This list includes 6 Diseases that start with Q, from “Q fever” to “Quinsy (peritonsillar abscess)”. It covers infectious and inflammatory conditions and helps with quick clinical lookup, study, and patient education.

Diseases that start with Q are medically recognized conditions whose names begin with the letter Q. A notable example is Q fever — its ‘Q’ originally stood for “query” when investigators could not identify the cause.

Below you’ll find the table with Disease, Symptoms, Causes, Treatments & Referral, and Sources.

Disease: Names of the condition as commonly used, so you can locate the disorder quickly and unambiguously.

Symptoms: Short lists of the key signs and symptoms to help you recognize how the condition typically presents.

Causes: Primary cause and main risk factors summarized so you understand likely origins at a glance.

Treatments & Referral: Typical first-line treatments are listed and you are guided when specialist referral is usually needed.

Sources: Includes clinician-reviewed notes, links, and index references so you can follow up on original guidance.

Diseases that start with Q

NameICD code(s)Key symptomsMain causes / risk factors
Q feverA78Fever, severe headache, cough, fatigueCoxiella burnetii infection from inhaling contaminated aerosols; livestock contact
Q fever endocarditisA78, I33.9Prolonged fever, weight loss, night sweats, heart murmurChronic Coxiella burnetii infection, preexisting valvular heart disease
Quinsy (peritonsillar abscess)J36Severe sore throat, fever, muffled voice, difficulty opening mouthComplication of tonsillitis, streptococcal infection, poor oral hygiene
Quadriplegia (tetraplegia)G82.5Paralysis of all four limbs, loss of sensation, possible breathing weaknessHigh cervical spinal cord injury, severe neurological disease
Quincke’s edema (angioedema)T78.3Sudden facial/lip/tongue swelling, possible hives, breathing difficultyAllergic reactions, ACE inhibitors, hereditary complement disorders
Quartan malariaB52Fever every 72 hours, chills, sweating, malaisePlasmodium malariae infection transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes

Descriptions

Q fever
Acute bacterial zoonosis ranging from mild flu-like illness to pneumonia or chronic infection. Treated with doxycycline; seek medical care for persistent fever. (WHO, ICD-10)
Q fever endocarditis
A form of chronic Q fever causing culture‑negative endocarditis. High morbidity; needs prolonged combination antibiotics and specialist (infectious disease/cardiology) care.
Quinsy (peritonsillar abscess)
A painful pus collection beside the tonsil that can threaten the airway. Requires urgent ENT assessment, antibiotics and often drainage.
Quadriplegia (tetraplegia)
Severe paralysis affecting arms and legs (often from spinal injury). Management is supportive, emergency care if breathing affected, and long-term rehabilitation and specialist spinal services.
Quincke’s edema (angioedema)
Rapid, non‑pitting swelling of deeper skin layers that can be life‑threatening if the airway is involved. Emergency treatment (epinephrine for allergic cases) and specialist follow-up.
Quartan malaria
A malaria subtype with a 72‑hour fever cycle caused by P. malariae. Treated with antimalarial drugs per guidelines; urgent medical care recommended for suspected malaria.
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