Diseases Dictionary - A - drugpharmamagazine.com

This is the rupture or tearing of the ligaments connecting the collarbone (clavicle) to the acromion bone which is found on top of the shoulder. Ligaments are tough fibrous bands that hold bones together. They are similar to the white bands that hold chicken legs together. The same fibrous bands exist in our shoulders. By falling or other traumatic events one can break the ligaments of the A-C joint causing pain and deformity of the shoulder. Most of these injuries heal without the need for surgery but require that the shoulder be immobilized for several weeks.

ACL tear

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee is one of the most frequently injured ligaments. It is responsible for stabilizing the forward movement of the knee. When it is completely torn, the lower leg can move too far forward to the knee. This ligament is usually injured while cutting, changing direction, landing a jump, playing football or soccer. Most people who injure their ACL will hear a ‘pop’, have immediate pain & swelling of the knee, and have difficulty walking. The knee often feels unstable like it is giving way. This injury is common in high school football and female soccer players. Active individuals will need surgical repair for treatment.

Abdominal Pain (unspecified)

Abdominal pain (unspecified) is the pain of unclear origin. Sometimes the cause of abdominal pain is difficult to determine. This is especially true when abdominal pain is vague and/or lasts for months or years. This can be very frustrating for the patient as well as the doctor. The good news is that this type of abdominal pain is typically not life-threatening.

Abdominal Trauma

Abdominal trauma is an injury to the abdomen. Trauma to the abdomen is classified into two main categories: penetrating and blunt. Gunshot wounds and stabbings are examples of penetrating trauma. Blunt trauma occurs after being hit in the abdomen like in a car accident or fall. There are many organs in the abdomen and any of these can be damaged from trauma. The most commonly injured organs are the liver, spleen, pancreas, intestines, stomach, kidneys, bladder, or aorta. Trauma to the abdomen must be treated emergently. If you have abdominal pain after the trauma you need to be evaluated in an emergency room right away.

Abdominal Wall Abscess

An abdominal wall abscess is a bacterial skin infection of the abdominal wall. You may have associated pain, redness, swelling, and fever. An abscess is formed when pus collects under the skin’s surface. An abscess may feel fluid-filled when you touch it. Skin infections typically need antibiotic treatment and/or a procedure called incision and drainage.

Abdominal Wall Cellulitis

Abdominal wall cellulitis is a skin infection of the abdominal wall. Skin infections are most often caused by bacteria that find a way to get under your skin. You may have pain, redness, and fever associated with this condition. Diabetics and people taking medicines for cancer and HIV are highly likely to develop cellulitis. If left untreated, cellulitis can sometimes spread to the surrounding skin, form an abscess, or spread to the bloodstream, which can be dangerous.

Abdominal Wall Shingles

Shingle is a painful rash that occurs due to a reactivation of the chickenpox virus (Varicella-Zoster Virus). It most commonly occurs as a single “stripe” of clustered blisters that wraps around either the left or right side of the chest wall or rib cage. Individuals that have had chickenpox in the past carry the inactive virus in their nerve tissues in the body. Years later, the same virus can reactivate due to stress, an immunocompromised state, age, or other unknown factors and cause the rash known as shingles. Shingles are not life-threatening but can be quite painful. Early treatment with antiviral medication can help to shorten the duration of shingles. The rash may continue to hurt even after it has cleared.

Abnormal Perimenopausal Bleeding

As a woman progresses from having regular menstrual cycles to menopause, bleeding can often occur. In some instances, the bleeding may be more excessive, frequent, or longer than expected. This is usually due to the hormonal changes in women as they age. Abnormal or excessive bleeding during this time should be evaluated by a gynecologist to help address the cause.

Achilles Tendon Rupture (Tear)

This is a rupture of the tendon on the back of the heel that extends to the calf called the Achilles tendon. This kind of injury occurs most often during sports activities, including jumping or running. Patients often report feeling or hearing a “pop” in the back of their ankle or leg when the injury occurs. If you injured the back of your ankle and felt a sudden pop and have difficulty walking, you may have a torn Achilles tendon.

Achilles Tendonitis (Tendon Inflammation)

Achilles tendonitis is inflammation of the Achilles tendon on the back of the foot above the heel. This tendon connects the calf muscles to the back of the foot. Pain is often found in the back lower leg extending to the heel and is exacerbated by walking or running. If you have pain in the back of your ankle and did not recently injure your ankle and have pain when you walk, you may be suffering from Achilles tendonitis.

Acromioclavicular (AC) Joint Osteoarthritis

This is arthritis of the acromioclavicular (AC) joint in the shoulder. This joint is made up of the tip of the collarbone and the bone at the top of the shoulder called the acromion. Arthritis can affect any joint in the body. Arthritic pain usually feels achy and is worst when a joint is first used or moved. The pain of arthritis usually improves with continued use and movement of the joint affected. HOWEVER, in AC joint osteoarthritis, the pain worsens with pushing (like doing push-ups), sleeping on the affected shoulder, and raising the arm above the head. This condition is usually treated by rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. Occasionally a steroid injection is used to treat the inflammation.

Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma

This is increased pressure within the eye which can cause eye pain, nausea, headache, and loss of your vision. Acute closed-angle glaucoma is less common than chronic open-angle glaucoma. The fluid in the front of the eye (aqueous humor) exits through a pathway and when that pathway narrows the fluid accumulates leading to increased pressure in the eye. If you have a sudden onset of eye pain, headache, and vision loss you may be suffering from acute angle glaucoma.Acute Urinary Retention in a Female

Urinary retention is the inability to empty the bladder (cannot urinate). The symptoms may start as difficulty starting the flow of urine, a weak stream, or urinating frequently. Some may feel the urgency to urinate or “leaking” urine because the bladder is full. There are many causes of urinary retention. One cause may be medications such as anticholinergics, the older drugs for depression, antihistamines, some blood pressure-lowering drugs, antipsychotics, hormonal agents, and muscle relaxants. Another possible cause is nerve damage from stroke, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, trauma to the spine or pelvis, or pressure on the spinal cord. Obstruction may also cause urinary retention. In women, this could be due to a bladder that sags. This is called a cystocele. It can also be caused when the rectum sags into the back wall of the vagina. This is called a rectocele.

Acute Urinary Retention in a Male

Urinary retention is the inability to empty the bladder (cannot urinate). The symptoms may start as difficulty starting the flow of urine, a weak stream, or urinating frequently. Some may feel the urgency to urinate or “leaking” urine because the bladder is full. There are many causes of urinary retention. In men, the most common cause is obstruction from an enlarged prostate. This condition may also be caused by certain medications such as anticholinergics, the older drugs for depression, antihistamines, some blood pressure-lowering drugs, antipsychotics, hormonal agents, and muscle relaxants. A third possible cause is nerve damage from stroke, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, trauma to the spine or pelvis, or pressure on the spinal cord.

Adhesive Capsulitis Of Shoulder (Frozen Shoulder)

Frozen shoulder occurs too much scar tissue or adhesions in the shoulder cause the shoulder to get stuck. Because the adhesions or scar tissue limits the motion of the shoulder neither the patient nor the doctor can move the shoulder in its normal range of motion. Frozen shoulder often occurs from prolonged immobilization following surgery or from a fracture of the arm. Joints in the body can “freeze up” if not used regularly. A full recovery can take months to years and involves physical therapy and occasionally surgery. If you have pain when you try to raise the arm over your head or reach behind to your back, and you have not just recently fallen on the arm, then you may have Adhesive Capsulitis.

Alcohol Intoxication

Alcohol intoxication (also known as “drunk” or “inebriated”) occurs when the consumption exceeds the liver’s capacity to metabolize it. The effects of alcohol intoxication differ from person to person depending on body weight, frequency of use, and metabolism, however, common symptoms include loss of inhibition, euphoric state, poor coordination, slurred speech, impaired balance, nausea, and vomiting.

Alcohol Overuse (Alcoholism)

Alcohol overuse or abuse (commonly referred to as “alcoholism”) is characterized by dependence on alcohol leading to repetitive use despite its effects on one’s health or their activities of daily life, such as maintaining relationships or the ability to work. It typically includes periods of intoxication, where the alcohol content in the blood rises from recent consumption and causes mental status changes, poor coordination, nausea, vomiting, and even loss of consciousness and blackouts. It also includes periods of withdrawal which include sweating, rapid heartbeat, hand tremors, problems sleeping, nausea and vomiting, hallucinations, restlessness and agitation, anxiety, and occasionally seizures.

Allergic Conjunctivitis (Eye Itching Swelling)

Inflammation of the tissue lining the eyelids is called the conjunctiva due to a mild allergic reaction. The most common allergens are animal dander and plant pollens. The conjunctiva becomes red, swollen, itchy, and often tear up excessively.

Allergic Reaction (simple)

An allergic reaction is an abnormal response of the immune system to some type of foreign substance. The substance that triggers the allergic reaction is called an allergen. Exposure to the allergen for the very first time does not produce any symptoms. The reaction starts following an additional exposure once the immune system has had a chance to form antibodies to the allergen. Each additional future interaction with the allergen may trigger a more dramatic response. Allergic reactions can range from simple sneezing or rashes to difficulty breathing, swelling, anaphylactic shock, or death.

Allergic Rhinitis (Runny Nose) with a rash

Allergic rhinitis is inflammation of the mucus membranes of the nose and upper respiratory tract resulting in sneezing, runny nose, congestion, nasal itching, eye redness, and possibly eyelid swelling. This usually occurs after exposure to substances called allergens like pollen, dust, animal dander, and others. Allergic rhinitis is the result of a hypersensitivity reaction to these airborne allergens. This is not a life-threatening disease if it is not accompanied by asthma attacks or angioedema (abnormal swelling of a body part). Most cases of this condition (80%) are diagnosed by the age of 20. It is estimated that 1 in 4 people have experienced this condition. This condition can occur with or without a rash.

Allergic Rhinitis (nasal allergies)

Alopecia Areata (Hair Loss)

Alopecia areata is a hair loss caused by an autoimmune response, or the body’s own immune system abnormally attacking normal tissues of the body. In this case, it is the parts of the skin where hair grows. This can cause sudden loss of patches of hair on the scalp and sometimes other parts of the body. Most patients will have the hair grow back, but this may take months. Approximately 50 percent of people with mild alopecia areata recover within a year; however, most people will experience more than one episode during their lifetime. The condition can develop at any age, although most people develop alopecia areata for the first time before the age of 30.

Altered Mental Status

Altered Mental Status is a sudden change in mental functioning. It has many causes including infection, adverse drug reactions, Alzheimer’s, low blood pressure, brain tumor, stroke, metabolic disorders, or hydrocephalus.

Altitude Illness

Altitude sickness occurs when you travel or ascend to high altitudes too quickly. As a result, your body isn’t able to get enough oxygen from the air at high altitudes. This causes symptoms such as nausea, headache, fluid in the lungs, confusion, and coma. Factors such as drinking lots of alcohol during your ascent or not drinking enough fluids can predispose you to develop altitude sickness. Most often, people who are not accustomed to high altitudes travel rapidly from lower altitudes to altitudes of 8000 ft or higher. The main treatment is to immediately descend to a lower altitude to prevent dangerous complications such as swelling of the brain or fluid in your lungs.

Amaurosis Fugax (Vision Loss)

Painless and sudden onset of vision loss is caused by a blockage of the artery that provides blood flow to the eye’s retina. Blockage of the retinal artery is usually due to a dislodged piece of plaque (fat and calcium deposits) that has built up in the carotid arteries of the neck that supply blood to the brain. This condition is a risk factor for future strokes, myocardial infarction (heart attack), and permanent vision loss.

Anal Fissure (Tear) – adult

An anal fissure or rectal fissure is a break or tear in the skin of the anal canal. Anal fissures may present as bright red anal bleeding on toilet paper after wiping or sometimes in the toilet. If acute they may cause pain after defecation but with chronic fissures, pain intensity is often less. Being constipated or having hard stools can lead to this condition.

A-C (Acromioclavicular) Joint Separation