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General Illness Information Common Name: Hives Medical Term: Urticaria Description: Disorder characterized by a skin rash with raised areas with redness and itching. Commonly allergic but may also occur on a non-allergic basis. Causes: Allergic or non-allergic; massive histamine release from mast cells in skin; Drug reaction especially Aspirin, Non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs; Food or food additive allergy; Allergy to peanuts and/or tree nuts a leading cause of severe (sometimes…

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: 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: 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: 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: 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…

General Illness Information Common Name: Ulcerative Colitis Medical Term: Ulcerative Colitis Description: It is an inflammatory disease of the colon characterized by episodes of abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea. Secondary to ulceration in the mucosal lining of the large bowel. Usually this is a disease of flare ups and remissions. Occurs most commonly between ages of 15 and 40 and more common in women. Causes: Unknown. Genetic, infectious, immunologic and…

General Illness Information Medical Term: Upper Respiratory Infection, URI Common name Common Cold Description: A contagious viral infection of the upper-respiratory passages Causes: Any of at least 100 viruses. Virus particles spread through the air or from person-to-person contact, especially hand-shaking. Prevention: Wash hands frequently, especially after blowing your nose or handling food. To prevent spreading a cold to others, avoid unnecessary contact during the contagious phase (first 2 to…