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Sarcoidosis

Understanding Sarcoidosis: Causes and Symptoms Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease characterized by the formation of tiny clusters of immune cells called granulomas, which can occur in various organs throughout the body. The exact cause of sarcoidosis remains unknown, but it is believed to result from an abnormal immune response to environmental or infectious agents in genetically predisposed individuals. This disease most commonly affects the lungs and lymph nodes, but it can also involve the eyes, skin, heart, liver, and other organs. Symptoms of sarcoidosis vary widely depending on the organs involved. Common symptoms include persistent dry cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. In some cases, individuals may develop skin rashes, red or painful eyes, or experience joint pain and swelling. Diagnosing Sarcoidosis: Tests and Procedures Diagnosing sarcoidosis can be challenging because its symptoms overlap with those of many other conditions.

Sarcopenia

Schistosoma

Scleroderma

What is Scleroderma? Scleroderma, also known as systemic sclerosis, is a rare autoimmune condition characterized by the hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues. It can also affect internal organs, blood vessels, and the digestive system. The condition can range from mild to severe, and while there is no known cure, treatment options are available to manage symptoms and slow disease progression. Scleroderma is not contagious, cancerous, or infectious. Types of Scleroderma Scleroderma is broadly categorized into two main types: Localized Scleroderma (Morphea): This type mainly affects the skin, often appearing as waxy patches or streaks. It does not generally affect internal organs. Localized scleroderma is more common in children and tends to have a less severe prognosis than systemic forms. Systemic Sclerosis (SSc): This type can affect multiple organs and systems in the body, including the lungs, heart, digestive tract, and kidneys.

Seasonal Allergies

Selective IgA Deficiency

What is Selective IgA Deficiency? Selective IgA deficiency is the most common primary immunodeficiency disorder, affecting approximately 1 in 500 people in populations of European descent. It occurs when the body produces little to no immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies while maintaining normal levels of other antibody types (IgG and IgM). IgA antibodies play a crucial role in protecting mucous membranes lining the respiratory and digestive tracts, so people with IgA deficiency may have increased susceptibility to infections in these areas. The condition is defined by serum IgA levels below 7 mg/dL (normal adult range is 70-400 mg/dL) with normal IgG and IgM levels and normal immune cell function. Most people with selective IgA deficiency have levels below 5 mg/dL or completely undetectable IgA. Symptoms and Clinical Presentation Many people with selective IgA deficiency have no symptoms at all and are only diagnosed incidentally during blood work for other reasons.

Selenosis

Sepsis

Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when the body's response to an infection becomes dysregulated, causing widespread inflammation that can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death if not promptly treated. While sepsis most commonly develops from bacterial infections such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, abdominal infections, or infected wounds, it can also result from viral, fungal, or parasitic infections. Early symptoms include high fever or abnormally low temperature, rapid heart rate, rapid breathing, confusion, and extreme pain or discomfort, which can rapidly progress to severe sepsis with dangerously low blood pressure (septic shock), difficulty breathing, reduced urine output, and altered mental status. Sepsis triggers a cascade of inflammatory responses throughout the body that can damage multiple organ systems including the lungs, kidneys, liver, and heart.

Septic Arthritis

Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID)

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Sickle cell anemia

Sjogren's Syndrome

What is Sjögren’s Syndrome? Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease that happens when your immune system damages the glands that produce and control moisture in your body. Both sebaceous glands and sweat glands are organs in your body that protect your skin from becoming too dry. Sebaceous glands produce an oily substance called sebum and sweat glands produce a watery substance called sweat. Sweat glands have ducts, which are pathways to excrete substances to the surface of your skin. The main symptoms are dry eyes and mouth, but other parts of the body may be affected as well, with many people reporting fatigue and joint and muscle pain. In addition, the disease can damage the lungs, kidneys, and nervous system. Sjögren’s syndrome predominantly affects women. Sjögren’s syndrome can occur by itself or alongside other autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus. There is no cure for Sjögren’s syndrome, but there are several ways to treat and manage the symptoms. What causes Sjögren’s syndrome?

Sleep Apnea

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)

What Is SIBO? Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, or SIBO, is a digestive condition marked by an abnormal increase in bacteria levels in the small intestine. This imbalance can lead to various symptoms that may affect your overall wellbeing. The Role of the Small Intestine The small intestine is crucial for nutrient absorption and digestion. It usually harbors fewer bacteria than the colon. When SIBO occurs, this delicate balance is upset, possibly causing significant lifestyle disruptions. Diagnosing SIBO: The Challenge SIBO symptoms often mimic those of other gastrointestinal disorders, such as IBS, making diagnosis complex. The hydrogen breath test is a primary tool for SIBO detection, measuring breath hydrogen levels after a sugar solution is consumed. A significant rise in hydrogen or methane suggests bacterial overgrowth. Contributing Factors to SIBO SIBO can arise from structural small intestine abnormalities, motility issues, or immune system conditions. Medications like PPIs and surgeries can also increase SIBO risk by affecting the gut's environment or structure.

Smoldering Multiple Myeloma (SMM)

What Is Smoldering Multiple Myeloma? Smoldering Multiple Myeloma (SMM), also called asymptomatic myeloma, is an intermediate condition between MGUS (benign) and active multiple myeloma (cancer). Key characteristics of SMM: Higher levels of abnormal protein than MGUS More plasma cells in the bone marrow (10-60%) No symptoms or organ damage No treatment needed yet; active monitoring instead May remain stable for years or progress to active myeloma Important: SMM is not yet cancer requiring treatment. It is a pre-cancerous condition that requires careful monitoring. How SMM Is Diagnosed SMM is diagnosed when the following criteria are met: M protein level: >= 3 g/dL in blood, or >= 500 mg/24 hours in urine Bone marrow plasma cells: 10-60% No symptoms or complications: No bone lesions, anemia, kidney dysfunction, or high calcium (no CRAB features) If symptoms or organ damage develop, the diagnosis changes to active multiple myeloma. SMM vs. MGUS vs.

Spinal Cord Hemorrhage

Statin-Induced Myopathy

Strep Throat (Group A Streptococcal Pharyngitis)

Stroke (young adult)

Subacute Bacterial Endocarditis

Subarachnoid Haemorrhage

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Subclinical Hyperthyroidism

Subclinical Hyperthyroidism: Causes, Symptoms, Risks, and Treatment Guide Subclinical hyperthyroidism is a condition where Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) levels are below normal, but thyroid hormone levels (Free T3 and Free T4) remain within the normal range. While it may not cause immediate symptoms, subclinical hyperthyroidism can increase risks for heart issues, bone loss, and progression to overt hyperthyroidism if left unmanaged. What is Subclinical Hyperthyroidism? Subclinical hyperthyroidism is defined by: Low or undetectable TSH levels (typically <0.4 mIU/L) Normal Free T3 and Free T4 levels Often no obvious hyperthyroid symptoms It represents an early or mild form of thyroid overactivity that hasn’t yet elevated thyroid hormone levels beyond the normal range but still affects your body’s hormonal feedback loop. What Causes Subclinical Hyperthyroidism? 1. Graves’ Disease (Early Stage) An autoimmune disorder where antibodies stimulate the thyroid gland, causing excess hormone production. 2.

Subclinical Hypothyroidism

Sudden Cardiac Death

Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH)

Syphilis

Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome

Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is a widespread inflammatory reaction throughout the body triggered by various severe insults, including infection, trauma, surgery, burns, pancreatitis, or other major physiological stress. SIRS occurs when the body's immune system becomes overwhelmingly activated, releasing inflammatory chemicals called cytokines that affect multiple organ systems rather than staying localized to the site of injury or infection. The condition is diagnosed when a patient meets at least two of four clinical criteria: body temperature above 100.4°F (38°C) or below 96.8°F (36°C), heart rate greater than 90 beats per minute, respiratory rate greater than 20 breaths per minute or partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) less than 32 mmHg, and white blood cell count greater than 12,000 cells/μL or less than 4,000 cells/μL, or more than 10% immature band forms.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

What is Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)? → Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic, multisystem, inflammatory disorder of autoimmune etiology. → SLE is occurring predominantly in young women. → Common manifestations may include arthralgias (joint pain) and arthritis (joint inflammation), Raynaud syndrome (numb & cold fingers/toes), malar and other rashes, pleuritis or pericarditis (chest pains), renal (related to kidneys) or central nervous system involvement, and autoimmune cytopenias (reduced blood cell levels). → Diagnosis requires clinical and serologic criteria. → Treatment of severe, ongoing, active disease requires corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus) is a chronic (long-lasting) autoimmune disease that can affect many parts of the body. Lupus occurs when the immune system, which normally helps protect the body from infection and disease, attacks its own tissues.