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General Illness Information Common Name: ASTHMA Medical Term: None Specified Description: Asthma is a chronic disorder with recurrent attacks of wheezing, shortness of breath and cough. Asthma is defined as an inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by intermittent or persistent symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing, sputum production and cough, associated with variable airflow limitation and a variable degree of airway hyperresponsiveness to endogenous or exogenous…

General Illness Information Common Name: ATELECTASIS Medical Term: None Specified Description: Collapse of part or all of one lung, preventing normal oxygen absorption. Causes: Obstruction of small or large lung air passages by: Thick mucus plugs from infection or other disease, including cystic fibrosis; Tumors in the air passages; Tumors or blood vessels outside the air passages, causing pressure on airways; Inhaled objects, such as small toys or peanuts; Prolonged…

General Illness Information Common Name: ATHLETE’S FOOT Medical Term: Tinea Pedis, Ringworm of the Feet Description: A common, contagious fungus infection of the skin on the feet, especially the soles and skin between toes (often the 4th and 5th toes). It usually affects adolescents and adults. Usually occurs in warm moist weather Causes: Caused by an infection by a fungus, usually Trichophyton or Epidermophyton that grows in warm moist areas…

General Illness Information Common Name: ANOREXIA NERVOSA Medical Term: None Specified Description: An eating disorder in young previously healthy women, who develop a paralyzing fear of becoming fat, and have a distorted body image. The patient refuses to eat adequately, and continues to want to lose weight even after a reasonable weight loss. Primarily affects teenage and young adult females. Occasionally young males are affected. There is also an absence of…

General Illness Information Common Name: ANXIETY (generalized anxiety disorder) Medical Term: None Specified Description: Generalized anxiety disorder (G.A.D.) is commonly known as anxiety disorder and is classified as an anxiety state. It comprises of excessive, almost daily anxiety and worry- lasting 6 months or longer. Anxiety can be about variety of activities or events. Other components of anxiety states are panic disorder, obsessive disorder, and post-trauma stress disorder. Anxiety is…

General Illness Information Common Name: AORTIC STENOSIS Medical Term: None Specified Description: Aortic stenosis is a heart condition where the aorta (the artery taking blood from the heart to the rest of the body) is constricted at the aortic valve (the valve that prevents backflow of blood from the aorta into the heart). This results in the body receiving a much-reduced supply of oxygenated blood. Also, the heart must work…

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…