Common Diseases and Disorders of Body Systems
The Integumentary System
- Includes skin, nails, hair, sensory organs, sebaceous and sudoriferous glands.
- Functions: Protection, temperature regulation, sensation, and waste disposal.
Common Diseases and Disorders:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma:
- Most common skin cancer, unlikely to metastasize.
- Causes: Overexposure to the sun.
- Signs/Symptoms: Pearly bump, red spot, fleshy bump, scarlike patch, itchy bump.
- Treatment: Surgical removal and radiation.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma:
- Affects middle layer of skin, high cure rate if treated early.
- Causes: Overexposure to the sun, genetics, chemical pollution, radiation, arsenic.
- Signs/Symptoms: New growth that ulcerates, skin lesion, reddened nodule, scaly patches.
- Treatment: Surgical removal and radiation.
- Malignant Melanoma:
- Most dangerous skin cancer, metastasizes.
- Causes: Melanocytes not responding to normal cellular growth control.
- Signs/Symptoms: Asymmetry, irregular border, color variation, diameter increase, elevation; bleeding, sensory changes.
- Requires early diagnosis.
- Acne Vulgaris:
- Caused by clogged pores (oil and dead skin cells).
- Signs/Symptoms: Red and swollen blemishes, pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, cystic lesions.
- Common in teens, can lead to scarring.
- Alopecia:
- Baldness or hair loss.
- Causes: Hereditary (androgenic alopecia), alopecia areata (patches).
- Signs/Symptoms: Receding hairline, thinning hair, bald patches.
- Treatment: Drugs available but may not work for everyone.
- Cellulitis:
- Bacterial infection below the skin.
- Causes: Infection of cut, abrasion, or ulcer; trauma, bacteremic spread.
- Signs/Symptoms: Erythema, warmth, swelling, pain, fever, chills, enlarged lymph nodes.
- Treatment: Antibiotics.
- Contact Dermatitis:
- Allergic skin reaction.
- Causes: Poison ivy, nickel, lotions, detergents, chemicals.
- Signs/Symptoms: Red, irritated skin; vesicles, rash, itching, pain, urticaria.
- Treatment: Antihistamines, topical corticosteroids; systemic corticosteroids for severe cases.
- Decubitus Ulcer:
- Pressure sore or bed sore due to constant pressure.
- Causes: Decreased blood supply from prolonged pressure.
- Signs/Symptoms: Skin tissue breakdown, graded by stages I-IV.
- Treatment: Relieving pressure, debridement, wound protection.
- Eczema:
- Atopic dermatitis from allergic reaction.
- Causes: Heredity, allergy.
- Signs/Symptoms: Scaling, itching, rash.
- Treatment: Mild soaps, anti-itch lotions, topical corticosteroids; systemic corticosteroids and topical immunomodulators (TIMs) for severe episodes.
- Furuncles:
- Boil or abscess of hair follicle.
- Causes: Staphylococcus aureus infection.
- Signs/Symptoms: Red to purple, pain, pus-filled center.
- Treatment: Incision and drainage, antibiotics. Avoid squeezing.
- Folliculitis:
- Infection or inflammation of hair follicles.
- Causes: Blocked pores.
- Signs/Symptoms: Reddened rash, pus-filled lesions around hair follicles, pimples that crust over, itching.
- Treatment: Avoid irritation, clean with soap and water, antibiotic ointment.
- Herpes Simplex:
- Two strains: HSV-1 (face, lips, mouth), HSV-2 (genital, STD).
- Causes: Viral infection.
- Signs/Symptoms: Mouth sores, genital sores, blisters, ulcers, fever, lymph node enlargement.
- Treatment: Antiviral medications.
- Herpes Zoster:
- Shingles caused by varicella zoster virus (chickenpox).
- Signs/Symptoms: Pain, burning, rash with fluid-filled blisters, numbness.
- Treatment: Oral antiviral medications, corticosteroids, analgesics.
- Impetigo:
- Bacterial skin infection.
- Signs/Symptoms: Oozing spots, blisters that crust over.
- Treatment: Cleansing, antibiotic ointment; oral antibiotics for severe cases.
- Psoriasis:
- Build-up of dead skin cells.
- Signs/Symptoms: Redness, itching, thick dry scales.
- Treatment: Topical medications, dandruff shampoos, cortisone, corticosteroids; severe cases require analgesics, sedation, intravenous fluids, retinoids, antibiotics.
- Rosacea:
- Unknown cause, affects face.
- Signs/Symptoms: Redness on face, visible blood vessels, bumps, watery eyes.
- Treatment: Therapies and medications to reduce symptoms.
- Scabies:
- Infection by human itch mite.
- Signs/Symptoms: Zigzag blister marking, intense itching, red rash.
- Treatment: Sulfur based lotion or cream, corticosteroids, antihistamines.
- Urticaria:
- Hives from hypersensitivity.
- Causes: Medications, environmental substances.
- Signs/Symptoms: Pink, itchy, swollen patches; burning or stinging sensations, severe itching.
- Treatment: Removing cause, antihistamine, epinephrine.
- Warts:
- Caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).
- Signs/Symptoms: Grainy, fleshy, red, pink, or white lesions.
- Treatment: Salicylic acid, cryotherapy, medications, surgery.
The Musculoskeletal System
- Includes bones and muscles.
- Functions: Shape and support, protection, mineral storage, hemopoiesis, heat production, posture, balance, movement.
Common Diseases and Disorders:
- Scoliosis:
- Abnormal spinal curvature.
- Causes: Birth abnormalities, improper posture, uneven weight bearing.
- Signs/Symptoms: C or S shaped spine.
- Treatment: Orthopedic braces, surgery.
- Lordosis:
- Swayback, exaggerated lumbar curvature.
- Causes: Birth abnormalities, improper posture, uneven weight bearing.
- Signs/Symptoms: Protruding abdomen or buttocks.
- Kyphosis:
- Humpback, exaggerated thoracic curvature.
- Causes: Congenital defect, disease, compression fracture, faulty posture, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, rickets, osteoporosis.
- Signs/Symptoms: Fatigue, back pain, tender spine, shortness of breath.
- Osteoarthritis:
- Inflammation of a joint, most common type of arthritis.
- Causes: Joint injury, autoimmune disorders, wear and tear, age.
- Signs/Symptoms: Joint pain, swelling, morning stiffness, warmth, redness, decreased mobility, fluid in joints.
- Treatment: Modification of activities, low-impact exercise, NSAIDs, heat and cold, joint protection, surgery.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis:
- Autoimmune disorder causing joint deformity.
- Signs/Symptoms: Joint deformity, cartilage and bone growth, inflammation, swelling, morning stiffness, fatigue, loss of appetite.
- Treatment: Pain relief, rest, balanced diet, corticosteroids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, surgery.
- Bursitis:
- Inflammation of bursa in joint.
- Causes: Overuse, trauma.
- Signs/Symptoms: Joint pain, limited mobility, swelling, tenderness.
- Treatment: Rest, pain medication, steroid injections, aspiration of fluid, antibiotics.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
- Inflammation of carpal tunnel at wrist.
- Causes: Overuse, poor body mechanics.
- Signs/Symptoms: Pain, numbness, hand weakness.
- Treatment: Wrist splints, hot and cold compresses, proper ergonomics, NSAIDs, surgery.
- Fractures:
- Osteoporosis:
- Gout:
- Osteomalacia:
- Rickets:
- Fibromyalgia:
- Ganglion Cyst:
- Lyme Disease:
- Muscular Dystrophy:
- Myasthenia Gravis:
- Shin Splints:
- Strain:
- Sprain:
- Tendonitis:
- Tetanus:
The Cardiovascular System
- Functions: Shape and support, protection, mineral storage, hemopoiesis, heat production, posture, balance, movement.
Common Diseases and Disorders:
- Anemia:
- Aneurysm:
- Arrhythmia:
- Arteriosclerosis:
- Atherosclerosis:
- Cardiac Tamponade:
- Cardiogenic Shock:
- Cardiomyopathy:
- Carditis:
- Cerebrovascular Accident:
- Congestive Heart Failure:
- Cor Pulmonale:
- Coronary Artery Disease:
- Myocardial Infarction:
- Hemophilia:
- Hypertension:
- Hypotension:
- Leukemia:
- Thrombophlebitis:
- Transfusion Incompatibility Reaction:
- Valvular Heart Disease:
- Varicose Veins:
The Immune System
Common Diseases and Disorders:
- Allergies:
- Cancer:
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
The Respiratory System
Common Diseases and Disorders:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
The Digestive System
Common Diseases and Disorders:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
The Urinary System
Common Diseases and Disorders:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
The Reproductive System
Common Diseases and Disorders:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
The Nervous System
Common Diseases and Disorders:
- Alzheimer’s Disease:
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis:
- Bell’s Palsy:
- Disk Disorders:
- Encephalitis:
- Epilepsy and Seizures:
- Huntington’s Chorea:
- Hydrocephalus:
- Meningitis:
- Multiple Sclerosis:
- Neuralgia:
- Parkinson’s Disease:
- Sciatica:
- Spina Bifida:
- Stroke:
- Transient Ischemic Attack:
- Concussion:
The Endocrine System
Common Diseases and Disorders:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
- asdf:
The Eye
Common Diseases and Disorders:
- Blepharitis:
- Conjunctivitis:
- Hordeolums:
- Cataracts:
- Retinal Disorders:
- Macular Degeneration:
- Nyctalopia:
- Amblyopia:
- Corneal Abrasion:
- Diplopia:
- Glaucoma:
- Nystagmus(Nystaxis):
- Retinopathy:
- Photophobia:
The Ear
Common Diseases and Disorders:
- Ruptured Tympanic Membrane:
- Impacted Cerumen:
- Otitis Media:
- Otosclerosis:
- Tinnitus:
- Meniere’s Disease:
- Presbycusis:
