Muscular dystrophy refers to a group of more than 30 genetic (inherited) conditions that affect the functioning of your muscles. In general, the symptoms of muscular dystrophy worsen over time. These conditions are a type of myopathy, a disorder of your skeletal muscles. Depending on the type, muscular dystrophy can affect your ability to move, walk and perform daily activities. It can also affect muscles …

Medium-chain acyl-coenzyme A (acyl-CoA) dehydrogenase (MCAD) deficiency is a condition that prevents your body from turning fats into energy. This condition is most prevalent when you fast or don’t eat food for long periods of time. In your body, there are enzymes that process food. There is a specific enzyme (medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase) that targets a group of fat called …

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, often called NAFLD, is a liver problem that affects people who drink little to no alcohol. In NAFLD, too much fat builds up in the liver. It is seen most often in people who are overweight or obese. NAFLD is becoming more common, especially in Middle Eastern and Western nations as the number of people with …

Marfan syndrome (also called Marfan’s syndrome or Marfans syndrome) is a condition that affects your connective tissue. Connective tissue holds your body together and provides support to many structures throughout your body. In Marfan syndrome, the connective tissue isn’t normal. As a result, several body systems are affected, including your heart and blood vessels, bones, tendons, cartilage, eyes, skin and …

Mammary duct ectasia (or duct ectasia) is a noncancerous breast condition causing inflammation (swelling) and thickening of your milk ducts. Your breasts are made up of lobules (glands that make milk), ducts (tubes that carry milk to your nipple) and other tissues. As you age, your milk ducts shorten and widen. This causes your breasts to become sore or for …

A malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) is a very rare type of soft tissue sarcoma. In MPNST, there are malignant (cancerous) tumors in the sheaths or layers of tissue that protect nerves in your peripheral nervous system. You can have this type of tumor in your arms and legs, but it may also affect your pelvis, abdomen, head and neck. Removing tumors with surgery can cure the …

Malignant hyperthermia is a genetic disease that causes a life-threatening reaction to certain anesthesia medications. The disorder usually runs in families and is treatable. General anesthesia allows a person to undergo surgery without awareness. There are several medications that can produce general anesthesia. Only a few of these medications trigger malignant hyperthermia. Most medications do not. Even though malignant hyperthermia runs in …

Malaria is a serious disease that spreads when you’re bitten by a mosquito infected by Plasmodium parasites. When it bites, the mosquito injects malaria parasites into your bloodstream. Malaria is common in tropical areas where it’s hot and humid. Most cases happen in Africa and South Asia. It’s rare in the U.S. Without treatment, malaria can cause brain damage, organ failure and death. See a …

Typhoid fever is an illness caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi (S. Typhi). It infects your small intestines (gut) and causes high fever, stomach pain and other symptoms. Typhoid fever is also called enteric fever. You’ll commonly hear paratyphoid fever mentioned along with typhoid. Paratyphoid fever is similar to typhoid with more mild symptoms. It’s caused by Salmonella Paratyphi (S. Paratyphi). S. Typhi and S. Paratyphi are different than …

Turner syndrome (TS) is a congenital condition (present from birth) that only affects people assigned female at birth (AFAB). It happens when one of two of the X chromosomes is missing, either partially or completely. Turner syndrome leads to a variety of features and symptoms and affects each person differently. But short stature and reduced ovary functioning (primary ovarian insufficiency) are the two most common features. How …