Diseases That Start With D

Diseases are widespread medical conditions that can negatively impact the quality of life and potentially cause death. They can be infectious or non-infectious, acute or chronic, and are caused by a variety of factors ranging from lifestyle habits to environmental exposure. The symptoms of a disease can range from mild to severe and are unique depending on the illness. Effective diagnosis and management of diseases require a collaborative effort between the patient and medical practitioners, often involving careful monitoring, therapy, or surgery.

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.

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

101 Diseases That Start With D

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

Dermatofibroma

This is a benign skin tumor that often appears as a small, hard lump on the skin. The lump may be pink, reddish-brown or purplish in color and can be found anywhere on the body. It is typically painless and does not require treatment.

Diffuse neonatal hemangiomatosis

This is a rare and potentially life-threatening condition that involves the growth of multiple blood vessels in various parts of the body. Symptoms may include skin lesions, liver enlargement, breathing difficulties, and heart failure. Treatment typically involves medication and/or surgery.

Diabetic angiopathy

This is a type of vascular disease that can develop in people with diabetes. It can affect the blood vessels in the eyes, kidneys, and nerves. Symptoms may include blurred vision, kidney failure, and numbness in the feet and hands. Management involves controlling blood sugar levels and taking medication.

Diabetic neuropathy

This is a type of nerve damage that can occur in people with diabetes. It can cause numbness, tingling, and pain in the feet and hands. Treatment includes managing blood sugar levels and taking pain medications.

Dissociative amnesia

This is a psychological condition in which a person experiences memory loss of certain events or periods of time. It may be caused by trauma or stress. Treatment can include therapy and medication.

Down syndrome

This is a genetic disorder that results in intellectual disability and physical growth delays. Additional features may include a flat facial profile, straight or upward-slanting eye openings, a small nose, and low muscle tone. There is no cure, but treatment can help manage symptoms.

Deafness

This is a condition that can result in partial or complete hearing loss. It may be caused by genetics, aging, exposure to loud noises, or certain medications. Treatment can include hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other supportive devices.

Dependent personality disorder

This is a type of personality disorder in which a person has an excessive need to be taken care of by others. Symptoms may include difficulty making decisions, a fear of being alone, and a need for constant reassurance. Treatment can include therapy and medication.

Diphtheria

This is a bacterial infection that can cause severe inflammation of the throat and airways. It can be life-threatening if left untreated. Symptoms may include fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, and difficulty breathing. Prevention includes vaccination.

Diethylstilbestrol antenatal infection

This is a condition that can occur in children whose mothers were given diethylstilbestrol (DES) during pregnancy. It can cause abnormalities of the reproductive system and an increased risk of certain cancers. There is no cure, but treatment can help manage symptoms.

Dysmyelination

This is a condition in which there is abnormal growth or development of the myelin sheath that covers nerve cells. It can cause neurological symptoms such as muscle weakness, poor coordination, and cognitive impairment. Treatment includes therapies to manage symptoms.

Diffuse panbronchiolitis

This is a rare lung disease that is characterized by inflammation and damage to the airways of the lungs. Symptoms may include coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Treatment can include antibiotics and supportive care.

Dominant ichthyosis vulgaris

This is a genetic skin disorder that causes dry, scaly skin that may be itchy and uncomfortable. Symptoms usually begin in childhood and can worsen during puberty. Treatment can include moisturizing creams and other topical medications.

Disaccharide intolerance iii

This is a rare genetic disorder that can make it difficult for the body to digest certain sugars. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, and failure to thrive. Treatment may involve a change in diet and medication.

Dysostosis

This is a general term that refers to a variety of skeletal disorders that affect bone development and growth. Symptoms may include abnormal bone size or shape, joint problems, and decreased mobility. Treatment may involve surgery and physical therapy.

Diverticulitis

This is a condition in which small, bulging pouches (diverticula) in the digestive tract become inflamed or infected. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, fever, and nausea. Treatment can include antibiotics and dietary changes.

Dermatitis herpetiformis

This is a chronic skin condition that causes itchy, blistering patches on the skin. It is often associated with celiac disease and a gluten-free diet may be required. Treatment can include topical medications and oral antibiotics.

Dentinogenesis imperfecta

This is a genetic disorder that affects the development of teeth. Symptoms may include weak and brittle teeth that are more prone to cavities and breakage. Treatment may involve dental procedures such as crowns or root canals.

Dubowitz syndrome

This is a rare genetic disorder that can cause intellectual disability, developmental delays, and physical abnormalities such as a small head and facial features. Treatment can involve therapies to manage symptoms.

Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa

A genetic blistering disorder that can affect the skin and internal organs causing a painful and debilitating condition.

Dengue fever

A mosquito-borne viral disease characterized by flu-like symptoms, fever, headache, joint pain, and skin rash.

Dwarfism

A medical condition characterized by short stature and body proportion abnormalities caused by genetic or medical conditions.

Diabetic nephropathy

A progressive kidney disease caused by high blood sugar levels, leading to kidney failure and end-stage renal disease.

Diastematomyelia

A rare spinal cord abnormality where the spinal cord is split into two and can cause spinal cord damage or paralysis.

Dysbarism

A medical condition caused by a rapid change in atmospheric pressure that can lead to decompression sickness and lung injuries.

Dextrocardia

A rare congenital condition where the heart is in a mirror image position, and can cause complications such as arrhythmias and heart defects.

Dysprothrombinemia

A rare bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency in thrombin clotting factors, leading to abnormal blood clotting.

Depersonalization disorder

A disassociative disorder characterized by feelings of detachment and distortion in the perception of self and surroundings.

Desbuquois syndrome

A rare skeletal disorder characterized by short stature and joint abnormalities caused by genetic mutations.

Dermatophytids

An allergic skin response triggered by a fungal infection on another part of the body, resulting in skin irritation and rash.

Dermatomyositis

A rare inflammatory disease that affects the skin and muscles, causing muscle weakness and skin rash.

Dysferlinopathy

A rare genetic disorder that affects muscle function due to mutations in the DYSF genes.

Dust-induced lung disease

A respiratory disease caused by exposure to harmful dust particles, leading to lung inflammation and scarring.

Dystrophinopathy

A group of genetic disorders caused by mutations in the DMD gene, leading to muscle weakness and degeneration.

Dyskeratosis congenita

A rare genetic disorder that affects multiple body systems, causing skin pigmentation changes, nail abnormalities, and bone marrow failure.

Dysplastic nevus syndrome

A genetic predisposition to abnormal mole formation, increasing the risk of developing melanoma skin cancer.

Dk phocomelia syndrome

A rare congenital abnormality characterized by limb deformities and other physical abnormalities.

Dysosteosclerosis

A rare genetic bone disorder characterized by abnormal bone growth and density, leading to skeletal abnormalities and increased risk of fractures.

Doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy

A heart muscle damage caused by the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin, leading to heart failure and other cardiac issues.

Dehydration

A condition caused by prolonged fluid depletion in the body, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, headache, and fatigue.

Dermatopathia pigmentosa reticularis

A rare genetic skin condition characterized by patchy skin pigmentation and vascular abnormalities.

Dyschromatosis universalis

A rare genetic skin disorder characterized by hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation patches and macules.

D-glycerate dehydrogenase deficiency

A rare metabolic disorder characterized by a deficiency in the D-glycerate dehydrogenase enzyme, leading to abnormal amino acid metabolism and neurological symptoms.

Dysequilibrium syndrome

An autosomal recessive condition characterized by gait and balance difficulties, cognitive impairment, and developmental delays.

Dermal dysplasia

A group of genetic skin disorders characterized by abnormal skin development, such as thickened skin, growths, and irregular pigmentation.

Dental fluorosis

A condition caused by excessive fluoride ingestion during tooth development, leading to tooth discoloration and enamel abnormalities.

Devic syndrome

A rare autoimmune disorder that affects the optic nerve and spinal cord, leading to vision loss and neurological symptoms.

Dissociative hysteria

A condition where a person experiences temporary loss of memory and identity due to stress and trauma.

Distal myopathy

A rare disorder that causes progressive muscle weakness in the hands, feet, and lower legs.

Depressive personality disorder

A depressive disorder characterized by a persistent negative outlook on life and social withdrawal.

Diabetes insipidus

A rare condition that causes excessive thirst and frequent urination due to inadequate production or action of anti-diuretic hormone.

Duodenal atresia

A rare congenital abnormality where the first part of the small intestine is not properly formed.

Dicarboxylicaminoaciduria

A genetic disorder that affects the metabolism of certain amino acids, resulting in intellectual disability, seizures, and developmental delay.

Dermoodontodysplasia

A rare genetic disorder that affects tooth development and causes abnormal skin growth.

Dysentery

An infection of the intestines that causes severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, and dehydration.

Dysautonomia

A group of conditions that affects the autonomic nervous system, causing a wide range of symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, and rapid heartbeat.

Donnai Barrow syndrome

A rare genetic disorder that causes developmental delay, vision problems, and abnormalities of the fingers and toes.

Demyelinating disease

A group of conditions that damages the myelin sheath of nerve fibers, resulting in various neurological symptoms such as numbness, weakness, and vision loss.

Dissociative fugue

A rare form of dissociative amnesia where a person forgets their identity and embarks on a journey away from home.

Dentophobia

A specific phobia of dental procedures and treatments.

Demodicidosis

A skin condition caused by an overgrowth of mites in the hair follicles, resulting in itching, redness, and scaling.

Diphallia

A rare congenital abnormality where a male baby is born with two penises.

De Barsy syndrome

A rare genetic condition that affects the connective tissues, causing developmental delay, muscle weakness, and vision problems.

Dementia pugilistica

A neurodegenerative condition caused by repetitive head injuries, often seen in professional boxers.

Dysgerminoma

A type of ovarian cancer that develops from germ cells.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy

A genetic disorder that affects muscle strength and causes muscle wasting, often leading to death by early adulthood.

Degos disease

A rare autoimmune disorder that causes skin lesions and damage to blood vessels.

Dyskinesia

A movement disorder characterized by involuntary muscle movements, such as tics and tremors.

Dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy

A rare genetic disorder that causes progressive brain degeneration, leading to a wide range of symptoms such as movement problems, dementia, and psychiatric symptoms.

Dissociative identity disorder

A disorder characterized by the presence of two or more distinct personality states that recurrently take control of a person’s behavior.

Disinhibited attachment disorder

A childhood disorder that causes a lack of inhibition in social interactions, often due to a history of trauma and neglect.

Dyscalculia

A learning disability that affects a person’s ability to perform mathematical tasks.

Diabetes mellitus

A chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels due to inadequate production or action of insulin.

Dysexecutive syndrome

Trouble with decision-making, planning, and problem-solving.

Dyspareunia

Pain during or after sexual intercourse.

D-Glyceric acidemia

A rare genetic disorder affecting the breakdown of glycine.

Dermatophytosis

A fungal infection of the skin, nails, or hair.

Depression

A mental illness that affects mood, thoughts, and behavior.

Desmoid tumor

An uncommon type of tumor that often originates in the fibrous tissue of the body.

Delayed ejaculation

The inability to ejaculate during sexual activity.

Delusional disorder

A type of psychotic disorder that involves holding false beliefs that are often irrational or bizarre.

Diverticulosis

The presence of small, bulging pouches in the lining of the digestive system.

Deep vein thrombosis

A blood clot that forms in a vein deep in the body, usually in the legs.

Dental caries

Also known as tooth decay, it is caused by acid-producing bacteria that damage the teeth.

DOOR syndrome

An abbreviation for deafness, onychodystrophy, osteodystrophy, and mental retardation.

Dystrophia myotonica

A genetic disorder that affects muscle function and can cause weakness, wasting, and myotonia.

Delirium

A sudden, severe confusion in thinking and awareness that can occur with illness or drug toxicity.

Delirium tremens

A severe form of alcohol withdrawal syndrome that can cause confusion, disorientation, and hallucinations.

Dysplasia

Abnormal growth or development of cells or tissues.

Diabetic embryopathy

A group of birth defects that can occur in babies of mothers with diabetes.

Developmental coordination disorder

A neurodevelopmental disorder that affects motor coordination and can cause difficulties with physical activities.

Diencephalic syndrome

A rare disorder that can affect children with brain tumors, causing changes in appetite, behavior, and hormonal levels.

Desmin-related myofibrillar myopathy

A genetic disorder that affects muscle function and can cause muscle weakness, atrophy, and heart problems.

Dihydropteridine reductase deficiency

An inherited metabolic disorder that can cause neurological, behavioral, and cognitive problems.

DiGeorge syndrome

A genetic disorder that can cause developmental problems, immune system deficits, and cardiac abnormalities.

Distomatosis

A parasitic infection caused by flukes.

Dysplasia epiphysealis hemimelica

A rare developmental disorder that affects bone and joint growth.

Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase deficiency

An inherited metabolic disorder that affects the breakdown of uracil and thymine.

Decompensated phoria

A type of eye muscle imbalance that can cause double vision and difficulties with depth perception.

Dyskeratosis follicularis

A genetic disorder that affects the skin and can cause abnormal skin pigmentation, nail abnormalities, and oral lesions.

Wrapping Up

And that’s our list of D diseases.

My approach to creating a list of diseases that started with every alphabet was systematic and thorough. I began by studying various medical databases and cross-referencing them to ensure that each medical condition was correctly categorized and that I did not miss adding any disease that started with each alphabet.

The study of diseases highlights the importance of an integrated healthcare system aimed at combating them. This necessitates a coordinated approach between the government, NGO’s, medical professionals, and the individual in embracing healthy living practices as well as risk reduction strategies to combat the scourge of diseases.

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