Intro and general terms

Pathophysiology

study of disease affecting the body

Pathology

using changes in the body to pinpoint cause of disease

Etiologoy

study of the cause of disease

Disease

a deviation from the normal state of health & function

Infection

ex: bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasitic worms

Heredity

ex: muscular dystrophy

Malnutrition

ex: scurvy

Immunity

ex: vaccines

Degeneration

ex: Alzheimer’s

Trauma

ex:

physical- spinal cord injury

psychological- PTSD

Idiopathic cause

unknown

Teratogenic cause

microorganisms/ chemicals that damage fetus

Iatrogenic

doctors make mistake

Nosocomial

infection from hospital/long term care facility

Acute

rapid, short term

Chronic

slow, long term

Clinical Manifestation

signs & symptoms of disease

Sign

measured values; Vitals include:

-pulse

-BP

-Temp

-Resp. rate

Symptoms

feelings of patient

Exacerbation

rapid onset in severity (of signs & symptoms)

Diagnosis

solving problem & finding cause

ex: blood test, urinalysis, x-ray, antibodies

Treatment

therapy to cure/relieve symptoms

Remission

healing stage, less intense

Complications

unfavorable side effects

Sequelae

permanent aftermath effects

Prognosis

educated guess based on previous experiences as to what will occur in combatting this disease

Latent period

no signs/symptoms, but disease is present in the body

Prodromal period

onset of unapparent symptoms

Invasive period

microorganism multiplies & causes symptoms

Convalescent period

signs & symptoms resolve

Epidemiology

study of tracking disease sources/patterns to make treatment plans, & prevent future transmissions

Prevalence

#of existing cases

Incidence

# of new cases

Endemic

spread in specific geographical area

Sporadic

low numbers & no pattern

Epidemic

outbreak, increased disease in population

Pandemic

present throughout the world

Risk/Predisposing factors

increase the probability of disease will occur, but NOT the cause of it

Precipitating factor

makes apparent a pre-existing condition

ex: exertion-chest pain- narrowed arteries