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General Illness Information Common Name: ARTHRITIS, RHEUMATOID Medical Term: None Specified Description: A chronic auto-immune disease characterized by inflammation, swelling and pain in the joints, and it affects muscles, membrane linings of the joints and cartilage. Usually joints of the hands and feet are symmetrically inflamed. It is a multi-system disease, and sometimes the eyes and blood vessels are affected. It is 3 times more common in women than men….

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: 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…

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…