Sleep Apnea
DiseasesSerious sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. Most common is obstructive sleep apnea where throat muscles relax. Causes loud snoring, gasping for air, morning headaches, daytime fatigue. Increases risk of high blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes. Treated with CPAP machine or oral appliances.
More Diseases Terms
Addison's Disease
Rare disorder where adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol and often aldosterone. Symptoms develop slowly: fatigue, muscle weakness, weight loss, low blood pressure, skin darkening. Life-threatening adrenal crisis can occur with stress. Requires lifelong hormone replacement therapy.
Alzheimer Disease
Most common cause of dementia, progressive brain disorder destroying memory and thinking skills. Symptoms worsen over time: memory loss, confusion, difficulty with familiar tasks, personality changes. Usually begins after 60. Exact cause unknown but involves abnormal protein buildup in brain. No cure.
Alzheimer's Disease
Progressive brain disorder destroying memory and cognitive function due to brain cell death. Most common cause of dementia. Begins with mild memory loss, progresses to inability to carry on conversation or respond to environment. No cure. Current medications temporarily improve symptoms. Eventually requires full-time care.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting nerve cells controlling voluntary muscles. Causes muscle weakness, difficulty speaking, swallowing, breathing. No cure. Riluzole may slow progression. Eventually requires feeding tube and ventilator. Average survival 3-5 years from diagnosis. Also called Lou Gehrig's disease.
Anxiety
Mental health condition characterized by excessive worry and fear. Types include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias. Physical symptoms include rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath. Treatable with therapy and/or medication.
Asthma
Chronic condition causing airways to narrow and swell, producing extra mucus, making breathing difficult. Triggered by allergens, exercise, cold air, stress. Symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, chest tightness. Controlled with inhaled corticosteroids and quick-relief inhalers. Can be life-threatening if severe.
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