of the body, such as between the toes, groin, and under the breasts. These fungal infections cause only a small amount of irritation.

Generalized Exfoliative Dermatitis
Generalized exfoliative dermatitis is a severe inflammation of the entire skin surface due to a reaction to certain drugs, or as a result of complications from another skin condition.

Granuloma Annulare
Granuloma annulare is a chronic skin condition characterized by small, raised bumps that form a ring with a normal or sunken center.

Hair Loss
Shedding 50 to 100 hairs a day is normal. When a hair is shed, it is replaced by a new hair from the same follicle and the growing cycle starts again. Scalp hair grows about one-half inch a month. As people age, the rate of hair growth slows.

Impetigo
Impetigo is a superficial infection of the skin, caused by bacteria.

Ingrown Hairs
An ingrown hair is a hair that curls and penetrates the skin with its tip, causing inflammation.

Keratosis Pilaris
Keratosis pilaris is a common skin disorder characterized by small, pointed pimples.

Melanoma
Melanoma is a disease of the skin in which cancer cells are found in the melanocytes, the cells that produce color in the skin or pigment known as melanin.

Merkel Cell Cancer
Merkel cell cancer is also known as neuroendocrine cancer of the skin, or trabecular cancer.

Pityriasis Rosea
Pityriasis rosea is a mild, but common, skin condition characterized by scaly, pink, inflamed skin, which can last from four to eight weeks and usually leaves no lasting marks.

Poison Ivy / Poison Oak
There are three native American plants that collectively may be called poison ivy: poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac.

Prickly Heat
Prickly heat is a skin rash caused by trapped sweat under the skin.

Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition characterized by inflamed, red, raised areas that often develop as silvery scales on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back.

Rosacea
Characterized by redness, pimples and broken blood vessels, rosacea is a common skin condition that usually only affects the face and eyes.

Scabies
Scabies is an infestation of mites (tiny insects) characterized by small, red bumps and intense itching.

Scars
A scar is the body’s natural way of healing and replacing lost or damaged skin.

Sebaceous Cysts
Sebaceous cysts are harmless, slow-growing bumps under the skin, often appearing on the scalp, face, ears, back, or groin area.

Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammation of the upper layers of skin, characterized by red, itchy skin that sheds scales.

Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a common viral infection of the nerves, which results in a painful rash of small blisters on an area of skin anywhere on the body.

Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is a malignant tumor that grows in the skin cells and accounts for more than 50 percent of all cancers.

Skin Pigment Disorders
Skin color is determined by a pigment (melanin) made by specialized cells in the skin (melanocytes). Some disorders which affect skin color are: albinism, melasma, pigment loss after skin damage, and vitiligo.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell skin cancer (sometimes referred to as non-melanoma carcinoma) may appear as nodules, or as red, scaly patches of skin.

Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome
Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome is a response to a staphylococcal infection and is characterized by peeling skin.

Tinea Infections (Ringworm)
Different fungi, depending on their location on the body, cause ringworm. Ringworm is characterized by ring-shaped, red, scaly patches with clearing centers.

Tinea Versicolor
Different fungi, depending on their location on the body, cause ringworm. Ringworm is characterized by ring-shaped, red, scaly patches with clearing centers.

Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
Toxic epidermal necrolysis is a life-threatening skin disorder characterized by a blistering and peeling of the skin. This disorder can be caused by a drug reaction – frequently antibiotics or anticonvulsives.

Warts
Warts are non-cancerous skin growths caused by the papillomavirus.

Alcohol-Induced Liver Disease
Alcohol-induced liver disease, as the name implies, is caused by excessive consumption of alcohol and is a common, but preventable, disease.

Alcoholic Hepatitis
Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver, resulting in liver cell damage and destruction. Alcoholic hepatitis is a complex problem and is a precursor to chronic liver disease and cirrhosis.

Appendicitis
Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, a finger-like portion of the large intestine that generally hangs down from the lower right side of the abdomen.

Autoimmune Hepatitis
Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver, resulting in liver cell damage and destruction. In autoimmune hepatitis, the body’s own immune system destroys liver cells.

Barrett’s Esophagus
Barrett’s esophagus is a condition in which normal cells that line the esophagus turn into cells not usually found in humans called “specialized columnar cells.”

Biliary Cirrhosis / Bile Duct Cancer
Biliary cirrhosis is a rare form of liver cirrhosis, caused by disease or defects of the bile ducts.

Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is a digestive disease that damages the small intestine because of a sensitivity to gluten, which is found in wheat, rye, barley, and oats. This hereditary disorder interferes with the absorption of nutrients from food.

Cholangitis
Cholangitis is an inflammation of the bile duct system that is usually related to a bacterial infection. The bile duct system is the drainage system that carries bile from the liver and gallbladder into the area of the small intestine called the duodenum. The infection may occur suddenly or may be chronic.

Cholecystitis
Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder wall and nearby abdominal lining. Cholecystitis is usually caused by a gallstone in the cystic duct, the duct that connects the gallbladder to the hepatic duct.

Chronic Liver Disease / Cirrhosis
Chronic liver disease is marked by the gradual destruction of liver tissue over time. Several liver diseases fall under this category, including cirrhosis of the liver and fibrosis of the liver.

Colic
Colic is a problem that affects some babies during the first three to four months of life. A child who is otherwise well, who cries or is fussy several hours a day, especially from 6 pm to 10 pm, with no apparent reason, may have colic. he face may be flushed. The abdomen may be tense with legs drawn toward it. The hands may be clenched and the feet are often cold.

Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is malignant cells found in the colon or rectum.

Congenital Liver Defects
Congenital liver defects are rare liver diseases present at birth such as biliary atresia, when the bile ducts are absent or have developed abnormally, and choledochal cyst, a malformation of the hepatic duct that can obstruct flow of bile in infants.

Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that is a chronic condition that may recur at various times over a lifetime.

Diverticular Disease
In the colon, some people have small pouches that bulge outward through weak spots. Diverticular disease is an inflammation or infection in the pouches, known as diverticula, which are located in the colon.

Drug-Induced Hepatitis
Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver, resulting in liver cell damage and destruction. Drug-induced hepatitis is rare and is caused by toxic exposure to certain medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, or food supplements.

Encopresis
Encopresis is a problem that children four years old or older can develop due to chronic (long-term) constipation.

Gallstones
Gallstones form when bile stored in the gallbladder hardens into stone-like material.

Gas in the Digestive Tract
Gas in the digestive tract is created from swallowing air or by the breakdown of certain foods by the bacteria that are present in the colon.

Gastritis
Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) / Heartburn
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive disorder that is caused by gastric acid flowing from the stomach into the esophagus.

Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis is a stomach disorder in which the stomach takes too long in emptying its contents.

Halitosis (Bad Breath)
Halitosis is an oral health condition characterized by consistently odorous breath.

Helicobacter Pylori
H. pylori is a spiral-shaped bacterium found in the stomach, which (along with acid secretion) damages stomach and duodenal tissue, causing inflammation and peptic ulcers.

Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are blood vessels, normally present in and around the anus and lower rectum, that have become swollen due to stretching under pressure.

Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious and sometimes serious liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus.

Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a blood-borne microorganism transmitted by exposure to the hepatitis B virus through infectious body fluids.

Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C (once called non-A, non-B hepatitis) is a liver disease caused by a recently identified blood-borne virus.

Hiatal Hernia
A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach pushes up into the chest through a small opening in the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the stomach from the chest.

Indigestion
Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, is a painful or burning feeling in the upper abdomen and is usually accompanied by nausea, bloating or gas, a feeling of fullness, and, sometimes, vomiting.

Inguinal Hernia
A hernia occurs when a section of intestine protrudes through a weakness in the abdominal muscles. A hernia that occurs in the groin area is called an inguinal hernia.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is an intestinal disorder that causes the following: crampy pain, gassiness, bloating, changes in bowel habits.

Lactose Intolerance
Liver Tumors
Tumors are abnormal masses of tissue that form when cells begin to reproduce at an increased rate. The liver can grow both non-cancerous (benign) and cancerous (malignant) tumors.

Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer death in men and women in the US. Pancreatic cancer occurs when malignant cells grow out of control.

Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas. The inflammation may be sudden (acute) or ongoing (chronic).

Peritonitis
Peritonitis is an infection caused by an inflammation of the lining of the abdominal cavity, known as the peritoneum.

Pseudocysts of the Pancreas
Pseudocysts of the pancreas are abnormal collections of fluid, dead tissue, pancreatic enzymes, and blood that can lead to a painful mass in the pancreas.

Stomach and Duodenal Ulcers (Peptic Ulcers)
An ulcer is an open sore, or lesion, usually found on the skin or mucous membrane areas of the body.

Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is cancer that starts in any part of the stomach.

Ulcerative Colitis
Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease in which the inner lining of the large intestine (colon or bowel) and rectum become inflamed.

Acromegaly
Acromegaly is a disorder of the pituitary gland which produces excess growth hormones and thus results in excessive growth, first in the hands and feet, as soft tissue begins to swell.

Amenorrhea
Amenorrhea is a menstrual condition characterized by absent menstrual periods for more than three monthly menstrual cycles.

Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes may also be known by a variety of other names, including the following: insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), juvenile diabetes, brittle diabetes, or sugar diabetes.

Diabetes Insipidus
Diabetes insipidus is a condition that results from insufficient production of the antidiuretic hormone (ADH), a hormone that helps the kidneys and body conserve the correct amount of water.

Diabetic Foot Problems
The nerves of the feet are often affected by neuropathy or blood vessel diseases. When a diabetes patient loses sensation in the feet, sores or injuries may go unnoticed until ulcers develop.

Diabetic Nephropathy (Kidney Disease)
Nephropathy is the deterioration of the kidneys. The final stage of nephropathy is called end-stage renal disease, or ESRD.

Diabetic Neuropathy (Nerve Problems)
Diabetic neuropathy, a nerve disorder, is a complication of diabetes that can lead to problems throughout the body.

Diabetic Retinopathy and Other Eye Problems
Diabetic eye disease refers to a group of eye problems that may occur in persons with diabetes as a complication.

Empty Sella Syndrome
Empty sella syndrome is a condition where the bony structure that houses the pituitary gland is enlarged, sometimes resulting in high fluid pressure inside the skull.

Excessive Hairiness (Hirsutism)
Excessive hairiness, also known as hirsutism, is characterized by abnormal hair growth on areas of skin that are not normally hairy.

Gastroparesis
Gastroparesis is a stomach disorder in which the stomach takes too long in emptying its contents.

Gout
Gout is characterized by inflamed, painful joints due to the formation of crystal deposits at the joints.

Halitosis (Bad Breath)
Halitosis is an oral health condition characterized by consistently odorous breath.

Hashimotos Thyroiditis
Thyroiditis is the inflammation of the thyroid gland. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most common form of thyroiditis.

Hip Fracture
A hip fracture is a break in the femur (thigh bone) of the hip joint.

Hyperparathyroidism
Hyperparathyroidism is caused by overactive parathyroid glands. Overactive parathyroid glands produce too much parathyroid hormones, which in turn stimulate increased levels of calcium in the blood stream.

Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism means overactivity of the thyroid gland, resulting in too much thyroid hormone in the bloodstream.

Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)
Hypoglycemia is a condition characterized by a glucose (blood sugar) level that is too low to effectively fuel the body’s blood cells.

Hypoparathyroidism
Underactive parathyroid glands do not produce enough parathyroid hormones. This causes low levels of calcium in the blood.

Hypopituitarism
Hypopituitarism, also called an underactive pituitary gland, is a condition that affects the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland – usually resulting in a partial or complete loss of functioning of that lobe.

Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is the condition in which the thyroid is underactive (i.e., it is producing an insufficient amount of thyroid hormones).

Hypothyroidism and Pregnancy
Hypothyroidism is a condition marked by an underactive thyroid gland and may occur during pregnancy.

Infertility
Infertility is defined by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) as a disease of the reproductive system that impairs the body’s ability to perform the basic function of reproduction.

Nephrotic Syndrome
Nephrotic syndrome is a condition often characterized by the following: very high levels of protein in the urine, low levels of protein in the blood, swelling, especially around the eyes, feet, and hands, as well as high cholesterol.

Obesity
Obesity increases the risk for many diseases, especially heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes.

Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), also known as brittle-bone disease, is a genetic (inherited) disorder characterized by bones that break easily without a specific cause.

Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis, or porous bone, is a disease in which there is a loss of bone mass and destruction of bone tissue, causing weakening of the bones in the hips, spine and wrists.

Overactive Adrenal Glands / Cushings Syndrome
When adrenal glands produce excessive amounts of certain hormones, they are called “overactive.”

Parathyroid Tumor
A parathyroid tumor is a growth inside a parathyroid gland. Parathyroid tumors may cause increased levels of parathyroid hormones secreted by the parathyroid glands, leading to hyperparathyroidism.

Perimenopause
Perimenopause refers to the transitional period of time before menstruation actually stops, which is marked by changes in the menstrual cycle, along with other physical and emotional symptoms.

Pituitary Tumors
Although rare, most pituitary tumors are not cancerous (benign), comprising only 7 percent of brain tumors. However, most pituitary tumors will press against the optic nerves, causing vision problems.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovarian syndrome involves two of the following: lack of ovulation for an extended period of time, high levels of male hormones or small ovarian cysts.

Postpartum Thyroiditis
One particular postpartum complication is postpartum thyroiditis, a condition characterized by an inflamed thyroid gland.

Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Primary hyperparathyroidism is a metabolic disorder in which one (or more) of the parathyroid glands produces too much parathyroid hormone, which can result in the loss of bone tissue.

Thyroid Disorders in Women
The thyroid gland, which plays an important role in the body’s metabolism, secretes several hormones: thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and calcitonin.

Thyroid Tumors
Thyroid tumors are either benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) growths.

Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes may also be known by a variety of other names, including the following: insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), juvenile diabetes, brittle diabetes, and sugar diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder resulting from the body’s inability to make enough, or to properly use, insulin.

Underactive Adrenal Glands / Addisons Disease
Addison’s disease is the result of an underactive adrenal gland.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
An abdominal aortic aneurysm, also called AAA or triple A, is a bulging, weakened area in the wall of the aorta (the largest artery in the body) resulting in an abnormal widening or ballooning greater than 50 percent of the normal diameter (width).

Angina Pectoris
Angina pectoris (or simply angina) is recurring chest pain or discomfort that happens when some part of the heart does not receive enough blood and oxygen.

Aortic Stenosis
Aortic stenosis is a narrowing of the opening of the heart’s aortic valve, which obstructs blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body.

Arrhythmias
Arrhythmias are heart rhythm disorders that may originate in the atria (the receiving chambers of the heart) or the ventricles (the pumping chambers of the heart).

Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a thickening or hardening of the arteries caused by a build-up of plaque in the inner lining of an artery.

Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation is a type of arrhythmia where the electrical signals in the atria (the two small chambers of the heart) are fired in a very fast and uncontrolled manner.

Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy is any disease of the heart muscle in which the heart loses its ability to pump blood effectively.

Carotid Artery Disease
Carotid artery disease, also called carotid artery stenosis, occurs when the carotid arteries, the main blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood to the brain, become narrowed.

Congenital Heart Defects
Congenital heart defects occur when the heart or related blood vessels do not develop properly before or at birth.

Coronary Heart Disease
Coronary heart disease occurs when cholesterol builds up within the walls of the heart’s arteries (coronary arteries), forming what is called plaque.

Gout
Gout is characterized by inflamed, painful joints due to the formation of crystal deposits at the joints.

Heart Attack
A heart attack occurs when one or more regions of the heart muscle experience a severe or prolonged lack of oxygen caused by blocked blood flow to the heart muscle.

Heart Failure
Heart failure, also called congestive heart failure, is a condition in which the heart cannot pump enough oxygenated blood to meet the needs of the body’s other organs.

Heart Murmur
Heart murmurs are additional sounds made by blood flowing through the heart as it beats. Many murmurs are harmless (innocent), but some abnormal murmurs might signal a heart problem.

Heart Valve Diseases
The heart’s valves can have one of two malfunctions – regurgitation (when the valve does not completely close) or stenosis (a narrowing of the valve).

High Blood Pressure / Hypertension
Blood pressure, measured with a blood pressure cuff and stethoscope by a nurse or other health care provider, is the force of the blood pushing against the artery walls.

Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a condition that includes the presence of a cluster of risk factors specific for cardiovascular disease. Metabolic syndrome significantly raises the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and/or stroke.

Mitral Valve Prolapse
This detailed overview of mitral valve prolapse (MVP) covers causes, symptoms and diagnosis along with surgical treatments such as mitral valve repair.

Obesity
Obesity increases the risk for many diseases, especially heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes.

Pericarditis
Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, the thin sac (membrane) that surrounds the heart.

Pulmonary Embolism
A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blood clot that develops in a blood vessel elsewhere in the body (most commonly from the leg), travels to an artery in the lung, and forms an occlusion (blockage) of the artery.

Rheumatic Heart Disease
Rheumatic heart disease is a condition in which permanent damage to heart valves is caused by rheumatic fever.

Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
A thoracic aortic aneurysm, also called TAA, is a bulging, weakened area in the wall of the thoracic aorta (the largest artery in the body), resulting in an abnormal widening or ballooning.

African Trypanosomiasis (African Sleeping Sickness)
African trypanosomiasis is a disease carried by the tsetse fly. There are two types of the disease: West African trypanosomiasis causes a chronic infection lasting years, and East African trypanosomiasis causes acute illness lasting several weeks.

BSE (“Mad Cow Disease”) and nvCJD
“Mad Cow Disease” actually refers to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), a disease first described in 1996 – in cattle, which is related to a disease in humans called variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD).

Candidiasis (Yeast Infection)
Candidiasis, sometimes called moniliasis or a yeast infection, is an infection caused by yeast on the skin and/or mucous membranes.

Cat Scratch Disease
Cat scratches and bites can cause cat scratch disease, a bacterial infection carried in cat saliva.

Cervicitis
A painful irritation of the cervix, cervicitis often lasts several months or longer, sometimes occurring after childbirth or use of oral contraceptives.

Chickenpox (Varicella)
Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease, usually associated with childhood. The disease is caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Transmission occurs from person-to-person by direct contact or through the air.

Cholera
Cholera is an acute, infectious disease caused by the consumption of water or food contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.

Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis, also known as “pink eye,” is an inflammation of the conjunctiva of the eye.

Creeping Eruption
Creeping eruption is a skin infection caused by hookworms, which normally are found on dogs and cats.

Croup
Croup is a disease caused by a virus that leads to swelling in the airways and problems breathing.

Cryptosporidiosis
Cryptosporidiosis is a diarrheal infection caused by the parasite Cryptosporidium.

Dengue Fever
Dengue is a viral disease transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes mainly in tropical and subtropical areas of the world, with the greatest risks occurring in South Central Asia, Caribbean (except Cuba and the Cayman Islands), and Central America.

Diphtheria
Diphtheria is an acute bacterial disease that can infect the body in two areas: the throat (respiratory diphtheria) and the skin (skin or cutaneous diphtheria).

Encephalitis
Encephalitis is an inflammation caused by a viral infection.

Escherichia coli 0157:H7
A particular strain of E. coli known as E. coli O157:H7 causes a severe intestinal infection in humans. It is the most common strain to cause illness in people.

Fifth Disease
Fifth disease is a viral illness that results in a viral exanthem. Exanthem is another name for a rash or skin eruption.

Fungal Infections of the Skin
Skin fungi live in the dead, top layer of skin cells in moist areas of the body, such as between the toes, groin, and under the breasts. These fungal infections cause only a small amount of irritation.

Giardiasis
Giardiasis is an infectious diarrheal disease caused by the parasite Giardia lamblia, which can be transmitted through oral-fecal contact and by water contaminated by feces.

Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious and sometimes serious liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus.

Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a blood-borne microorganism transmitted by exposure to the hepatitis B virus through infectious body fluids.

Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C (once called non-A, non-B hepatitis) is a liver disease caused by a recently identified blood-borne virus.

HIV / AIDS
HIV/AIDS is a syndrome that kills cells of the immune system, impairing the body’s ability to fight infection.

Infectious Mononucleosis
Infectious mononucleosis, also known as mononucleosis, “mono,” or glandular fever, is characterized by swollen lymph glands and chronic fatigue.

Influenza
Influenza (or flu) is a highly contagious viral respiratory tract infection.

Lyme Disease
While most tick bites are harmless, several species can cause life-threatening diseases. Two of these well-known diseases are Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme disease.

Malaria
Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite that is transmitted person-to-person by the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. These mosquitoes are present in the tropics and subtropics in almost all countries.

Measles
Measles is a viral illness characterized by a distinct rash and a fever.

Meningitis
Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that surround the brain.

Molluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a viral disease of the skin that causes small, pink or skin-colored bumps on the skin

Mononucleosis
Infectious mononucleosis, also known as mononucleosis, “mono,” or glandular fever, is characterized by swollen lymph glands and chronic fatigue.

Mouth Infections
Some people call it a cold sore, others a fever blister, but this annoying and often painful chronic condition is caused by the same virus: herpes simplex.

Mumps
Mumps is an acute and highly contagious viral illness that usually occurs in childhood. Spread by airborne droplets from the upper respiratory tract, the disease usually takes two to three weeks to appear.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Caused by a certain type of bacteria, pelvic inflammatory disease results in pelvic pain and the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy (a fertilized egg becoming implanted outside the uterus).

Pharyngitis / Tonsillitis
Pharyngitis and tonsillitis are infections in the throat that cause inflammation.

Poliomyelitis (Polio)
Poliomyelitis is a highly contagious infectious disease caused by three types of poliovirus.

Rabies
Animal bites and scratches, even when they are minor, can become infected and spread bacteria to other parts of the body.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is an infection caused by the bite of an infected tick.

Roseola
Roseola is a viral illness that results in a viral exanthem.

Rubella (German Measles)
Rubella, sometimes called German measles, is an acute viral infection that causes a mild illness in children and slightly more severe illness in adults.

Salmonella Infections
Salmonella infections are diarrheal infections caused by the bacteria Salmonella.

Septicemia
Septicemia is the clinical name for blood poisoning.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a rapidly spreading, potentially fatal infectious viral disease.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
Sexually transmitted diseases are infectious diseases transmitted through sexual contact.

Tetanus
Tetanus is an acute, sometimes fatal, disease of the central nervous system, caused by the toxin of the tetanus bacterium, which usually enters the body through an open wound.

Tinea Infections (Ringworm)
Different fungi, depending on their location on the body, cause ringworm. Ringworm is characterized by ring-shaped, red, scaly patches with clearing centers.

Tinea Versicolor
Different fungi, depending on their location on the body, cause ringworm. Ringworm is characterized by ring-shaped, red, scaly patches with clearing centers.

Tonsillitis
Tonsillitis refers to the inflammation of a tonsil – the large, fleshy, oval masses of tissue that lie in the lateral wall of the oral pharynx on either side of the throat.

Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)
Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) describes a cluster of symptoms that involve many systems of the body.

Traveler’s Diarrhea
Traveler’s diarrhea is a term used to describe the diarrhea caused by infection with bacteria, protozoa, or viruses ingested by consuming food or water that has been contaminated.

Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic bacterial infection that usually infects the lungs, although other organs are sometimes involved.

Typhoid Fever
Typhoid fever is a life-threatening bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi (S. Typhi).

Vaginitis
Vaginitis refers to any inflammation or infection of the vagina.

Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers
Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHF) is a term that refers to a group of illnesses caused by several distinct families of viruses.

Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
Caused by a bacterium, whooping cough is characterized by paroxysms (intense fits or spells) of coughing that end with the characteristic whoop as air is inhaled.

Yellow Fever
Yellow fever is a viral disease that is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito.

Analgesic Nephropathy
Analgesic nephropathy is a chronic kidney disease that gradually leads to end-stage renal disease and the need for permanent dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is long-standing pain that persists beyond the usual recovery period or occurs along with a chronic health condition, such as arthritis.

Diabetic Nephropathy (Kidney Disease)
Nephropathy is the deterioration of the kidneys. The final stage of nephropathy is called end-stage renal disease, or ESRD.

End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
Renal failure refers to temporary or permanent damage to the kidneys that results in loss of normal kidney function.

Glomerulonephritis
Glomerulonephritis is a type of glomerular kidney disease in which the kidneys’ filters become inflamed and scarred, and slowly lose their ability to remove wastes and excess fluid from the blood to make urine.

Glomerulosclerosis
Glomerulosclerosis is the term used to describe scarring that occurs within the kidneys in the small balls of tiny blood vessels called the glomeruli.

Goodpasture Syndrome
Goodpasture syndrome is a rare, autoimmune disease that can affect the lungs and kidneys.

Hematuria (Blood in the Urine)
Hematuria is the presence of red blood cells (RBCs) in the urine.

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
Hemolytic uremic syndrome is a rare condition that mostly affects children under the age of 10. It is often characterized by damage to the lining of blood vessel walls, destruction of red blood cells, and kidney failure.

Hyperparathyroidism
Hyperparathyroidism is caused by overactive parathyroid glands. Overactive parathyroid glands produce too much parathyroid hormones, which in turn stimulate increased levels of calcium in the blood stream.

Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism means overactivity of the thyroid gland, resulting in too much thyroid hormone in the bloodstream.

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) Nephropathy
IgA nephropathy is a chronic kidney disease that may progress over a period of 10 to 20 years, and can lead to end-stage renal disease.

Kidney Cancer
Kidney cancer begins in the kidneys – two large, bean-shaped organs – one located to the left, and the other to the right of the backbone.

Nephrotic Syndrome
Nephrotic syndrome is a condition often characterized by the following: very high levels of protein in the urine, low levels of protein in the blood, swelling, especially around the eyes, feet, and hands, as well as high cholesterol.

Neurogenic Bladder
The following problems are often associated with a neurogenic bladder: urine leakage, urine retention, damage to the tiny blood vessels in the kidney, and infection of the bladder or ureters.

Polycystic Kidney Disease
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder characterized by the growth of numerous cysts filled with fluid in the kidneys.

Renal Vascular Disease
Renal vascular disease is the name given to a variety of complications that affect the arteries and veins of the kidneys.

Amenorrhea
Amenorrhea is a menstrual condition characterized by absent menstrual periods for more than three monthly menstrual cycles.

Breast Infections and Inflammations
The most common type of breast infection is lactational mastitis, which causes a woman’s nipples to become cracked and sore when she is breastfeeding. Nonlactational mastitis is similar to lactational mastitis but occurs in nonlactating women.

Candidiasis (Yeast Infection)
Candidiasis, sometimes called moniliasis or a yeast infection, is an infection caused by yeast on the skin and/or mucous membranes.

Cervical Cancer
If abnormal cells on the surface of the cervix spread deeper into the cervix, or to other tissues or organs, the disease is then called cervical cancer, or invasive cervical cancer.

Cervicitis
A painful irritation of the cervix, cervicitis often lasts several months or longer, sometimes occurring after childbirth or use of oral contraceptives.

Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is long-standing pain that persists beyond the usual recovery period or occurs along with a chronic health condition, such as arthritis.

Cystocele (Fallen Bladder)
Cystocele is the name for a hernia-like disorder in women that occurs when the wall between the bladder and the vagina weakens, causing the bladder to drop or sag into the vagina.

Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes may also be known by a variety of other names, including the following: insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), juvenile diabetes, brittle diabetes, or sugar diabetes.

Dysmenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea is a menstrual condition characterized by severe and frequent menstrual cramps and pain associated with menstruation.

Endometrial Cancer
Cancer of the endometrium, the most common cancer of the female reproductive organs, is a disease in which malignant (cancerous) cells are found in the endometrium. Endometrioid cancer is a specific type of endometrial cancer.

Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a common gynecological condition involving abnormal buildup of tissue, often causing pain or infertility.

Fibrocystic Breast Changes
Generalized breast lumpiness is known by names such as “fibrocystic disease” and “fibroid breasts.” Doctors now believe these are just part of the normal breast changes many women undergo throughout the various stages of their lives.

Flat or Inverted Nipples
An effective breastfeeding baby usually has little trouble breastfeeding even if his/her mother’s nipples appear to be flatter. A less effective breastfeeder may need some time to figure out how he/she can draw the nipple into the mouth with latch-on.

Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a condition in which the glucose level is elevated and other diabetic symptoms appear during pregnancy in a woman who has not previously been diagnosed with diabetes.

Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are blood vessels, normally present in and around the anus and lower rectum, that have become swollen due to stretching under pressure.

Hypothyroidism and Pregnancy
Hypothyroidism is a condition marked by an underactive thyroid gland and may occur during pregnancy

Ineffective Latch-On or Sucking
This condition occurs when a baby cannot effectively remove milk from the breast during breastfeeding, resulting in poor weight gain by the infant and reduced milk production by the mother.

Infertility
Infertility is defined by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) as a disease of the reproductive system that impairs the body’s ability to perform the basic function of reproduction.

Insufficient or Delayed Milk Production
Most mothers worry at some point that they do not have enough milk. A delay in the time when milk “comes in” sometimes occurs in mothers dealing with certain health conditions.

Mastalgia (Breast Pain)
Mastalgia is breast pain and is generally classified as either cyclical (associated with menstrual periods) or noncyclic.

Mastitis
Mastitis is often used interchangeably with the term breast infection, but mastitis may also be due to an inflammation. Often a reddened area is noted on the breast.

Medical Conditions and Pregnancy
Certain medical conditions may complicate a pregnancy. However, with proper medical care, most women can enjoy a healthy pregnancy, despite their medical challenges.

Menopause
Menopause refers to the time in a woman’s life when the menstrual cycle stops permanently. It is a normal, natural event that occurs in all women.

Menorrhagia
Menorrhagia is the most common type of abnormal uterine bleeding characterized by heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding.

Multiple Pregnancy
Multiple pregnancy is a pregnancy involving more than one fetus. Twins, triplets, quadruplets, and so on, are multiple pregnancies.

Nipple Problems and Discharge
Nipple conditions are a common benign breast condition affecting many women. Some problems are related to lactation, while others are not. Like all breast conditions, any nipple problems should be reported to your physician for a prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis, or porous bone, is a disease in which there is a loss of bone mass and destruction of bone tissue, causing weakening of the bones in the hips, spine and wrists.

Ovarian cancer
Ovarian cancer is a disease in which malignant cells are found in an ovary.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Caused by a certain type of bacteria, pelvic inflammatory disease results in pelvic pain and the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy (a fertilized egg becoming implanted outside the uterus).

Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain may originate in genital or extragenital organs in and around the pelvis, or it may be psychological, which can make pain feel worse or actually cause a sensation of pain, when no physical problem is present.

Perimenopause
Perimenopause refers to the transitional period of time before menstruation actually stops, which is marked by changes in the menstrual cycle, along with other physical and emotional symptoms.

Plugged Milk Ducts
A plugged duct feels like a tender lump in the breast.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovarian syndrome involves two of the following: lack of ovulation for an extended period of time, high levels of male hormones or small ovarian cysts.

Postpartum Thyroiditis
One particular postpartum complication is postpartum thyroiditis, a condition characterized by an inflamed thyroid gland.

Pregnancy
A pregnancy is divided into three phases, called trimesters. Each trimester has its own significant milestones.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
A much more severe form of the collective symptoms known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a chronic medical condition that requires attention and treatment.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Most women experience some unpleasant or uncomfortable symptoms during their menstrual cycle.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
Sexually transmitted diseases are infectious diseases transmitted through sexual contact.

Sore Nipples
Sore nipples are probably the most common difficulty mothers have when breastfeeding.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Multiple Pregnancy
Symptoms of multiple pregnancy may include: uterus is larger than expected for the dates in pregnancy, increased morning sickness, increased appetite, excessive weight gain – especially in early pregnancy, or fetal movements felt in different parts of abdomen at same time.

Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary tract infections describe a health problem that results from a bacterial infection along the urinary tract.

Uterine Cancer
Cancers that occur in each part of the uterus have their own names, such as cervical cancer or endometrial cancer, but are sometimes broadly defined as uterine cancer because the structure is part of the uterus.

Uterine Fibroids
Fibroids are the most frequently seen tumors of the female reproductive system.

Vaginal Cancer
Cancer of the vagina, a rare kind of cancer in women, is a disease in which malignant cells are found in the tissues of the vagina.

Vaginitis
Vaginitis refers to any inflammation or infection of the vagina.

Vulvar Cancer
Vulvar cancer is a malignancy that can occur on any part of the external organs, but most often affects the labia majora or labia minora.

Vulvitis
Vulvitis is simply an inflammation of the vulva, the soft folds of skin outside the vagina.

Vulvovaginal Atrophy
Vulvovaginal atrophy refers to a condition when a woman develops pain, dryness, itching and irritation of the vagina and vulva caused by low estrogen levels, usually as a result of menopause.

Adjustment Disorders
An adjustment disorder is defined as an emotional or behavioral reaction to an identifiable stressful event or change in a person’s life that is considered maladaptive or somehow not an expected, healthy response to the event or change.

Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, neurodegenerative disease that occurs when nerve cells in the brain die, often resulting in symptoms such as impaired memory, thinking and behavior.

Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder
ADHD, also called attention-deficit disorder, is a behavior disorder, usually first diagnosed in childhood, that is characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and, in some cases, hyperactivity.

Behavior Disorders
Behavior disorders include mental health problems with a focus on behaviors that both identify emotional problems and create interpersonal and social problems for children and adolescents in the course of their development.

Binge Eating Disorder
Binge eating disorder is an illness that resembles bulimia nervosa and is characterized by episodes of uncontrolled eating or bingeing.

Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa, also called “bulimia,” is uncontrolled episodes of overeating, usually followed by self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, enemas, or medications to control weight.

Conduct Disorder
Conduct disorder is a behavior disorder, sometimes diagnosed in childhood, that is characterized by antisocial behaviors which violate the rights of others and age-appropriate social standards and rules.

Depression
A depressive disorder is a whole-body illness, involving the body, mood, and thoughts, and affects the way a person eats and sleeps, feels about himself or herself, and thinks about things.

Dysthymia
Dysthymia, also known as dysthymic disorder, is classified as a type of affective disorder (also called mood disorder) that often resembles a less severe, yet more chronic form of major (clinical) depression.

Eating Disorders
The term eating disorders refers to a variety of disorders. The common feature of all the eating disorders is abnormal eating behaviors. Eating disorders are serious mental health problems and can be life threatening.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) causes its sufferers chronic and exaggerated worry and tension that seem to have no substantial cause.

Major Depression
Major depression, also known as clinical depression or unipolar depression, is classified as a type of affective disorder or mood disorder that goes beyond the day’s ordinary ups and downs, becoming a serious medical condition and important health concern in this country.

Manic Depression / Bipolar Disorder
Manic depression, also known as bipolar disorder, is classified as a type of affective disorder or mood disorder that goes beyond the day’s ordinary ups and downs, becoming a serious medical condition and important health concern in this country.

Mental Health Disorders in Children and Teens
Many children and adolescents have mental health problems that interfere with their normal development and daily life activities. Some are mild, while others are more severe.

Obesity
Obesity increases the risk for many diseases, especially heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is an anxiety disorder in which a person has an unreasonable thought, fear, or worry that he or she tries to manage through a ritualized activity to reduce the anxiety.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder
Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a behavior disorder, usually diagnosed in childhood, that is characterized by uncooperative, defiant, negativistic, irritable, and annoying behaviors toward parents, peers, teachers, and other authority figures.

Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is characterized by chronic, repeated, and unexpected panic attacks – bouts of overwhelming fear of being in danger when there is no specific cause for the fear

Personality Disorders
Persons with a personality disorder display more rigid and maladaptive thinking and reacting behaviors that often disrupt their personal, professional, and social lives.

Phobias
According to the American Psychiatric Association, a phobia is an uncontrollable, irrational, and persistent fear of a specific object, situation, or activity.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition that often follows a terrifying physical or emotional event – causing the person who survived the event to have persistent, frightening thoughts and memories, or flashbacks, of the ordeal.

Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is one of the most complex of all mental health disorders. It involves a severe, chronic, and disabling disturbance of the brain.

Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a mood disorder characterized by depression related to a certain season of the year – especially winter.

Substance Abuse / Chemical Dependency
There are three different terms used to define substance-related disorders, including substance abuse, substance dependence, and chemical dependence.

Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a type of arthritis that affects the spine.

Arthritis
Arthritis and other rheumatic diseases are characterized by pain, swelling, and limited movement in joints and connective tissues in the body.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the median nerve is compressed as it passes through an opening from the wrist to the hand called the carpal tunnel.

Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a deep bacterial infection of the skin.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a debilitating condition characterized by profound tiredness, regardless of bed rest.

Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is long-standing pain that persists beyond the usual recovery period or occurs along with a chronic health condition, such as arthritis.

Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia, also called fibrositis, is a chronic, widespread pain in muscles and soft tissues surrounding the joints throughout the body, accompanied by fatigue.

Goodpasture Syndrome
Goodpasture syndrome is a rare, autoimmune disease that can affect the lungs and kidneys.

Gout
Gout is characterized by inflamed, painful joints due to the formation of crystal deposits at the joints.

Hand Pain and Problems
There are many common hand problems that can interfere with activities of daily living (ADLs).

Hip Problems
The following are some of the most common hip problems: arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, traumatic arthritis, avascular necrosis, bursitis, and hip pointer.

Infectious Arthritis
Infectious arthritis is an infection in the joint (synovial) fluid and joint tissues.

Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is a form of arthritis in children ages 16 or younger that causes inflammation and stiffness of joints for more than six weeks.

Low Back Pain
Low back pain can range from mild, dull, annoying pain, to persistent, severe, disabling pain in the lower back. Pain in the lower back can restrict mobility and interfere with normal functioning.

Lumbar Disc Disease (Herniated Disc)
Lumbar disc disease occurs in the lumbar area of the spine. As discs degenerate, fragments of the disc material can press on the nerve roots located just behind the disc space, causing pain, numbness or changes in sensation.

Lyme Disease
While most tick bites are harmless, several species can cause life-threatening diseases. Two of these well-known diseases are Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Lyme disease.

Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a chronic, degenerative, joint disease characterized by the breakdown of joint cartilage and adjacent bone in the neck, lower back, knees, hips and/or fingers.

Paget’s Disease of the Bone
Paget’s disease of the bone is a chronic bone disorder in which bones become enlarged and deformed. Bone may become dense, but fragile, because of excessive breakdown and deformation of bone.

Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis associated with psoriasis. The disease is similar to rheumatoid arthritis in symptoms, characterized by joint inflammation.

Raynauds Phenomenon
Raynaud’s phenomenon or, simply, Raynaud’s, is a disorder characterized by decreased blood flow – usually to the fingers, and less frequently to the ears, toes, nipples, knees, or nose.

Reactive Arthritis (Reiter’s Syndrome)
Eactive arthritis, also known as Reiter’s syndrome, is a type of arthritis that occurs as a reaction to an infection somewhere in the body.

Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic, autoimmune disease, is the most crippling form of arthritis and affects approximately 2.1 million Americans.

Scleroderma
Scleroderma, also called systemic sclerosis, is a chronic, degenerative disease that affects the joints, skin, and internal organs.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus)
Systemic lupus erythematosus, also known as SLE, or simply lupus, involves periodic episodes of inflammation of and damage to the joints, tendons, other connective tissues, and organs, including the heart, lungs, blood vessels, brain, kidneys and skin.

Tendonitis
Two major problems associated with tendons include tendonitis and tenosynovitis.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
BPH (also referred to as benign prostatic hypertrophy) is a condition in which the prostate gland becomes very enlarged and may cause problems associated with urination.

Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer occurs when there are abnormal, cancerous cells growing in the bladder.

Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is long-standing pain that persists beyond the usual recovery period or occurs along with a chronic health condition, such as arthritis.

Cystocele (Fallen Bladder)
Cystocele is the name for a hernia-like disorder in women that occurs when the wall between the bladder and the vagina weakens, causing the bladder to drop or sag into the vagina.

Erectile Dysfunction / Impotence
Impotence, or erectile dysfunction (ED), may result from the total inability to achieve erection, an inconsistent ability to achieve an erection, or the ability to only sustain a brief erection.

Kidney Stones
A kidney stone is a solid piece of material that forms from crystallization of excreted substances in the urine.

Male Factor Infertility
Male factor infertility is defined as any condition impacting sperm function and its ability to fertilize an egg.

Neurogenic Bladder
The following problems are often associated with a neurogenic bladder: urine leakage, urine retention, damage to the tiny blood vessels in the kidney, and infection of the bladder or ureters.

Peyronie’s Disease
Peyronie’s disease is characterized by a plaque, or hard lump, that forms on the erection tissue of the penis.

Prostate Cancer
Early prostate cancer may not present any symptoms and can only be found with regular prostate examinations by your physician.

Prostate Disease
There are clinical conditions of the prostate gland that are not cancer, including the following: prostatism, prostatitis, prostatalgia, benign prostatic hyperplasia (Also called BPH or benign prostatic hypertrophy.), impotence (Also called erectile dysfunction) and urinary incontinence).

Prostatitis
Prostatitis is one of several benign (non-cancerous), inflamed conditions of the prostate gland.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
Sexually transmitted diseases are infectious diseases transmitted through sexual contact.

Testicular Cancer
Cancer that develops in a testicle is called testicular cancer.

Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract infections describe a health problem that results from a bacterial infection along the urinary tract.

Vesicoureteral Reflux
Vesicoureteral reflux occurs when urine dwelling in the bladder flows back into the ureters and often back into the kidneys.