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General Illness Information Common Name: APPENDICITIS Medical Term: None Specified Description: Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix, a small intestinal pouch (a finger shaped structure) that extends from the cecum, the first part of the large intestine. The appendix has no known function, but it can become diseased. Appendicitis affects 1 in 500 people each year. Appendicitis should be considered in any person with undiagnosed abdominal pain. It affects…

General Illness Information Common Name: Coronary Artery Disease Medical Term: Ischemic Heart Disease Description: Coronary artery disease is a condition  in which fatty deposits (atheroma) accumulate in the cells lining the wall of the coronary arteries. These fatty deposits build up gradually and irregularly in the large branches of the two main coronary arteries which encircle the heart and are the main source of its blood supply. This process is…

General Illness Information Common Name: ANORECTICAL ABSCESS Medical Term: Anorectal Abscess Description: An abscess (collection of pus due to infection) that develops in the area around the anus and rectum. They occur more frequently in men and in people with digestive diseases. They may occur on the edge of the anal opening or deeper in the rectum. Causes: Common bacteria such as staphylococci and E. coli are most common cause….

General Illness Information Common Name: ANIMAL BITES Medical Term: None Specified Description: Bite injuries and wounds to humans from dogs, cats, or other animals including humans. Causes: Animal bites are primarily caused by the following: Most bite wounds are from a domestic pet known to the victim. Large dogs are the most common source. Human bites are often the result of one person striking another in the mouth with a clenched…

General Illness Information Common Name: ANEMIA, PERNICIOUS Medical Term: None Specified Description: This anemia is caused by lack of vitamin B-12 (cobalamin). It is a megaloblastic anemia . In this type of anemia the bone marrow produces large abnormal blood cells (megaloblasts). It often affects adults between the ages of 50 and 60. The symptoms of pernicious anemia develop slowly and gradually and may not be immediately recognized . This…

General Illness Information Common Name: ANEURYSM Medical Term: None Specified Description: Weakness in the wall of an artery is causing an abnormal enlargement or bulge. Aneurysms may be round (saccular) or tube-like (fusiform) swellings. Majorities are fusiform in shape. Aneurysms usually affect the aorta (major artery in the chest and abdomen) but may affect other arteries e.g. those that supply the brain, legs, or heart wall. Aneurysms can develop anywhere…

General Illness Information Common Name: ANEMIA DURING PREGNANCY Medical Term: None Specified Description: A low level of hemoglobin (less than 10 gm/dl) during pregnancy. Hemoglobin carries oxygen to body tissues via the red blood cells. Anemia in pregnancy is very common and is present in almost 8o% of pregnant women. Because volume of blood increases during pregnancy (hemodilution), a moderate decrease in the concentration of red blood cells and hemoglobin…

General Illness Information Common Name: ANAL FISSURE Medical Term: Fissure-in-Ano Description: A tear or ulcer in the lining of the anus, causing pain on defecation. Causes: Causes include stretching of the anal wall by large hard stool or tightening of the anal canal due to tension or the laceration by foreign body. Prevention: Avoid constipation by: Drinking at least 8 glasses of water daily; Eating a diet high in fiber;…

General Illness Information Common Name: ANAL FISTULA Medical Term: None Specified. Description: An abnormal channel from the anus or rectum to the skin near the anal opening but may occasionally be to another organ such as the vagina. Most fistulas begin from a deep gland in the wall of the anus or rectum. However, fistulas may sometimes result from drainage of an ano-rectal abscess. The fistula may be painful and…

General Illness Information Common Name: ANAPHYLAXIS Medical Term: None Specified Description: An acute, generalized life-threatening allergic or hypersensitive reaction in a previously sensitized person (i.e. a person who has previously been exposed to that particular allergen) who comes into contact with the same allergen again. Reactions that occur almost immediately tend to be the most severe. Anaphylaxis can be caused by any allergen. The most common allergens are medications, insect…