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Explore common and rare conditions, read about care, and save an article to your private health notebook.

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240 conditions. Common concerns and rare diagnoses, explained with links to medical sources.

240 articles foundA–Z · Educational reading
Rare developmental disorders · Rare condition

Aarskog-Scott syndrome

Aarskog-Scott syndrome affects development of the skeleton, face and genital system. Its features vary, with males generally more noticeably affected.

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Rare metabolic disorders · Rare condition

Abetalipoproteinemia

Inherited impairment of fat transport interferes with absorption of fats and certain vitamins. Nutritional effects can later involve vision, nerves and coordination.

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Rare skeletal disorders · Rare condition

Achondroplasia

Achondroplasia changes cartilage-to-bone growth, particularly in the long bones. Short limbs are a characteristic feature, while some complications involve breathing or nerve compression.

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Rare eye disorders · Rare condition

Achromatopsia

Achromatopsia impairs cone-cell function in the retina. It can reduce color discrimination and visual detail, particularly in bright light.

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Skin and hair

Acne

Acne develops when hair follicles become blocked and inflamed. Severity ranges from small spots to deeper lesions that may scar.

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Lungs and breathing

Acute Bronchitis

Acute bronchitis is short-term inflammation of the larger airways, often following a viral infection. A cough can persist after other symptoms improve.

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Rare developmental disorders · Rare condition

Adams-Oliver syndrome

Adams-Oliver syndrome combines areas of missing skin at birth with limb-development differences. Some people also have vascular or internal-organ abnormalities.

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Rare immune disorders · Rare condition

Adenosine deaminase deficiency

Adenosine deaminase deficiency disrupts development of immune cells and can cause severe combined immunodeficiency. Serious infections may begin early in infancy.

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Eyes and vision

Age-related macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration affects the central retina used for detailed vision. It can make reading or recognizing faces difficult while peripheral vision remains relatively preserved.

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Rare liver disorders · Rare condition

Alagille syndrome

Alagille syndrome can reduce or alter bile ducts and affect several other organs. Impaired bile drainage may injure the liver and interfere with growth.

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Mental health

Alcohol use disorder

Alcohol use disorder involves impaired control over drinking despite harmful consequences. Withdrawal can become dangerous, so a person needing help should receive medical assessment.

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Rare metabolic disorders · Rare condition

Alkaptonuria

Alkaptonuria causes accumulation of a substance that darkens urine and connective tissues. Over time, pigment buildup can damage joints and other tissues.

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Rare kidney disorders · Rare condition

Alport syndrome

Alport syndrome affects structural proteins important to the kidneys and other tissues. Progressive kidney disease may occur alongside hearing or eye changes.

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Brain and nerves

Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease gradually damages memory and other thinking abilities. Progression can affect independence, behavior and the need for family or caregiver support.

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Immune health

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a rapidly developing severe allergic reaction. Breathing or circulation can become impaired, and skin symptoms are not always present.

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Rare developmental disorders · Rare condition

Angelman syndrome

Angelman syndrome is a genetic condition affecting nervous-system development. Communication, balance and seizure-related support needs vary between individuals.

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Bones and joints

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is inflammatory arthritis involving the spine and nearby pelvic joints. Persistent inflammation can limit movement and may involve the eyes or other joints.

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Heart and circulation

Aortic Aneurysm

An aortic aneurysm is a weakened, enlarged section of the body's main artery. Many cause no symptoms until they grow or develop a dangerous complication.

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Rare skeletal disorders · Rare condition

Apert syndrome

Apert syndrome causes early fusion of skull bones and fusion of fingers or toes. These changes can affect head growth, breathing and hand function.

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Digestive health

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix, often following a blockage. A ruptured appendix can spread infection within the abdomen.

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Rare metabolic disorders · Rare condition

Argininosuccinic aciduria

Argininosuccinic aciduria impairs disposal of nitrogen waste through the urea cycle. Toxic ammonia accumulation can cause a rapidly worsening neurological illness.

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Lungs and breathing

Asthma

Asthma causes variable inflammation and narrowing of the airways. Symptoms may fluctuate and can suddenly worsen during a flare.

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Rare neurological disorders · Rare condition

Ataxia-telangiectasia

Ataxia-telangiectasia affects movement coordination and immune function. It also increases susceptibility to certain cancers and requires coordinated specialist care.

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Heart and circulation

Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is an irregular heart rhythm involving the upper chambers. It can increase the likelihood of stroke, even when palpitations are absent.

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Articles are a starting point for a conversation with a clinician. They do not identify a disease from symptoms. Group labels are editorial; frequency varies by population.

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