Condition Library
Conditions starting with A
75 health topics beginning with the letter A.
- A1CA1C is a blood test for type 2 diabetes and prediabetes. It measures your average blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels over the past 3 months. Learn more.
- Abdominal PainStomach aches can be painful. Find out what might be the cause of your abdominal pain.
- AbortionAn abortion is a medical procedure to end a pregnancy. It uses medicine or surgery to remove the embryo or fetus and placenta from the uterus.
- AbscessAbscesses are filled with pus and can occur anywhere on your body. They can be painful. Learn about types of abscesses and how they are treated.
- AcneLooking for ways to fight unsightly zits? Both teens and adults can get acne. Learn what causes pimples and blackheads and how to manage them.
- Acoustic NeuromaAn acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor that grows on the cranial nerve that connects the ear to the brain. It can affect hearing and balance nerves.
- AcupunctureAre you considering acupuncture to treat pain? Find out about how this type of traditional Chinese medicine might help you.
- Acute BronchitisBronchitis is an inflammation of the airways that carry air to your lungs. Learn about acute bronchitis symptoms, causes, and treatment
- Acute Flaccid MyelitisAcute flaccid myelitis (AFM) is a rare but serious neurologic disease. It mostly affects children. Learn about its possible causes and symptoms.
- Acute Lymphocytic LeukemiaAcute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL) or Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia is a cancer of the white blood cells. Learn more about symptoms and treatment.
- Acute Myeloid LeukemiaAcute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the white blood cells. AML usually gets worse quickly if it is not treated. Read more.
- Addison DiseaseYour adrenal glands makes hormones. Adrenal insufficiency or Addison disease happens if the adrenal glands don't make enough hormones. Read more.
- AdenoidsYour adenoids are high up in your throat. They trap germs coming in your mouth and nose. Learn about enlarged adenoids, a common problem in children.
- AdhesionsAbdominal surgery is the main cause of adhesions but not the only one. Learn about the signs, symptoms, and causes this type of scar tissue.
- Adrenal Gland CancerTumors can affect adrenal glands. Most adrenal gland tumors are benign. Types of tumors include Neuroblastoma and Pheochromocytoma.
- Adrenal Gland DisordersAdrenal gland disorders, such as Cushing's Syndrome and Addison's Disease, happen when your glands make too much or not enough hormones.
- Advance DirectivesAdvance directives, or living wills, inform your family about your wishes if you become too ill to let them know. Find out more.
- After SurgeryAre you concerned about post-surgery side effects or after surgery care? Learn about how to care for incisions, control pain, and more.
- Air PollutionDid you know that air pollution can happen both inside buildings and outdoors? Get the facts how air pollution effects your health.
- AlcoholMany people drink alcohol. Drinking too much can take a serious toll on your health. It's important to know how alcohol affects you and how much is too much.
- Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)An alcohol use disorder (AUD) is drinking that causes distress and harm. AUD can range from mild to severe (alcoholism). Learn the signs that you may have a problem with drinking.
- Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) TreatmentAn alcohol use disorder (AUD) is drinking that causes distress and harm. Learn about the medicines and behavioral therapies that treat AUD.
- AllergyAn allergy is a reaction by your immune system. Substances that cause reactions include pollen and food. Find the full list of allergies and symptoms.
- Alpha-1 Antitrypsin DeficiencyAlpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency is an inherited condition that raises your risk for lung and liver disease. Learn about the symptoms and treatment.
- Alzheimer's CaregiversCaring for someone who has Alzheimer's Disease can be stressful and overwhelming. It's important to take care of yourself. Learn how to find support.
- Alzheimer's DiseaseAlzheimer's disease is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills. It's the most common cause of dementia among older adults.
- AmblyopiaLearn about amblyopia, or "lazy eye," the most common cause of visual problems in children. It happens when an eye fails to work properly with the brain.
- Amino Acid Metabolism DisordersDisorders like phenylketonuria (PKU) and maple syrup urine disease cause problems with how your body uses proteins. Learn more about them.
- AmyloidosisAmyloidosis is a rare condition that can affect different organs of the body. Find out about amyloidosis treatment and symptoms.
- Amyotrophic Lateral SclerosisALS stands for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also called Lou Gehrig's disease. ALS affects the nervous system, causing muscle problems. Find out how.
- Anabolic SteroidsThinking about using anabolic steroids to build muscles or improve your athletic performance? Think again. Misusing them is not legal or safe. It can cause long-term health problems.
- Anal CancerAnal cancer is rare. HPV is one of the most common causes. Find out more about anal cancer symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
- Anal DisordersAnal disorders include hemorrhoids, fistulas, and abscesses. Learn about which anal conditions are minor and those that are more serious.
- AnaphylaxisAnaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock is a serious allergic reaction. It can begin very quickly, and symptoms may be life-threatening. Read the symptoms.
- AnatomyAnatomy is the science that studies the structure of the body. Learn about the organs and body parts.
- AnemiaAnemia occurs when your blood doesn't carry enough oxygen to the rest of your body. Read about conditions that lead to it and treatments available.
- AnesthesiaLocal, regional, general - all are types of anesthesia. Learn about how anesthesia reduces or blocks pain before a surgery.
- AneurysmsAn aneurysm is a bulge in the wall of an artery. It can develop and grow for years without causing any symptoms. Learn about tests and treatment.
- AnginaAngina is chest pain or discomfort when there is not enough blood flow to your heart muscle. Learn about angina symptoms and treatment.
- AngioplastyAngioplasty is a procedure to restore blood flow through narrow or blocked arteries. Learn about how stents and angioplasty work.
- Animal BitesWild animals might attack if they are threatened or acting protective. Attacks by pets are more common. Learn how to avoid both types of animal bites.
- Animal Diseases and Your HealthYou may know that some animal diseases can have an effect on humans. Find out more about animal diseases and your health.
- Ankle Injuries and DisordersAnkle injuries and ankle disorders can affect tendons and cartilage. Learn about different kinds of ankle problems including sprains and fractures.
- Ankylosing SpondylitisAnkylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis. It causes inflammation between vertebrae and in the joints between spine and pelvis. Learn more.
- AnthraxYou probably won't have to worry about getting anthrax disease. We offer information about anthrax symptoms, causes, vaccine, and treatment.
- Antibiotic ResistanceAntibiotics can save lives. But when they are not used properly they can become less effective. Use them only when necessary to combat antibiotic resistance.
- AntibioticsUsed properly, antibiotics can save lives by fighting bacterial infections. Read about how to use antibiotics and about when not to use antibiotics.
- AntidepressantsMany people take antidepressants. Learn about antidepressant side effect, the different types of antidepressants, and more.
- AntioxidantsAntioxidants can protect cells against free radicals that can cause damage. But there is a lot of misinformation. Get the facts.
- AnxietyIt's normal to be anxious at times. It may be time to get help if anxiety attack is severe or when anxiety doesn't stop. Learn about anxiety disorders.
- Aortic AneurysmAn aneurysm is a bulge or "ballooning" in the wall of an artery. Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Learn more.
- AphasiaAphasia is a disorder caused by damage to the parts of the brain that control language. It can make it hard for you to read, write, and speak.
- Aplastic AnemiaAplastic anemia is a rare but serious blood disorder. If you have it, your bone marrow doesn't make enough new blood cells. Read more on the causes.
- AppendicitisYou don't have to be young to have appendicitis. Learn to identify signs, symptoms and more about this painful and serious condition.
- Arm Injuries and DisordersArm injuries and arm disorders can be caused by nerve problems, cancers, sprains, dislocations, Tendinitis and conditions such as Arthritis.
- ArrhythmiaArrhythmia, also called irregular heartbeat comes in different types. The most common is atrial fibrillation. Read about symptoms and treatment.
- ArsenicArsenic can be in food, soil, and water. Low levels will probably not hurt you, but higher levels can cause problems. Learn more about arsenic.
- Arteriovenous MalformationsArteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are defects in your arteries, veins, and capillaries. They are common in the brain and spine. Find out more.
- ArthritisArthritis can cause pain, swelling and stiffness in and around the joints. Learn about the different types of Arthritis and how they can affect you.
- Artificial LimbsArtificial limbs, or prosthetics, can allow a person to do activities they might not be able to do otherwise. Learn more about artificial limbs.
- AsbestosAsbestos is the name of a group of minerals with thin fibers. Breathing high levels of asbestos can lead to mesothelioma or lung cancer. Read more.
- AspergillosisFind out about symptoms, tests, and treatment of aspergillosis, a disease caused by a fungus.
- Assisted LivingMany people need help as they age. Assisted living facilities can provide care that you or you loved ones may need. Learn more.
- Assisted Reproductive TechnologyLearn about treating infertility with assisted reproductive technology (ART). It includes procedures like in vitro fertilization (IVF).
- Assistive DevicesLearn about assistive devices and how they can help you if you are disabled or injured.
- AsthmaAsthma causes one's airways to become sore and swollen. An attack means a person's lungs are getting less air. Learn about two types of treatment.
- Asthma in ChildrenChildren's airways are small, making asthma more serious for them. Learn the symptoms, what can cause an attack, and long term treatments.
- Ataxia TelangiectasiaAtaxia Telangiectasia (AT) is an inherited disease that affects several body systems, including the nervous system and immune system. Learn more.
- AtherosclerosisAtherosclerosis is hardening and narrowing of the arteries caused by the buildup of a fatty substance called plaque. Learn about the risks and prevention.
- Athlete's FootAthlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a contagious fungal infection that can affect any part of the foot, but usually begins between the toes. Learn more.
- Atrial FibrillationAtrial fibrillation (AF or AFib) is the most common type of arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). Read about symptoms and treatment.
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity DisorderDoes your child have trouble paying attention? This may be a symptom of attention deficit hyperactive disorder (often called ADHD or ADD). Read more.
- Autism Spectrum DisorderFind out about autism spectrum disorder symptoms, causes, treatment, and other issues related to this developmental disorder.
- Autoimmune DiseasesAutoimmune diseases are where your immune system attacks healthy cells in your body by mistake. Learn about the symptoms, tests, and treatments.
- Autonomic Nervous System DisordersDysautonomia is a disorder of the autonomic nervous system, which controls functions such as breathing and heartbeat. Read more about these disorders.
Source: MedlinePlus.gov, U.S. National Library of Medicine.