Diseases That Start With C

Diseases are complex and multifaceted conditions that can affect any part of the body, including the organs, tissues, and cells. They can be caused by microorganisms like bacteria and viruses, environmental factors such as pollution and radiation, or by genetic abnormalities. The symptoms of a disease can vary widely depending on the type of disease and its severity. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases typically involve a combination of medical expertise, laboratory tests, and imaging techniques.

As a medical enthusiast, compiling a list of diseases that starts with every letter of the alphabet was a fun and engaging task for me. I was determined to ensure that the list I created was accurate, authentic, and complete. Therefore, I left no stone unturned and verified every single medical term I came across.

So, let’s begin exploring this list of diseases starting with C!

102 Diseases That Start With C

And here’s the list of diseases that begin with C letter.

Cannabis Withdrawal

Cannabis withdrawal is a cluster of symptoms that usually occur after a heavy and sustained use of marijuana stopped. Some of its symptoms include irritability, anxiety, depression, insomnia, decreased appetite, and physical symptoms like nausea, sweating, and tremors. This condition is not life-threatening, but it can impact the individual’s quality of life.

Chagas Disease

Caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, Chagas disease is a potentially life-threatening illness affecting millions of people worldwide, primarily in Latin America. It spreads through the bite of an infected insect, blood transfusion, organ transplantation, and congenital transmission. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, with chronic cases resulting in heart damage, gastrointestinal complications, and neurological issues.

Cholera

Cholera is a severe diarrheal disease, caused by Vibrio cholerae bacteria. It spreads through contaminated food and water, leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. The symptoms can range from mild to severe, with severe cases leading to hypovolemic shock and death. Treating cholera involves prompt fluid and electrolyte replacement.

Cheilitis Glandularis

A rare condition that affects the lips’ minor salivary glands, Cheilitis glandularis is a chronic, inflammatory disorder. It can lead to the enlargement of the lips, dryness, scaling, and ulceration. The cause of this condition is unknown, but it’s often associated with trauma, sun exposure, or viral infections.

Congenital Contractural Arachnodactyly

Also known as Beals syndrome, congenital contractural arachnodactyly is a genetic disorder that affects the connective tissues. It can lead to long fingers and toes, joint contractures, scoliosis, and a tall, thin build. Treatment involves supportive measures to manage the symptoms.

Congestive Heart Failure

A progressive condition where the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s demands, congestive heart failure is a serious and life-threatening condition. It can result from various factors, including coronary artery disease, hypertension, and valvular heart disease. Symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, edema, and chest pain. Treatment options include medications, lifestyle changes, and surgery.

Citrullinemia

A rare metabolic disorder, Citrullinemia affects the body’s ability to break down the amino acid citrulline. It can lead to elevated levels of ammonia in the blood, leading to symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, seizures, and coma. Treatment options include dietary modifications, medications, and liver transplantation.

Chorea

Chorea is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary and irregular jerky movements. It can result from various conditions, including Huntington’s disease, Sydenham’s chorea, and medication side effects. The symptoms of chorea can range from mild to severe, with treatment options depending on the underlying cause.

Central Core Disease

A genetic disorder affecting the muscles, central core disease can lead to muscle weakness, muscle atrophy, and delayed motor development. It results from the mutation of the RYR1 gene, which encodes the type-1 Ryanodine receptor. Treatment options include physical therapy and supportive measures to manage the symptoms.

Chickenpox

A highly contagious viral infection, chickenpox is common among children. It results from the varicella-zoster virus and spreads through respiratory droplets or contact with fluid from the blisters. Symptoms include fever, headache, and an itchy rash that progresses to blister-like lesions. Most people recover without complications, with treatment focused on relieving symptoms.

Craniosynostosis

Craniosynostosis is a condition where one or more sutures between the bones of the skull prematurely fuse. It can lead to a misshapen skull and impaired brain growth. The treatment of craniosynostosis involves surgery to release the fused sutures and reshape the skull.

Chylous Ascites

Chylous ascites is a condition where lymphatic fluid builds up in the abdominal cavity, leading to abdominal distension, discomfort, and nausea. It results from the obstruction or rupture of the lymphatic vessels. The underlying cause should be identified, and treatment options may include dietary modifications, medications, and surgery.

Cardiofaciocutaneous Syndrome

A rare genetic disorder affecting multiple organs and systems, Cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome can lead to developmental delays, heart defects, craniofacial abnormalities, and skin abnormalities. It results from the mutations of several genes involved in signal transduction pathways. Treatment options focus on supportive measures to manage the symptoms.

Chondroma

A benign tumor originating from the cartilage, chondroma is often found in the small bones of the hands and feet. It can lead to pain and deformity and may require surgery for removal.

Corpus Callosum Agenesis

Corpus Callosum Agenesis is a rare brain malformation where the band of nerves connecting the two hemispheres of the brain fails to form. It can lead to a range of neurological symptoms, including intellectual disability, seizures, and motor deficits. Treatment options depend on the severity of the symptoms.

Cholestasis

Cholestasis is a liver disorder that impairs the flow of bile from the liver to the small intestine. It can lead to symptoms like itching, fatigue, and jaundice. Causes of cholestasis include pregnancy, certain medications, and liver disease. Treatment options involve addressing the underlying cause and supportive measures.

Congenital Varicella Syndrome

Congenital Varicella Syndrome is a rare condition that occurs when a pregnant woman contracts chickenpox during the first or early second trimester. It can lead to a range of birth defects, including skin scarring, limb hypoplasia or atrophy, and eye abnormalities. Treatment options focus on supportive measures to manage the symptoms.

Canine Distemper

Canine distemper is a viral infection that affects dogs, foxes, raccoons, and other animals. It spreads through respiratory secretions and can lead to fever, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, and nervous system symptoms. The treatment of canine distemper involves supportive measures, including fluid therapy and hospitalization. Vaccination can prevent the disease.

Campylobacter infection

A bacterial infection caused by consuming contaminated food or water that results in diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramping.

Cortical dysplasia

A genetic disorder affecting brain development, which causes seizures, intellectual disability, and speech problems.

Circadian rhythm sleep disorder

A sleep disorder that affects the body’s internal clock, causing difficulty falling asleep and waking up, and can lead to fatigue, depression, and other health problems.

Cytomegalovirus

A common virus that infects people of all ages, causing symptoms like fever, fatigue, and sore throat, but can be dangerous to people with weakened immune systems or pregnant women.

Cutaneous larva migrans

A parasitic infection caused by hookworms that burrow into the skin, causing a red, itchy rash that can be treated with medication.

Congenital mitral stenosis

A heart defect present at birth, where the mitral valve is narrow and obstructs blood flow from the heart, causing shortness of breath, fatigue, and chest pain.

Chiari

A rare condition where brain tissue extends into the spinal canal, causing headaches, fatigue, weakness, and other neurological symptoms.

Congenital mumps

A viral infection that can be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her newborn, causing deafness, meningitis, and other serious health problems.

Chronic berylliosis

A lung disease caused by inhaling beryllium dust, which can lead to shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pain.

CREST syndrome

A type of autoimmune disease that causes hardening and thickening of the skin, as well as problems with blood vessels and internal organs.

Christmas disease

A rare genetic disorder that affects blood clotting, causing excessive bleeding and bruising, and can be treated with medication and blood transfusions.

Chromosomal triplication

A genetic disorder where a segment of a chromosome is duplicated three times, causing developmental delay, speech problems, and intellectual disability.

Coronary artery aneurysm

A condition where a section of the coronary artery weakens and bulges, increasing the risk of heart attack or sudden cardiac death

Cramp

A painful involuntary muscle contraction that can be caused by dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, or overexertion.

Crigler

A rare genetic disorder that causes jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and eyes, due to a deficiency of the liver enzyme that helps break down bilirubin.

Cardiac amyloidosis

A rare condition where amyloid protein deposits in the heart muscle, leading to heart failure and other complications.

Campylobacteriosis

A bacterial infection caused by Campylobacter, a common cause of foodborne illness in humans that results in vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.

CMV antenatal infection

A virus that can infect an unborn baby if the mother is infected during pregnancy, leading to hearing and vision problems, intellectual disability, and other health problems.

Congenital heart block

A heart defect present at birth where the electrical signals that regulate heartbeat are disrupted, leading to abnormal heart rhythms and other complications.

Coronary heart disease

A common condition where plaque accumulates in the arteries that supply the heart, leading to chest pain, shortness of breath, and heart attack.

Cholecystitis

Inflammation of the gallbladder, which can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and fever, and is usually caused by gallstones.

Chronic bronchitis

A type of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) where the airways in the lungs become inflamed, causing coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

Central diabetes insipidus

A rare hormonal disorder where the body cannot regulate fluid balance due to a lack of anti-diuretic hormone (ADH), leading to excessive thirst and urination.

Choriocarcinoma

A rare form of cancer that grows in the cells that form the placenta, and can cause abnormal vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, and other symptoms.

Cerebral thrombosis

A type of stroke caused by a blood clot forming in the brain, which can lead to paralysis, speech problems, and other complications.

Costochondritis

Inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone, causing chest pain that can be mistaken for a heart attack.

Ceramide trihexosidosis

A rare genetic disorder where lipids accumulate in the kidneys, causing kidney damage and other health problems.

Coeliac disease

A digestive disorder where the immune system reacts to gluten, causing damage to the small intestine and leading to symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, and weight loss.

Cerebral hypoxia

Occurs when there is a decrease in oxygen supply to the brain, resulting in brain damage.

Congenital rubella

An infection caused by the rubella virus that can lead to birth defects, including deafness, blindness, and heart defects.

Chromophobe renal carcinoma

A subtype of kidney cancer that typically has a better prognosis than other types of renal cell carcinoma.

Cloacal exstrophy

A rare congenital disorder where the bladder and intestines develop outside the body.

Croup

A viral infection that causes inflammation in the upper airways, leading to a barking cough and difficulty breathing.

Choroideremia

A genetic disorder that causes progressive vision loss due to degeneration of the choroid and retina.

Chordoma

A rare type of bone cancer that usually occurs in the spine and is often resistant to chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Causalgia

A chronic pain condition that develops after a nerve injury, causing intense burning pain, sensitivity to touch, and muscle weakness.

Chondrocalcinosis

A condition where calcium crystals accumulate in the cartilage of joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and inflammation.

Cavernous sinus thrombosis

A rare but serious condition where a blood clot forms in the cavernous sinus, a cavity behind the eyes.

Craniofacial dysostosis

A genetic disorder that affects the growth and development of the skull and face, leading to distinct facial features and possible neurological issues.

Chimerism

A rare condition where an individual has cells from two different embryos, leading to genetic mosaicism.

Carbon monoxide poisoning

A potentially deadly condition caused by inhaling carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that interferes with oxygen delivery to the body’s tissues.

Cannabis dependence

A substance use disorder characterized by compulsive cannabis use despite negative consequences, such as impaired cognitive function and decreased motivation.

Cat eye syndrome

A rare genetic disorder characterized by distinctive facial features, eye abnormalities, and possible developmental delays.

Caroli disease

A rare inherited disorder where bile ducts in the liver are abnormally shaped, leading to recurrent infections and liver damage.

Choroid plexus cyst

A fluid-filled sac that can develop in the choroid plexus, a structure in the brain that produces cerebrospinal fluid.

Ceramidase deficiency

A rare inherited disorder where the body is unable to break down ceramide, leading to a buildup that can cause damage to the brain, liver, and other organs.

Congenital syphilis

An infectious disease that can be passed from mother to fetus during pregnancy, leading to a variety of birth defects and possible neurodevelopmental issues.

Coats disease

A rare eye disorder where abnormal blood vessel growth leads to leakage and accumulation of fluid in the retina, causing vision loss.

Conversion disorder

A condition where neurological symptoms, such as weakness or paralysis, cannot be explained by a medical condition or injury.

Cancer

A group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and the ability to spread to other parts of the body.

Congenital amputation

A birth defect where a limb or part of a limb has not formed properly, leading to partial or complete amputation.

Colitis

An inflammatory bowel disease that causes inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the colon.

Cyclothymia

A mood disorder characterized by milder symptoms of bipolar disorder, such as mood swings and changes in energy and activity levels.

Charcot disease

A degenerative disease of the nervous system that progressively affects muscle strength and coordination.

Crystal deposit disease

A group of disorders where crystals accumulate in tissues throughout the body, leading to joint pain, kidney stones, and other complications.

Cleidocranial dysplasia

A genetic bone disorder that affects the development of bones in the skull and collarbone.

Cerebral palsy

A group of disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and maintain balance and posture.

Cervicooculoacoustic syndrome

A rare genetic disorder characterized by malformations of the neck, eyes, and ears.

Common cold

A viral infection that affects the upper respiratory tract causing cough, runny nose, and congestion.

Candidiasis

A fungal infection caused by the yeast Candida, commonly affecting the skin and mucous membranes.

Cat scratch disease

A bacterial infection caused by a scratch or bite from an infected cat.

Contact dermatitis

An allergic reaction of the skin caused by exposure to an irritant or allergen.

Cleft lip

A congenital birth defect characterized by a split or opening in the upper lip.

Cleft palate

A congenital birth defect characterized by a split or opening in the roof of the mouth.

Calciphylaxis

A rare and life-threatening condition caused by the accumulation of calcium in small blood vessels, leading to tissue death.

Colonic atresia

A congenital birth defect in which a portion of the colon is missing or blocked.

Cardiac arrest

A sudden loss of heart function that can lead to death if not treated immediately.

Congenital herpes simplex

A viral infection passed from mother to baby during childbirth, causing sores and blisters.

Carnitine-acylcarnitine translocase deficiency

A rare genetic disorder that affects the body’s ability to convert fat into energy.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia

A type of blood cancer that affects the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell.

Cold abscess

A collection of pus due to an infection, usually caused by tuberculosis.

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus

A chronic autoimmune disease that affects the skin and may cause rashes and lesions.

Congenital hemolytic anemia

A group of genetic disorders that cause premature destruction of red blood cells.

Cohen syndrome

A rare genetic disorder that affects a person’s physical, cognitive, and social development.

Chronic polyradiculoneuritis

A neurological disorder characterized by inflammation of the nerves.

Cook syndrome

A rare genetic disorder that affects a person’s facial features and skeletal development.

Chlamydia

A sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis.

Cyclic vomiting syndrome

A disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of severe vomiting and nausea.

Colorado tick fever

A viral infection transmitted by the bite of an infected tick.

Chlamydia pneumoniae

A type of bacteria that causes respiratory infections.

Chronic fatigue syndrome

A complicated disorder characterized by extreme fatigue and other symptoms, often triggered by viral infections.

Cerebellar agenesis

A rare neurological disorder characterized by the absence of part or all of the cerebellum.

Cowpox

A viral infection that is similar to smallpox, often contracted from infected cows.

Cinchonism

A condition caused by the use or overuse of quinine, leading to symptoms such as headache, visual disturbances, and nausea.

Wrapping Up

And that’s our list of C diseases.

It was not an easy task to compile a comprehensive list of diseases for all letters of the alphabet. I had to meticulously search for medical terminologies, categorize each condition by the letter, and research any uncategorized ailment that started with any of the last few letters. It was a challenging but rewarding experience.

As we come to the end of our analysis on the topic of diseases, it is evident that they have a far-reaching impact on human health, society, and economies. They erode quality of life and burden healthcare systems, which can lead to long-term suffering and economic losses. Therefore, it’s important for individuals, communities, and governments to work together in addressing this challenge.

Hope this post on diseases beginning with C alphabet has been useful to you!