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Diseases
Common diseases of the human body
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| cellulitis | bacterial skin infection within the deep tissues. Characterized by redness, swelling, and hot to the touch. Antibiotic treatment is needed. |
| dermatitis | allergic reaction to an allergen. |
| eczema | skin irritation (likely hereditary) that results in red, itchy skin. |
| basal cell carcinoma | damage to basal cells by UV light. Described as a waxy bump. Usually removed by excision. |
| melanoma | due to exposure to UV light. Characterized by asymmetry, irregular border, varying colors, diameter, and evolution or elevation. Can become malignant. Treated with surgery and radiation. |
| sprain | overstretching of the ligaments holding the joint in place. Treated using RICE therapy (rest, ice, compression, and elevation). |
| osteoporosis | bone loss which can lead to spontaneous fractures. Bone density scans can monitor severity. Medication are used to slow the process but not reverse it. |
| osteoarthritis (OA) | degeneration of articular cartilage due to wear and tear or overuse. Medications can reduce pain and swelling, but joint replacement may be necessary. |
| rheumatoid arthritis (RA) | autoimmune disease leading to the breakdown of connective tissue within the joints. Medication is used to slow the progression but cannot reverse the damage. |
| gout | excessive accumulation of uric acid (crystal-like substance) in the joints. Leads to red, hot, swollen joints most commonly in the big toe. |
| muscular dystrophy | genetic disorder that involves the genes that protect the muscle fibers. Usually leads to progressive muscle weakness and eventual paralysis of the muscles over time. This is chronic and progressive. |
| repetitive stress disorder (RSD) | caused by repetitive tasks, forceful exertions, vibrations, or uncomfortable positions |
| shin splint | repeated stress of the tibia and connective tissues. RICE is the common therapy. |
| anemia | either a decrease in RBCs, hemoglobin, or another critical component in the formation of cells. Most common cause in blood loss. Diagnosis through blood test. S/S include tiredness and dizziness. Treatment depends on the cause. |
| atherosclerosis | hardening of the arteries due to plaque deposits. Commonly due to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and/or diabetes. Diet, exercise, and medications to address the above issues are treatment options. Could lead to CVA or MI. |
| congestive heart failure (CHF) | heart's decreased ability to pump adequately. Causes include coronary artery disease and high blood pressure. S/S can include systemic swelling and/or SOB |
| hemophilia | absence of clotting factors (genetic defect) that leads to excessive bleeding and bruising. |
| hypertension (HTN) | blood pressure higher than 120/80. 130-140/80 is stage 1, 140/90 or greater is stage 2. |
| myocardial infarction (MI) | heart attack. cardiac muscle becomes ischemic and dies due to a blocked coronary artery. EKG and blood test (troponin) help diagnosis. |
| acute renal failure (ARF) | sudden damage to the kidneys that cause them to stop working but reversible when cause is addressed. |
| chronic renal failure (CRF) | chronic and progressive disease where the kidneys are unable to keep up with the demands of the body. When end-stage renal disease is reached, dialysis will be required. |
| renal calculi | kidney stone; crystalline deposit forming in the urine. S/S include flank pain, pain with urination. Lithotripsy may be performed if the stone does not pass on its own. |
| urinary incontinence | loss of bladder control. Treatment includes kegel exercises or drastic measures such as surgery. |
| urinary tract infection (UTI) | infection within the urinary tract. S/S include urgency, burning with urination, and foul smelling urine. Treated with antibiotics. |
| appendicitis | inflammation of the appendix due to blockage. |
| celiac disease | gluten allergy. Allergic response to gluten leading to damage of the small intestine and an inability to absorb nutrients. |
| colorectal cancer | cancer of the colon. Risk factors include high-fat diet and family history. No early symptoms which are why colonoscopies are encouraged. |
| diverticulosis | pouchlike herniations through the muscular wall. Asymptomatic unless inflamed (diverticulitis). |
| gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) | lower esophageal sphincter muscle dysfunction leading to stomach contents leaking back up the esophagus. Treatment includes lifestyle and diet modifications, and or medications. |
| acute respiratory distress (ARDS) | fluid buildup in the alveoli which blocks oxygen from passing into the bloodstream following an acute injury. S/S: SOB and low BP. Oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation may be needed. |
| asthma | airway inflammation that causes the lining of the air passages to swell and tighten leading to reduction of airflow. Wheezing, SOB, and chest tightness are S/S. Inhaled medications can relieve these symptoms. |
| bronchitis | usually caused by a viral infection from a cold or the flu. Most resolves without intervention, but antibiotics may be necessary. |
| chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) | disease in which airflow into and out of the lungs is blocked usually due to a combination of bronchitis and emphysema. Primary cause is smoking. |
| rhinitis | inflammation of the membrane in the nose and excessive mucus production. Antihistamines and steroids can alleviate condition. |
| Alzheimer's disease | most common form of progressive dementia. S/S impaired judgement, inability to perform activities of daily living, inability to reason, paranoia, and agitation. No treatment or cure. |
| cerebral concussion | caused by a traumatic injury to the brain which leads to distorted vision, headache, dizziness, and inability to concentrate. |
| sciatica | occurs from compression of the sciatic nerve which includes pain radiating from the lumbar spine to the buttocks and down the back of the leg. |
| cerebrovascular accident (CVA) | stroke; caused by a decrease in blood supply to the brain or a rupture of a blood vessel in the brain. Acronym FAST: face, arms, smile/speech, time. CT scan is needed to confirm type. |
| shingles | caused by the varicella virus (causes chickenpox). Virus lies dormant in the nerves and reappears later. Blisters and pain in a bandlike pattern following the affected nerve. Antiviral medications are used for treatment. |
| cushing syndrome | most often caused by overuse of corticosteroids, but can be hypersecretion of the adrenal glands. S/S include excessive fat deposits in the subscapular area (buffalo hump) and face (moon face). Medications can regulate levels. |
| type 1 diabetes mellitus | autoimmune disease that develops in childhood that results in a lack of insulin production. Excessive eating, thirst, and urination. Monitoring blood sugar levels and the injection of insulin is lifelong. |
| type 2 diabetes mellitus | chronic condition caused by insulin resistance due to genetics, obesity, and lifestyle choices. Excessive eating, thirst, and urination. Monitor blood sugar. Treatment may include medication or insulin if they become dependent. |
| hyperthyroidism | overproduction of the thyroid hormone. S/S weight loss, increased HR / appetite / temperature |
| hypothyroidism | underproduction of the thyroid hormone. S/S increased tiredness, weight gain, cold. |
| Graves' disease | malfunction in the body's immune system that disrupts normal thyroid regulation resulting in hyperthyroidism. S/S include an enlarged thyroid, hyperthyroid s/s, and bulging eyes. |
| candidiasis | yeast infection; overgrowth of fungal organism Candida albicans, S/S vaginal itching, burning with urination, white vaginal discharge. |
| ectopic pregnancy | implantation of fertilized egg outside the uterus, most commonly in the uterine tubes. Pelvic pain and light bleeding are S/S. |
| endometriosis | occurs when endometrial tissue grows outside the uterine lining. S/S pelvic pain with menstruation. |
| genital herpes | caused be herpes simplex virus spread through sexual contact. S/S sores on genitals. Antivirals can shorten outbreaks, but outbreaks can occur at anytime thereafter. |
| inguinal hernia | portion of the intestines protrudes through a weak point of the abdominal wall. S/S pain with lifting, coughing, or movement. Surgical repair may be necessary. |
| cryptorchidism | undescended testicle |
| testicular torsion | tissues surrounding the testicle are twisted cutting off blood flow to the testicle causing severe pain. |
| benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) | enlargement of the prostate that can lead to difficulty urinating. Can be found during digital rectal examination or through blood test (prostate specific antigen - PSA) |
Created by:
MrsReynolds
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