General Illness Information Medical Term: HERPES SIMPLEX Common Name: Cold Sores, Fever Blister Description: A common, contagious virus (herpes simplex or HSV-1) infection. Usually involves the lips; gums and mouth area; cornea (rare); occasionally genitals. Primary oral herpes infection (primary herpes gingivostomatitis) is an initial infection by the herpes simplex virus which causes very painful sores on the gums and in the other parts of the mouth. Secondary herpes (recurrent…
General Illness Information Common Name: Hiatus hernia, Gastro-esophageal reflux disease, GERD Medical Term: Gastro-esophageal reflux Disease. Description: Reflux of stomach and duodenal contents into the esophagus, with or without esophageal inflammation. This is a common condition. 65% of adults have suffered heartburn; 24% have had symptoms for > 10 years. All ages are affected. Males and females suffer equally. Causes: Inappropriate relaxation of lower esophageal sphincter; Familial clustering of GERD…
General Illness Information Common Name: Shingles Medical Term: Herpes Zoster Description: Reactivation of a latent or dormant virus (varicella,or chickenpox virus) in the body. When the virus is activated, it spreads through part of the nervous system called the dorsal root ganglia, causing the characteristic crops of blistering lesions (vesicles) of shingles. Can affect any age, but most common in adults over the age of 50. Causes: Herpes zoster is…
General Illness Information Common Name: HAND, FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE Medical Term: COXSACKIE VIRUS A-16 INFECTION Description: It is a viral illness presenting with ulcers in the mouth and water blisters or red spots on palms, soles of feet and in groin and buttock area. Mainly occurs in children from 6 months to 4 years. Causes: Coxsackie Virus A-16 Infection Prevention: Prevent exposure of infants and young children to anyone…
General Illness Information Common Name: Hay Fever Medical Term: Allergic Rhinitis Description: Allergic response to airborne inhaled allergens affecting the upper respiratory tract (nose, sinuses, throat, bronchial tubes and frequently the eyes). Most common of all allergic diseases. Affects up to 15% of the population in the United States and Canada. Onset of symptoms usually before age 30. Hay fever name is misleading, since symptoms most frequent in the pollen…
General Illness Information Common Name: Head Injury Medical Term: None Specified Description: Injury to the head, with or without unconsciousness or other visible signs. Head wound may be “open” or “closed” depending on the nature of the injury. Causes: Trauma to the head. Prevention: Wear protective headgear for contact sports and cycling. Use your auto seat belt always. Place young children in approved safety car seats. Signs & Symptoms Loss…
General Illness Information Common Name: Headache, Cluster Medical Term: Same Description: Constant one-sided headache over and behind the eye, with onset occurring usually within 3-4 hours of falling asleep. 80% of these affected are males. Pain recurs nightly for several weeks or month, followed by no symptoms for months or years. Causes: Unknown. Thought to be related to changes in blood flows to the brain, and to disturbances in RAM…
General Illness Information Medical Term: GONORRHEA Common Name: None Specified Description: Gonorrhea is a sexually transmitted infectious disease of the reproductive organs, caused by the bacterium Niesseria gonorrhea. It usually infects urethra in males and in females urethra, vagina, cervix and/or fallopian tubes. It may also involve anus, throat, joints and eyes. It is spread by sexual contact. It may spread through the blood stream to other parts of the…
General Illness Information Medical Term: GUILLAIN-BARRE SYNDROME (Infectious polyneuropathy, Acute Idiopathic polyneuritis). Common Name: Description: Guillain-Barre syndrome is an inflammatory disorder of the peripheral nervous system that produces rapidly worsening muscle weakness, sometimes leading to paralysis. Causes generalized and symmetrical weakness involving muscles at the extremities and on the trunk, as well as sensory symptoms. Weakness appears either rapidly or over 1-2 weeks, and can produce failure of breathing muscles…
General Illness Information Medical Term: GOUT Common Name: None Specified Description: Gout is a disorder characterized by sudden, recurring attacks of very painful joints, caused by deposits of uric acid crystals, which accumulate in the joints because of an abnormally high level of uric acid in the blood (hyperuricemia). Crystals in the joints, cause pain, redness, warmth and swelling and most commonly affect the big toe. It may involve any…
