Adrenoleukodystrophy, also called ALD, is a rare inherited genetic disorder that affects the nervous system and adrenal glands. It occurs when the body cannot properly break down certain fats, known as very long-chain fatty acids. These fats build up in the brain, spinal cord and adrenal glands, leading to damage over time. ALD mainly affects males, though females who carry …

Adult Still disease, also called adult-onset Still disease, is a rare type of inflammatory arthritis. It causes daily high fevers, joint pain and a salmon-colored rash. The condition is considered an autoinflammatory disease, meaning the immune system becomes overactive and causes widespread inflammation without a clear trigger. Adult Still disease can affect people of any age, but it most often …

Acute sinusitis occurs when the spaces inside the nose, called sinuses, become inflamed and swollen. This inflammation makes it difficult for mucus to drain properly, leading to mucus buildup inside the sinuses. Because of this blockage, breathing through the nose can become difficult. Swelling and pressure may be felt around the eyes, cheeks, nose, or forehead. Some people experience throbbing …

HIV/AIDS is a chronic viral condition caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The virus attacks the immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), which help the body fight infections. Over time, if untreated, HIV weakens the immune system and can lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), the most advanced stage of the infection. HIV is a manageable condition …

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that causes painful lumps, abscesses, and tunnels under the skin. It most commonly affects areas where skin rubs together, such as the armpits, groin, buttocks, inner thighs, and under the breasts. The condition tends to recur and can progressively worsen over time without proper management. HS develops when hair follicles become …

Acne is a common skin condition that develops when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. This blockage can lead to whiteheads, blackheads, or pimples. Acne is most often associated with teenagers, but it can affect people of all ages. Although effective treatments are available, acne can be persistent. Individual pimples may heal slowly, and new breakouts …

Infant reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux (GER), occurs when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus. This happens because the muscle between the esophagus and stomach is still developing in infants. Reflux is very common in babies, especially in the first few months of life, and usually resolves on its own as the digestive system matures. Symptoms Frequent spitting …

Symptoms Achalasia symptoms usually develop slowly and tend to worsen over time as the esophagus becomes less able to move food and liquid into the stomach. Early symptoms may be mild and easy to overlook, but they often become more persistent. Common symptoms of achalasia include: Difficulty swallowing, known as dysphagia, which may feel like food or liquids are stuck …

Radiation sickness, also known as acute radiation syndrome, is a serious condition caused by exposure to high levels of ionizing radiation over a short period of time. It typically occurs after accidental exposure, radiation therapy errors, or nuclear incidents. The severity of radiation sickness depends on the dose of radiation absorbed, the duration of exposure, and the parts of the …

Acute liver failure is a rapid loss of liver function that develops over days or weeks, usually in someone who did not previously have liver disease. It most commonly occurs due to viral hepatitis or the effects of certain medicines, especially acetaminophen. Unlike chronic liver failure, which progresses slowly over time, acute liver failure develops suddenly and can worsen quickly. …