Diseases

Diseases by Body System

Diseases of the Integumentary System

Cellulitis

• Definition: Inflammation of skin due to infection of connective tissue.

• Diagnoses: Physical exam, wound culture, blood test.

• Treatment: Rest, antibiotics, cutting away dead tissue.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Skin is swollen

  • Red

  • Hot to the touch

Dermatitis

• Definition: Allergic reaction leading to inflammation of skin.

• Diagnoses: Physical examination.

• Treatment: Moisturize, steroid cream.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Red, itchy rash

  • Blisters

  • Scales

Eczema

• Definition: Caused by hereditary/environmental factors leading to skin inflammation.

• Diagnoses: Physical examination.

• Treatment: Moisturize, steroid cream, antihistamines.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Red, itchy skin

  • Vesicular lesions

Skin Cancer: Basal Cell Carcinoma

• Definition: Damage to basal cells by UVB from sun/tanning beds.

• Diagnoses: Physical examination, biopsy.

• Treatment: Surgical excision, liquid nitrogen freezing, curettage.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Waxy/bumpy sore that doesn’t heal

  • Continues to grow

Skin Cancer: Melanoma

• Definition: Caused by excessive exposure to UVB waves.

• Diagnoses: Physical examination, biopsy.

• Treatment: Surgery, radiation.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Skin mole that presents as:

    • Asymmetrical

    • Rough/irregular border

    • Non-uniform color

    • Diameter more than ¼ inch

Diseases of the Skeletal System

Sprain

• Definition: Ligament/tendon damage due to joint being pushed out of alignment.

• Diagnoses: Physical exam, imaging.

• Treatment: RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation).

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Painful swelling

  • Bruising

  • Decreased mobility

Osteoporosis

• Definition: Bone loss and weakness.

• Diagnoses: DEXA scan (measures bone density).

• Treatment: Medication to slow bone loss.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Typically no symptoms

  • Can lead to increased fx risk

Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Definition: Autoimmune disorder affecting connective tissues, particularly joints.

• Diagnoses: Physical exam, imaging, blood tests.

• Treatment: Physical therapy, exercise, steroid injections, joint replacement.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Pain and decreased mobility

  • Usually affecting smaller joints, progressing to larger ones

Gout

• Definition: Excessive uric acid in joints forming crystals.

• Diagnoses: Aspiration of the joint.

• Treatment: Anti-inflammatory medication, diet.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Red swollen joint (most often big toe)

Diseases of the Muscular System

Muscular Dystrophy

• Definition: Genetic mutation affecting muscle fiber gene.

• Diagnoses: Patient history, physical exam, muscle enzyme test, electromyography, muscle biopsy, genetic testing.

• Treatment: Physical therapy, ambulatory devices, medication to relieve symptoms.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Chronic and progressive muscle weakness

  • Eventual paralysis

Myopathy

• Definition: Disease that affects the muscles.

• Diagnoses: Focus on underlying cause.

• Treatment: Based on underlying cause.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Muscle weakness

  • Cramps

  • Stiffness

  • Spasm

  • Tetany

Myalgia

• Definition: Muscle pain.

• Diagnoses: Focus on underlying cause.

• Treatment: Based on underlying cause.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Muscle pain

Repetitive Stress Disorder (RSD)

• Definition: Disease that affects the muscles.

• Diagnoses: Physical exam, patient history, imaging.

• Treatment: Early: anti-inflammatory medication, rest, splint, massage. Severe: Surgery.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Pain

  • Tingling

  • Numbness

  • Redness

  • Loss of flexibility

  • Weakness

Diseases of the Cardiovascular System

Anemia

• Definition: Blood loss (most common), dysfunction of hemoglobin creation, excessive destruction of hemoglobin.

• Diagnoses: Blood test.

• Treatment: Dependent on cause.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Fatigue

  • Dizziness

  • Cold extremities

  • Headache

  • Irregular heartbeat

Atherosclerosis

• Definition: Hardening of the arteries and narrowing of the blood vessels.

• Diagnoses: Physical examination, history, blood test, ultrasound, EKG, stress test, angiogram, MRI/CT.

• Treatment: Diet, exercise, medications, angioplasty, stent, endarterectomy, bypass.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Chest pain

  • Transient ischemic attacks (TIA)

  • Peripheral artery disease

  • Kidney dysfunction

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

• Definition: Decreased ability of the heart to pump.

• Diagnoses: History, physical examination, blood test, EKG, echocardiogram, chest x-ray.

• Treatment: Depends on type and severity.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Fatigue

  • Peripheral edema

  • Shortness of breath (SOB)

Hemophilia

• Definition: Absence of clotting factors.

• Diagnoses: Family history, physical exam, blood test.

• Treatment: Replacement therapy.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Excessive bleeding

  • Frequent bruising

Myocardial Infarction (MI)

• Definition: Cardiac muscle becomes ischemic and dies.

• Diagnoses: EKG, blood tests.

• Treatment: Fibrinolytic agent, diagnostic angiogram, stent, bypass.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Acute chest pain

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Heartburn

  • Sweating

Diseases of the Urinary System

Acute Renal Failure

• Definition: Sudden change in kidney function leading to increased blood toxicity.

• Diagnoses: Change in urinary output, blood test, urinalysis, imaging.

• Treatment: Correct underlying cause.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Decreased urinary output

  • Fluid retention

  • Fatigue

  • SOB

  • Confusion

  • Nausea

Chronic Renal Failure

• Definition: Progressive disease in which kidneys cannot adequately filter.

• Diagnoses: Blood test.

• Treatment: Correct underlying cause, hemodialysis if severe.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Early: no symptoms

  • Late: hypertension, feeling ill, fatigue

Renal Calculi (Kidney Stones)

• Definition: Hard crystalline deposits in the urine.

• Diagnoses: Blood test, urine test, imaging.

• Treatment: Correct underlying cause.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Back pain radiating across flank

  • Painful urination

  • Dark, foul-smelling urine

  • Nausea

  • Frequent urination

  • Fever

  • Chills

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

• Definition: Infection of the urinary system.

• Diagnoses: Urinalysis, urine cultures, imaging.

• Treatment: Kegel exercise, surgery (bladder sling).

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Persistent urge to urinate

  • Burning urination

  • Strong-smelling, cloudy urine

  • Pelvic or flank pain

Diseases of the GI System

Appendicitis

• Definition: Inflammation of the appendix.

• Diagnoses: Patient history, urine test, imaging.

• Treatment: Appendectomy.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • LRQ abdominal pain

  • Loss of appetite

  • Nausea

  • N&V

  • Abdominal swelling

  • Fever

  • Rebound tenderness

Celiac Disease

• Definition: Immune response triggered by gluten, damaging the small intestines.

• Diagnoses: Physical exam, medical history, blood test, antibody test, endoscopy with biopsy.

• Treatment: Avoid all forms of gluten.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Anemia

  • Diarrhea

  • Gas

  • Bloating

  • Weight loss

  • Fatigue

Colorectal Cancer

• Definition: Immune response triggered by gluten, damaging the small intestines.

• Diagnoses: Physical exam, medical history, blood test, antibody test, endoscopy with biopsy.

• Treatment: Avoid all forms of gluten.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Early stage: no symptoms

  • Late stage: nonspecific, fatigue, irregular bowels, blood in feces, cramps, bloating, weight loss.

Diverticulosis

• Definition: Pouchlike herniations in the walls of the colon.

• Diagnoses: Colonoscopy.

• Treatment: Avoid all forms of gluten.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Asymptomatic unless inflamed

  • Diverticulitis: LLQ pain, fever, chills, N&V.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

• Definition: Lower esophageal sphincter muscle dysfunction leading to leakage.

• Diagnoses: Upper endoscopy to measure acid in esophagus.

• Treatment: Lifestyle/diet changes, surgery if severe.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Heartburn

  • Nausea after eating

  • Difficulty swallowing

Diseases of the Respiratory System

Acute Respiratory Distress (ARDS)

• Definition: Fluid buildup in alveoli.

• Diagnoses: Arterial blood gas analysis (ABG), chest x-ray.

• Treatment: Oxygen therapy, ventilation, antibiotics.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Shortness of breath (SOB)

  • Hypotension

  • Tachypnea

Asthma

• Definition: Airway inflammation reducing airflow.

• Diagnoses: Pulmonary function test.

• Treatment: Medication.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Wheezing

  • SOB

  • Chest tightness

  • Coughing

Bronchitis

• Definition: Acute: viral illness; chronic: smoking.

• Diagnoses: Physical exam, auscultation, chest x-ray, pulmonary function test.

• Treatment: Acute resolves on its own; chronic requires respiratory therapy.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • SOB

  • Fever

  • Chills

  • Fatigue

  • Coughing

  • Production of mucus

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD)

• Definition: Disease that blocks airflow into lungs, usually from a combination of bronchitis/emphysema.

• Diagnoses: Patient history, pulmonary function test, chest x-ray, CT scan.

• Treatment: Smoking cessation, medication, oxygen therapy.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Chest tightness

  • Productive cough

  • Wheezing

  • SOB with activity

Rhinitis

• Definition: Irritation and inflammation of nasal mucous membranes.

• Diagnoses: Physical examination.

• Treatment: Antihistamines, corticosteroids.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Sneezing

  • Coughing

  • Runny nose

  • Watery eyes

  • Pressure in ears

Diseases of the Nervous System

Alzheimer’s Disease

• Definition: Most common form of dementia caused by destruction of brain cells.

• Diagnoses: No definitive testing; medical history, physical exam, cognitive testing, brain scan, lab tests.

• Treatment: Manage symptoms, keep patient safe and comfortable.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Memory loss

  • Impaired judgment

  • Inability to perform activities of daily living (ADL)

  • Inability to reason

  • Paranoia

  • Agitation

Cerebral Concussion

• Definition: Caused by traumatic brain injury (TBI).

• Diagnoses: Physical exam, neurological exam.

• Treatment: Observation and rest for 7-10 days.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Distorted vision

  • Headache

  • Dizziness

  • Nausea & vomiting

  • Sensitivity to light and/or noise

  • Inability to concentrate

Sciatica

• Definition: Compression of the sciatic nerve.

• Diagnoses: Testing muscular strength and reflex imaging.

• Treatment: Muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, corticosteroids.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Pain radiating from lumbar spine to buttocks and down back of leg

Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA; Stroke)

• Definition: Decreased blood supply to the brain; ischemic: blockage of vessel; hemorrhagic: rupture of vessel.

• Diagnoses: Neurological exam, CT, MRI, ultrasound, arteriography.

• Treatment: Immediate: restore blood flow; long-term: rehabilitation.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Dependent on area of brain affected

  • FAST:

    • Facial droop

    • Arm drift

    • Speech abnormality

    • Time

Shingles

• Definition: Varicella zoster virus (chickenpox) reappears as shingles.

• Diagnoses: Patient history, pattern of rash.

• Treatment: Antiviral medication, pain relief.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Painful blisters following affected nerve.

Diseases of the Endocrine System

Cushing’s Syndrome

• Definition: Most common cause is overuse of oral corticosteroid medication; also caused by hypersecretion of adrenal gland.

• Diagnoses: Hypertension, loss of muscle mass, glucose intolerance, weight gain.

• Treatment: Medications to lower glucocorticoid level.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Excessive fat deposits in the subscapular area and face

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (DM)

• Definition: Lack of insulin production; also considered a lymphatic/immune system disorder.

• Diagnoses: Blood test.

• Treatment: Monitor blood sugar, insulin, diet, weight management.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Polyuria

  • Polydipsia

  • Polyphagia

  • Blurred vision

  • Fatigue

  • Poor wound healing

  • Numbness in hands/feet

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM)

• Definition: Chronic insulin resistance, typically begins in adulthood/adolescence.

• Diagnoses: Blood test.

• Treatment: Monitor blood sugar, weight management, medications to lower blood sugar (Metformin), insulin if uncontrolled or progresses.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Polyuria

  • Polydipsia

  • Polyphagia

  • Blurred vision

  • Fatigue

  • Poor wound healing

  • Numbness in hands/feet

Hyperthyroidism

• Definition: Overproduction of thyroid hormone.

• Diagnoses: Blood test, physical exam, radioactive iodine uptake test, thyroid scan.

• Treatment: Antithyroid medication, oral radioactive iodine.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Sudden weight loss

  • Tachycardia

  • Increased appetite

  • Anxiety

  • Tremors

  • Sweating

  • Frequent bowel movements

  • Enlarged thyroid gland

Hypothyroidism

• Definition: Underproduction of thyroid hormone.

• Diagnoses: Blood test to measure thyroid-stimulating hormone and thyroxine.

• Treatment: Synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Increased tiredness

  • Dry skin

  • Constipation

  • Weight gain

Grave’s Disease

• Definition: Thyroid regulation disrupted by malfunctioning immune system leading to hypothyroidism.

• Diagnoses: Blood test to measure TSH and thyroxine.

• Treatment: Synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Enlarged thyroid gland

  • Tachycardia

  • Muscle weakness

  • Disturbed sleep

  • Tremors

  • Weight loss

  • Anxiety

  • Irritability

  • Bulging of eyes

Diseases of the Reproductive System

Candidiasis (Yeast Infection)

• Definition: Overgrowth of Candida albicans.

• Diagnoses: Testing of vaginal discharge.

• Treatment: OTC or prescription medications.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Vaginal itching

  • Burning urination

  • White vaginal discharge

Ectopic Pregnancy

• Definition: Zygote implantation outside of the uterus.

• Diagnoses: Physical exam, blood test, ultrasound.

• Treatment: Termination of pregnancy.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Abdominal/pelvic pain

  • Light bleeding

  • Severe pain/bleeding (emergent)

Endometriosis

• Definition: Endometrial tissue grows outside the uterine lining.

• Diagnoses: Pelvic exam, ultrasound, laparoscopy.

• Treatment: Termination of pregnancy.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Pelvic pain with menstruation

  • Pain with intercourse

  • Pain with bowel movements/urination

  • Infertility

Genital Herpes

• Definition: Herpes simplex virus spreads through sexual contact.

• Diagnoses: Visual exam of sores, testing sample of sores.

• Treatment: Incurable; medications to prevent/shorten outbreaks.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Pain

  • Itching

  • Sores

  • Flu-like symptoms

Inguinal Hernia

• Definition: Portion of intestines protrudes through abdominal wall.

• Diagnoses: Physical exam.

• Treatment: No symptoms; no treatment; symptoms present: surgery.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Bulging in the groin area with aching sensation

  • Pain when lifting, coughing, or movement

  • Weakness/pressure in groin

Cryptorchidism

• Definition: Structural abnormalities or mechanical problem.

• Diagnoses: Physical exam.

• Treatment: Surgery after 6 months old.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Undescended testicle

Testicular Torsion

• Definition: Some patients born with no tissue holding testes to the scrotum.

• Diagnoses: Physical exam.

• Treatment: Untwist spermatic cord, surgery.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Testes twist around the spermatic cord

  • Pain

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

• Definition: Unknown cause, possibly linked to hormonal changes.

• Diagnoses: Digital rectal exam, urine test, prostate-specific antigen test.

• Treatment: Transurethral resection of the prostate.

• Signs & Symptoms:

  • Common later in life

  • Enlarged prostate

  • Uncomfortable urinary symptoms

  • UTI

  • Kidney issues