for family physicians and you
General Illness Information Medical Term: Menopause Common Name: Menopause Description: Menopause is final cessation of menstruation either as a normal part of aging, or surgical removal of both ovaries. This may occur as early as 40 years of age or as late as 55 years of age. It usually spans 1-3 years period, during which a woman adjusts to a diminishing and then absent menstrual flow. (Peri-menopausal Phase). Average age…
General Illness Information Medical Term: Menorrhagia Common Name : Heavy Menses Description: A common disorder that is characterized by unusually heavy menstruation or prolonged menstrual flow. The average amount of blood loss during a normal menstrual period is 40 to 50 ml. With menorrhagia, a woman may lose 80 ml or more. It rarely signifies a serious underlying disorder. Causes: Menorrhagia can be caused by a variety of causes. These…
General Illness Information Common Name: Leukemia, Chronic Myelocytic Medical Term: None Specified Description: A stem cell in the bone marrow becomes cancerous, and produces a large number of abnormal white cells, called granulocytes. May affect any age and sex, but uncommon under the age of 10. Causes: Unknown Prevention: Cannot be prevented. Signs & Symptoms No symptoms in early stages. Later, causes the following: Weakness and fatigue. Loss of appetite…
General Illness Information Common Name: Liver Cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) Medical Term: None Specified Description: A malignant tumor arising from liver cells. Although much less common than metastatic liver cancer in most areas of the world, hepatocellular carcinoma is the most common internal malignancy and an important cause of death in certain areas of Africa and Southeast Asia. This is mainly because of the high incidence of Hepatitis B in these…
General Illness Information Common Name: Lead poisoning Medical Term: None Specified Description: Increased levels of lead in the blood, to the point of toxicity. Lead is an element with no biological value. It is found in a number of commercial and industrial products, namely storage batteries, paints, pottery, plumbing, gasoline and in some traditional ethnic medications. Very small amounts of lead finds its way into everyone, and causes no problems….
General Illness Information Common Name: Larynx Cancer, Laryngeal Cancer Medical Term: None Specified Description: Cancer of the larynx (voice box), and surrounding tissues. Usually in patients over age 50 years old. Men are nine times more affected than women. Causes: The cause has not been identified, but there is a very strong association with smoking, and also with heavy alcohol use. Prevention: Do not smoke. Limit alcohol use. See your…
General Illness Information Common Name: Legionella Pneumonia Medical Term: None Specified Description: Infection of the lungs by a bacteria called Legionella Pneumophila. Named in 1976 after an epidemic affected 182 people attending the American Legion convention. Accounts for 1-8% of all pneumonias. Causes: Infection by Legionella pneumophilia. It is spread between persons and contaminated sources. The germ is transmitted through the air, and the incubation period after exposure is 2…
General Illness Information Medical Term: Labyrinthitis Common Name: None Specified Causes: Inflammation of the semicircular canals in the inner ear. These are fluid-filled chambers that sense and help maintain balance. May be caused by viruses, bacteria or by trauma to the region. Prevention: Obtain prompt medical treatment for ear infections. Signs & Symptoms Extreme dizziness especially with head movement that begins gradually and peaks in 48 hours Involuntary eye movement…
General Illness Information Common Name: Lactose Intolerance Medical Term: None Specified Description: Diarrhea and abdominal distention caused by inability to digest carbohydrates because of a lack of one or more intestinal enzymes. The commonest variant is a lack of lactase, which is required to digest lactose in cow’s milk. If lactose is not digested, it remains in the intestine, and causes diarrhea and abdominal distension. Causes: Deficiency or absence of…
General Illness Information Common Name: Laryngitis Medical Term: None Specified Description: An inflammation of the larynx (voice box) and surrounding tissues, causing temporary hoarseness. Causes: Inflammation of the vocal cords and surrounding area caused by: Viruses (common), bacteria, allergies. Electrolyte-balance disturbances, especially low potassium, that cause muscle weakness (Uncommon). Tumors (rare) or polyps. Excessive use of the voice. Prevention: Avoid raising, or straining your voice. Treat all respiratory infections appropriately….