Glossary of Medical Conditions

The following list is for informational purposes only. This list is not exhaustive and may not perfectly reflect the true prevalence of all diseases. This list may not accurately reflect the order of prevalence and is for general knowledge and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please refer to reliable sources such as:

• Centers for Disease Control      and Prevention (CDC)
• World Health Organization      (WHO)
• National Institutes of Health      (NIH)

M

1. Migraine     A neurological condition characterized by intense headaches, often      accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.      Triggers include stress, certain foods, and hormonal changes.
2. Menopause      Symptoms A collection of physical and emotional changes that occur as      a woman’s menstrual cycles stop, often including hot flashes, mood swings,      sleep disturbances, and vaginal dryness.
3. Measles     A highly contagious viral infection causing fever, cough, runny nose, and      a red rash that spreads across the body. It can lead to serious      complications in unvaccinated individuals.
4. Multiple      Sclerosis (MS) An autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks      the protective covering of nerves (myelin), leading to symptoms like      fatigue, muscle weakness, and difficulty with coordination.
5. Muscle      Cramps Involuntary and painful contractions of muscles, often caused      by dehydration, overuse, or electrolyte imbalances. They commonly occur in      the legs or feet.
6. Melanoma     A serious form of skin cancer that develops in the melanocytes (cells that      produce pigment). Early detection and treatment are crucial for preventing      spread.
7. Mumps     A viral infection that affects the salivary glands, causing swelling,      fever, and pain while chewing or swallowing. Vaccination has made it rare      in many regions.
8. Menstrual      Disorders Irregularities in the menstrual cycle, including heavy      bleeding (menorrhagia), missed periods (amenorrhea), or painful cramps      (dysmenorrhea), often caused by hormonal imbalances or underlying      conditions.
9. Mental      Health Disorders A broad category of conditions affecting mood,      thinking, and behavior, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder,      and schizophrenia.
10. Myocardial      Infarction (Heart Attack) Occurs when blood flow to the heart is      blocked, often by a blood clot, causing damage to the heart muscle.      Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, and nausea.

N

1. Nasal      Polyps Soft, painless, noncancerous growths in the lining of the nasal      passages or sinuses. They can cause congestion, loss of smell, and      breathing difficulties.
2. Narcolepsy     A chronic sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and      sudden sleep attacks. It may also include muscle weakness (cataplexy)      triggered by strong emotions.
3. Nausea     A sensation of unease and discomfort in the stomach, often accompanied by      the urge to vomit. Causes range from motion sickness to infections and      pregnancy.
4. Neck      Pain Pain or discomfort in the neck, often caused by muscle strain,      poor posture, or conditions like cervical spondylosis or herniated discs.
5. Nephritis     Inflammation of the kidneys, which can impair their function. Causes      include autoimmune diseases, infections, and certain medications.
6. Neuropathy     Damage to the peripheral nerves, often resulting in numbness, tingling, or      pain in the hands and feet. Common causes include diabetes, infections,      and trauma.
7. Night      Blindness Difficulty seeing in low-light or nighttime conditions,      often caused by a deficiency in vitamin A or conditions affecting the      retina, such as retinitis pigmentosa.
8. Non-Hodgkin’s      Lymphoma A type of cancer that begins in the lymphatic system.      Symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, and weight      loss.
9. Nicotine      Addiction Dependence on nicotine, often from smoking or vaping. It is      characterized by cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and difficulty quitting.
10. Neuralgia     Intense, stabbing pain along a nerve, often caused by nerve irritation or      damage. Common types include trigeminal neuralgia and postherpetic      neuralgia.

O 

1. Obesity     A condition characterized by excessive body fat that increases the risk of      health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and joint pain. It is      often measured using body mass index (BMI).
2. OCD      (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) A mental health disorder characterized      by intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or      rituals (compulsions) aimed at reducing anxiety.
3. Osteoporosis     A condition in which bones become weak and brittle due to loss of bone      density, increasing the risk of fractures, especially in the hips, spine,      and wrists.
4. Otitis      Media An infection or inflammation of the middle ear, common in      children. Symptoms include ear pain, fever, and temporary hearing loss.
5. Ovarian      Cancer A type of cancer that begins in the ovaries. Symptoms often      include abdominal bloating, pelvic pain, and changes in bowel habits, but      it is frequently detected late.
6. Oral      Thrush A fungal infection caused by Candida that affects the mouth,      leading to white patches on the tongue and inside the cheeks, often      associated with weakened immune systems.
7. Osteoarthritis     A degenerative joint disease that occurs when the cartilage that cushions      joints wears down over time, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling,      especially in weight-bearing joints.
8. Overactive      Bladder A condition characterized by a frequent and urgent need to      urinate, often associated with incontinence. It can significantly impact      daily life.
9. Optic      Neuritis Inflammation of the optic nerve, often linked to multiple      sclerosis. Symptoms include vision loss, pain with eye movement, and      blurred vision.
10. Orchitis     Inflammation of one or both testicles, often caused by viral or bacterial      infections, including mumps. Symptoms include swelling, pain, and fever.

P 

1. Pancreatitis     Inflammation of the pancreas, which can be acute or chronic. Symptoms      include severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Common causes      include gallstones and excessive alcohol consumption.
2. Parkinson’s      Disease A progressive neurological disorder affecting movement,      causing symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, slowed movement, and balance      issues. It is linked to reduced dopamine levels in the brain.
3. Pelvic      Inflammatory Disease (PID) An infection of the female reproductive      organs, often caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Symptoms      include pelvic pain, fever, and abnormal vaginal discharge.
4. Pericarditis     Inflammation of the pericardium, the thin sac surrounding the heart.      Symptoms include sharp chest pain that may worsen when lying down, along      with fever and fatigue.
5. Peripheral      Neuropathy Damage to the peripheral nerves, causing numbness,      tingling, or pain, usually in the hands and feet. It is commonly caused by      diabetes, infections, or chemotherapy.
6. Pneumonia     An infection of the lungs caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, leading      to symptoms like fever, cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
7. Polycystic      Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) A hormonal disorder in women, characterized by      irregular periods, excess androgen levels, and the development of ovarian      cysts. It can affect fertility and metabolism.
8. Psoriasis     A chronic autoimmune skin condition that causes red, scaly patches on the      skin. It often appears on the elbows, knees, and scalp, and may be      associated with joint pain (psoriatic arthritis).
9. PTSD      (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) A mental health condition triggered      by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms include      flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and emotional detachment.
10. Pulmonary      Embolism A blockage in a pulmonary artery, often caused by blood clots      traveling from the legs (deep vein thrombosis). Symptoms include sudden      shortness of breath, chest pain, and rapid heart rate.

Q

1. Q      Fever A bacterial infection caused by Coxiella burnetii, often      spread through contact with infected animals or their products. Symptoms      include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and pneumonia.
2. Quinsy      (Peritonsillar Abscess) A complication of tonsillitis where an abscess      forms near the tonsils, causing severe throat pain, difficulty swallowing,      fever, and swelling.
3. Quadriceps      Strain An injury to the muscles on the front of the thigh, often      caused by overuse or sudden force. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and      difficulty walking.
4. Quickening      (Fetal Movements) The first noticeable movements of a fetus during      pregnancy, typically felt by the mother between 16 and 25 weeks. While not      a medical condition, it is an important milestone.
5. Quincke’s      Edema A form of angioedema that affects the mucous membranes, often      the throat and mouth, causing swelling that can obstruct breathing. It may      result from allergies or hereditary factors.
6. Quiet      Heart Murmur A soft, abnormal heart sound that can be benign or      indicate underlying heart conditions. Diagnosis may require imaging or      further testing.
7. Quarantine      Illnesses (e.g., COVID-19) Infectious diseases that require isolation      to prevent spread. Symptoms and severity vary depending on the illness,      such as fever, cough, and fatigue in COVID-19.
8. Quercetin      Deficiency A rare nutritional issue involving a lack of quercetin, a      plant-based antioxidant. While uncommon, low levels may affect immune      health and inflammation control.
9. Quivering      Hands (Tremor) Uncontrollable shaking of the hands, often caused by      conditions like essential tremor, Parkinson’s disease, or stress.
10. Quinolone-Associated      Tendinopathy Tendon damage or rupture caused by the use of quinolone      antibiotics. Symptoms include tendon pain, swelling, and difficulty moving      the affected area.

R

1. Rabies     A viral infection transmitted through the bite or saliva of infected      animals. It affects the central nervous system, leading to symptoms like      fever, hallucinations, paralysis, and, if untreated, death.
2. Raynaud’s      Disease A condition that affects blood flow to certain parts of the      body, such as the fingers and toes, causing them to turn white or blue in      response to cold or stress.
3. Rheumatoid      Arthritis An autoimmune disorder causing chronic inflammation in      joints, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. It can also affect other      organs and tissues.
4. Rickets     A condition caused by vitamin D deficiency in children, leading to weak or      soft bones, delayed growth, and skeletal deformities such as bowed legs.
5. Ringworm     A fungal infection of the skin, scalp, or nails, characterized by a      circular, itchy, red rash. Despite its name, it is not caused by a worm.
6. Rosacea     A chronic skin condition causing redness, visible blood vessels, and      small, pus-filled bumps on the face. Triggers include heat, stress, and      spicy foods.
7. Rotator      Cuff Injuries Damage to the muscles or tendons around the shoulder      joint, often caused by overuse or injury. Symptoms include shoulder pain,      weakness, and limited range of motion.
8. RSV      (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) A contagious virus that causes      respiratory infections, particularly in infants and older adults. Symptoms      include coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
9. Restless      Legs Syndrome (RLS) A neurological condition causing an uncontrollable      urge to move the legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations.      Symptoms typically worsen at night.
10. Retinal      Detachment A serious eye condition where the retina separates from the      back of the eye, leading to vision loss. Symptoms include flashes of      light, floaters, or a shadow over part of the vision.

S

1. Sinusitis     Inflammation or infection of the sinuses, often caused by a cold,      allergies, or bacteria. Symptoms include nasal congestion, facial pain,      and a thick nasal discharge.
2. Skin      Cancer A group of cancers that develop in the skin cells, including      basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Symptoms      include unusual moles, growths, or sores that don't heal.
3. Scoliosis     A condition involving an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine, often      developing during adolescence. Severe cases may cause back pain and      breathing difficulties.
4. Shingles     A reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (the virus that causes      chickenpox), leading to a painful, blistering rash, often on one side of      the body.
5. Sleep      Apnea A sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts      during sleep, causing fatigue, loud snoring, and potential long-term      health issues like heart disease.
6. Strep      Throat A bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes,      leading to a sore throat, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. It requires      antibiotics for treatment.
7. Stroke     A medical emergency where blood flow to the brain is disrupted, either by      a clot (ischemic stroke) or bleeding (hemorrhagic stroke). Symptoms      include weakness, slurred speech, and confusion.
8. Stomach      Ulcers Open sores that develop on the lining of the stomach or upper      intestine, often caused by Helicobacter pylori infection or      prolonged use of NSAIDs. Symptoms include stomach pain and bloating.
9. Sciatica     Pain radiating along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the      lower back down the legs. It is often caused by a herniated disc or spinal      stenosis.
10. Sepsis     A life-threatening condition caused by the body’s extreme response to an      infection. It can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death if      untreated.

T

1. Tinnitus     A condition characterized by hearing ringing, buzzing, or other noises in      the ears without an external sound source. It can result from hearing      loss, injury, or certain medications.
2. Tuberculosis      (TB) A bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis,      primarily affecting the lungs. Symptoms include persistent cough, fever,      night sweats, and weight loss.
3. Thyroid      Disorders Conditions affecting the thyroid gland, such as      hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive      thyroid), leading to symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, and mood      shifts.
4. Tonsillitis     Inflammation of the tonsils, often caused by viral or bacterial      infections. Symptoms include sore throat, swollen tonsils, fever, and      difficulty swallowing.
5. Tendonitis     Inflammation of a tendon, often caused by repetitive motion or overuse.      Common areas include the shoulders, elbows, wrists, and knees.
6. TMJ      (Temporomandibular Joint Disorder) A condition affecting the jaw      joint, causing pain, clicking sounds, and difficulty opening or closing      the mouth. It may result from teeth grinding, arthritis, or injury.
7. Toxoplasmosis     An infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, often      contracted from undercooked meat or contact with cat feces. It can be      serious in pregnant women or individuals with weakened immune systems.
8. Traumatic      Brain Injury (TBI) A brain injury caused by a blow or jolt to the      head, resulting in symptoms like confusion, memory loss, headaches, and,      in severe cases, long-term disability.
9. Thrombosis     The formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel, obstructing blood      flow. Types include deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism      (PE).
10. Turner      Syndrome A genetic disorder affecting females, caused by a missing or      incomplete X chromosome. It leads to symptoms like short stature, delayed      puberty, and infertility.

U

1. Ulcerative      Colitis A chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes      inflammation and sores (ulcers) in the lining of the colon and rectum.      Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.
2. Urinary      Tract Infection (UTI) An infection in any part of the urinary system,      most commonly the bladder and urethra. Symptoms include frequent      urination, burning sensation while urinating, and cloudy urine.
3. Urticaria      (Hives) A skin condition characterized by red, itchy welts that can      appear anywhere on the body. It is often triggered by allergies,      infections, or stress.
4. Uterine      Fibroids Noncancerous growths in the uterus that can cause heavy      menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and complications during pregnancy.
5. Umbilical      Hernia A condition where part of the intestine protrudes through the      abdominal muscles near the belly button. It is common in infants but can      also occur in adults.
6. Ulcers     Open sores that develop on the skin or mucous membranes. Peptic ulcers      occur in the stomach or small intestine and are often caused by infection      with H. pylori or long-term NSAID use.
7. Uveitis     Inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye. Symptoms include      redness, pain, blurred vision, and light sensitivity.
8. Urethritis     Inflammation of the urethra, often caused by bacterial infections or      sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Symptoms include painful urination      and discharge.
9. Urinary      Incontinence The loss of bladder control, leading to unintentional      urine leakage. It can result from aging, childbirth, or underlying medical      conditions.
10. Urolithiasis     The formation of stones (calculi) in the urinary system, including the      kidneys, bladder, or ureters. Symptoms include severe pain, blood in the      urine, and frequent urination.

V

1. Varicose      Veins Swollen, twisted veins that are visible under the skin, often in      the legs. They are caused by weakened valves in the veins, leading to poor      circulation and discomfort.
2. Vertigo     A sensation of spinning or dizziness, often caused by inner ear issues      such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) or vestibular      neuritis.
3. Viral      Hepatitis Inflammation of the liver caused by viral infections such as      hepatitis A, B, or C. Symptoms include jaundice, fatigue, and abdominal      pain.
4. Vaginitis     Inflammation of the vagina, causing symptoms like itching, discharge, and      discomfort. It can be caused by infections, irritants, or hormonal      changes.
5. Varicocele     An enlargement of the veins within the scrotum, similar to varicose veins.      It can cause testicular discomfort and potentially affect fertility.
6. Ventricular      Fibrillation A life-threatening heart rhythm disorder where the      ventricles quiver instead of pumping blood effectively. It requires      immediate medical attention.
7. Vitiligo     A skin condition where patches of skin lose their pigment due to the      destruction of melanocytes. It often appears on the face, hands, and other      exposed areas.
8. Viral      Meningitis Inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain      and spinal cord, caused by viral infections. Symptoms include headache,      fever, and neck stiffness.
9. Vulvodynia     Chronic pain or discomfort in the vulva, often without an identifiable      cause. Symptoms may include burning, stinging, or irritation.
10. Vasculitis     Inflammation of blood vessels, which can restrict blood flow and damage      organs. Symptoms vary depending on the type and severity of the condition.

W

1. Whooping      Cough (Pertussis) A highly contagious bacterial infection that causes      severe coughing fits, followed by a "whooping" sound when      inhaling. It is especially dangerous for infants and can be prevented by      vaccination.
2. Wilson’s      Disease A rare genetic disorder that causes excess copper to build up      in the body, leading to liver damage, neurological symptoms, and      psychiatric issues.
3. Warts     Small, rough growths on the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).      They are often found on the hands, feet, or other areas and can spread      through contact.
4. Wegener’s      Granulomatosis (GPA) Now called granulomatosis with polyangiitis, it      is a rare autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of blood vessels,      primarily affecting the lungs, kidneys, and sinuses.
5. West      Nile Virus A mosquito-borne virus that can cause flu-like symptoms. In      severe cases, it can lead to neurological complications such as meningitis      or encephalitis.
6. Whiplash     A neck injury caused by sudden movement, often from car accidents.      Symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.
7. Wilson’s      Temperature Syndrome A controversial condition involving low body      temperature and symptoms like fatigue and depression. It is not widely      recognized in mainstream medicine.
8. Wiskott-Aldrich      Syndrome A rare genetic disorder affecting the immune system and blood      clotting, leading to infections, eczema, and an increased risk of      bleeding.
9. Walking      Pneumonia A milder form of pneumonia caused by bacteria like Mycoplasma      pneumoniae, with symptoms such as cough, fatigue, and low-grade fever.      It often doesn’t require bed rest.
10. Wolff-Parkinson-White      Syndrome A heart condition involving an extra electrical pathway      between the heart's chambers, leading to rapid heartbeat episodes      (tachycardia).

X

1. Xeroderma     A condition characterized by abnormally dry skin, often caused by      environmental factors or underlying conditions like eczema or      hypothyroidism.
2. Xerophthalmia     A severe dryness of the eyes caused by vitamin A deficiency, which can      lead to damage to the cornea and potential blindness if untreated.
3. Xerostomia      (Dry Mouth) A condition where the salivary glands don’t produce enough      saliva, leading to dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, and increased risk of      tooth decay. It can result from medications, aging, or certain medical      conditions.
4. X-Linked      Agammaglobulinemia (XLA) A rare genetic disorder that affects the      immune system, leading to an inability to produce antibodies and making      individuals prone to recurrent infections.
5. Xanthoma     A condition in which fatty deposits form under the skin, often appearing      as yellowish nodules. It can be associated with high cholesterol or lipid      disorders.
6. X-Linked      Ichthyosis A genetic skin disorder that causes scaly, dry skin,      typically more severe in males due to its X-linked inheritance pattern.
7. Xanthelasma     Yellowish plaques of cholesterol that form on or around the eyelids. While      usually harmless, they can indicate underlying lipid disorders.
8. Xerosis     A medical term for dry skin, often associated with aging, dehydration, or      chronic skin conditions.
9. Xeroderma      Pigmentosum (XP) A rare genetic disorder where the skin is extremely      sensitive to ultraviolet light, leading to a high risk of skin cancer and      eye problems.
10. Xiphoid      Syndrome Pain and inflammation of the xiphoid process, the small      cartilage structure at the lower part of the sternum, often caused by      trauma or overuse.

Y

1. Yellow      Fever A mosquito-borne viral infection found in tropical regions.      Symptoms range from mild fever and headache to severe jaundice, liver      damage, and bleeding. Vaccination is available.
2. Yersiniosis     A bacterial infection caused by Yersinia species, often transmitted      through contaminated food or water. Symptoms include fever, abdominal      pain, and diarrhea.
3. Yeast      Infection An overgrowth of the fungus Candida, commonly      affecting the mouth (oral thrush), skin, or vagina. Symptoms include      itching, redness, and discharge in affected areas.
4. Yellow      Nail Syndrome A rare condition associated with yellow, thickened      nails, respiratory issues, and lymphedema. It may be linked to underlying      systemic disorders.
5. Young-Onset      Parkinson’s Disease A form of Parkinson’s disease diagnosed before the      age of 50. Symptoms include tremors, stiffness, and slowed movements,      similar to later-onset Parkinson’s.
6. Yttrium      Toxicity A rare condition resulting from exposure to yttrium, a      chemical element used in certain industrial processes. Symptoms may      include respiratory and skin irritation.
7. Yawning      Disorders Excessive or uncontrollable yawning, which may be linked to      fatigue, sleep disorders, or neurological conditions like multiple      sclerosis or stroke.
8. Yusho      Disease A condition caused by exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls      (PCBs) from contaminated rice oil, leading to symptoms like skin lesions,      fatigue, and liver damage.
9. Yolk      Sac Tumors Rare germ cell tumors often occurring in children, usually      found in the ovaries or testes. They are typically aggressive but respond      well to treatment.
10. Yersinia      Pestis Infection (Plague) An infection caused by the bacterium Yersinia      pestis, responsible for bubonic plague. Symptoms include swollen lymph      nodes, fever, and chills.

Z

1. Zika      Virus A mosquito-borne virus causing mild symptoms like fever, rash,      and joint pain. It can lead to severe birth defects, such as microcephaly,      if contracted during pregnancy.
2. Zollinger-Ellison      Syndrome A rare condition where tumors in the pancreas or duodenum      cause excessive production of stomach acid, leading to severe ulcers and      digestive issues.
3. Zoster      (Shingles) A reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (the same      virus that causes chickenpox), leading to a painful, blistering rash. It      often occurs in older adults or those with weakened immune systems.
4. Zenker’s      Diverticulum A rare condition involving a pouch that forms in the      throat, causing difficulty swallowing, regurgitation of food, and bad      breath.
5. Zinc      Deficiency A nutritional deficiency that can cause symptoms like slow      wound healing, weakened immunity, hair loss, and skin issues. Common in      those with malabsorption disorders or poor diet.
6. Zygomycosis      (Mucormycosis) A rare but serious fungal infection that affects      individuals with weakened immune systems, often targeting the sinuses,      brain, or lungs.
7. Zoonotic      Diseases Diseases transmitted from animals to humans, such as rabies,      brucellosis, and leptospirosis. Symptoms vary widely depending on the      specific disease.
8. Zoster      Sine Herpete A form of shingles that causes nerve pain without the      typical rash. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus.
9. Zero      Energy Syndrome A term sometimes used to describe extreme fatigue and      lack of energy, often linked to chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, or      other medical conditions.
10. Zygomatic      Fracture A fracture of the cheekbone (zygomatic bone), often caused by      trauma to the face. Symptoms include swelling, bruising, and difficulty      chewing or opening the mouth.