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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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Disease encyclopedia

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
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Digestive system

Bile acid diarrhoea

Non-infectious · Chronic

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

5 min read
Very high magnification micrograph of cholangiocarcinoma Digestive system

Bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma)

Non-infectious · Chronic

A rare cancer of the bile ducts, the tubes that carry bile from the liver to the bowel, often found late.

5 min read
Operative view of complete extrahepatic biliary atresia Digestive system

Biliary atresia

Non-infectious · Chronic

A rare condition in newborns in which the bile ducts are blocked or missing, causing jaundice and liver damage.

5 min read
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
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