Commonly misdiagnosed diseases

Cushing

The symtoms of cushing's are caused by prolonged exposure to high level of cortisol. a hormone that helps the body respond to stress. The disease is difficult to diagnose because the symtoms develop slowly and are nonspecific, such as weight gain, high blood pressure and depression. Patients go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for an average of seven to eight years.

Heart Disease

About half of the world's cardiovascular burden occurs in the Asia Pacific region. Women are less likely to be diagnosed, mainly because their symtoms can be different from men's, such as unexplained fatigue, trouble sleeping, and lower chest or abdominal pressure, which can be mistaken for heartburn, chronic fatigue or anxiety.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

COPD, which covers chronic bronchitis and emphysema, is the seventh leading cause of death worldwide. COPD is often misdiagnosed and undertreated as asthma.

LUPUS

This autoimmune disease, found mainly in women, can cause common symtoms such as fatigue, achy or swollen joints and fevers. More than half say they suffered for at least four years and saw three or more doctors before getting the correct diagnosis.

Hepatitis C

It is a major cause of acute hepatitis and chronic liver disease. WHO estimates about 170 million people are infected. The prevalence in Asia is higher than in Europe and the US.

Hypothyroidism

About of the nearly 27 million people with an underactive thyroid are undiagnosed. Symtoms such as fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, and poor memory are often dismissed as normal signs of aging.

Sleep Apnea

If you've been told you're a loud snorer at night or you can't explain why you feel so tired during the day, you may be suffering from obstructive sleep apnea, which can significantly increase the risk of stroke or death.

Celiac Disease

It takes an average of 11 years in adults to diagnose celiac disease, a genetic autoimmune disorder in which sufferers can't digest gluten, a protein in wheat, rye and barley. Celiac disease is also more prevalent than first thought, affecting about one in 250 individuals.

Chlamydia

WHO estimates that the Asia Pacific region accounts for half the world's chlamydia cases, yet most cases are not reported because of lack of symtoms. Chlamydia can damage reproductive organs and cause infertility and chronic pelvic pain in women.

Hemochromatosis

This overload of iron in the body can lead to liver or heart failure, diabetes, even death. Symtoms include fatigue, joint pain and loss of sex drive.