Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune condition that can cause hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). It’s a lifelong (chronic) condition. Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of your neck under your skin. It’s a part of your endocrine system and releases thyroid hormones. Your thyroid’s main job is to control the speed of your metabolism. This is the process of how your body transforms the food you consume …
Chronic hives are itchy, raised, red bumps or welts that appear on your skin at least twice per week. These welts, also called wheals, are chronic when they last more than six weeks. You may hear this condition called chronic idiopathic urticaria: Chronic: A symptom or condition that persists even with treatment. Idiopathic: The symptom or condition occurs for no known reason. …
Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is a rare genetic disease that affects your immune system. With CGD, certain white blood cells (neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, eosinophils) are unable to attack and destroy certain bacteria and fungi. This means people with CGD are susceptible to chronic inflammation and frequent bacterial and fungal infections because their immune system can’t defend against them. People with CGD often develop infections in their skin, lungs, lymph nodes and liver. CGD can …
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) or chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a condition that causes you to feel so tired and exhausted that it interferes with your ability to complete your daily routine or even get out of bed. Your fatigue doesn’t improve with rest and gets worse after physical activity or mental exertion. Symptoms usually last for six months …
Most people have headaches from time to time. But if you have a headache more days than not, you might have chronic daily headaches. Rather than a specific headache type, chronic daily headaches include a variety of headache subtypes. Chronic refers to how often the headaches occur and how long the condition lasts. The constant nature of chronic daily headaches …
Chronic exertional compartment syndrome is an exercise-induced muscle and nerve condition that causes pain, swelling and sometimes disability in the affected muscles of the legs or arms. Anyone can develop the condition, but it’s more common in young adult runners and athletes who participate in activities that involve repetitive impact. Chronic exertional compartment syndrome may respond to nonsurgical treatment and …
Addison’s disease is a chronic condition in which your adrenal glands don’t produce enough of the hormones cortisol and aldosterone. Your adrenal glands, also known as suprarenal glands, are small, triangle-shaped glands that are located on top of each of your two kidneys. They’re a part of your endocrine system. Cortisol is a hormone that helps your body respond to …
Huntington’s disease is an inherited condition that causes brain cells to slowly lose function and die. It affects the cells in parts of your brain that regulate voluntary movement and memory. Common symptoms include uncontrollable movements and changes to your thinking, behavior and personality. These symptoms get worse over time. What are the types of Huntington’s disease? There are two types of Huntington’s disease: …
Chordoma is a rare malignant (cancerous) bone tumor that forms in your spine or the base of your skull. It’s a type of sarcoma. Chordomas can occur at any point along your spine: About 35% develop in the base of your spine (sacrum). About 35% develop where your spine meets your skull (skull base). These are called clival chordomas because the bone in …