Module 7: Pathophysiology of Common Diseases and Conditions Flashcards
Diabetes mellitus type 1
- endocrine system
- unknown cause (possibly autoimmune, genetic, or environmental)
- polyuria, polydipsia, fatigue, blurry vision, weight loss, elevated blood glucose
- insulin therapy
Diabetes mellitus type 2
- endocrine system
- obesity, inactivity, genetics
- polyuria, polydipsia, fatigue, elevated blood glucose
- diet modification, exercise, medication, insulin therapy
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- endocrine system
- unknown causes (possibly genetic, excessive insulin)
- irregular menstrual cycles, elevated hormone levels, multiple cysts on ovaries
- weight loss, estrogen and progestin
Hypothyroidism
- endocrine system
- autoimmune disease, medications, thyroid surgery
- fatigue, weight gain, muscle aches, bradycardia, depression, elevated cholesterol, dry skin
- synthetic thyroid hormone medication (levothyroxine)
Hyperthyroidism
- endocrine system
- Graves disease, thyroiditis, Plummers disease
- weight loss, tachycardia, anxiety, fatigue, sleep disruption, goiter
- radioactive iodine, antithyroid medication, beta blockers, thyroidectomy
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
- integumentary system
- light/fair skin, sun exposure
- new growth/sore that does not heal
- curettage and electrodesiccation, Mohs surgery, cryosurgery, laser therapy
Squamous cell carcinoma
- integumentary system
- light/fair skin, sun exposure, less common than BCC
- spreads to surrounding tissue, most common on the face and head
- curettage and electrodesiccation, Mohs surgery, cryosurgery, laser therapy
Malignant melanoma
- integumentary system
- light/fair skin, sun exposure
- itchy/bleeding mole, new mole, mole with changes
- depends on stage of lesion, surgery, lymph node biopsy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy
Acne vulgaris
- integumentary system
- surge of sex hormones during puberty, excess sebum on skin surface
- black heads/white heads (comedones), papules/pustules
- regular cleansing of affected area, OTC benzoyl peroxide products, prescription medication (topical or oral)
Alopecia
- integumentary system
- often hereditary, hormone changes, chemotherapy, stress, burns, fungal skin infections
- loss or lack of hair anywhere on the body (typically on the scalp), can include eyebrows and eyelashes
- no cure, hair transplants and medications can slow progression
Cellulitis
- integumentary system
- staphylococcal and streptococcal bacterial infections
- red and tight skin, pain in inflamed area, fever
- oral/topical antibiotics, hospitalization if at risk for developing systemic infections
Dermatitis
- integumentary system
- multiple causative agents, contact with irritants
- inflammation of skin resulting in rash and pruritus
- based on cause, corticosteroid creams, oral steroids
Eczema
- integumentary system
- unknown causes (possible allergy or inflammatory condition)
- chronic dermatitis with vesicular eruptions developing into itchy/red/scaly rash
- topical or systemic steroids, NSAIDs for discomfort
Folliculitis
- integumentary system
- shaving or repeated rubbing of shaved area, bacteria or fungi
- red and itchy hair follicles (pimple appearance)
- regular cleansing of affected area, topical antibiotics, electric shaver instead of razor
Herpes simplex
- integumentary system
- contact with herpes simplex virus
- Type 1: painful blisters on lips/mouth/face
- Type 2: similar lesions, located in genital area
- no cure, antiviral medication to decrease frequency of outbreaks
Impetigo
- integumentary system
- staphylococcal and streptococcal bacteria
- itchy and oozing skin lesions with honey-like appearing crust
- antibiotics, frequent cleaning of area
Pediculosis
- integumentary system
- parasitic lice infestation
- skin itching, nits (eggs) in hair near roots
- prescription or OTC lice treatments/shampoos
Psoriasis
- integumentary system
- inherited autoimmune disorder
- silvery/scaly/severely itchy skin lesions, can cause systemic symptoms such as joint pain and inflammation (psoriatic arthritis)
- oral NSAIDs, topical creams containing vitamins A and D, hydrocortisone cream, UV treatments
Ringworm
- integumentary system
- contact with causative fungus
- flat and circular lesions (dry/scaly or moist/crusty)
- topical and oral antifungal medication
Rosacea
- integumentary system
- dilation of small facial blood vessels, cause of dilation is unknown
- redness, acne-like eruptions on face
- topical cortisones, antibiotics, vascular laser therapy
Osteoarthritis
- musculoskeletal system
- inflammatory processes, metabolic disorders
- joint stiffness and pain, fluid surrounding the joint, grating sound with joint movement
- NSAIDs, intra-articular injections, arthroscopy, joint replacement surgery
Rheumatoid arthritis
- musculoskeletal system
- autoimmune
- destruction of the joint capsule causing scar tissue to form, visible joint deformity, loss of joint mobility
- NSAIDs, exercise, heat and cold therapies, cortisone injections, surgery to remove scar tissue
Bursitis
- musculoskeletal system
- overuse, joint trauma, bacterial infection
- joint pain and swelling
- rest, pain medication, steroid injection, aspiration of joint fluid, antibiotics
Ewing’s Sarcoma
- musculoskeletal system
- unknown causes, age 10-20, male sex
- fever, pain at tumor sight, fractures, bruising
- surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, bone marrow transplant, stem cell transplant
Gout
- musculoskeletal system
- deposits of uric acid crystals accumulate in joint spaces
- joint pain, common in big toe and knee joints, stiffness, swelling
- dietary changes (avoidance of rich/fatty foods), pain medication, medications to aid in elimination of uric acid in kidneys during urine formation
Kyphosis
- musculoskeletal system
- growth retardation or improper development of growth plates, aging and degenerative disk disease contribute to adult-onset
- visible upper back curvature (humpback)
- exercise, back bracing, Harrington rod, spinal fusion in extreme cases
Lordosis
- musculoskeletal system
- injury, poor posture, wearing high heels (inward positioning of back when balancing on balls of feet)
- inward curvature of the lower back (swayback)
- corrective shoes, exercise
Osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease)
- musculoskeletal system
- hereditary
- dental issues, fractures at birth, loose joints, muscle weakness, respiratory issues, blue sclera of the eye, triangle-shaped face, small stature, spinal curvature
- fracture repair, surgery with metal rodding, physical therapy, bracing
Osteoporosis
- musculoskeletal system
- hormone deficiencies, sedentary lifestyle, lack of vitamin D, corticosteroid use (long-term), smoking
- fractures, most common in spine/wrists/hips, loss of height, can result in kyphosis
- medications, hormone replacement therapy, exercise, supplements
Osteosarcoma
- musculoskeletal system
- unknown
- pain in affected bones (usually legs), swelling with development of tumor growth
- surgery, chemotherapy/radiation, amputation of affected limb
Paget’s disease
- musculoskeletal system
- hereditary, viral
- bone pain and deformity, fractures, excessive bone destruction
- surgery, medication, physical therapy
Scoliosis
- musculoskeletal system
- possibly genetic, can be prenatally during formation of vertebrae, muscle weakness
- bent appearing spine (laterally), back pain
- back bracing, physical therapy, surgery with rod placement
Fibromyalgia
- musculoskeletal system
- unknown, exacerbated by sleep deprivation/emotional distress/depression
- fatigue, point tenderness and trigger points, chronic facial pain, sleep disturbances
- antidepressants, NSAIDs, physical therapy, trigger point injections
Muscular dystrophy
- musculoskeletal system
- hereditary
- muscle weakness leading to eventual paralysis of muscle groups
- physical therapy, bracing, ambulatory devices, medications
Myasthenia gravis
- musculoskeletal system
- autoimmune
- double vision, muscle weakness, dysphagia, difficulty swallowing, difficulty chewing
- avoiding excessive stress, rest, eye patch, medication
Tendonitis
- musculoskeletal system
- sports or activity related
- pain in joints, limited range of motion in joint
- rest, ice, NSAIDs
Tetanus
- musculoskeletal system
- toxin produced by Clostridium tetani
- muscle spasms in jaw and neck, dyspnea, fever, irritability, sweating and drooling
- antitoxin and antibiotic medications
Asthma
- respiratory system
- allergens, pollutants, dust mites, cigarette smoke
- wheezing, coughing, feeling of tightness in chest
- avoiding allergens/irritants, rescue inhaler for bronchodilation, anti-inflammatory steroid inhalers, leukotriene-receptor antagonists, steroid injection for an acute episode
Atelectasis
- respiratory system
- cystic fibrosis, COPD, pleurisy, lung cancer, spontaneous
- dyspnea, cyanosis, diaphoresis, pain
- thoracentesis, chest percussion, deep breathing exercises, intermittent positive-pressure breathing
Bronchitis
- respiratory system
- viral, environmental pollutants, cigarette smoke
- yellow-gray or green productive cough, chest tightness, dyspnea, fever
- cough medicine, humidifier, inhalers, antibiotics in some cases
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- respiratory system
- smoking, environmental pollutants
- dyspnea, hypoxia, fatigue, cough
- smoking cessation, inhalers, lung transplant in extreme cases
Emphysema
- respiratory system
- damage to alveoli caused by cigarette smoke, pollutants, specific types of dust
- shortness of breath, chronic cough, fatigue
- smoking cessation, avoiding cold environments, antibiotics for secondary lung infections
Influenza
- respiratory system
- respiratory virus
- fever, muscle pain, fatigue, sore throat, rhinorrhea
- symptomatic, OTC analgesics for aches and fever, antiviral medication
Legionnaires’ disease
- respiratory system
- legionella bacteria that grow in standing water
- dyspnea, cough, headache, fever
- antibiotics, respiratory medications, oxygen, fever medication (antipyretic)
Pneumonia
- respiratory system
- bacterial, viral, parasitic
- thick and colored sputum, dyspnea, fever, cough
- rest, antibiotics, OTC analgesics
Pulmonary edema
- respiratory system
- congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, heart valve disorder, drowning, injury
- orthopnea, dyspnea, wheeze, productive cough, weight gain, pallor
- oxygen therapy, diuretics
Pulmonary embolism
- respiratory system
- blood clot blocking an artery in the lung
- dyspnea, chest pain, cough, fainting, rapid onset of shortness of breath, diaphoresis
- circulation support (compression hose), rest, anticoagulant medication, surgically implanted filter
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)
- respiratory system
- viral
- fever, headache, dry cough
- rest, antiviral medication
Tuberculosis (TB)
- respiratory system
- bacterial
- chronic cough, weight loss, fatigue, night sweats, painful or difficult breathing
- isolation if symptomatic, medication therapy for 6 to 12 months
Hypertension
- cardiovascular system
- narrowing of arteries, increased arterial pressure, risk factors (obesity, smoking, stimulant use, kidney disease, high sodium intake, excessive alcohol consumption)
- excessive sweating, fatigue, muscle cramps, headaches, dizziness
- treatment of underlying cause, lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress management, smoking cessation), antihypertensive medication
Angina
- cardiovascular system
- coronary artery narrowing, atherosclerosis
- pain/tightness in chest
- sublingual nitroglycerin, treatment of underlying condition
Coronary artery disease (atherosclerosis)
- cardiovascular system
- buildup of fat and cholesterol in arteries, risk factors (high-fat diet, high LDL levels, smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyle)
- usually no symptoms prior to heart attack
- lipid-lowering medications, low-fat diet, exercise, smoking cessation, coronary artery bypass grafting in severe cases
Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
- cardiovascular system
- coronary artery blockage, atherosclerosis, blood clot
- squeezing chest pain that can radiate to shoulder/arm/neck/jaw, shortness of breath, diaphoresis, dizziness nausea
- aspirin, CPR if unconscious, defibrillation, anticoagulant medication, immediate emergency protocol
Aneurysm
- cardiovascular system
- atherosclerosis, smoking, high cholesterol diet, obesity
- usually none, possible back pain, tachycardia, dizziness
- surgery
Congestive heart failure (CHF)
- cardiovascular system
- smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, high cholesterol diet, hypertension
- shortness of breath, wheezing, peripheral edema in legs, irregular heartbeat
- medications to address tachycardia, diuretic medication to treat edema, antihypertensive medications
Mitral valve prolapse
- cardiovascular system
- usually unknown, hereditary or related to nervous system disorders
- mild cases usually have no symptoms, severe cases can have shortness of breath and palpitations
- none for mild cases, medications to treat symptoms, surgery to repair
Thrombophlebitis
-cardiovascualr system
- prolonged periods of inactivity, hormone replacement therapy, cancer, paralysis, thrombophlebitis
- pain in affected area, redness, swelling
- heat, compression stockings, anticoagulant medication, surgery
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
- lymphatic/immune system
- HIV virus
- low T cell counts, fever, diaphoresis, susceptibility to frequent infections, weight loss
- antiretroviral medication to slow progression, treatment of secondary infections with antibiotics, no cure
Lymphedema
- lymphatic/immune system
- parasitic infection, trauma, surgical removal of lymph nodes
- persistent tissue swelling
- compression stockings, lymphedema pump, surgery
Mononucleosis
- lymphatic/immune system
- Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus
- extreme fatigue, sore throat, fever
- supportive care
Systemic lupus erythematosus
- lymphatic/immune system
- medications, bacterial infections, autoimmune
- fatigue, body pain, butterfly rash on face, headaches, nausea, hair loss, weight loss, anemia, shortness of breath
- NSAIDs (steroids, topical creams)
Celiac disease
- lymphatic/immune system
- genetic defect, lack of enzyme that breaks down gluten, consumption of gluten triggers autoimmune reaction
- weight loss, bloating, loose stools, eventual systemic organ wasting due to lack of nutrients, malabsorption
- gluten free diet
Alzheimer’s disease
- nervous system
degenerative brain disease, possibly genetic or environmental - confusion, memory loss, impaired judgement, personality change, worsens over time
- physical activity, socialization, medication to slow the progression, no cure
Bell’s Palsy
- nervous system
- unknown cause
- weakness or paralysis of facial muscles, facial numbness and drooping, headache
- NSAIDs, pain relievers, usually self-resolving
Seizures
- nervous system
- birth trauma, infections, brain injury, head trauma, drug withdrawal
- uncontrolled muscle contractions, loss of consciousness, visual disturbances
- medication, brain surgery
Meningitis
- nervous system
- bacterial/viral/fungal infection causing inflammation of the meninges
- stiff neck, headache, fever, vomiting
- appropriate medications for type, bacterial can be fatal
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- nervous system
- viral, genetic, immune system dysfunction
- loss of ability to speak/walk, double vision, loss of balance, weakness in arms/legs
- supportive, medications to slow progression, no cure
Parkinson’s disease
- nervous system
- lack of neurotransmitters, brain tumors, drugs, head trauma
- arm/leg muscle and joint stiffness, lack of coordination, tremor
- supportive, medications to slow progression, no cure
Stroke
- nervous system
- blockage of artery in neck or brain
- paralysis, confusion, memory impairment, some symptoms can be permanent
- physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy
Migraine headache
- nervous system
- hormones, stress, dietary, familial
- dull to throbbing head pain, sensitivity to light/sound, nausea/vomiting, visual aura
- medications, alternative methods (acupuncture, biofeedback, magnesium)
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
- reproductive system
- increased age, increased level of dihydrotestosterone
- feeling of full bladder after urinating, weak urine flow, needing to urinate often
- alpha blockers, minimally invasive surgical procedures, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)
Hydrocele
- reproductive system
- failure of inguinal ring to close properly in development, injury or swelling of the scrotum
- few symptoms, pain, increased size of scrotum
- surgery if symptomatic
Prostate cancer
- reproductive system
- unknown, genetics
- pain, erectile dysfunction, dysuria
- hormone therapy, radiation therapy, surgery, cryosurgery, chemotherapy
Sexually transmitted infections
- reproductive system
- unprotected contact with infected tissue or fluids
- varies depending on infection/disease, pelvic or penile pain, sores, itching or discharge, dysuria, body rash, infertility
- varies depending on infection/disease, medication, cryosurgery, immunizations
Endometriosis
- reproductive system
- unknown
- most have no symptoms, pelvic pain (especially during menses), painful urination and defecation, infertility issues
- NSAIDs, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, oral contraceptives, progestins, surgical intervention
Pelvic inflammatory disease
- reproductive system
- untreated STDs/STIs, multiple sexual partners, frequent douching
- lower abdominal pain, back pain, fever, rapid pulse, vaginal discharge, pain during sexual intercourse
- antibiotic treatment, surgical intervention to treat scarring
Cervical cancer
- reproductive system
- particular strains of human papillomavirus (HPV)
- abnormal vaginal bleeding, lower abdominal or pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal discharge, pain during sexual intercourse
- surgical intervention (partial or complete hysterectomy, removal of lymph nodes in affected regions), chemotherapy, radiation therapy
Acute kidney failure
- urinary system
- burns, dehydration, hemorrhage, low blood pressure, trauma
- little to no urine production, swelling in extremities, mental confusion, coma, seizures, nose bleeds
- increase dietary protein, fluid and potassium intake regulation, dialysis
Chronic kidney disease
- urinary system
- diabetes, hypertension, kidney stones, polycystic kidney disease
- headache, seizures, confusion, fatigue, anemia, abnormal heart or lung sounds
- antibiotics, blood transfusion, control of blood pressure, dialysis, kidney transplant
Incontinence
- urinary system
- nervous system disorders, urinary tract infection (UTI), bladder cancer, prostate disorders
- involuntary urination
- medication, surgical removal of the prostate, kegel exercises, surgery
Polycystic kidney disease
- urinary system
- enlarged kidneys due to cysts, inherited
- hypertension, fatigue, anemia, heart murmurs
- medication, draining of cysts, surgical removal of kidney
Pyelonephritis
- urinary system
- bladder infection that spreads to kidneys
- fatigue, fever, painful urination, cloudy or bloody urine
- antibiotics
Renal calculi
- urinary system
- highly concentrated urine, UTI, gout
- severe back or abdominal pain, fever, nausea, urgency
- medication, surgery, lithotripsy
Appendicitis
- digestive system
- idiopathic inflammation of the appendix
- RLQ pain, loss of appetite, nausea
- antibiotics, appendectomy
Cirrhosis
- digestive system
- scarring of liver, can be autoimmune, medication, alcohol, hepatitis B or C
- anemia, fatigue, fever, enlarged liver, jaundice, weight loss
- avoid alcohol consumption, antibiotics, diuretics
Cholelithiasis (gallstones)
- digestive system
- insoluble cholesterol and bile salt
- can be asymptomatic, radiating right upper quadrant pain, fever, nausea/vomiting
- laparoscopic cholecystectomy, lithotripsy
Colitis (inflammation of the large intestine)
- digestive system
- viral or bacterial infection
- diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating
- treatment of underlying cause, surgery
Constipation (difficulty eliminating feces)
- digestive system
- inactivity, lack of fiber and water in diet, medications
- bloating, abdominal pain, hard feces
- increased dietary fiber and water, physical activity
Crohn’s disease
- digestive system
- inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune
- fever, joint pain, tender gums, abnormal abdominal sounds, constipation or diarrhea, intestinal bleeding
- dietary changes, antibiotics, surgery
Diverticulitis (abnormal out-pouching of intestinal wall)
- digestive system
- bacterial, viral, parasitic
- constipation or diarrhea, bloody stools, abdominal pain, nausea
- high-fiber diet, antibiotics
Hemorrhoids (varicose vein of the rectum or anus)
- digestive system
- constipation, straining during bowel movements, pelvic pressure during pregnancy/childbirth
- itching/pain in anal area, blood with bowel movements, visible protrusion from the anus
- high-fiber diet, stool softeners, surgical removal
Hiatal hernia (part of stomach protrudes through diaphragm into chest cavity)
- digestive system
- unknown causes, smoking, obesity
- heartburn, chest pain, excessive burping, nausea/vomiting
- weight reduction, medication, surgical repair
Stomach ulcer
- digestive system
- bacterial infection, smoking, medication
- nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain
- antibiotics, antacid medication, surgery
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear
- common injury
- plant and twist motion of the foot and knee
- pain, swelling, knee buckling
- physical exam, radiographic confirmation (typically MRI)
- RICE, surgical repair, allograft, physical therapy
Concussion
- common injury
- head impact
- loss of balance, disorientation, headache
- physical exam, neurologic testing, CT of the brain
- rest, treatment of symptoms
Muscle strain
- common injury
- overexertion of a muscle not properly warmed up for activity level
- pain, swelling, tight feeling
- physical exam, MRI
- RICE, avoiding physical strain to the area
Epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
- common injury
- overuse of elbow causing tiny ligament tears
- swelling, tenderness, grip weakness
- physical exam, X-ray, MRI
- rest, ice, NSAIDs, forearm strap, extended break from aggravating activity
Rotator cuff tear
- common injury
- repetitive stress of the shoulder joint
- pain, weakness, inability to raise arm over head
- physical exam, X-ray, MRI
- rest, NSAIDs, cortisone injection to shoulder joint, surgery
Bone fracture
- common injury
- impact injury resulting in bone cracking or breaking, stress fractures: overuse or repetitive stress
- pain, swelling, loss of function
- physical exam, X-ray, CT if plain films are not clear
- immobilization with internal or external device (cast, splint, pins, plates, screws)
Joint dislocation (subluxations)
- common injury
- impact injury removing bones from proper joint alignment
- pain, loss of sensation, immobility
- physical exam, X-ray, MRI, CT
- realignment of bones, immobilization, physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles, surgery for repeated incidences