Diseases
Rows Returned: 258
| Disease | Definition | Translation | Sound Clip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Absence Seizure | See Petit Mal Seizure. | ||
| Acne Vulgaris | a skin condition that occurs when oils and dead skin cells clog the skin pores. Signs and symptoms include pimples, pustules, comedos (blackheads and whiteheads). Precipitating factors include food allergies, endocrine disorders, and psychological factors. Acne may be linked to hormonal changes in adolescence which cause increased oil production of sebaceous glands. | ||
| Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome | a disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) which kills or impairs the immune system and destroys the body's ability to fight infections and certain cancers. The main modes of transmission include sexual contact, sharing IV dug needles and blood transfusion with infected blood. | ||
| Acromegaly | a type of hyperpituitarism in which the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone during adulthood; symptoms include enlarged extremities, protruding brow and jaw; see also Hyperpituitarism, Giantism | ||
| Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma | Type of glaucoma in which the patient experiences rapid vision loss and may see a halo around lights. See Glaucoma. | ||
| Acute Bacterial Meningitis | inflammation of the meninges (the tissues that surround the brain or spinal cord) caused by various infections such as H. influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, or Neisseria meningitides. Signs and symptoms include nuchal rigidity (stiffness of neck), shaking of the head , seizure activity in late stages, photophobia, positive Kernig's sign (resistance to leg extension) and positive Brudzinski's sign (neck flexion causes flexion of hips from supine position) | ||
| Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia | Type of leukemia with signs and symptoms including susceptibility to infection, bleeding tendencies, abnormal functioning of spleen, liver, lymph nodes and nervous system, bone pain, weight loss, fatigue bleeding from oral mucosa, and bruising. See Leukemia. | ||
| Acute Myelocytic Leukemia | Most common adult form of leukemia, characterized by fatigue, weakness due to accumulation of myeloblasts, anemia, headache, bone pain, bruising, and recurrent infections. See Leukemia. | ||
| Acute Tubular Necrosis | a disorder that damages certain kidney cells and leads to kidney failure. Causes include renal disease, exposure to metals solvents and antibiotics and ischemia due to shock. The patient may experience hyperkalemia, oliguria, weakness, confusion, coma and death | ||
| Addison's Disease | See Adrenocortical Insufficiency. | ||
| Adrenocortical Insufficiency | Adrenal insufficiency caused by low levels of adrenal hormone. Signs and symptoms include hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, increased skin pigmentation and hypotension. Also known as Addison's Disease. | ||
| Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome | a serious reaction to various forms of lung injury. The underlying causes may be trauma, pneumonia, aspiration of gastric contents, hypovolemic shock, near drowning, fat embolism, or cardiopulmonary bypass. Alveoli fill with fluid and collapse the lung leaving less pulmonary tissue available for gas exchange. Signs and symptoms include rales, bronchi, wheezing, hypoxemia, hypercapnia and shock. The condition is not improved with oxygen administration. | ||
| Agraphia | loss of the ability to communicate through writing | ||
| Alopecia | baldness, which may be caused by drugs, radiation, aging and nutritional and endocrine disorders | ||
| Alzheimer's Disease | Presenile dementia. Its causes may be idiopathic (unknown), heredity, autoimmune disease or history of serious head injury. Stages: 1-mental impairment, 2-forgetfulness, agitation, irritability, restlessness, 3-inability to communicate, incontinence (inability to control defecation and urination) | ||
| Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis | Neurological disorder characterized by progressive degeneration of motor cells in the spinal cord and brain. Signs and symptoms include progressive destruction of motor neurons, muscular atrophy especially of forearms and hands, fasciculations (small local involuntary muscular contractions) and difficulties in speech, chewing, swallowing, and breathing. Also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. | ||
| Anemia | Condition of the blood in which there are not enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to the blood’s organs. See Aplastic Anemia, Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia, Hemolytic Anemia, Iron Deficiency Anemia, Pernicious Anemia, Sickle Cell Anemia. | ||
| Aneurysm | dilation of an artery caused by a weakness in the arterial wall which as potential to rupture. A bruit (blowing sound) may be heard over the swelling. | ||
| Angina Pectoris | severe burning, radiating, squeezing chest pain due to lack of oxygen to the heart muscle which may be caused by exertion, stress or disease. | ||
| Anorexia Nervosa | an eating disorder characterized by low body weight and an obsessive fear of weight gain | ||
| Aplastic Anemia | anemia in which there is a reduction or depletion of hemopoietic precursor cells with decreased production of leukocytes, erythrocytes and platelets resulting in pancytopenia; caused by exposure to myelotoxins, antimetabolites, certain drugs, insecticides, and radiation. See Anemia. | ||
| Appendicitis | an inflamed appendix, characterized by right lower quadrant pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation. | ||
| Aspiration Pneumonia | pneumonia caused by inhalation of poisonous gas or accidental inhalation of food or oily substances. See Pneumonia. | ||
| Asthma | chronic disease of the lungs in which airways are inflamed and become blocked. The patient experiences dyspnea, tight chest, rapid pulse and has thick sputum. Causes include allergens, exercise and upper respiratory infection. | ||
| Astigmatism | Refractive error in which there is improper focus of the eyes | ||
| Asystole | see Cardiac Arrest. | ||
| Atactic Cerebral Palsy | Type of cerebral palsy in which the patient experiences poor balance, poor coordination, staggering gait. See also Cerebral Palsy. | ||
| Atelectasis | a collapsed airless long caused by obstruction of the bronchus with the foreign body, diseases such as inflammatory pulmonary disease, neuromuscular disease, or tumors or complication of abdominal surgery | ||
| Atethoid Cerebral Palsy | Type of Cerebral Palsy in which the patient exhibits purposeless, uncontrollable movements, and muscular tension. See also Cerebral Palsy. | ||
| Atherosclerosis | Atherosclerosis is a common type of arteriosclerosis caused by plaques and fatty deposits inside arterial walls | ||
| Atopic Dermatitis | an inflammation of upper layers of skin characterized by pruritus, erythema, papules, vesicles, and exudative eruptions. Also known as Eczema. | ||
| Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia | Hemolysis due to autoimmune response. See Anemia. | ||
| Bacterial Pneumonia | pneumonia caused by Klebsiella pneumonia, Haemophilus influenza, or Francisella tularensis. See Pneumonia. | ||
| Bedsore | See Decubitis Ulcer, Pressure Ulcer | ||
| Bell's Palsy | A disorder of the 7th cranial nerve resulting in drooping of the mouth, one sided facial paralysis or inability to close the eye on the affected side. Its etiology is idiopathic (unknown) or it may result from nerve compression. | ||
| Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy | a benign enlargement of the prostate which compresses the bladder neck or urethra and obstructs urine flow | ||
| Blepharitis | inflammation of the hair follicle and glands of the eyelids characterized by burning, pruritus, erythema, conjunctivitis and loss of eyelashes. Causes include Staphylococcus, persistent hordeolum, and exposure to dust, smoke, chemicals and allergens | ||
| Boil | See Furuncle | ||
| Bronchiectasis | enlargement of the airways of the lung beyond what is normal. Symptoms include distended bronchi involving the lower lobe, expectoration, hemoptysis, dyspnea and wheezing | ||
| Bulimia | eating disorder characterized by binge eating followed by purging | ||
| Bursitis | Inflammation of the bursa: the fluid-filled sacs found within the connecting tissue of the joints due to excess use. When bursitis occurs in the elbow it is nicknamed “tennis elbow”; when it occurs in the knee it is called “housemaid’s knee” | ||
| Cardiac Arrest | a condition in which the heart abruptly stops beating (asystole). Cardiac arrest may be caused by electrocution, suffocation, trauma, drug reaction or drowning. | ||
| Cataract | a disease in which the lens or its capsule become cloudy. Causes include aging, exposure to extreme heat or radiation, trauma, drug toxicity, diseases or heredity. | ||
| Cerebral Concussion | Loss of consciousness due to head trauma. Signs and symptoms include photophobia, flaccid muscle tone, shallow respirations, nausea, hypotension, blurred vision, and transient amnesia | ||
| Cerebral Palsy | A group of conditions, caused by brain damage before birth or during infancy in which there is impairment of muscular coordination. See Spastic Cerebral Palsy, Atethoid Cerebral Palsy and Atactic Cerebral Palsy | ||
| Cerebrovascular Accident | Loss of blood supply to some part of the brain, which results in injury and death of brain tissue. Signs and symptoms include sudden, severe headache, dysphasia, dysphagia, hemiparesis, diplopia, vertigo (dizziness), coma and death. Risk factors include smoking, family history and high fat diet. Also known as Stroke Syndrome. | ||
| Cholecystitis | inflamed gallbladder | ||
| Cholelithiasis | stones in the gallbladder which may be characterized by right upper quadrant pain | ||
| Chronic Bronchitis | inflammation of the bronchi characterized by rales, shortness of breath and wheezing. Causes include environmental (physical or chemical irritants such as smoke or pollution or cold or damp conditions); or following disease such as upper respiratory infection, fibrosis, emphysema, tuberculosis or congestive heart failure. | ||
| Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia | Type of leukemia with signs and symptoms including lymphocytosis, weight loss, enlarged lymph nodes, splenomegaly. See Leukemia. | ||
| Chronic Myelocytic Leukemia | Type of Leukemia with symptoms including loss of appetite, weight loss, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, joint pain, bruising, enlarged lymph nodes, leukocytosis, and thrombocytosis. See Leukemia. | ||
| Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease | any pathological process causing decreased ability of the lungs and bronchi to ventilate properly including chronic bronchitis, pulmonary emphysema, asthma and chronic bronchiectasis. Symptoms include dyspnea on exertion, cough rales and chest pain. | ||
| Chronic Open Angle Glaucoma | Type of glaucoma in which the patient experiences rapid peripheral vision loss. There is a blockage of aqueous humor circulation. See Glaucoma. | ||
| Chronic Pulmonary Emphysema | abnormal condition of the lungs marked by decreased respiratory function. The patient is unable to exhale carbon dioxide which forces the use of muscles producing a barrel chest appearance | ||
| Chronic Renal Failure | a slow decline in kidney function over time. The patient may experience hair and skin changes, edema, lethargy, arrhythmias, metabolic acidosis and hypertension. Treatment includes dialysis or kidney transplant. See also Uremia. | ||
| Cirrhosis | liver disease involving deterioration of liver cells and replacement with hard, fibrous scar tissue. Causes include toxins (alcohol or poisons), malnutrition or disease (hepatitis, congestive heart failure). The patient may experience sour belching, bloating and flatulence | ||
| Classic Hemophilia | See Hemophilia A | ||
| Closed Fracture | Type of fracture in which there is a broken bone with no external wound. See Fracture. | ||
| Cold Sore | See Herpes Simplex. | ||
| Colorectal Cancer | cancer of the colon and rectum which may be characterized by bloody stools | ||
| Comedo | a clogged pore which may become a blackhead (closed) or whitehead (open); may occur with or without acne | ||
| Comminuted Fracture | Type of fracture In which there is there are splintered bone fragments in the surrounding tissue. See Fracture. | ||
| Compound Fracture | Type of fracture in which there is a wound leading to the break; the skin is not intact. See fracture. | ||
| Congestive Heart Failure | inability of the heart to adequately pump blood causing a buildup of fluid in body tissues. Symptoms include dyspnea, orthopnea and Cheyne-Stokes respirations (alternating pattern of shallow and deep breathing). There is failure of both sides of the heart. | ||
| Conjunctivitis | pinkeye, inflammation of the conjunctivitis. Pinkeye is highly contagious. Causes include Haemophilus aegypticus, heat, cold, chemicals, allergens and UV light. | ||
| Contact Dermatitis | an allergic skin reaction caused by mechanical or chemical irritation, sensitization or photoallergy | ||
| Cor Pulmonale | failure of the right side of the heart caused by chronic lung disease. Impaired blood flow to the pulmonary tissue increases blood pressure which in turn increases the workload of the right side of the heart; the right ventricle hypertrophies and becomes less effective in pumping blood to the lungs. Bone marrow overproduces red blood cells to carry more oxygen and blood viscosity increases. Symptoms include dyspnea on exertion, edema and distention of neck veins. | ||
| Coronary Artery Disease | a disease caused by hardening of the arteries, usually due to atherosclerosis. Narrowing of the arteries causes ischemia and eventually myocardial infarction. | ||
| Cranial Hematoma | A collection of blood between the skull and the brain due to head trauma which causes blood from ruptured vessels to seep into the meningeal layers. Signs and symptoms include unconsciousness, dilation of pupils on same side as the injury, hemiparesis, confusion, weakness and drowsiness | ||
| Cretinism | Hereditary hypothyroidism in which the patient experiences sluggishness, obesity, loss of hair and enlarged tongue. See Hypothyroidism. | ||
| Crohn’s Disease | inflammatory disease of the intestines characterized by abdominal cramping, bloody stools, diarrhea and weight loss. See Inflammatory Bowel Disease. | ||
| Cushing's Syndrome | An endocrine disorder caused by excess cortisol. Signs and symptoms include moon face, humpback (buffalo hump), distended abdomen and hirsutism in females. | ||
| Decubitus Ulcer | a chronic ulcer of the skin caused by prolonged pressure. Also known as Pressure Ulcer or Bedsore. | ||
| Degenerative Joint Disease | See Osteoarthritis | ||
| Dermatophytosis | a fungal infection of the skin. See Tinea Capitis Tinea Corporis, Tinea Cruris, Tinea Pedis and Tinea Unguium | ||
| Detached Retina | disorder of the eye in which the retina peels away from its underlying layer of support tissue. Vitreous humor accumulates behind the retina. Characteristic symptoms include progressive vision loss, floaters, seeing light flashes and a hole in the retina | ||
| Diabetes Mellitus | A disorder in which the body is unable to control blood sugar levels. Symptoms include fruity breath odor, polyphagia, polyuria, polydipsia acidosis and ketoacidosis. See Type I, Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus and Type II, Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus | ||
| Diplopia | double vision; seeing two images of one object | ||
| Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation | a disorder in which the body produces excess clotting in response to an injury. Signs include simultaneous hemorrhage and thrombosis. | ||
| Diverticulitis | inflammation of the diverticulum (pouch-like herniations on the intestinal wall) which trap fecal matter; characterized by left lower quadrant pain and bloody stools | ||
| Dry Pleurisy | pleural fluid decreases in volume, layers of pleura are dry and rub together, become congested and edematous. See Pleurisy. | ||
| Duodenal Ulcer | ulcer in the lining of the duodenum characterized by heartburn, indigestion and a feeling of fullness after eating. Causes include anti-inflammatory drugs, smoking, stress or bacterial infection. | ||
| Eclampsia | elevated blood pressure during pregnancy with convulsions. Hypertension is a sign of pre-eclampsia; convulsions, headache, blurred vision and coma may be signs of eclampsia. Eclampsia is a medical emergency. | ||
| Ectopic Pregnancy | a pregnancy implanted outside the uterus, for example on an ovary, intestine, outer uterine wall or in the vaginal canal | ||
| Eczema | See Atopic Dermatitis | ||
| Encephalitis | Inflammation of the brain due to viruses (chicken-pox, mumps, measles) or bite from an infected mosquito. Signs and symptoms include neck and back stiffness, lethargy, visual disturbances, muscle aches, mental confusion, coma and death. | ||
| Endometriosis | the presence of endometrium in a place other than the lining of the uterus characterized by dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) and dyspareunia (painful intercourse) | ||
| Epididymitis | inflammation of the tube leading from the male testicle to the urethra caused by infections (Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoea, E.coli, Staphylococcus or Streptococcus), trauma, disease (Urinary tract infection, prostatitis, STD, tuberculosis or mumps) or due to a procedure (iatrogenic) | ||
| Epilepsy | Nervous system disorder in which seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. See also Partial Epileptic Seizures, Petit Mal Seizures, Absence Seizures, Tonic Clonic Seizures, Grand Mal Seizures, Status Epilepticus. | ||
| Essential Hypertension | persistent, pathological high blood pressure consistently over 140/90 mmHg. Symptoms include vertigo, tachycardia, epistaxis, cephalalgia and syncope. | ||
| Exophthalmic Goiter | See Hypothyroidism | ||
| Fibrillation | a type of arrhythmia in which there is a fast quivering of the myocardium | ||
| Flutter | a type of arrhythmia in which there is a fast heart beat of 250 beats per minute or more; the heart chambers do not fill completely with blood before the beginning of the next contraction | ||
| Fracture | a broken bone. Fractures may occur due to trauma or disease. See Closed Fracture, Open Fracture, Compound Fracture, Comminuted Fracture, Greenstick Fracture and Impacted Fracture | ||
| Furuncle | red, swollen painful abscesses of hair follicles and surrounding subcutaneous tissue caused by Streptococcus or Staphylococcus. Also known as Boil. | ||
| Gastritis | inflammation of the stomach lining caused by contaminated food, excess intake of alcohol or bacterial/viral infection | ||
| Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease | disorder caused by reflux of the stomach acid into the esophagus resulting in “heartburn”, burning in the chest and mouth. Causes may include overeating, pregnancy, weight gain, hiatal hernia, or certain foods, medications, coffee and alcohol. | ||
| Genital Herpes | inflammatory skin disease on the genitals caused by the herpes simplex virus | ||
| Giantism | a type of hyperpituitarism in which the pituitary gland secretes too much growth hormone before puberty; results in the person growing abnormally tall with proportion of body parts and sexual development unaffected; see also Hyperpituitarism, Acromegaly | ||
| Glaucoma | loss of vision as a result of damage to the optic nerve. See Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma, Chronic Open Angle Glaucoma. | ||
| Glomerulonephritis | inflammation of the filtering structures in the kidneys hindering removal of waste products from the blood. Signs include hypertension, hematuria, edema, proteinuria, azotemia, nausea, emesis and uremic frost. Immune system disorders, renal disorders, or multisystem disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus may be causes. | ||
| Goiter | An enlarged thyroid gland. Symptoms include a large "Adam's apple" (thyroid gland) which pushes on the trachea. | ||
| Gonorrhea | contagious venereal disease caused by Neisseria gonorrhoea or gonococcus and transmitted via intimate contact with the infected person | ||
| Gout | Uric acid deposits in joints leading to joint deformity and disability which may be due to metabolic or renal disorders | ||
| Grand Mal Seizure | Type of epileptic seizure in which the patient exhibits the following symptoms: crying out, falling to the floor, loss of consciousness, stiffness of the body, biting of the tongue, cyanosis, incontinence and amnesia of the event. See also Epilepsy. | ||
| Grave's Disease | See Hyperthyroidism | ||
| Greenstick Fracture | Type of fracture in which the bone is partially bent or split. See Fracture. | ||
| Guillain-Barre Syndrome | A disorder in which the body's immune system attacks part of the nervous system. Signs and symptoms include nerve demyelination, lassitude (weakness), numbness, tingling, flaccid paralysis and dysphagia. | ||
| Hashimoto's Thyroiditis | An autoimmune disorder in which the autoimmune system attacks and destroys the thyroid. Signs and symptoms include difficulty swallowing mental apathy, sensitivity to cold and weight loss. | ||
| Heart Attack | See Myocardial Infarction | ||
| Hemiplegia | Paralysis of one side of the body due to disease (for example cerebrovascular accident, cerebral concussion, or subdural hematoma). Signs and symptoms include hemiparesis, lassitude (weakness), aphasia (inability to speak), apraxia (inability to perform purposeful movement), agnosia (loss of hearing, sight), agraphia (inability to write), and alexia (inability to comprehend written words) | ||
| Hemolytic Anemia | anemia characterized by abnormal destruction of RBCs due to heredity or exposure to chemical or bacterial toxins; autoimmunity. See Anemia. | ||
| Hemophilia A | a disease that prevents normal blood clotting and may result in hemorrhage. Signs and symptoms include ecchymosis (bruising) at birth, hematoma and excessive nosebleeds in a male child. Its etiology is inactive Factor VIII clotting factor. | ||
| Hepatitis | inflammation of the liver. See Hepatitis A, B and Hepatitis C. | ||
| Hepatitis A | caused by the Hepatitis A virus and transmitted via the oral/fecal route through contaminated food, water or stools. Symptoms include jaundice, myalgia, anorexia, fever, dark urine and clay colored stools | ||
| Hepatitis B | a viral liver disease which may be transmitted sexually or via sharing of contaminated needles | ||
| Hepatitis C | caused by the Hepatitis C virus and transmitted via blood and body fluids through organ transplant, transfusions, or sexual contact. Symptoms are similar to Hepatitis A and include cirrhosis. Those at risk are persons working in healthcare, injecting illegal drugs, or sharing articles of personal hygiene with an infected individual | ||
| Herniated Intervertebral Disk | A rupture of the tissue separating the vertebral bones of the spinal column and resulting in lumbar pain. This disorder is caused by spinal trauma, improper lifting, poor posture, aging or progressive disk deterioration. | ||
| Herpes Simplex | infection of the skin and nervous system producing small blisters on the skin and mucous membranes. Also known as Cold Sore. | ||
| Herpes Zoster | lesions on the skin surface in a band-like pattern along peripheral nerves. Vesicles erupt then crust over after a 7-21 day incubation period. Infection with the herpes varicella zoster virus is the cause. Also known as Shingles. | ||
| Hiatal Hernia | herniation of part of the stomach through the diaphragm which may cause stomach contents to regurgitate into the esophagus. Obesity, old age, trauma or congenital defect may cause hiatal hernia. | ||
| Hives | See Urticaria | ||
| Hodgkin's Disease | See Lymphoma | ||
| Hordeolum | An infection of the sebaceous gland of the eyelid caused by Staphyloccocus infection or blepharitis. Also known as Stye. | ||
| Hydronephrosis | dilated renal pelvis due to obstructed urine flow, leading to fibrotic changes and loss of nephron function. | ||
| Hypercalcemia | See Hyperparathyroidism | ||
| Hypercapnia | See Respiratory Acidosis. | ||
| Hyperopia | Refractive error known as farsightedness | ||
| Hyperparathyroidism | Excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone resulting in abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood. Signs and symptoms include hypercalcemia, cardiac arrhythmia, nephrolithiasis, osteomalacia and muscle atrophy. Also known as Hypercalcemia. | ||
| Hyperpituitarism | Excessive activity of the pituitary gland which leads to excess growth hormone secretion. Signs and symptoms include thickening of cranium and long bones, acromegaly overgrowth of bones of face, hands, feet, soft tissue; large spaces between teeth, large jaw, giantism - overgrowth of all body tissues retarded sexual and mental development; see also Giantism, Acromegaly | ||
| Hyperthyroidism | An overactive thyroid gland characterized by exophthalmos (bulging eyes), hand tremors , increased metabolism, perfuse perspiration, nervous irritability, polydipsia and thyrotoxicosis. Also known as Grave's Disease, Exophthalmic Goiter. | ||
| Hypocalcemia | See Hypoparathyroidism | ||
| Hypocapnia | See Respiratory Alkalosis | ||
| Hypoglycemia | Abnormally low blood sugar. Symptoms include sweating, nervousness, hunger, palpitations and CNS manifestations confusion, vision problems, drunken-like behavior, stupor, coma, and seizures. Etiology (Causes): Drug Induced - insulin overdose in a diabetic patient; failure to eat, too much exercise and elevated blood alcohol in an insulin dependent; Non-drug Induced - fasting, delayed or excess insulin secretion by the pancreas, adenoma of the pancreas, gastrointestinal disorders and various hereditary disorders. | ||
| Hypoparathyroidism | Inadequate secretion of parathyroid hormone resulting in abnormally low levels of calcium in the blood. Symptoms include dental symptoms, dermatologic symptoms, cataracts, arrhythmia, numbness, tingling in fingers, toes, nose and ears and tetany (twitching). Etiology (Causes): Acquired - removal of the parathyroid glands, injury, neoplasm or accidental radiation. Congenital - an autoimmune disease from a genetic disorder or congenital absence of the gland. Dysfunction - increased blood calcium levels causing decreased secretion of parathyroid hormone due to negative feedback with calcium retention by bones. Also known as Hypocalcemia. | ||
| Hypopituitarism | Decreased secretion of one or more pituitary hormones. Symptoms depend on the specific hormone deficiency: Thyrotropin – hypothyroidism; Corticotropic hormone-salt balance, metabolism; Gonadotropin - diminished sexual development, menstruation | ||
| Hypothyroidism | Underactive thyroid gland due to insufficient production of thyroid hormones. See Cretinism and Myxedema. | ||
| Ileus | blockage of the intestine preventing passage of its content to the bowels. See Dynamic Ileus and Paralytic Ileus | ||
| Impacted Cerumen | excess cerumen (ear wax) due to scaling of skin, excess hair in the air canal or abnormally narrow ear canal. Signs include otalgia, tinnitus or deafness. | ||
| Impacted Fracture | Type of fracture in which one end of the bone is pushed into the other. See Fracture. | ||
| Impetigo | a contagious bacterial skin disease forming pustules and yellow crusty sores, mostly on the face and hands. Impetigo is caused by Streptococcal or Staphylococcal infection and spread by contact it the discharge of lesions. Signs and symptoms include macules, vesicles, bullae and pruritus. | ||
| Infectious Mononucleosis | an upper respiratory infection transmitted by direct oral contact. The etiology is the Epstein-Barr virus. | ||
| Infertility | being unable to produce offspring caused by obstructed fallopian tubes, tumors, ectopic pregnancy (Females), blocked urinary tract, varicocele, hormonal imbalance, injury affecting blood or nerve supply, radiation exposure (males), sexually transmitted diseases (both) | ||
| Inflammatory Bowel Disease | chronic inflammation of all or part of the digestive tract. See Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis. | ||
| Influenza | a contagious viral disease of the upper airways and lungs characterized by inflammation of the upper and lower respiratory tract mucous membranes, severe protracted cough and fever, cephalalgia, sore throat, chills and fever. | ||
| Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus | See Type I Diabetes, Diabetes Mellitus | ||
| Iron Deficiency Anemia | anemia characterized by blood loss from hemorrhage, menstrual flow or insufficient dietary iron intake causing pallor, fatigue and weakness. See Anemia. | ||
| Ischemia | inadequate blood supply to an organ or body part | ||
| Kidney Stones | See Renal Calculus | ||
| Kyphosis | Humpback, a spinal deformity | ||
| Legionnaire’s Disease | respiratory disease caused by faulty air-conditioners, named after the epidemic that broke out at the 1976 American Legion conference in Philadelphia. The cause is inhalation of the Legionella pneumophilia bacteria through contaminated aerosolized water droplets. Smoking, physical debilitation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, immunosuppression, and alcoholism are predisposing factors | ||
| Leukemia | a cancer of the blood cells in which bone marrow makes many abnormal white cells. Treatments include bone marrow transplant, antineoplastics and radiation therapy. See Acute Myelocytic Leukemia, Chronic Myelocytic Leukemia, Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. | ||
| Lice | See Pediciulosis | ||
| Lordosis | Sway back, a spinal deformity | ||
| Lou Gehrig's Disease | See Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis | ||
| Lung Cancer | tumor of the lung. Lung tumors metastasize to brain, liver, bone, and skin. Exposure to carcinogenic sin in tobacco smoke and asbestos may be causative factors. | ||
| Lyme Disease | A disease caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi spirochete and transmitted by tick bite; ticks are carried by mice or deer. Signs and symptoms include red, itchy rash with red circle resembling a bullseye on a target, symptoms of arthritis without joint edema and symptoms of influenza - cephalalgia (headache), pyrexia (fever), joint pain malaise (uneasiness) | ||
| Lymphedema | swelling caused by an accumulation of lymph fluid in the tissues. Causes include infection, neoplasm, thrombus, allergic reaction trauma or surgery on affected part, tight clothing mastectomy (patients may experience it in the adjacent arm) | ||
| Lymphoma | a cancer of the lymphatic system. Its exact cause is unknown but it may have an association with viral infections especially the Epstein Barr virus. Signs and symptoms include painless enlargement of lymph nodes, severe itching, night sweats, weight loss, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly and breathlessness. Also known as Hodgkin's Disease. | ||
| Meniere’s Disease | condition resulting from fluid buildup in the inner ear, leading to episodes of hearing loss, tinnitus and vertigo. | ||
| Metastasis | a secondary growth of malignant cells at a site distant from the primary cancerous growth | ||
| Migraine | A severe, disabling, recurring headache which may be due to emotional stress , dietary substances (such as cheese, chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, monosodium glutamate, and artificial flavorings) or drugs. Signs and symptoms include photophobia (intolerance to light), flashing lights before the eyes, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), sweet cravings, polydipsia, nausea, emesis (vomiting), and headache | ||
| Mitral Insufficiency | incomplete closure of the mitral valve resulting in abnormal leakage of blood. Signs and symptoms include dyspnea, exhaustion and heart murmur. | ||
| Motion Sickness | emesis, tinnitus or nausea due to movement of a boat, train, airplane, automobile, elevator, swing, etc. Fluid in the semicircular canals is dislocated because of motion. | ||
| Multiple Sclerosis | A chronic degenerative disease of the central nervous system in which gradual destruction of myelin occurs in patches throughout the brain or spinal cord or both. Signs and symptoms include muscle weakness, paresthesia, speech disturbance, diplopia, vertigo (dizziness), dysphagia and hearing loss. Its cause may be idiopathic (unknown) or it may result from an inherited immune response which causes autoantibodies to attack the myelin sheath | ||
| Muscular Dystrophy | A group of congenital or acquired degenerative disorders of muscle resulting in atrophy and weakness. Signs and symptoms include waddling gait, lordosis, immobility and contracture of muscles. | ||
| Myasthenia Gravis | An autoimmune disease involving faulty transmission of nervous impulses to and from central nervous system. Causes include thymus gland tumor and lack of acetylcholine receptors. The patient experiences diplopia, difficulty chewing, dysphagia, paralysis | ||
| Myocardial Infarction | obstruction of the blood supply to the heart resulting in destruction of heart tissue. Signs and symptoms include crushing, radiating chest pain, nausea, vomiting, and necrosis of heart muscle due to decreased blood supply. Risk factors include hypertension and smoking. Also known as Heart Attack. | ||
| Myopia | Refractive error known as nearsightedness | ||
| Myxedema | Acquired hypothyroidism in which there is mental retardation, growth retardation, expressionless face, thick tongue and inability to stand or walk. See Hypothyroidism. | ||
| Necrosis | cell death | ||
| Neoplasm | abnormal, uncontrolled cell growth which may be benign or malignant | ||
| Nephrolithiasis | formation of kidney stones | ||
| Neurogenic Bladder | a urinary bladder disorder caused by a nervous system lesion and characterized by urinary incontinence, an inability to empty the bladder, oliguria, urinary hesitancy and lack of sensation and contraction. | ||
| Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus | See Type II Diabetes, Diabetes Mellitus | ||
| Nonhodgkin’s Lymphoma | A cancer of the lymphatic system. Infections, environmental, immunologic and genetic factors are possible causes. | ||
| Nystagmus | involuntary movements of the eyeballs left/right, up/down and circular. Causes may be diseases such as brain tumor, drug and alcohol use, abnormal retinal development or heredity. | ||
| Open Fracture | Type of fracture in which there is a wound leading to the break; the skin is not intact. See fracture. | ||
| Orchitis | inflammation of one or both testes caused by injury or disease (epididymitis, mumps, other viruses and bacteria) | ||
| Osteitis Deformans | A disease resulting in excess bone removal and replacement with deformity. Also known as Paget's Disease. | ||
| Osteoarthritis | Chronic degeneration of the cartilage and synovial membrane of the joints due to autoimmune disease or traumatic arthritis. Signs and symptoms include arthralgia, ankylosis, crepitation (a sound heard on movement of bones), deformity decreased range of motion and joint mice (loose bony nodules). Also known as Degenerative Joint Disease. | ||
| Osteomalacia | Abnormal softening of bones which may be due to Vitamin D deficiency or disease. The patient experiences stiffness, backache, shortened spine and spinal fractures. | ||
| Osteomyelitis | An inflammation of the bone and bone marrow caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria which enter the body via trauma or surgery and spread to tissue and bone, disease or the use of prosthetics. Signs and symptoms include tenderness, edema, inflammation, sequestrum (fractured pieces of bone surrounded by purulent abscess), pain and fever. | ||
| Osteoporosis | An abnormal loss of bony tissue resulting in fragile porous bones. It occurs due to an imbalance between a breakdown of old bone and manufacture of new bone in senility, postmenopausal stages due to lack of estrogen. Small boned women of Scandinavian descent are at greatest risk | ||
| Otitis Media | inflammation of the middle ear causing hearing loss. See Serous Otitis Media and Suppurative Otitis Media. | ||
| Otosclerosis | an abnormal growth of bone of the middle ear which can result in hearing loss | ||
| Paget's Disease | See Osteitis Deformans | ||
| Pancreatitis | inflammation of the pancreas which may be due to disease (alcoholism, trauma, infection, hemorrhage, gallstones) or drugs | ||
| Pancytopenia | deficiency of blood components - red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets | ||
| Paralysis Agitans | Degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that results in impaired motor skills, speech and other functions. Signs and symptoms include progressive rigidity of muscles, tremor of resting muscles, "pill-rolling" tremors, slowing of voluntary movements, peculiar posture, masklike facial expression and shuffling gait. Also known as Parkinson's Disease. | ||
| Parkinson's Disease | See Paralysis Agitans | ||
| Partial Epileptic Seizure | Type of epileptic seizure in which the patient experiences twitching, lip smacking, aura, amnesia of the attack, and no loss of consciousness. See also Epilepsy. | ||
| Pediculosis | Signs include nits in the scalp or pubic areas and itching. Lice are transmitted via clothing, bedding, combs or sexual contact. Also known as Lice. | ||
| Pelvic Inflammatory Disease | bacterial infection female reproductive organs including the uterus, Fallopian tubes, and cervix. A characteristic symptom is foul smelling vaginal odor. Causative organisms include Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoea, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas. PID may be sexually transmitted. | ||
| Periodontis | inflammation of the gums and bones around the teeth characterized by halitosis, exposed roots of teeth and sensitivity to temperature extremes in food | ||
| Pernicious Anemia | anemia characterized by weakness, numbness, tingling in extremities, pyrexia (fever), pallor, anorexia due to autoimmune response. See Anemia. | ||
| Petit Mal Seizure | Type of epileptic seizure in which the patient experiences a brief change in consciousness level with blinking or staring. See also Epilepsy, | ||
| Pinkeye | See Conjunctivitis | ||
| Placenta Previa | pregnancy in which the placenta is implanted in the lower part of uterus instead of the upper part, occurring in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. The patient experiences vaginal bleeding and exhibits signs of shock. A C-section may be performed. | ||
| Pleural Effusion | an accumulation of fluid in the intrapleural spaces causing chest pain and dyspnea. | ||
| Pleurisy | inflammation of the membranes surrounding the lungs and lining the pleural cavity. See Wet Pleurisy and Dry Pleurisy. | ||
| Pneumonia | An inflammatory and infectious disease of the lung. See Bacterial Pneumonia and Aspiration Pneumonia. | ||
| Pneumothorax | air or gas in the pleural cavity resulting in a collapsed lung. There is a mediastinal shift on the unaffected side due to increased air pressure on the affected side, decreased blood pressure, diminished breath should sucking air sounds at the wound site and sudden, sharp chest pain. | ||
| Poliomyelitis | Muscle paralysis, wasting and deformity of limbs caused by a viral infection of gray matter of spinal cord and selective destruction of motor neurons | ||
| Preeclampsia | elevated blood pressure during pregnancy without convulsions.. Hypertension is a sign of pre-eclampsia; convulsions, headache, blurred vision and coma may be signs of eclampsia. | ||
| Premature Rupture of Membranes | bursting of the amniotic sac prior to the onset of labor. Causes include fetal death, disease and incompetent cervix | ||
| Premenstrual Syndrome | a group of physical and emotional symptoms including fatigue, depression, cephalalgia, water weight gain, tenderness of breasts, and food cravings experienced by some women before during and after menstruation | ||
| Presbyopia | Refractive error in which there are changes in accommodation with age | ||
| Pressure ulcer | See Decubitus Ulcer | ||
| Prostatitis | inflammation of the prostate caused by bacterial infection (Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Gonococcus, Pseudomonas cut, Escherichia coli) | ||
| Pulmonary Edema | abnormal build-up of fluid in the lungs causing breathing difficulty. Rales, rhonchi and wheezing are characteristic signs. Causes include left ventricular heart failure, hypertension, arrhythmia and renal failure. | ||
| Pulmonary Embolus | A blood clot that travels through the veins and through the heart, eventually blocking one or more pulmonary arteries. Signs include respirations of at last 20 breaths per minute, rales, pleural rub, dyspnea, cough, fever and hemoptysis. Causes may include thrombi, venous injury or stasis of blood flow due to immobility, obesity, pregnancy or burn victim. | ||
| Pulmonary Tuberculosis | An infectious disease of the lungs caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis which is transmitted through inhalation of infected droplets or through infected urine where toilet facilities are shared. Diagnosis may be made through tuberculosis test, sputum analysis or acid fast stain. | ||
| Pyelonephritis | inflammation of the renal pelvis and cortex caused by urinary tract obstruction due to renal calculi, tumors, benign prostatic hypertrophy, infection (Staphylococcal, Streptococcal, Escherichia coli) or improper toilet habits (wiping back to front rather than front to back) | ||
| Refractive Errors | occurs when light entering the eye is not precisely focused on the retina, causing blurred vision. See Myopia, Hyperopia, Astigmatism, Presbyopia. | ||
| Renal Calculus | Symptoms include flank pain, pyrexia, nausea, vomiting, chills, hematuria. Risk factors include prolonged dehydration, immobilization, infection long term medications or disease such as gout or hyperparathyroidism. Also known as Kidney Stones. | ||
| Respiratory Acidosis | acidosis resulting from reduced gas exchange in the lungs. Signs include increased arterial PC02 and decreased pH, hypopnea, and tachycardia. Causes include foreign objects, drugs and respiratory diseases. Also known as Hypercapnia. | ||
| Respiratory Alkalosis | acidosis resulting from increased gas exchange in the lungs. Signs include decreased PC02 and increased pH, muscle spasms, vertigo, convulsions and syncope. Causes include hyperventilation, central nervous system disease and poisoning. Also known as Hypocapnia. | ||
| Rheumatic Heart Disease | heart damage caused by rheumatic fever caused by Streptococcal sore throat and characterized by Aschoff’s nodules. | ||
| Rheumatoid Arthritis | An autoimmune disease that attacks the joints. Signs and symptoms include atrophy of muscles, bones, and skin, subcutaneous nodules and morning joint stiffness. | ||
| Scoliosis | Sideward curvature, a spinal deformity | ||
| Serous Otitis Media | caused by upper respiratory tract infection, ear trauma, allergy and enlarged adenoids. See Otitis Media. | ||
| Shingles | See Herpes Zoster | ||
| Sickle Cell Anemia | Presence of hemoglobin S along with hemoglobin A in the erythrocytes of blacks gives them a sickle or elongated shape which obstructs capillary flow and causes hypoxia; etiology includes heredity, predominately among blacks. See Anemia. | ||
| Sinusitis | inflammation of the paranasal sinuses due to disease (tooth infection, allergy, upper respiratory tract infection, pneumonia, measles) or swimming and diving | ||
| Spastic Cerebral Palsy | Type of cerebral palsy in which the patient exhibits exaggerated reflexes and spasms. See also Cerebral Palsy. | ||
| Spinal Deformity | A condition where the spine grows into an abnormal shape. See Lordosis, Kyphosis and Scoliosis | ||
| Spontaneous Abortion | miscarriage. Abortion indicates the fetus is <20 weeks gestation and weighs <500 grams. Causes may include genetic abnormality, infection, drug ingestion or blood group incompatibility. | ||
| Sprain | Stretching or tearing of ligaments due to trauma or overuse | ||
| Status Epilepticus | Type of epileptic seizure in which one seizure follows another with no recovery of consciousness between seizures. The patient may experience cerebral anoxia, vascular collapse or death. See also Epilepsy. | ||
| Stroke Syndrome | See Cerebrovascular Accident. | ||
| Stye | See Hordeolum | ||
| Suppurative Otitis Media | caused include upper respiratory infection; patient experiences ear discharge. See Otitis Media. | ||
| Syphilis | Sexually transmitted disease which alternates between active and inactive (latent); caused by Treponema pallidum. : Stage I: primary chancre, a highly contagious lesion on the male or female genitalia. Stage II: systemic manifestation. Stage III: lesions have invaded body systems and organs causing disabling or life-threatening damage. | ||
| Systemic Lupus Erythematosus | An autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation of connective tissue. A classic symptom is the butterfly rash on the face and nose. The patient may also experience pleuritis, weight loss, joint deformity and photosensitivity. The cause is idiopathic (unknown). Contributing factors include exposure to sun or UV light, genetic predisposition, viral infection, hormones | ||
| Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome | a misalignment of the joint connecting the upper and lower jaw bones characterized by limited jaw movement, pain while chewing and clicking sounds heard during chewing | ||
| Tendonitis | Inflammation of tendons due to hypermotility (overuse) | ||
| Thrombophlebitis | inflammation of a vein in relation to a clot or thrombosis. Causes include trauma, burn or disease Infection, inflammation, venous stasis) | ||
| Thyrotoxicosis | condition caused by excessive quantities of thyroid hormone | ||
| Tinea Capitis | A form of dermatophytosis in which there is a scaly itchy scalp; ringworm of the scalp | ||
| Tinea Corporis | A form of dermatophytosis in which there is ringworm of the skin | ||
| Tinea Cruris | A form of dermatophytosis known as jock itch | ||
| Tinea Pedis | A form of dermatophytosis known as athlete's foot | ||
| Tinea Unguium | A form of dermatophytosis in which there is an infection and brittleness of the toenails | ||
| Tonic Clonic Seizure | See Grand Mall Seizure | ||
| Tonsillitis | inflammation of the tonsils due to Streptococcal infection characterized by fever, sore throat, swollen tonsils and dysphagia. | ||
| Toxic Shock Syndrome | a disease of menstruating females who use tampons especially those that are super absorbent. Staphylococcal toxin production in the presence of synthetic fibers found superabsorbent tampons is the cause of this disorder | ||
| Transient Ischemic Attack | Brief episodes of insufficient blood supply to portions of the brain. "Little strokes" may signal an impending cerebrovascular accident. TIAs occur when plaque formed by atherosclerosis breaks away from the wall of the artery or heart valve and travels to form emboli from arterial ulcer, arterial vascular spasms and minute blood clots. The patient experiences loss of motor functioning visual disturbances, slurred speech, difficulty thinking, dysphagia and dysphasia | ||
| Type I Diabetes | Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus. Formerly called Juvenile Onset Diabetes. See Diabetes Mellitus. | ||
| Type II Diabetes | Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus. Formerly called Maturity Onset Diabetes. See Diabetes Mellitus. | ||
| Ulcerative Colitis | inflammation of the colon characterized by ulcerations. See Inflammatory Bowel Disease. | ||
| Upper Respiratory Infection | the common cold which is caused by one of over 200 viruses and is characterized by sneezing, watering eyes, nasal congestion and discharge, sore throat, and coughing. | ||
| Urinary Tract Infection | an infection in the urethra, ureters and/or bladder. Signs and symptoms include dysuria, nocturia, frequency ,urgency and strong smelling, dark urine. Causes include diseases which interfere with the free flow of urine and the presence of an indwelling catheter | ||
| Urticaria | an acute hypersensitivity and release of histamine caused by food allergy, insect bites, drugs, animal waste or temperature extremes. Also known as Hives. | ||
| Verruca | small, hard, white-pink lump with cauliflower like appearance and small clotted blood vessels inside which resemble splinters. The etiology is papilloma viruses transmitted via contact with skin shed from a wart. Also known as Wart. | ||
| Wart | See Verruca | ||
| Wet Pleurisy | pleural fluid causes compression of pulmonary tissue and causes dyspnea. See Pleurisy. | ||
| Wilm’s Tumor | a malignant tumor of kidney usually affecting children under 5. Hematuria, vomiting, pain and hypertension are signs. |