Conditions library

Understand your health with confidence

Begin with a plain-language overview, see which approaches have the strongest support, identify useful tracking, and prepare better questions for a healthcare professional.

Evidence ratings below apply to a specific approach and outcome. They do not tell you whether an option is safe, appropriate, affordable, or preferable for a particular person.

Heart & circulation

High blood pressure

Blood pressure that remains above the recommended range over time. It often causes no symptoms, so accurate repeat measurements matter.

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What it is

Blood pressure reflects the force of blood against artery walls. A diagnosis is based on properly taken, repeated readings—not one stressful or unusual measurement. Long-term elevation raises the risk of heart, brain, kidney, and eye complications.

What people may notice

Most people notice nothing. Headache, dizziness, or feeling “off” are not reliable ways to know your blood pressure; measurement is the only way to identify it accurately.

When to get urgent help

A reading higher than 180/120 mm Hg with chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, vision change, or difficulty speaking is an emergency—call emergency services. Without those symptoms, repeat the reading and contact a healthcare professional promptly.

Useful tracking

Record readings with date, time, arm, position, and relevant notes. A consistent home technique and a trend over time are more useful than isolated numbers.

Approach	Evidence snapshot	What that means here
DASH-style eating pattern	Strong evidence	Consistent evidence supports blood pressure reduction; sodium reduction can add benefit.
Structured physical activity	Strong evidence	Regular movement is a core lifestyle component of blood pressure management.
Guideline-supported medications	Strong evidence	Medication selection depends on readings, cardiovascular risk, other conditions, and patient factors.
Magnesium supplements	Limited / mixed	Trials suggest only a small average reduction; supplements are not equivalent to established therapy.

Reviewed July 2026. Source notes: 2025 AHA/ACC guidance, NHLBI DASH overview, and NIH magnesium fact sheet.

Heart & circulation · Metabolic health

Hyperlipidemia

Elevated levels of one or more blood lipids or lipoproteins, such as LDL cholesterol or triglycerides. Hyperlipidemia is a common form of dyslipidemia and usually causes no symptoms.

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What it is

Hyperlipidemia describes elevated cholesterol, triglyceride, or lipoprotein levels measured with blood testing. Higher exposure to plaque-forming particles—especially LDL-containing particles—over time can promote atherosclerosis and increase heart attack and stroke risk. Evaluation also considers overall cardiovascular risk, family history, health conditions, and possible secondary causes.

What people may notice

Most people notice nothing, so a lipid panel is needed to identify the condition. Very high inherited cholesterol can sometimes cause fatty skin deposits or a pale ring around the cornea, but the absence of visible signs does not rule it out.

When to get urgent help

Hyperlipidemia itself is usually not an emergency. Call emergency services for chest pressure, sudden weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, or other heart attack or stroke warning signs. Severe, persistent upper-abdominal pain with vomiting also needs urgent assessment because very high triglycerides can contribute to pancreatitis.

Useful tracking

Keep lipid-panel results, medication names and doses, adherence, side effects, blood pressure, smoking status, diabetes or kidney health, activity, and eating-pattern changes together. Family history of early cardiovascular disease or very high cholesterol can materially change risk assessment.

Approach	Evidence snapshot	What that means here
Heart-healthy lifestyle pattern	Strong evidence	Nutrition, regular activity, avoiding tobacco, healthy sleep, and weight management when relevant form the foundation; the plan should address the specific lipid pattern and overall risk.
Statin therapy for appropriate risk groups	Strong evidence	Statins lower LDL cholesterol and reduce heart attack and stroke risk. Whether to start one—and at what intensity—depends on cardiovascular risk, lipid levels, conditions, and shared decision-making.
Guideline-directed nonstatin therapy	Strong evidence	Ezetimibe, bempedoic acid, PCSK9-targeting medicines, or other therapies may be appropriate when statins are not enough, are not tolerated, or a person’s risk and lipid disorder call for a different strategy.
Supplements marketed for cholesterol	Limited / mixed	Effects and product quality vary. Red yeast rice may contain a statin-like compound with similar interactions and harms, while other products often have smaller or uncertain effects; supplements should not replace prescribed therapy.

A lipid result is interpreted in context rather than as a stand-alone pass/fail number. Treatment goals and the need for medication depend on the lipid abnormality, age, cardiovascular history and risk, other health conditions, pregnancy, tolerability, and preferences.

Reviewed July 2026. Source notes: 2026 ACC/AHA dyslipidemia guideline summary, NHLBI blood cholesterol overview, NHLBI treatment overview, and NCCIH cholesterol supplement review.

Metabolic health

Type 2 diabetes

A chronic condition in which the body does not use insulin effectively and, over time, may not make enough to keep blood glucose in a healthy range.

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What it is

Type 2 diabetes is diagnosed with validated blood tests. Management is individualized and may include diabetes education, nutrition and activity support, weight management when relevant, monitoring, medication, and attention to heart, kidney, eye, nerve, and foot health.

What people may notice

Some people have increased thirst or urination, fatigue, blurry vision, recurrent infections, or slow-healing wounds; many have few or no early symptoms. Symptoms alone cannot confirm diabetes.

When to get urgent help

Confusion, severe weakness, persistent vomiting, trouble breathing, or signs of major dehydration require urgent assessment. Anyone using glucose-lowering medicines should know their personal low-glucose plan.

Useful tracking

Depending on the care plan: glucose readings, medication use, meals, movement, sleep, symptoms, and appointments. Trends are most useful when interpreted with the individual’s goals and treatment.

Approach	Evidence snapshot	What that means here
Individualized nutrition support	Strong evidence	Healthy eating patterns and diabetes self-management education are foundational, with no single plan for everyone.
Regular physical activity	Strong evidence	Activity can improve glucose management and cardiovascular health; plans should fit ability and treatment.
Individualized medication therapy	Strong evidence	Evidence-based medication choice now accounts for glucose goals, heart and kidney health, weight, cost, and preferences.
Supplements marketed for blood sugar	Limited / mixed	Evidence varies by product, preparation, population, and outcome; quality and interactions also matter.

Reviewed July 2026. Source notes: ADA Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026, CDC healthy eating, and CDC physical activity guidance.

Sleep

Chronic insomnia

Ongoing difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting restorative sleep despite adequate opportunity—together with meaningful daytime effects.

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What it is

Insomnia is more than an occasional poor night. Evaluation considers timing, duration, daytime impairment, sleep schedule, substances, medications, mental health, pain, breathing-related sleep disorders, and other contributing conditions.

What people may notice

Trouble initiating or maintaining sleep, waking earlier than intended, fatigue, irritability, concentration difficulty, or worry about sleep. A sleep diary can help reveal patterns.

When to get urgent help

Do not drive if dangerously sleepy. Seek prompt help for severe mood symptoms, suicidal thoughts, breathing pauses during sleep, or sudden episodes of losing muscle control or falling asleep unexpectedly.

Useful tracking

Bedtime, estimated time to fall asleep, awakenings, wake time, naps, caffeine or alcohol timing, and next-day function. Focus on patterns rather than scoring a single night as good or bad.

Approach	Evidence snapshot	What that means here
Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia	Strong evidence	CBT-I is recommended as first-line treatment for adults with chronic insomnia.
Consistent sleep routine	Moderate evidence	Helpful as part of a broader plan, but “sleep hygiene” alone may not resolve chronic insomnia.
Short-term prescription options	Moderate evidence	Benefits and harms vary by medicine and person; shared decision-making and reassessment are important.
Melatonin for chronic insomnia	Limited / mixed	Some outcomes may improve modestly, but findings are mixed and differ from uses such as jet lag.

Reviewed July 2026. Source notes: American College of Physicians insomnia guideline and NCCIH sleep and complementary approaches review.

Allergy & immune

Seasonal allergies

An immune response to airborne allergens such as tree, grass, or weed pollen that can cause sneezing, congestion, a runny nose, and itchy or watery eyes.

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What it is

Seasonal allergies, also called seasonal allergic rhinitis or hay fever, happen when the immune system reacts to airborne allergens that are more common during certain times of year. Common triggers include pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, as well as outdoor mold spores.

What people may notice

Sneezing, a clear runny nose, nasal congestion, and itching of the nose, eyes, or throat are common. Watery or red eyes may occur too. Symptoms often return during the same season or after outdoor exposure and usually occur without a true fever.

When to get urgent help

Seek medical advice when symptoms are persistent, disrupt sleep or daily activities, are difficult to distinguish from another condition, or are accompanied by wheezing or poorly controlled asthma. Trouble breathing, facial or throat swelling, or other signs of a severe allergic reaction require urgent care.

Useful tracking

Record symptom timing, outdoor exposure, local pollen levels, medicines used, and response. Tree pollen is often more prominent in spring, grass pollen in late spring and summer, and weed pollen—including ragweed—in late summer and fall, although timing varies by climate, weather, and location.

Approach	Evidence snapshot	What that means here
Intranasal corticosteroids	Strong evidence	Often the most effective medication class for persistent or moderate-to-severe nasal symptoms, especially congestion. Benefit is best with correct technique and regular use during the symptomatic season.
Second-generation oral antihistamines	Strong evidence	Can reduce sneezing, itching, and a runny nose. They are generally less effective for congestion than intranasal corticosteroids, and newer agents are usually preferred over sedating first-generation antihistamines.
Intranasal antihistamines	Strong evidence	Can act quickly and improve several nasal symptoms. They may be used alone or, for some people with more persistent symptoms, with an intranasal corticosteroid.
Allergen immunotherapy	Strong evidence	Allergy shots or certain FDA-approved under-the-tongue tablets may be considered when symptoms remain troublesome, avoidance and medicines are insufficient or undesirable, and a relevant allergen has been confirmed.
Reduce pollen exposure	Moderate evidence	Checking local pollen levels, keeping windows closed during high-pollen periods, changing clothes after outdoor activity, and showering before bed may reduce exposure and symptoms. Complete avoidance is usually unrealistic.
Saline nasal rinsing	Moderate evidence	Saline irrigation may improve nasal symptoms and can be used alone or alongside medication. Use distilled, sterile, or previously boiled and cooled water, and clean the device as directed.
Oral or topical decongestants	Moderate evidence	May provide short-term congestion relief but have important limitations. Oral decongestants can cause insomnia, palpitations, or increased blood pressure and are not appropriate for everyone. Decongestant nasal sprays can cause rebound congestion when used longer than directed.
Butterbur and other supplements	Limited / mixed	Evidence is inconsistent, product quality varies, and some butterbur products may contain harmful pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Supplements should not be assumed to be safer than standard treatments.

Medication choice depends on the main symptoms, symptom severity, other health conditions, age, pregnancy status, and potential interactions. A pharmacist or clinician can help select an option and demonstrate correct nasal-spray technique.

Reviewed July 2026. Source notes: AAAAI rhinitis overview, ACAAI hay fever overview, Rhinitis 2020 practice parameter update, 2024 JAMA allergic rhinitis review.

Brain & nerves

Migraine

A neurological condition with recurring attacks that may include moderate-to-severe head pain, nausea, sensory sensitivity, and—sometimes—aura.

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What it is

Migraine is more than a bad headache. It is a recurring neurological disorder whose attacks can unfold in phases and last from hours to days. Diagnosis is based mainly on the symptom pattern and examination; aura can cause temporary visual, sensory, or speech changes in some people.

What people may notice

Head pain may be throbbing, one-sided, and worsened by routine activity, but presentations vary. Nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and sensitivity to light, sound, or smells are common. Some people have warning symptoms before pain or lingering fatigue and concentration difficulty afterward.

When to get urgent help

Call emergency services for a sudden explosive or “worst-ever” headache, a new headache after head injury, or headache with new weakness, confusion, loss of consciousness, seizure, fever with a stiff neck, or unfamiliar speech or vision changes. A meaningful change in an established headache pattern also needs prompt medical review.

Useful tracking

Record attack date and duration, pain and associated symptoms, disability, possible triggers, menstrual timing when relevant, acute medicines and response, and headache-free days. A diary helps distinguish patterns and reveals frequent acute-medicine use that may worsen headaches.

Approach	Evidence snapshot	What that means here
Individualized acute medication	Strong evidence	Nonopioid pain relievers can help some mild-to-moderate attacks, while migraine-specific medicines such as triptans or gepants may be used for more disabling attacks or when simpler options do not work.
Preventive medication when indicated	Strong evidence	Several established and newer options can reduce attack frequency or burden. Choice depends on attack pattern, other conditions, pregnancy potential, side effects, access, and preferences.
Regular routines and behavioral strategies	Moderate evidence	Consistent sleep and meals, hydration, exercise as tolerated, relaxation, cognitive behavioral strategies, or biofeedback can support a broader plan; trigger patterns are individual and overly restrictive avoidance can be counterproductive.
Magnesium, riboflavin, and other supplements	Limited / mixed	Evidence and safety vary by product and dose. Migraine-study doses can exceed routine supplement limits, so professional review is important.

A new or changed headache should not be self-labeled as migraine. Treatment selection also depends on cardiovascular history, pregnancy, other medicines, attack frequency, nausea or vomiting, and prior response.

Reviewed July 2026. Source notes: NINDS migraine overview, AHRQ acute migraine evidence review, American Headache Society guidance library, and NCCIH complementary approaches review.

Digestive health

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

A chronic condition in which reflux of stomach contents causes repeated troublesome symptoms or complications over time.

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What it is

Occasional reflux is common. GERD is the more persistent condition in which stomach contents repeatedly move into the esophagus and cause bothersome symptoms or complications. A clinician can often begin evaluation from the history, but testing may be needed for alarm symptoms, an unclear diagnosis, or symptoms that do not improve.

What people may notice

Typical symptoms are heartburn and regurgitation, sometimes worse after meals or while lying down. Chest pain, nausea, swallowing difficulty, cough, or hoarseness can occur, but these symptoms have other possible causes and do not prove reflux.

When to get urgent help

Chest pain can be cardiac—call emergency services for new or severe chest pressure, especially with shortness of breath, sweating, faintness, or pain spreading to the arm or jaw. Prompt medical assessment is also needed for trouble or pain with swallowing, persistent vomiting, vomiting blood, black stools, loss of appetite, or unexplained weight loss.

Useful tracking

Record symptom timing, meals and personal triggers, lying down, sleep disruption, medicines and response, swallowing problems, and any bleeding or weight change. Note whether over-the-counter treatment is needed repeatedly rather than simply escalating it.

Approach	Evidence snapshot	What that means here
Proton pump inhibitors	Strong evidence	PPIs are the most effective medicines for typical GERD symptoms and healing reflux-related esophageal injury. Timing, duration, and the lowest effective ongoing dose should be individualized.
Weight management when relevant	Moderate evidence	Weight loss can improve symptoms for people with overweight or obesity, but advice should be realistic and individualized.
Meal timing and nighttime positioning	Moderate evidence	Avoiding meals within about three hours of lying down and elevating the upper body can help nighttime symptoms. Broad food bans are less useful than identifying personal triggers.
H2-receptor blockers and antacids	Moderate evidence	These can help selected mild or intermittent symptoms, but antacids do not heal esophageal inflammation and repeated use should prompt review.

Persistent cough, hoarseness, or asthma symptoms have many causes. Improvement during acid suppression alone does not confirm that reflux caused an extraesophageal symptom.

Reviewed July 2026. Source notes: NIDDK definition and complications, NIDDK symptoms and warning signs, AGA personalized GERD guidance, and ACG acid reflux overview.

Respiratory health

Asthma

A chronic lung condition with variable airway inflammation and narrowing that can cause recurring wheeze, cough, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.

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What it is

Asthma causes symptoms and airflow limitation that vary over time. Viral infections, allergens, smoke, air pollution, exercise, cold air, and other exposures may trigger symptoms. Diagnosis should be confirmed by a healthcare professional, usually with the symptom pattern and lung-function testing when feasible.

What people may notice

Wheezing, cough—often at night or early morning—shortness of breath, and chest tightness are typical. Symptoms may come and go, worsen with specific triggers, wake someone from sleep, limit usual activity, or require reliever medicine more often.

When to get urgent help

Follow the written asthma action plan during worsening symptoms. Call emergency services if breathing remains very hard or prescribed reliever medicine is not helping, or for blue or gray lips, severe drowsiness, confusion, inability to speak comfortably, or rapid deterioration.

Useful tracking

Record daytime and nighttime symptoms, activity limits, reliever use, missed work or school, triggers, inhaler adherence and technique, and flare-ups needing urgent care or oral steroids. Track peak flow only if it is part of the individual action plan.

Approach	Evidence snapshot	What that means here
Inhaled corticosteroid–containing therapy	Strong evidence	ICS-containing treatment addresses airway inflammation and reduces severe flare-ups and asthma deaths. The appropriate inhaler and schedule depend on age, severity, local approvals, and the person’s plan.
Correct inhaler technique and adherence	Strong evidence	Technique and regular use should be checked before stepping treatment up; the device must fit the person’s ability and access.
Written asthma action plan	Strong evidence	A personalized plan explains daily treatment, how to recognize worsening asthma, what medicine changes were prescribed, and when to seek urgent care.
Targeted trigger reduction	Moderate evidence	Avoid tobacco smoke and address triggers that clearly worsen the individual’s asthma. Broad, costly environmental changes without a demonstrated trigger are less likely to help.

A quick-relief inhaler can ease symptoms but does not replace anti-inflammatory treatment when that is prescribed. Do not change an inhaler plan without the prescriber’s guidance.

Reviewed July 2026. Source notes: GINA 2026 Summary Guide, NHLBI asthma symptoms, NHLBI treatment and action plan, and NHLBI asthma attack guidance.

Joints & movement

Osteoarthritis

A condition in which cartilage and other tissues within a joint change and break down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, or reduced function.

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What it is

Osteoarthritis affects the whole joint—not only cartilage—and is not simply “wear and tear.” It commonly involves the hands, knees, hips, neck, or lower back. Diagnosis uses the symptom pattern and examination; imaging or laboratory tests may help when the diagnosis is uncertain or another cause needs to be excluded.

What people may notice

Pain often worsens with use, and stiffness after waking or resting usually lasts less than 30 minutes. Swelling, reduced motion, grinding sensations, bony enlargement, or a joint that feels unstable can occur. Symptoms and x-ray changes do not always match closely.

When to get urgent help

A suddenly hot, very swollen, red or discolored joint—especially with fever or feeling ill—is not typical of routine osteoarthritis and needs urgent assessment for infection, gout, or another cause. Seek prompt care after major injury, inability to bear weight, a locked joint, or sudden loss of function.

Useful tracking

Record the joint involved, pain and stiffness timing, swelling, walking or hand function, sleep effects, activity, instability or falls, medicines used, and response. Function trends—such as stairs, chair rises, walking distance, or grip tasks—can be more informative than pain alone.

Approach	Evidence snapshot	What that means here
Individualized exercise	Strong evidence	Aerobic, strengthening, aquatic, balance, or range-of-motion activity can reduce symptoms and improve function. The best program is one matched to the affected joint, ability, and preferences.
Self-management and tai chi	Strong evidence	Structured self-management programs and tai chi are guideline-supported options, particularly for knee or hip osteoarthritis.
Weight management when relevant	Strong evidence	For people with overweight or obesity and knee or hip osteoarthritis, weight loss can reduce joint load, pain, and disability; goals should be supportive and realistic.
Topical NSAIDs for selected joints	Strong evidence	Topical NSAIDs are strongly recommended for knee osteoarthritis and conditionally recommended for hand osteoarthritis. They are unlikely to help a deep joint such as the hip.

Treatment depends on the joint, symptom burden, mobility goals, fall risk, kidney and cardiovascular health, gastrointestinal history, other medicines, and preferences. Surgery is considered only in selected cases after individualized evaluation.

Reviewed July 2026. Source notes: NIAMS osteoarthritis overview, NIAMS diagnosis and treatment guide, and 2019 ACR/Arthritis Foundation osteoarthritis guideline.

Mental health

Depression

A treatable mood disorder that can cause persistent sadness or loss of interest together with changes in thinking, sleep, energy, appetite, movement, or daily function.

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What it is

Major depression is diagnosed when a defined pattern of symptoms is present most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks and causes meaningful distress or impairment. A clinician also considers grief, substance use, medicines, medical conditions, bipolar disorder, and other explanations; a screening score alone is not a diagnosis.

What people may notice

Sadness, emptiness, hopelessness, irritability, loss of interest or pleasure, guilt, low energy, slowed or restless movement, sleep or appetite changes, concentration difficulty, unexplained aches, and thoughts of death can occur. Depression may look different across ages and individuals.

When to get urgent help

Thoughts of suicide, an urge to self-harm, inability to stay safe, psychosis, or severe symptoms that stop someone from eating or drinking need immediate help. In the U.S., call or text 988; call 911 for an immediate life-threatening situation. Elsewhere, use local emergency or crisis services.

Useful tracking

Track mood, interest, sleep, appetite, energy, concentration, daily function, substance use, medicines and side effects, therapy attendance, and any change in suicidal thinking. Share worsening agitation, unusually elevated energy with little need for sleep, or abrupt behavior changes promptly.

Approach	Evidence snapshot	What that means here
Evidence-based psychotherapy	Strong evidence	Cognitive behavioral therapy is a recommended initial option for adults with major depression; other structured therapies may also be appropriate based on the person and available care.
Second-generation antidepressants	Strong evidence	These medicines are a recommended initial option for moderate-to-severe major depression. Choice depends on symptoms, side effects, other conditions, interactions, prior response, pregnancy, cost, and preferences.
Psychotherapy plus medication	Moderate evidence	Combined treatment is a reasonable initial alternative for some moderate-to-severe presentations and may be useful when one approach alone is insufficient.
Exercise as an adjunct	Moderate evidence	Regular activity can support mood and health when feasible, but it should not be framed as a test of willpower or a substitute for needed clinical care.

Treatment should be selected collaboratively and reassessed. Antidepressants can take time to help, may initially cause side effects, and should not be started, stopped, or changed without a prescriber’s guidance.

Reviewed July 2026. Source notes: NIMH depression overview, NIMH help and crisis guidance, ACP major depression guideline, and FDA fluoxetine prescribing information.

Kidney health

Chronic kidney disease

Abnormal kidney structure or function that persists for more than three months and has implications for health, often identified through blood and urine testing before symptoms appear.

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What it is

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) means kidney damage or reduced function has persisted long enough to be chronic. Evaluation uses estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), the underlying cause, and other findings. One abnormal result often needs confirmation rather than being interpreted alone.

What people may notice

Early CKD usually causes no symptoms. With more advanced disease, swelling, fatigue, sleep difficulty, itching, poor appetite, nausea, changes in urination, muscle cramps, or shortness of breath may occur. These symptoms are not specific to CKD.

When to get urgent help

Seek urgent care for severe shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, fainting, seizure, inability to keep fluids down, a marked fall in urine output, or rapidly worsening swelling. Acute illness, dehydration, or a new medicine can cause sudden kidney injury on top of CKD and may require same-day advice.

Useful tracking

Keep eGFR and UACR trends, blood pressure, weight and swelling, diabetes measures when relevant, prescribed doses, and laboratory monitoring together. Include over-the-counter pain relievers, supplements, contrast procedures, illnesses, and medication changes because kidney function affects medicine safety.

Approach	Evidence snapshot	What that means here
Blood pressure control and indicated ACE inhibitor or ARB therapy	Strong evidence	Blood pressure management is foundational. ACE inhibitors or ARBs can reduce albuminuria and protect the kidneys in appropriate groups, with creatinine and potassium monitoring.
SGLT2 inhibitors for eligible patients	Strong evidence	These medicines reduce kidney and cardiovascular risk in guideline-defined CKD groups with or without diabetes. Eligibility depends on eGFR, albuminuria, heart failure, and individual safety factors.
Diabetes management when relevant	Strong evidence	An individualized glucose plan helps reduce complications, but medicine selection and targets must account for kidney function and hypoglycemia risk.
Individualized nutrition, activity, and tobacco support	Moderate evidence	Sodium, protein, potassium, and fluid advice should match CKD stage, laboratory values, nutritional status, and other conditions rather than follow a universal “kidney diet.”

CKD stage and risk are not determined by eGFR alone. Cause, albuminuria, rate of change, age, complications, cardiovascular risk, and treatment goals all matter. Avoid starting or stopping medicines based only on a single result.

Reviewed July 2026. Source notes: NIDDK CKD overview, NIDDK CKD testing guide, NIDDK CKD management guide, and KDIGO 2024 CKD guideline.

Skin health · Allergy & immune

Atopic dermatitis (eczema)

A chronic, noncontagious inflammatory skin condition that causes intense itching, dryness, irritation, and recurring flares.

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What it is

Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema. Genes, immune activity, the skin barrier, and environmental exposures all contribute. It can begin at any age, affects skin tones differently, and often alternates between flares and periods of improvement. Diagnosis is clinical because several rashes can look similar.

What people may notice

Severe itch and dry, sensitive skin are typical. Patches may look red, brown, purple, gray, swollen, scaly, cracked, thickened, or darker or lighter than nearby skin. Scratching can cause bleeding, clear-fluid weeping, crusting, sleep loss, and infection.

When to get urgent help

Promptly contact a clinician for rapidly spreading pain, warmth, pus, golden crusts, fever, or feeling ill. Clusters of painful or itchy blisters with fever or swollen glands may be eczema herpeticum and require immediate medical care, especially near an eye. Trouble breathing or swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat is an emergency.

Useful tracking

Record body location, itch and sleep disruption, flare dates, bathing and moisturizing, prescribed topical use, new skin or household products, work or hobby exposures, weather, and infection signs. Avoid automatically blaming foods; testing and elimination diets should be clinically guided.

Approach	Evidence snapshot	What that means here
Regular moisturizers	Strong evidence	Fragrance-free creams or ointments support the skin barrier, reduce dryness and severity, and can increase time between flares. Apply soon after bathing and as needed.
Topical corticosteroids	Strong evidence	These are established first-line anti-inflammatory treatments for flares. Potency, amount, site, age, and duration must be matched carefully.
Topical calcineurin inhibitors	Strong evidence	Tacrolimus ointment or pimecrolimus cream can reduce inflammation and flares without steroid-related skin thinning and may be useful at sensitive sites.
Other prescription topical or systemic therapy	Strong evidence	Nonsteroidal topical medicines, phototherapy, biologics, or oral targeted medicines may be appropriate depending on age, severity, location, response, access, and safety considerations.
Bathing and wet-wrap therapy	Moderate evidence	Gentle bathing followed by moisturizer can hydrate skin; clinician-guided wet wraps can help selected flares. Do not place potent topical medicine under wraps unless specifically instructed.

“Eczema” includes several conditions. A new, severe, painful, widespread, treatment-resistant, or unusual rash deserves evaluation before escalating topical treatment.

Reviewed July 2026. Source notes: NIAMS atopic dermatitis overview, NIAMS diagnosis and treatment guide, AAD atopic dermatitis guidelines, and AAD symptoms and infection warning signs.

Respiratory health

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

A long-term lung condition with persistent airflow obstruction, usually involving emphysema, chronic bronchitis, or both. Spirometry is needed to confirm the diagnosis.

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What it is

COPD develops after long-term exposure to lung irritants—most often tobacco smoke, but also air pollution, workplace dusts or fumes, and sometimes genetic factors. Symptoms, exacerbation history, spirometry, oxygen levels, and other conditions all shape management.

What people may notice

Progressive shortness of breath, chronic cough, sputum, wheezing, chest tightness, reduced activity tolerance, fatigue, or repeated respiratory infections may occur. Symptoms often develop gradually and can be mistaken for aging or deconditioning.

When to get urgent help

Call emergency services for severe or rapidly worsening breathlessness, inability to speak in full sentences, blue or gray lips, confusion, fainting, or chest pain. A meaningful increase in breathlessness, cough, sputum amount, or sputum color may signal a flare and warrants prompt use of the written action plan or clinical advice.

Useful tracking

Record breathlessness and activity tolerance, cough and sputum changes, rescue-inhaler use, maintenance-inhaler adherence and technique, oxygen use if prescribed, infections, smoke exposure, vaccinations, and flare dates or hospital visits.

Approach	Evidence snapshot	What that means here
Smoking cessation when relevant	Strong evidence	Stopping smoking is the most important intervention for slowing disease progression in people who smoke; counseling plus medication improves quit success.
Long-acting inhaled bronchodilators	Strong evidence	LAMA and LABA medicines can reduce symptoms and exacerbations. Selection and combinations depend on breathlessness, flare history, eosinophils, and other conditions.
Pulmonary rehabilitation	Strong evidence	Supervised exercise, education, and self-management support improve exercise capacity and quality of life, especially for symptomatic or recently hospitalized patients.
Vaccination and written action planning	Strong evidence	Recommended immunizations and a personalized plan can reduce preventable infection risk and support earlier recognition of exacerbations.

Asthma, heart disease, anemia, infection, and other conditions can cause similar symptoms. Inhaler choice and oxygen therapy require individual assessment; oxygen should not be started without documented need and a prescription.

Reviewed July 2026. Source notes: GOLD 2026 Report and Pocket Guide, NHLBI COPD overview, and NHLBI flare and emergency guide.

Mental health

Generalized anxiety disorder

Persistent, difficult-to-control worry about multiple areas of life, accompanied by physical or cognitive symptoms and meaningful distress or impairment.

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What it is

GAD is more than temporary stress. Diagnosis considers how long worry has persisted, how difficult it is to control, its effect on daily life, related symptoms, substance or medication effects, and physical conditions that can resemble anxiety.

What people may notice

Excessive worry, restlessness, feeling on edge, fatigue, irritability, muscle tension, poor concentration, and sleep difficulty are common. Symptoms vary, and anxiety can coexist with depression, panic, trauma-related conditions, or substance use.

When to get urgent help

Seek immediate help for thoughts of suicide or self-harm, inability to stay safe, severe agitation, hallucinations, or symptoms that may be a medical emergency such as chest pressure, fainting, or severe breathing difficulty. New intense symptoms deserve assessment rather than automatic labeling as anxiety.

Useful tracking

Record worry intensity and triggers, avoidance, sleep, caffeine and substance use, physical symptoms, functioning, therapy practice, medication changes, side effects, and standardized symptom scores when used with a clinician.

Approach	Evidence snapshot	What that means here
Cognitive behavioral therapy	Strong evidence	CBT is a well-studied psychotherapy that builds skills for responding differently to worry, avoidance, and unhelpful thinking patterns.
SSRI or SNRI medication	Strong evidence	These antidepressants can reduce GAD symptoms but take time to work; selection, monitoring, and tapering should be individualized.
Healthy sleep, activity, and caffeine reduction	Moderate evidence	These habits may support symptom improvement alongside standard care but are not substitutes for needed psychotherapy or medication.
Benzodiazepines	Limited role	They can rapidly reduce anxiety but carry sedation, tolerance, dependence, withdrawal, and interaction risks, so use is generally brief and carefully selected.

Reviewed July 2026. Source notes: NIMH generalized anxiety disorder guide and NIMH mental health medication overview.

Digestive health

Irritable bowel syndrome

A disorder of gut–brain interaction involving repeated abdominal pain and altered bowel movements without visible damage to the digestive tract.

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What it is

IBS is diagnosed from a characteristic pattern of abdominal pain related to bowel movements plus changes in stool frequency or form. Subtypes include constipation-predominant, diarrhea-predominant, mixed, and unclassified IBS. Targeted testing may be needed to exclude other disease.

What people may notice

Abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, or alternating stool patterns are typical. People may also notice urgency, mucus, or a sense of incomplete emptying. Symptoms can fluctuate over months or years.

When to get urgent help

Prompt assessment is important for rectal bleeding, black stools, unexplained weight loss, anemia, fever, persistent vomiting, severe or steadily worsening pain, a new abdominal mass, or symptoms beginning later in life. Severe dehydration or fainting requires urgent care.

Useful tracking

Record pain, bloating, stool frequency and form, urgency, foods, menstrual timing, sleep, stress, medicines, and treatments tried. Track only enough detail to identify patterns; highly restrictive diets without professional support can create nutritional and psychological harm.

Approach	Evidence snapshot	What that means here
Soluble fiber	Strong evidence	Psyllium or other soluble fiber can improve global symptoms; increasing gradually with adequate fluid may reduce gas and bloating.
Dietitian-guided low-FODMAP trial	Strong evidence	A short restriction phase followed by systematic reintroduction and personalization is the best-supported IBS diet intervention—not a permanent blanket elimination diet.
Gut–brain behavioral therapy	Strong evidence	IBS-focused CBT and gut-directed hypnotherapy can improve global symptoms and are biological treatments for gut–brain signaling, not claims that symptoms are imaginary.
Subtype-directed medication	Strong evidence	Different medicines target constipation, diarrhea, or pain. Benefits and contraindications depend on subtype, prior treatments, and other health factors.

Reviewed July 2026. Source notes: NIDDK IBS overview, NIDDK diagnosis guide, NIDDK treatment guide, and AGA diet guidance.

Endocrine health

Hypothyroidism

An underactive thyroid that does not make enough thyroid hormone to meet the body’s needs. Diagnosis depends on blood testing, not symptoms alone.

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What it is

Thyroid hormone affects energy use throughout the body. Hashimoto’s disease is the most common cause, but thyroid surgery or radiation, medicines, pituitary disease, thyroiditis, and iodine imbalance can also contribute. TSH and free T4 are interpreted in clinical context.

What people may notice

Fatigue, cold intolerance, dry skin, constipation, slowed heart rate, muscle or joint aches, depression, menstrual changes, hair thinning, or weight gain may occur. These nonspecific symptoms have many other possible causes.

When to get urgent help

Rare, severe untreated hypothyroidism can progress to myxedema coma. Extreme drowsiness or confusion, very low body temperature, slow breathing, low blood pressure, or unresponsiveness requires emergency care. Contact a clinician promptly after a positive pregnancy test because thyroid-hormone needs may change early.

Useful tracking

Keep TSH and free-T4 results, dose and formulation, how the medicine is taken, missed doses, pregnancy status, symptoms, and interacting medicines or supplements together. Iron, calcium, some antacids, and certain foods can alter levothyroxine absorption.

Approach	Evidence snapshot	What that means here
Levothyroxine (T4)	Strong evidence	Levothyroxine is standard replacement therapy for overt primary hypothyroidism and successfully treats most patients when dosing and absorption are optimized.
Consistent administration and laboratory monitoring	Strong evidence	Timing, interacting products, adherence, pregnancy, age, and heart disease affect dose needs; testing after dose changes prevents under- or overtreatment.
Combination T4/T3 therapy	Limited / mixed	Trials have not shown consistent superiority over levothyroxine alone. A carefully monitored specialist-guided trial may be considered for selected patients after other causes of symptoms are addressed.
Iodine or “thyroid support” supplements	Not recommended routinely	Extra iodine can worsen some thyroid disorders, and thyroid-support products may contain active hormone or variable ingredients.

Reviewed July 2026. Source notes: NIDDK hypothyroidism overview, American Thyroid Association hormone treatment guide, and ATA treatment guideline summary.

Heart & circulation

Atrial fibrillation

An irregular heart rhythm arising in the upper chambers of the heart. It can cause symptoms, weaken the heart, and increase stroke risk even when episodes are not felt.

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What it is

In atrial fibrillation, disorganized electrical activity makes the atria quiver instead of contracting normally. An ECG or rhythm recording confirms the diagnosis. Management addresses stroke prevention, symptoms and heart rate or rhythm, triggers, and related conditions.

What people may notice

A rapid or irregular pulse, fluttering or pounding, fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, weakness, reduced exercise tolerance, or anxiety may occur. Some people have no symptoms and are diagnosed during an examination or monitoring.

When to get urgent help

Call emergency services for chest pain or pressure, fainting, severe shortness of breath, collapse, or stroke signs such as sudden facial droop, arm weakness, speech trouble, balance loss, or vision change—even if symptoms resolve. New sustained palpitations also deserve prompt assessment.

Useful tracking

Record symptom time and duration, pulse or validated wearable rhythm strips, activity, alcohol, sleep, illness, medicines and missed doses, blood pressure, and bleeding or bruising if taking anticoagulation. Wearable alerts are clues, not a stand-alone diagnosis.

Approach	Evidence snapshot	What that means here
Risk-based oral anticoagulation	Strong evidence	For people whose stroke risk warrants treatment, anticoagulation substantially reduces stroke. DOACs are preferred over warfarin for most, with important exceptions.
Rate-control medication	Strong evidence	Beta blockers, diltiazem or verapamil, or digoxin may be used depending on heart function, symptoms, activity, and other conditions.
Early, individualized rhythm control	Strong evidence	Antiarrhythmic medicine or catheter ablation may improve symptoms and outcomes in selected patients; choice depends on AF pattern, duration, heart disease, and preferences.
Risk-factor management	Strong evidence	Weight management when relevant, regular activity, blood pressure control, tobacco cessation, alcohol reduction, and evaluation for sleep apnea are pillars of care.

Stroke and bleeding risk require individualized assessment. Aspirin is not an equivalent substitute for anticoagulation in eligible people, and anticoagulants must not be stopped without clinical guidance.

Reviewed July 2026. Source notes: 2023 ACC/AHA/ACCP/HRS guideline key perspectives, AHA symptoms and emergency guidance, AHA diagnosis overview, and AHA medication overview.

Bone health · Joints & movement

Osteoporosis

A condition in which reduced bone strength increases fracture risk, especially at the hip, spine, and wrist. It is often silent until a fracture occurs.

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What it is

Bone is continuously renewed. Osteoporosis develops when bone loss outpaces formation enough to weaken its structure. Diagnosis and treatment decisions use fracture history, DXA bone-density testing, age, clinical risk factors, medicines, and possible secondary causes—not a single number alone.

What people may notice

Most people feel no symptoms before a fracture. Vertebral fractures may cause sudden or persistent back pain, height loss, or a curved posture, but some are painless. A fracture after a minor fall or ordinary activity can be an important clue.

When to get urgent help

Seek urgent assessment after a fall with severe hip, groin, wrist, or back pain, inability to stand or bear weight, visible deformity, new weakness or numbness, or loss of bladder or bowel control. Sudden back pain after minimal strain may represent a vertebral fracture.

Useful tracking

Keep DXA results, fractures and falls, height measurements, calcium and vitamin D intake, exercise, smoking and alcohol history, menstrual or hormone history, steroid exposure, relevant laboratory results, and osteoporosis medicine dates together.

Approach	Evidence snapshot	What that means here
Bisphosphonates for appropriate risk groups	Strong evidence	These medicines slow bone breakdown and reduce fracture risk. Drug, route, duration, kidney function, dental context, and reassessment timing are individualized.
Other fracture-prevention medicines	Strong evidence	Denosumab, anabolic medicines, romosozumab, or selected hormone-related therapies may be appropriate based on fracture risk, prior treatment, and contraindications.
Resistance, weight-bearing, and balance exercise	Strong evidence	Appropriately designed exercise supports strength, function, balance, and fall prevention. Existing vertebral fractures or high fracture risk require safer movement guidance.
Adequate calcium, vitamin D, and fall prevention	Moderate evidence	Nutrition and fall-risk reduction support a complete plan, but supplements alone do not replace indicated fracture-prevention medication.

Reviewed July 2026. Source notes: NIAMS osteoporosis overview, NIAMS diagnosis and treatment guide, and NIAMS exercise and bone health guide.

Brain & nerves · Metabolic health

Peripheral neuropathy

Damage to nerves outside the brain and spinal cord that can alter sensation, strength, balance, pain, or automatic body functions. Diabetes is common, but there are many causes.

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What it is

Peripheral neuropathy can affect sensory, motor, or autonomic nerves. Evaluation looks for the pattern and cause, including diabetes, vitamin deficiency, alcohol, kidney or thyroid disease, autoimmune or inherited disorders, infections, toxins, compression, and medication effects.

What people may notice

Numbness, tingling, burning, electric or shooting pain, extreme touch sensitivity, reduced temperature or pain awareness, weakness, cramps, imbalance, or foot injuries may occur. Symptoms often begin in the toes and spread upward, but patterns vary.

When to get urgent help

Rapidly spreading weakness, new trouble breathing or swallowing, inability to walk, sudden one-sided symptoms, loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness around the groin requires emergency assessment. A warm, swollen, discolored, infected, or ulcerated foot needs prompt care, especially with diabetes.

Useful tracking

Map symptom location, timing, pain quality, balance and falls, foot skin changes, glucose measures when relevant, alcohol and medicines, functional limits, and response or side effects from pain treatment. Daily foot checks matter when sensation is reduced.

Approach	Evidence snapshot	What that means here
Identify and treat the cause	Strong evidence	Glucose management, vitamin replacement, removing a toxin or compressive cause, or treating another disease may prevent worsening; no pain medicine repairs every form of nerve damage.
Duloxetine or another effective medication class for painful diabetic neuropathy	Strong evidence	Several medication classes reduce pain for some people. Choice depends on sleep, mood, kidney function, falls, interactions, and adverse effects.
Foot protection and preventive care	Strong evidence	Daily inspection, proper footwear, routine examinations, and early wound care reduce avoidable complications when sensation is impaired.
Physical therapy and balance support	Moderate evidence	Strength, gait, balance, and assistive-device training can improve safety and function but do not replace evaluation of the underlying cause.

The treatment evidence for duloxetine and pregabalin below is specific to painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy. New neuropathy should be evaluated before being attributed to diabetes or treated only as pain.

Reviewed July 2026. Source notes: NINDS peripheral neuropathy overview, NIDDK diabetic peripheral neuropathy guide, and AAN painful diabetic polyneuropathy guideline.

Digestive health · Allergy & immune

Celiac disease

An autoimmune disease in which eating gluten damages the small intestine in genetically susceptible people. Testing should usually happen before gluten is removed.

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What it is

Gluten from wheat, barley, and rye triggers an immune reaction that injures the small-intestinal lining. Diagnosis generally combines celiac-specific blood tests with clinical assessment and, often, small-bowel biopsy. Starting a gluten-free diet early can make tests falsely negative.

What people may notice

Diarrhea, constipation, bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue, iron-deficiency anemia, weight change, mouth ulcers, bone loss, an intensely itchy blistering rash, infertility, or neurological symptoms may occur. Some people have few digestive symptoms.

When to get urgent help

Seek urgent care for severe dehydration, fainting, persistent vomiting, black or bloody stools, severe abdominal pain or swelling, confusion, or marked weakness. Ongoing weight loss, anemia, growth problems, or symptoms despite treatment need timely reassessment.

Useful tracking

Keep the original diagnostic results, symptoms, growth or weight when relevant, dietitian visits, possible gluten exposures, antibody trends, blood counts, iron and vitamin levels, bone-density results, and associated autoimmune conditions together.

Approach	Evidence snapshot	What that means here
Strict lifelong gluten-free diet	Strong evidence	This is the treatment for celiac disease and allows intestinal healing for most people. It requires avoiding wheat, barley, rye, and clinically meaningful cross-contact.
Celiac-specialist dietitian support	Strong evidence	Professional guidance improves label reading, cross-contact prevention, nutritional adequacy, and investigation of persistent symptoms without unnecessary restrictions.
Correct documented nutrient deficiencies	Strong evidence	Iron, folate, vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, or other replacement should be based on evaluation rather than routine high-dose supplementation.
Follow-up symptoms, serology, and complications	Moderate evidence	Clinical review and antibody trends help assess response; persistent symptoms may reflect continued exposure, another condition, or rarely refractory disease.

Do not begin a gluten-free diet solely to “test whether it helps” before discussing celiac testing. Reduced gluten exposure can make blood tests and biopsies less reliable.

Reviewed July 2026. Source notes: NIDDK celiac disease overview, NIDDK treatment guide, and AGA diagnosis and monitoring guidance.

Sleep · Respiratory health

Obstructive sleep apnea

Repeated narrowing or closure of the upper airway during sleep, causing breathing pauses, disrupted sleep, and sometimes reduced oxygen levels.

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What it is

In OSA, throat tissues repeatedly block airflow while breathing effort continues. A home sleep apnea test or laboratory sleep study measures breathing events and oxygen changes. Severity, symptoms, anatomy, heart and lung health, and test quality guide treatment.

What people may notice

Loud snoring, witnessed pauses, gasping, restless sleep, dry mouth, morning headache, frequent nighttime urination, daytime sleepiness, fatigue, poor concentration, or mood changes may occur. Not everyone who snores has OSA.

When to get urgent help

Do not drive or operate dangerous equipment when dangerously sleepy. Call emergency services for severe breathing difficulty while awake, blue or gray lips, chest pain, fainting, confusion, or stroke symptoms. Tell surgical and anesthesia teams about known or suspected OSA.

Useful tracking

Record sleepiness, snoring or witnessed events, sleep schedule, alcohol and sedative use, weight changes, PAP hours and residual-event data when available, mask leak or discomfort, oral-appliance use, blood pressure, and driving safety concerns.

Approach	Evidence snapshot	What that means here
Positive airway pressure therapy	Strong evidence	CPAP or an appropriate PAP mode splints the airway open and can reduce breathing events, snoring, and sleepiness when used consistently.
Custom titratable oral appliance	Strong evidence	A qualified dentist-fitted mandibular advancement device is an alternative for adults who prefer it or cannot tolerate CPAP, with follow-up sleep testing.
Weight management when relevant	Strong evidence	Weight loss can improve OSA in people with overweight or obesity, but it may not eliminate airway obstruction and should not delay effective therapy.
Selected surgery or nerve stimulation	Moderate evidence	Anatomy, severity, body size, prior PAP use, and patient preference determine whether a procedural option is suitable.

Reviewed July 2026. Source notes: NHLBI sleep apnea overview, NHLBI symptom guide, NHLBI treatment guide, and AASM/AADSM oral-appliance guideline summary.

Heart & circulation

Heart failure

A syndrome in which the heart cannot fill or pump well enough to meet the body’s needs without increased pressure. The heart has not “stopped,” but the condition requires medical care.

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What it is

Heart failure can develop with reduced, mildly reduced, preserved, or improved ejection fraction. Diagnosis combines symptoms and examination with echocardiography, blood tests, and evaluation for causes such as coronary disease, high blood pressure, valve disease, rhythm disorders, or cardiomyopathy.

What people may notice

Shortness of breath with activity or lying flat, waking breathless, fatigue, reduced exercise tolerance, cough, ankle or abdominal swelling, rapid weight gain from fluid, poor appetite, or difficulty concentrating may occur.

When to get urgent help

Call emergency services for severe breathlessness at rest, chest pain or pressure, fainting, blue or gray lips, confusion, or coughing pink frothy fluid. Follow the care team’s same-day plan for rapid weight gain, new swelling, increasing breathlessness, or a marked drop in activity tolerance.

Useful tracking

Record daily morning weight when advised, swelling, breathlessness, sleep position, blood pressure and pulse, medicines and missed doses, sodium and fluid guidance, activity tolerance, laboratory monitoring, and the individualized thresholds for calling the care team.

Approach	Evidence snapshot	What that means here
Four foundational medication classes for HFrEF	Strong evidence	ARNI or another renin-angiotensin inhibitor, an evidence-based beta blocker, an MRA, and an SGLT2 inhibitor reduce hospitalization and mortality for eligible patients.
Diuretics for congestion	Strong evidence	Loop diuretics relieve fluid-related symptoms; dose changes depend on weight, examination, kidney function, electrolytes, blood pressure, and the individualized plan.
Cause and comorbidity management	Strong evidence	Coronary disease, blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, valve disease, iron deficiency, kidney disease, diabetes, and sleep apnea can materially change treatment.
Selected devices, procedures, rehabilitation, and advanced care	Strong evidence	Defibrillators, resynchronization, revascularization, valve procedures, exercise training, mechanical support, or transplant benefit defined groups after specialist evaluation.

Heart-failure treatment differs by ejection fraction, symptoms, blood pressure, kidney function, potassium, rhythm, cause, and stage. Never adjust diuretics or stop foundational medicines without the agreed plan.

Reviewed July 2026. Source notes: NHLBI heart failure overview, NHLBI diagnosis guide, NHLBI symptom guide, and 2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA guideline key perspectives.

Metabolic health

Obesity

A chronic, complex disease involving excess adiposity that can impair health. Assessment goes beyond body size to complications, function, medications, biology, environment, and goals.

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What it is

Obesity reflects interacting biological, social, environmental, medication, sleep, and behavioral factors—not a lack of willpower. BMI is a screening measure, not a complete diagnosis; waist distribution, health complications, history, function, and individual context matter.

What people may notice

There may be no specific symptom. Some people experience reduced mobility, joint pain, breathlessness, sleep apnea, reflux, metabolic disease, fertility effects, weight stigma, or difficulty with daily activities.

When to get urgent help

Obesity itself is not usually an emergency. Seek urgent help for chest pain, severe breathlessness, stroke symptoms, fainting, or a swollen painful leg. Rapid unexplained weight change or symptoms of an eating disorder need timely assessment.

Useful tracking

Track goals that matter: function, energy, sleep, symptoms, blood pressure, glucose and lipids when relevant, medication effects, eating patterns, activity, and quality of life. Weight or waist trends are optional tools—not measures of worth.

Approach	Evidence snapshot	What that means here
Intensive, supportive lifestyle treatment	Strong evidence	Structured nutrition, activity, sleep, and behavioral support can improve health and produce clinically meaningful weight loss.
Anti-obesity medication	Strong evidence	Long-term medication can add meaningful benefit for eligible adults; choice depends on complications, contraindications, access, and preference.
Metabolic and bariatric surgery	Strong evidence	Surgery offers the largest durable average weight loss and health benefit for eligible patients, with lifelong follow-up.
Unregulated supplements and rapid-loss plans	Limited / mixed	Benefits are uncertain and contamination, interactions, nutritional harm, and weight cycling are concerns.

Reviewed August 2026. Sources: NIDDK treatment overview, ADA 2026 Standards of Care, and ASMBS/IFSO surgery guidance.

Metabolic health

Prediabetes

Blood glucose above the usual range but below diabetes thresholds. It signals increased future risk, not certainty that diabetes will develop.

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What it is

Prediabetes is identified with validated A1C, fasting-glucose, or oral glucose-tolerance testing. Results should be confirmed and interpreted with factors such as anemia, pregnancy, medications, illness, and conditions that alter red-blood-cell turnover.

What people may notice

Usually nothing. Marked thirst, frequent urination, blurry vision, or unexplained weight loss may suggest diabetes rather than prediabetes and should prompt testing.

When to get urgent help

Prediabetes is not an emergency. Severe dehydration, confusion, persistent vomiting, deep rapid breathing, or severe weakness requires urgent evaluation for significant hyperglycemia or another illness.

Useful tracking

Keep laboratory dates and values, family and pregnancy history, medicines that affect glucose, activity, sleep, nutrition goals, blood pressure, lipids, and weight trends when useful. Repeat testing intervals should be individualized.

Approach	Evidence snapshot	What that means here
CDC-recognized lifestyle change program	Strong evidence	A yearlong, coached program can substantially reduce progression to type 2 diabetes.
Metformin for selected high-risk adults	Strong evidence	Metformin can delay diabetes in defined higher-risk groups but is not necessary for everyone.
Cardiovascular risk-factor care	Strong evidence	Blood pressure, lipids, tobacco exposure, sleep, and activity deserve attention alongside glucose.
Supplements marketed to prevent diabetes	Limited / mixed	No supplement replaces proven lifestyle programs or indicated medical therapy.

Reviewed August 2026. Sources: CDC National DPP and ADA 2026 Standards of Care.

Heart & circulation

Coronary artery disease

Atherosclerotic plaque in the arteries supplying the heart. It may cause angina or heart attack, but can also be silent.

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What it is

Coronary disease includes prior heart attack, stable angina, plaque found on testing, and prior stent or bypass surgery. Care aims to prevent heart attack and death, control symptoms, preserve function, and address blood pressure, lipids, diabetes, tobacco, and activity.

What people may notice

Pressure, tightness, heaviness, or burning in the chest with exertion; discomfort in the arm, jaw, back, or upper abdomen; breathlessness; unusual fatigue; nausea; or sweating. Symptoms can be atypical or absent.

When to get urgent help

Call emergency services for new, severe, persistent, or rest chest discomfort; breathlessness; fainting; cold sweat; or symptoms unlike the usual pattern. Do not drive yourself or wait to see whether it passes.

Useful tracking

Record symptom triggers, duration, relief, activity tolerance, blood pressure, pulse, medication adherence, nitroglycerin use, tobacco exposure, lipids, glucose, and the personal action plan for changing symptoms.

Approach	Evidence snapshot	What that means here
Secondary-prevention medication	Strong evidence	Statins, appropriate antiplatelet therapy, and risk-factor medicines reduce future cardiovascular events.
Exercise and cardiac rehabilitation	Strong evidence	Regular activity and formal rehabilitation improve function and cardiovascular outcomes for eligible patients.
Antianginal medication	Strong evidence	Beta blockers, calcium-channel blockers, nitrates, and other agents can control symptoms; long-term outcome effects differ.
PCI or bypass surgery	Strong evidence	Revascularization improves symptoms and, in defined anatomy or clinical settings, survival.

Reviewed August 2026. Source: 2023 multisociety chronic coronary disease guideline.

Brain & nerves · Circulation

Stroke and transient ischemic attack

Sudden brain injury from interrupted blood flow or bleeding. A TIA causes temporary stroke-like symptoms but is still an emergency warning.

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What it is

Ischemic stroke results from blocked blood flow; hemorrhagic stroke results from bleeding. Rapid imaging distinguishes them because treatments differ. TIA symptoms resolve, but the short-term risk of stroke can be high.

What people may notice

Sudden facial droop, arm or leg weakness or numbness, speech trouble, vision loss, severe imbalance, confusion, or an abrupt severe headache. Symptoms may affect one side and may come and go.

When to get urgent help

Every possible stroke or TIA is an emergency: call emergency services immediately and note the last time the person was known well. Do not drive, take aspirin, eat, drink, or wait for symptoms to improve unless emergency professionals direct otherwise.

Useful tracking

After acute care, track blood pressure, medications, rhythm monitoring, lipids, glucose, tobacco exposure, rehabilitation goals, falls, swallowing, mood, cognition, and any new neurologic symptom.

Approach	Evidence snapshot	What that means here
Emergency thrombolysis or thrombectomy	Strong evidence	Time-sensitive reperfusion improves outcomes for eligible ischemic strokes; selection requires emergency imaging.
Cause-specific antithrombotic therapy	Strong evidence	Antiplatelet therapy is common after non-cardioembolic events; anticoagulation is usually used when atrial fibrillation caused the event.
Risk-factor treatment	Strong evidence	Blood pressure, statins, diabetes care, tobacco cessation, activity, and diet reduce recurrence risk.
Interdisciplinary rehabilitation	Strong evidence	Early, task-specific therapy supports mobility, communication, swallowing, cognition, and independence.

Reviewed August 2026. Sources: 2026 AHA/ASA acute ischemic stroke guideline and AHA/ASA secondary-prevention guideline.

Blood & circulation

Venous thromboembolism

Blood clots in a deep vein (DVT) or the lungs (pulmonary embolism). Treatment and duration depend on clot location, cause, recurrence risk, and bleeding risk.

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What it is

DVT most often forms in a leg or pelvis; part can break free and become a pulmonary embolism. Risk can be temporary, persistent, cancer-associated, hormone-related, pregnancy-related, inherited, recurrent, or unexplained.

What people may notice

DVT may cause one-sided swelling, pain, warmth, or discoloration. PE may cause sudden breathlessness, chest pain worse with breathing, fast pulse, cough or blood, dizziness, or fainting. Some clots cause few symptoms.

When to get urgent help

Call emergency services for sudden breathlessness, chest pain, coughing blood, fainting, blue or gray lips, or signs of shock. New one-sided leg swelling or pain needs same-day evaluation; do not massage the leg.

Useful tracking

Keep clot date and location, provoking factors, anticoagulant doses, missed doses, bleeding or recurrence symptoms, kidney and liver results, interactions, procedures, pregnancy plans, compression guidance, and planned treatment duration together.

Approach	Evidence snapshot	What that means here
Anticoagulation	Strong evidence	DOACs, heparins, or warfarin prevent clot growth and recurrence; the best agent depends on clinical context.
Individualized treatment duration	Strong evidence	Many events need at least a primary treatment course; extended therapy depends on recurrence and bleeding risk.
Home treatment for uncomplicated cases	Moderate evidence	Selected stable DVT and low-risk PE can be treated outside the hospital with reliable follow-up.
Thrombolysis or clot-removal procedures	Moderate evidence	Reserved for selected limb- or life-threatening events because bleeding and procedural risks are substantial.

Reviewed August 2026. Source: American Society of Hematology VTE guidance.

Behavioral health · Tobacco

Tobacco dependence

A chronic, relapsing condition driven by nicotine, learned cues, withdrawal, and social context. Effective treatment often requires repeated attempts and support.

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What it is

Cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, and many vaping products deliver nicotine. Dependence can involve cravings, withdrawal, tolerance, unsuccessful quit attempts, and continued use despite harm. It is treatable and not a moral failing.

What people may notice

Cravings, irritability, anxiety, restlessness, low mood, concentration difficulty, increased appetite, or sleep disruption can occur during withdrawal. Cues and routines may trigger strong urges long after nicotine clears.

When to get urgent help

Call poison control or emergency services for suspected nicotine poisoning, especially in a child, or for severe vomiting, confusion, seizures, abnormal heart rhythm, breathing trouble, or collapse. Severe depression or self-harm thoughts need immediate support.

Useful tracking

Track product and amount, first use after waking, triggers, cravings, withdrawal, quit dates, slips without judgment, medicines, support contacts, money saved, and personally meaningful benefits.

Approach	Evidence snapshot	What that means here
Counseling plus medication	Strong evidence	Combining behavioral support with medication produces the best quit rates.
Varenicline	Strong evidence	A leading single medicine option that reduces withdrawal and the rewarding effects of smoking.
Combination nicotine replacement	Strong evidence	A patch plus gum or lozenge treats baseline withdrawal and breakthrough cravings.
Bupropion SR	Strong evidence	An effective non-nicotine option when contraindications and interactions are addressed.

Reviewed August 2026. Source: CDC clinical tobacco-dependence guidance.

Joints & movement · Pain

Low-back pain

Pain between the lower ribs and buttocks, sometimes with leg symptoms. Most episodes are nonspecific, but a focused evaluation checks for nerve or systemic warning signs.

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What it is

Low-back pain may be acute, recurrent, or chronic and can arise from discs, joints, muscles, nerves, or multiple interacting factors. Routine imaging is often unhelpful without red flags or a result likely to change treatment.

What people may notice

Aching, stiffness, spasm, pain with movement or sitting, or pain radiating into a leg. Sleep, mood, work demands, fear of movement, and prior episodes can influence pain and recovery.

When to get urgent help

Seek emergency care for new loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin or saddle area, rapidly progressive leg weakness, major trauma, or severe pain with fever. Cancer history, immune suppression, infection risk, or unexplained weight loss needs prompt assessment.

Useful tracking

Track function, walking and sitting tolerance, sleep, leg symptoms, weakness or numbness, work tasks, helpful movements, medicines, mood, and recovery over weeks—not pain score alone.

Approach	Evidence snapshot	What that means here
Stay active and use graded exercise	Strong evidence	Continuing tolerable activity and progressive exercise support recovery; prolonged bed rest is discouraged.
Physical therapy and education	Strong evidence	Individualized movement, strengthening, pacing, and self-management improve function.
Selected non-drug therapies	Moderate evidence	CBT, spinal manipulation, acupuncture, mindfulness, or massage may help selected people.
NSAIDs or duloxetine when appropriate	Moderate evidence	Medication benefits are generally modest and must be balanced against individual risks.

Reviewed August 2026. Source: 2022 VA/DoD low-back-pain guideline.

Digestive health

Chronic constipation

Persistently infrequent, hard, difficult, or incomplete bowel movements. Causes range from diet and medicines to slow transit or pelvic-floor dysfunction.

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What it is

Constipation is defined by symptoms, not bowel frequency alone. Evaluation reviews onset, stool form, straining, blockage sensation, medications, hydration, diet, activity, pelvic-floor function, and alarm features.

What people may notice

Hard or lumpy stools, fewer bowel movements, straining, incomplete evacuation, abdominal discomfort, bloating, or needing maneuvers to pass stool. Overflow diarrhea can occur around impaction.

When to get urgent help

Seek urgent care for severe or worsening abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, marked swelling, inability to pass gas, black or bloody stool, fainting, or suspected impaction with confusion or urinary retention. New symptoms with weight loss or anemia need timely evaluation.

Useful tracking

Use a stool-form scale and record frequency, straining, completeness, pain, blood, medicines and supplements, fiber and fluid changes, activity, and laxative response. Note whether symptoms began suddenly.

Approach	Evidence snapshot	What that means here
Psyllium or appropriate fiber	Moderate evidence	Fiber helps some people, especially with low intake, but should be increased gradually and may worsen obstruction or severe bloating.
Polyethylene glycol	Strong evidence	PEG is a well-supported first-line osmotic laxative for chronic idiopathic constipation.
Stimulant laxatives	Strong evidence	Bisacodyl or sodium picosulfate works for short-term or rescue use; senna is another option.
Prescription secretagogues or prucalopride	Strong evidence	These are effective when appropriate OTC treatments are insufficient.

Reviewed August 2026. Source: 2023 AGA/ACG constipation guideline.

Joints & movement · Metabolic health

Gout

Inflammatory arthritis caused by monosodium urate crystals, producing painful flares and sometimes tophi, joint damage, or kidney stones.

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What it is

Gout develops when urate crystals accumulate. A high uric-acid result alone does not prove gout, and a normal result during a flare does not exclude it. Joint-fluid crystal analysis is the most definitive test when diagnosis is uncertain.

What people may notice

Rapid onset of severe pain, swelling, warmth, redness, and extreme tenderness—often in one joint such as the big toe, ankle, or knee. Repeated disease can cause firm tophi and persistent joint symptoms.

When to get urgent help

A first hot swollen joint, fever, chills, immune suppression, recent surgery, or feeling very ill needs urgent assessment because joint infection can resemble gout. Severe flank pain, vomiting, or inability to urinate may signal a stone or obstruction.

Useful tracking

Record flare dates, joints, onset, possible triggers, medicines and time to relief, serum urate, kidney function, stones, tophi, alcohol pattern, and adherence to urate-lowering and prophylactic therapy.

Approach	Evidence snapshot	What that means here
Allopurinol-based treat-to-target therapy	Strong evidence	For people who need long-term urate lowering, allopurinol is preferred first line and titrated to a serum-urate target.
Colchicine, NSAID, or glucocorticoid for flares	Strong evidence	Early anti-inflammatory treatment shortens flares; the safest option depends on kidney, heart, stomach, and medication factors.
Anti-inflammatory prophylaxis when starting urate lowering	Strong evidence	Temporary prophylaxis reduces treatment-triggered flares while urate falls.
Diet and alcohol changes	Moderate evidence	Helpful for overall health and some triggers, but usually not a substitute for indicated urate-lowering medicine.

Reviewed August 2026. Source: American College of Rheumatology gout guideline.

Pain · Brain & nerves

Fibromyalgia

A chronic condition involving widespread pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and altered pain processing, often with cognitive and sensory symptoms.

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What it is

Fibromyalgia affects how the nervous system processes pain and other sensory signals. Diagnosis is clinical after evaluating the symptom pattern and checking for other explanations; normal routine tests do not mean symptoms are imaginary.

What people may notice

Widespread aching or burning, tenderness, fatigue, unrefreshing sleep, “fibro fog,” headaches, sensory sensitivity, IBS symptoms, mood symptoms, and flares linked to stress, illness, poor sleep, or overexertion.

When to get urgent help

Fibromyalgia does not explain new one-sided weakness, chest pain, fainting, fever, a hot swollen joint, major injury, new bowel or bladder loss, or rapidly progressive neurologic symptoms. These need separate urgent evaluation.

Useful tracking

Track function, activity and recovery, sleep quality, fatigue, cognition, mood, headaches, digestive symptoms, medication effects, and flare patterns. Gentle consistency is usually more informative than pushing to exhaustion.

Approach	Evidence snapshot	What that means here
Regular low-impact exercise	Strong evidence	Aerobic, strengthening, aquatic, yoga, or tai chi approaches improve symptoms and function when progressed gradually.
Education, pacing, sleep, and CBT	Moderate evidence	Self-management and psychological skills reduce symptom impact and support activity.
Duloxetine, milnacipran, or pregabalin	Strong evidence	These FDA-approved medicines help a subset of patients; average benefit is modest and adverse effects differ.
Opioids	Limited / mixed	Long-term benefit is not established and harms can outweigh benefit; routine use is discouraged.

Reviewed August 2026. Source: American College of Rheumatology fibromyalgia guide.

No close match in this starter set.

Try a broader term, or ask Otto to help you navigate.

Library roadmap

Coming next as the editorial library grows.

Each new page will use the same predictable structure, evidence scale, source notes, review date, warning signs, and links to relevant tracking modules.

Autoimmune health

Rheumatoid arthritis

Early diagnosis, disease-modifying therapy, function, and monitoring.

Endocrine health

Polycystic ovary syndrome

Symptoms, metabolic health, fertility, treatment, and long-term risk.

Digestive health

Inflammatory bowel disease

Diagnosis, inflammation control, nutrition, monitoring, and urgent signs.

Neurological health

Epilepsy

Seizure types, safety, medicines, triggers, and emergency planning.

A helpful next step

Want to compare the approaches you just saw?

Move into the Treatments Library to see how each option works, what its evidence rating means, and which safety questions matter.

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