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GeoMed · Disease encyclopedia

Disease encyclopedia

Causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment approaches and prevention for common conditions. Browse A–Z, by body system, or search.

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Blood (haematology)

Bacteraemia

Infectious · Acute

The presence of bacteria in the bloodstream, which can be harmless and brief or lead to serious infection and sepsis.

5 min read
Photograph showing a skin cancer lesion (superficial basal cell carcinoma) that looks reddish brown and slightly raised Skin (integumentary system)

Basal cell carcinoma

Non-infectious · Chronic

The most common type of skin cancer, which grows slowly on sun-exposed skin and rarely spreads.

5 min read
Diagram showing before and after a partial oesophagectomy for Barrett's oesophagus CRUK 478 Digestive system

Barrett's oesophagus

Non-infectious · Chronic

A change in the lining of the lower food pipe caused by long-term acid reflux, which slightly increases the risk of oesophageal cancer.

5 min read
Bartholin cyst svg hariadhi Reproductive system

Bartholin's cyst

Non-infectious · Acute

A fluid-filled swelling at the entrance to the vagina caused by a blocked Bartholin's gland, which can become infected and form an abscess.

5 min read

Blood (haematology)

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Anaemia Blood (haematology)

Anaemia

Non-infectious · Chronic

Imagine feeling exhausted all the time, no matter how much sleep you get. You might think it's stress or just part of life, but for millions of people worldwide, it could be anemia. In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that over 1.6 billion people suffer from anemia, with iron-deficiency anemia being the most common. It's not just about feeling tired; it can lead to serious health issues if left untreated. This condition is more than just a minor inconvenience, it’s a signal from your body that something needs attention. Let’s dive into what anemia really is, its causes, symptoms, and how you can take action to prevent and treat it. Your health is too important to ignore!

6 min read
Blood (haematology)

Bacteraemia

Infectious · Acute

The presence of bacteria in the bloodstream, which can be harmless and brief or lead to serious infection and sepsis.

5 min read

Cardiovascular system

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geomed Cardiovascular system

Aortic coarctation in adults

Non-infectious · Chronic

A narrowing of the aorta, present from birth, that may only be found in adulthood, often because of high blood pressure in the arms.

5 min read
Cardiovascular system

Beriberi

Non-infectious · Acute or chronic

A condition caused by severe lack of vitamin B1 (thiamine), affecting the heart, nerves or brain.

5 min read
Cardiovascular system

Bicuspid aortic valve

Non-infectious · Chronic

A heart valve present from birth with two leaflets instead of three, which can become narrowed or leaky and is linked to aortic enlargement.

5 min read

Respiratory system

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X-ray image showing infiltration of the human lungs by blastomycosis Respiratory system

Blastomycosis

Infectious · Acute or chronic

A fungal infection caught by breathing in spores from soil, usually affecting the lungs and sometimes spreading to the skin and bones.

5 min read

Urinary system

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Two-panel drawing shows normal male reproductive and urinary anatomy and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) Urinary system

Benign prostatic hyperplasia

Non-infectious · Chronic

Non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland in older men, which can cause problems passing urine.

5 min read
Transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder Urinary system

Bladder cancer

Non-infectious · Chronic

Cancer that starts in the lining of the bladder, most often causing painless blood in the urine, and strongly linked to smoking.

5 min read

Digestive system

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Diagram showing stage 1 anal cancer Digestive system

Anal cancer

Non-infectious · Chronic

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

5 min read
geomed Digestive system

Anal fissure

Non-infectious · Acute or chronic

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

5 min read
Diagram showing before and after a partial oesophagectomy for Barrett's oesophagus CRUK 478 Digestive system

Barrett's oesophagus

Non-infectious · Chronic

A change in the lining of the lower food pipe caused by long-term acid reflux, which slightly increases the risk of oesophageal cancer.

5 min read
Digestive system

Bile acid diarrhoea

Non-infectious · Chronic

Chronic watery diarrhoea caused by too much bile acid reaching the large bowel.

5 min read

Nervous system

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Erythromelalgia in hands of a 52-year-old Swedish man with small fiber neuropathy (sensory and autonomic), also suffering from erythromelalgia in feet and ears Nervous system

Autonomic neuropathy

Non-infectious · Chronic

Damage to the nerves that control automatic body functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, digestion, bladder and sweating.

6 min read
Bell's palsy: image from Wikimedia Commons Nervous system

Bell's palsy

Non-infectious · Acute

Sudden weakness or paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face, caused by inflammation of the facial nerve.

6 min read
geomed Nervous system

Benign essential blepharospasm

Non-infectious · Chronic

A neurological condition causing involuntary, repeated blinking and forceful closing of the eyelids.

5 min read
Balance Disorder Illustration A Nervous system

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Non-infectious · Acute or chronic

Brief spells of spinning dizziness triggered by changes in head position, caused by loose crystals in the inner ear.

5 min read

Musculoskeletal system

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Arthritis Musculoskeletal system

Arthritis

Non-infectious · Chronic

By 2030, arthritis is expected to affect over 78 million adults in the United States alone." Let that sink in. That’s nearly one in four people grappling with joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. If you’ve watched a loved one, or maybe even yourself, struggle with arthritis, you know it’s more than just an inconvenience. It can be life-altering. But here’s the good news: understanding arthritis, its symptoms, and treatment options can make a world of difference. Whether it’s your grandmother’s swollen hand joints or your own aching knees, there are actionable steps to regain control and improve quality of life. Let’s unpack everything you need to know about arthritis.

4 min read
A Baker's cyst, also known as a popliteal cyst, is a benign swelling of the semimembranous bursa found behind the knee joint Musculoskeletal system

Baker's cyst

Non-infectious · Chronic

A fluid-filled swelling behind the knee, usually linked to arthritis or a cartilage tear inside the knee joint.

5 min read
Whiplash Musculoskeletal system

Whiplash

Non-infectious · Acute

Neck injury from sudden back-and-forth movement.

1 min read

Immune system

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Blood (haematology)

Bacteraemia

Infectious · Acute

The presence of bacteria in the bloodstream, which can be harmless and brief or lead to serious infection and sepsis.

5 min read
Immune system

Behçet's disease

Non-infectious · Chronic

A rare, long-term inflammatory condition causing blood vessel inflammation, with mouth and genital ulcers, eye inflammation and skin problems.

5 min read

Skin (integumentary system)

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Photograph showing a skin cancer lesion (superficial basal cell carcinoma) that looks reddish brown and slightly raised Skin (integumentary system)

Basal cell carcinoma

Non-infectious · Chronic

The most common type of skin cancer, which grows slowly on sun-exposed skin and rarely spreads.

5 min read
X-ray image showing infiltration of the human lungs by blastomycosis Respiratory system

Blastomycosis

Infectious · Acute or chronic

A fungal infection caught by breathing in spores from soil, usually affecting the lungs and sometimes spreading to the skin and bones.

5 min read

Eyes and vision

View all (3)
Immune system

Behçet's disease

Non-infectious · Chronic

A rare, long-term inflammatory condition causing blood vessel inflammation, with mouth and genital ulcers, eye inflammation and skin problems.

5 min read
geomed Nervous system

Benign essential blepharospasm

Non-infectious · Chronic

A neurological condition causing involuntary, repeated blinking and forceful closing of the eyelids.

5 min read
An infant with mild blepharitis (inflamed eyelids) on his right side Eyes and vision

Blepharitis

Non-infectious · Chronic

Long-term inflammation of the eyelid margins, causing red, itchy, crusty eyelids and gritty eyes.

5 min read

Ear, nose and throat

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Balance Disorder Illustration A Nervous system

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Non-infectious · Acute or chronic

Brief spells of spinning dizziness triggered by changes in head position, caused by loose crystals in the inner ear.

5 min read

Reproductive system

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geomed Reproductive system

Balanitis

Infectious · Acute

Inflammation of the head of the penis, often caused by infection, irritation or poor hygiene, most common in uncircumcised males.

5 min read
Bartholin cyst svg hariadhi Reproductive system

Bartholin's cyst

Non-infectious · Acute

A fluid-filled swelling at the entrance to the vagina caused by a blocked Bartholin's gland, which can become infected and form an abscess.

5 min read
Two-panel drawing shows normal male reproductive and urinary anatomy and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) Urinary system

Benign prostatic hyperplasia

Non-infectious · Chronic

Non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland in older men, which can cause problems passing urine.

5 min read

Mental health

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geomed Mental health

Binge eating disorder

Non-infectious · Chronic

An eating disorder involving regular episodes of eating large amounts of food while feeling out of control, followed by distress.

5 min read
P culture Mental health

Bipolar disorder

Non-infectious · Chronic

A long-term mental health condition causing episodes of depression and episodes of mania or hypomania.

5 min read
An illustration of an ungendered person looking in the mirror with the phrase "Is this me?" written; probably to illustrate "body dysmorphic disorder" or depersonalization disorder (DPDR) Mental health

Body dysmorphic disorder

Non-infectious · Chronic

A mental health condition in which a person spends a lot of time worrying about perceived flaws in their appearance that others cannot see or consider minor.

5 min read

Mouth and teeth

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Immune system

Behçet's disease

Non-infectious · Chronic

A rare, long-term inflammatory condition causing blood vessel inflammation, with mouth and genital ulcers, eye inflammation and skin problems.

5 min read