Diabetes Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body has trouble regulating blood sugar. At work it can require time and privacy for glucose checks and medication, predictable meal and break times, and awareness of symptoms like shakiness, fatigue, or confusion when blood sugar is too high or low. Heart disease Heart disease covers conditions that affect the heart's ability to pump blood effectively, such as coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, and heart failure. At work it can limit strenuous exertion, heavy lifting, heat exposure, and high-stress situations, and may cause fatigue or shortness of breath. Asthma Asthma is a chronic lung condition in which airways narrow and become inflamed, causing wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. At work it can be triggered by dust, fumes, fragrances, cold air, or exertion, and may require quick access to inhalers. COPD COPD is a chronic lung disease that makes breathing progressively harder, including conditions like emphysema and chronic bronchitis. At work it can limit physical exertion, stair climbing, and exposure to dust, smoke, fumes, and temperature extremes, and may involve supplemental oxygen. Crohn's disease Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory condition of the digestive tract that causes abdominal pain, urgent diarrhea, fatigue, and unpredictable flare-ups. At work it can require reliable restroom access, flexibility during flares, and time for medical treatment. Ulcerative colitis Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease affecting the colon, causing abdominal pain, urgent and frequent bowel movements, fatigue, and flare-ups. At work it can require quick restroom access, schedule flexibility during flares, and time for treatment. IBS IBS is a common digestive condition causing abdominal pain, bloating, and unpredictable diarrhea or constipation, often worsened by stress or certain foods. At work it mainly calls for reliable restroom access and some flexibility around symptoms. Celiac disease Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition in which eating gluten damages the small intestine, causing digestive symptoms, fatigue, and nutrient problems. At work it mainly requires strict avoidance of gluten in shared food settings and understanding when accidental exposure causes illness. Food allergies Food allergies are immune reactions to specific foods that can range from hives and swelling to life-threatening anaphylaxis. At work they require care around shared food, kitchens, and events, and quick access to emergency medication like epinephrine. Multiple chemical sensitivity Multiple chemical sensitivity is a condition in which low levels of everyday chemicals, such as fragrances, cleaning products, or fumes, trigger symptoms like headaches, breathing trouble, dizziness, or brain fog. At work it often calls for fragrance-free policies, ventilation, and low-chemical products. Chronic migraines Chronic migraine is a neurological condition causing frequent, severe headaches often accompanied by nausea, visual disturbances, and extreme sensitivity to light, sound, or smells. At work, attacks can be disabling for hours or days and may be triggered by lighting, screens, odors, or irregular schedules. Chronic pain Chronic pain is pain that persists for months or longer, from injury, illness, or without a clear cause. At work it can limit sitting, standing, lifting, and concentration, drain energy, and fluctuate unpredictably, and medications may add drowsiness. Endometriosis Endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing severe pelvic pain, heavy periods, fatigue, and digestive symptoms. At work, pain can be cyclical or constant and may require schedule flexibility and time for medical care. PCOS PCOS is a hormonal condition that can cause irregular periods, fatigue, weight changes, and increased risk of other health issues. At work its effects are often indirect, including fatigue, pain during some cycles, and time needed for medical appointments. Thyroid disorders Thyroid disorders occur when the thyroid gland makes too much or too little hormone, affecting energy, weight, mood, temperature tolerance, and concentration. At work, symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, or heat and cold sensitivity can fluctuate until treatment is stabilized. Addison's disease Addison's disease is a condition in which the adrenal glands do not make enough of certain hormones, causing deep fatigue, muscle weakness, low blood pressure, and dizziness. At work it requires consistent medication timing and care during physical stress or illness, which can trigger a medical crisis. Cushing's syndrome Cushing's syndrome results from prolonged exposure to high levels of the hormone cortisol, causing fatigue, muscle weakness, weight changes, fragile skin, and mood or memory changes. At work it can limit physical stamina and concentration during treatment and recovery. Kidney disease Kidney disease is reduced kidney function that affects how the body filters waste and regulates fluids, often causing fatigue, swelling, and difficulty concentrating. At work it may require time for dialysis or medical appointments, dietary and fluid routines, and lighter physical demands. Liver disease Liver disease is damage to the liver from conditions like hepatitis, fatty liver, or cirrhosis, affecting how the body processes nutrients and toxins. At work it can cause fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and reduced stamina, along with time needed for treatment. Cancer Cancer is a group of diseases in which abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, and both the illness and its treatment can affect work. Common effects include fatigue, nausea, pain, weakened immunity, difficulty concentrating, and the need for time off for treatment and recovery. HIV/AIDS HIV is a virus that weakens the immune system; with modern treatment most people live long, healthy lives. At work, effects may include medication routines, fatigue, occasional medical appointments, and heightened concern about infection exposure in some settings. Hepatitis Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, most often caused by viral infection, and it can be short-term or chronic. At work, chronic hepatitis can cause fatigue, nausea, and difficulty concentrating, and may require time for treatment and monitoring. Sickle cell disease Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood condition in which misshapen red blood cells block blood flow, causing sudden episodes of severe pain, anemia, and fatigue. At work, pain crises can be unpredictable and may be triggered by cold, dehydration, overexertion, or stress. Hemophilia Hemophilia is an inherited condition in which blood does not clot properly, so injuries can cause prolonged bleeding and internal bleeding into joints and muscles. At work it calls for care around physical hazards, prompt treatment access, and sometimes joint pain limits from past bleeds. Cystic fibrosis Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that causes thick mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system, leading to breathing problems, infections, and digestive difficulty. At work it can involve coughing, fatigue, treatment routines, infection precautions, and time for medical care. Lyme disease Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread by tick bites that can cause fatigue, joint and muscle pain, headaches, and difficulty thinking clearly. Some people have lingering symptoms after treatment that affect stamina and concentration at work. Long COVID Long COVID refers to symptoms that persist for months after a COVID-19 infection, commonly severe fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, and worsening after exertion. At work it can reduce stamina and concentration and often requires pacing, flexibility, and gradual returns. ME/CFS ME/CFS is a chronic neurological illness marked by profound exhaustion that rest does not relieve and by symptoms that worsen after physical or mental effort. At work it can severely limit stamina and consistency, and careful pacing and flexible scheduling are usually essential. POTS POTS is a condition in which standing up causes an abnormally fast heart rate along with dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, and brain fog. At work it can make prolonged standing, heat, and quick position changes difficult, often helped by seating, hydration, and temperature control. Mast cell activation syndrome Mast cell activation syndrome is a condition in which immune cells release chemicals inappropriately, causing allergy-like reactions such as flushing, hives, digestive upset, dizziness, and sometimes severe reactions. At work, triggers can include fragrances, foods, heat, and stress, and reactions can be unpredictable. Speech impediment A speech impediment is any condition that affects the clarity or flow of spoken language. At work it can make phone calls, presentations, and fast-paced discussions more effortful, though it does not affect a person's knowledge or thinking. Stutter Stuttering is a speech difference involving repetitions, prolonged sounds, or blocks that interrupt the flow of speaking. At work it can make phone calls, introductions, and time-pressured speaking situations stressful, and patience from listeners helps considerably. Aphasia Aphasia is a language disorder, usually caused by stroke or brain injury, that affects the ability to speak, understand, read, or write, without affecting intelligence. At work it can slow verbal communication and comprehension of complex language, and benefits from extra time and written or visual supports. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)/Lou Gehrig's Disease ALS is a progressive neurological disease that gradually weakens the muscles that control movement, speech, swallowing, and breathing. Work effects increase over time and can include reduced mobility, hand function, stamina, and speech clarity, often supported by assistive technology. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Fetal alcohol syndrome is a lifelong condition caused by alcohol exposure before birth that affects learning, memory, attention, impulse control, and judgment. At work, people often benefit from clear routines, step-by-step instructions, written reminders, and consistent supervision styles. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD, Acid Reflux, Heartburn) GERD is a chronic condition in which stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn, chest discomfort, cough, and sometimes voice or swallowing problems. At work it can be aggravated by bending, heavy lifting, prolonged sitting after meals, and irregular meal schedules. Guillain Barre' Syndrome Guillain-Barre syndrome is a rare condition in which the immune system attacks the nerves, causing rapid weakness or paralysis that usually improves slowly over months. During recovery, work effects can include weakness, fatigue, numbness, and reduced stamina that gradually lessen. Heart Condition A heart condition is any ongoing problem with the heart's structure, rhythm, or pumping strength. At work it can limit strenuous activity, heavy lifting, extreme temperatures, and high physical stress, and may cause fatigue, dizziness, or shortness of breath. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) HIV is a virus that weakens the immune system over time; with treatment, most people stay healthy and work without limitation. Possible work effects include medication schedules, fatigue, medical appointments, and extra caution around infectious illness. Sleep apnea Sleep apnea is a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops during sleep, preventing restful sleep even after a full night. At work it can cause daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, slowed reactions, and irritability, and treatment such as CPAP often resolves most effects. Psoriasis Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition causing patches of thickened, scaly, itchy skin, and some people also develop joint pain. At work it can be aggravated by stress, dry environments, or certain materials, and visible flares can cause discomfort and self-consciousness. Eczema Eczema is a chronic skin condition causing dry, itchy, inflamed skin that flares in response to irritants, allergens, stress, or weather. At work it can be worsened by frequent handwashing, gloves, chemicals, or dry air, and severe itching can disturb sleep and focus. Dermatitis Dermatitis is inflammation of the skin, often triggered by contact with irritants or allergens, causing redness, itching, blistering, or cracking. At work it commonly affects the hands and is aggravated by cleaning products, solvents, gloves, or frequent wet work. Raynaud's phenomenon Raynaud's phenomenon is a condition in which blood vessels in the fingers and toes overreact to cold or stress, causing numbness, color changes, and pain. At work it can make cold environments, refrigerated areas, air conditioning, and handling cold items difficult. Interstitial cystitis Interstitial cystitis is a chronic bladder condition causing pelvic pain, pressure, and frequent, urgent needs to urinate, sometimes many times an hour during flares. At work it requires easy restroom access and flexibility, and pain and disrupted sleep can affect focus and stamina. Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) Complex regional pain syndrome is a chronic condition causing intense, persistent pain, usually in a limb after injury, along with swelling, temperature changes, and extreme sensitivity to touch. At work it can limit use of the affected limb and tolerance for contact, vibration, or temperature changes. Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) POTS is a nervous system condition in which standing triggers a rapid heart rate, dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, and difficulty thinking clearly. At work it can make prolonged standing, heat, and sudden position changes difficult, and is often helped by seating, hydration breaks, and cool environments. Sarcoidosis An inflammatory disease that forms clusters of immune cells in organs, most often the lungs and lymph nodes, causing fatigue, shortness of breath, and pain. Employees may benefit from reduced exertion, clean air, and flexible schedules. Bleeding disorders Conditions in which blood does not clot properly, such as von Willebrand disease, raising the risk from cuts, bruising, and injuries. Employees may need safer task assignments, protective equipment, and time off for treatment. Cluster headaches A headache disorder causing attacks of severe pain around one eye, often occurring in daily bouts for weeks at a time. Attacks can strike suddenly and be incapacitating, and lack of sleep or alcohol can be triggers. Menopause The hormonal transition ending menstrual cycles, which can cause hot flashes, sleep disruption, fatigue, brain fog, and mood changes lasting for years. Temperature control, memory demands, and rigid schedules at work can make symptoms harder to manage. Gastroparesis A condition in which the stomach empties too slowly, causing nausea, vomiting, bloating, pain, and early fullness. Symptoms can flare unpredictably and may require small frequent meals, bathroom access, and time off for treatment. Hidradenitis suppurativa A chronic skin condition causing painful lumps and abscesses in areas where skin rubs together, such as underarms and groin. Flares can make sitting, walking, reaching, and wearing certain uniforms painful, and wound care may be needed during the day. Lipedema A chronic condition causing abnormal, often painful buildup of fat tissue, usually in the legs and arms. It can cause pain, heaviness, easy bruising, and fatigue, and prolonged standing or sitting can worsen symptoms. Lymphedema Chronic swelling, most often in an arm or leg, caused by a buildup of lymph fluid, sometimes after cancer treatment or surgery. It can limit lifting and repetitive motion, require compression garments, and worsen with prolonged standing or sitting. Sjögren's syndrome An autoimmune condition that attacks moisture-producing glands, causing severe dry eyes and dry mouth along with fatigue and joint pain. Long screen sessions, dry or air-conditioned environments, and extended talking can worsen symptoms. Scleroderma An autoimmune condition causing hardening and tightening of the skin and sometimes internal organs. It can limit hand dexterity and grip, cause severe cold sensitivity in the fingers, and lead to fatigue, heartburn, and breathing problems. Gout A form of inflammatory arthritis in which uric acid crystals cause sudden attacks of intense joint pain and swelling, often in the foot or big toe. During flares, walking, standing, and wearing normal footwear can be very difficult. Uterine fibroids Noncancerous growths in the uterus that can cause very heavy or prolonged periods, pelvic pain, pressure, and anemia-related fatigue. Symptoms may require frequent bathroom breaks, flexibility during flares, and time off for treatment. Ostomy Living with a surgically created opening, such as a colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy, that diverts waste into an external pouch. Managing it at work can require private restroom access, time for pouch care, supply storage, and care with heavy lifting. Primary immunodeficiency A group of conditions in which part of the immune system is missing or does not work properly, leading to frequent, severe, or prolonged infections. Exposure to sick coworkers and crowded settings carries elevated risk, and regular infusion treatments may be needed. Organ transplant recipient Living with a transplanted organ, which requires lifelong immune-suppressing medication that increases infection risk. Frequent medical monitoring, strict medication timing, and reduced exposure to illness are typically needed, along with fatigue management. Anemia A condition in which the blood carries too little oxygen, often from low iron or chronic illness, causing fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. Physically demanding tasks and long days can be especially draining. Pulmonary hypertension High blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, which strains the heart and causes shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, and chest discomfort with exertion. Walking distances, stairs, lifting, and hot environments can be limiting.