Abdominal pain
Many possible conditions can cause abdominal pain. Some are mild and benign, like irritable bowel syndrome, while others are life threatening, like acute appendicitis. Blood tests and a CT scan of the abdomen are sometimes required to identify the cause and determine the appropriate treatment.
Anemia
Anemia is defined as low levels of hemoglobin in the blood and has numerous causes. Common symptoms include feeling tired or experiencing palpitations. Anemia is diagnosed with a blood test called complete blood count (CBC). After it is diagnosed, a careful history in combination with additional testing will reveal the most likely cause and indicated treatment.
Asthma
Asthma is a respiratory condition that can cause cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath. It is diagnosed through a patient’s history, an exam, and possibly a pulmonary function testing. There are multiple conditions that can mimic asthma. There are also many causes, allergies being one of the most common. Inhaled medications are the mainstay of treatment, and reducing the exposure to the triggering agent often makes asthma better.
Atrial fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation is a condition where the heart beats erratically. It has many causes, including heart disease, congestive heart failure, and alcohol consumption. Most often, atrial fibrillation does not cause symptoms, though it can cause palpitations, shortness of breath, or chest fluttering and can lead to a stroke. There are a number of treatments. Medications are often prescribed to control the heart rate and prevent blood clots from forming in the heart.
Back pain
The most common cause of back pain is muscular strain. However, arthritis, degenerative disc disease, and kidney stones may be possible causes as well. A physical examination can help a physician make a diagnosis. Imaging of the spine may be needed in some patients.
Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)
Benign prostatic hypertrophy occurs when the prostate enlarges. This is common as men age and manifests as a weak urinary stream, frequent urination, or waking up multiple times at night to urinate. BPH is often diagnosed by a physician during a prostate examination. If left untreated, BPH could lead to kidney failure. The first line treatments are medications like alpha blockers. If these fail, more invasive procedures are then needed.
Blurry vision
Blurry vision can be caused by infections, chronic systemic diseases like diabetes, and internal eye disorders like glaucoma. A careful eye examination may be performed to evaluate blurry vision.
Cellulitis
Cellulitis is an infection of the skin caused by bacteria. The skin can become red, warm, and tender. Cellulitis is usually diagnosed through a careful skin examination. While severe cases require hospitalization, mild cases can be treated with oral antibiotics.
Cerebrovascular disease
Cerebrovascular disease, or stroke, is when the brain either does not get enough blood or there is a bleed inside the brain. The majority of strokes are ischemic, when not enough blood reaches the brain. These can be caused by a clot from the heart or arteries. The manifestations of an ischemic stroke are drooping of the face, weakness of an arm or a leg, lack of vision from an eye, or trouble with speech. Hemorrhagic strokes occur when there is a bleed inside the brain. As soon as a stroke is recognized, emergency medical services should be called for treatment in a hospital emergency room. Successful stroke treatment is time sensitive – the earlier the better.
Chest pain
Chest pain may be caused by coronary artery disease of the heart or a heart attack. Other possible causes include acid reflux disease, blood clots in the lungs, and muscle inflammation. An electrocardiogram, stress test, or CT scan may be needed. Symptoms should be discussed with a physician to determine the cause and best treatment plan.
Chronic kidney disease
Chronic kidney disease is the gradual loss of kidney function. When it reaches an advanced stage, dangerous levels of fluid, electrolytes, and waste products can build up in the body. When kidneys are significantly impaired, patients may feel nausea, vomiting, fatigue, leg swelling, and changes in urination. Lab tests and imaging, such as ultrasound of the kidneys, can help identify the diagnosis of kidney disease.
Congestive heart failure
Congestive heart failure occurs when the heart muscle does not pump blood as well as it should. Underlying conditions such as high blood pressure or coronary artery disease can gradually make the heart too weak or too stiff. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, leg swelling, persistent cough, and reduced ability to exercise. Lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation, controlling blood pressure, and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent heart failure. Lab tests and imaging such as chest x-ray and echocardiogram are often ordered.
Cough
Common causes of cough include upper respiratory infection, asthma, postnasal drip, smoking, and pneumonia. A physician will perform a lung examination and may order tests, such as a chest X-ray, pulmonary function test, or CT scan of the chest, to identify the cause of a cough.
Depression
Depression is a mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest. Other symptoms may include sleep disturbance, lack of energy, slowed thinking, angry outbursts, or irritability. To establish the diagnosis of depression, a physical exam and blood tests are often done initially. Medications and psychotherapy are mostly effective, but regular follow-up with a physician can help determine the best treatment plan.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease that affects the body’s ability to metabolize sugar. It can lead to excess sugar in the blood, which can cause serious health problems. Signs and symptoms of diabetes may include increased thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, or frequent infection. Lab tests, including a fasting blood sugar and a hemoglobin A1c, are often ordered for diagnosis.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea refers to frequent watery bowel movements. It can be caused by viral infections, bacterial infections, medications, and chronic conditions like Crohn’s disease. A physician may order blood tests, stool tests, a CT scan of the abdomen, or an endoscopy to evaluate diarrhea. Treatment may include fluids, antibiotics, and dietary modification.
Dizziness
Dizziness describes a sensation of spinning or lightheadedness. It has many possible causes and may suggest a problem in the inner ear or brain. A physician will conduct a careful examination of the ears, eyes, and nervous system to evaluate possible causes. Blood tests and imaging studies of the head and neck are sometimes ordered as well. Treatments can include medication and vestibular therapy.
Ear infection
An ear infection, called otitis media, usually causes pain and hearing loss in adults. Viruses and bacteria can cause an ear infection, and an examination of the ears confirms the diagnosis. Oral antibiotics are typically prescribed to treat acute otitis media.
Emphysema
Emphysema is a lung condition that causes shortness of breath. The main cause of emphysema is long-term exposure to airborne irritants such as tobacco smoke, marijuana smoke, and chemical fumes. To determine if a patient has emphysema, a chest x-ray and pulmonary function tests are often ordered. Emphysema cannot be cured, but treatments such as an inhaler can help relieve symptoms.
Esophageal reflux disease
Esophageal reflux disease refers to a group of symptoms related to acid backing up into the esophagus from the stomach. This can then cause damage or bothersome symptoms which may include heartburn, regurgitation of food, pain in the stomach or chest, sore throat, dry cough, trouble swallowing, or nausea. A history and physical exam are conducted to diagnosis this disorder. However, a physician may also order lab testing and referral to a gastroenterologist for an endoscopy.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a common term used to describe nonspecific symptoms such as diffuse weakness, a low energy state, or sleepiness. Many conditions such as anemia, cancer, thyroid disorders, heart failure, depression, and sleep apnea can cause fatigue. A thorough history and examination by a physician is required to help establish a diagnosis. Lab testing and cancer screening is often ordered.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes people to feel chronic pain throughout their body. It can also be characterized by increased pain when certain areas of the body are touched. Sometimes it can be associated with other symptoms, such as fatigue, chronic headaches, difficulty thinking clearly, depression, or anxiety. There is no specific test for fibromyalgia, but a physician can assess for alternative conditions prior to making the diagnosis.
Flu
The flu (medical term “influenza”) is an infection that can cause fever, fatigue, cough, sore throat, body aches, and other symptoms. Although most people recover from the flu on their own, some people require hospitalization, and some can even die from the illness. Flu can be prevented by receiving the yearly flu vaccine and performing frequent hand washing. Patients with the flu should stay home, rest, drink plenty of fluids, and may consider taking acetaminophen as needed for fever if there are no contraindications. Individuals with severe symptoms and those who are older than 65 should seek medical attention.
Gastric ulcers
Gastric ulcers are sores that can develop along the lining of the stomach or the first portion of the small intestine. Symptoms include abdominal pain, burning, belching, abdominal bloating, nausea, vomiting, or blood in the stool. The causes of gastric ulcers include conditions that increase stomach acid levels or damage the lining of the stomach. A history and physical exam, as well as lab testing and referral to gastroenterologist for endoscopy, are usually required to make the diagnosis.
Headache
There are different types of headaches, the most common being tension and migraine headaches. Headaches can occasionally be triggered by stress, skipping meals, changes in caffeine intake, drinking alcohol, or eating certain foods. They can sometimes be treated with non-prescription pain medications or by lying down in a cool, dark, quiet room. Individuals should seek medical attention if a headache is of sudden onset and very severe, or associated with a fever, a stiff neck, or a seizure. A thorough history and exam by a physician, lab testing, and imaging studies may be required.
Heart disease
Heart disease refers to coronary artery disease or cardiovascular disease. This is a condition in which vessels that supply the heart with oxygen-rich blood become narrowed or blocked with fatty plaques. In turn, the heart is deprived of the oxygen it needs to function. Possible symptoms include chest pain or pressure, sweating, nausea, vomiting, or shortness of breath. Smoking, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, high blood pressure, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, poor diet, and genetics all play a role in causing heart disease. An electrocardiogram or a stress test may be ordered by a physician to make the diagnosis.
Hyperlipidemia
Hyperlipidemia refers to a condition in which there is excess fat (also called lipids) in the bloodstream. At high levels, these fats can be deposited within the walls of arteries, which causes narrowing or blockages. This narrowing can lead to heart disease. A heart attack occurs if a narrowed artery becomes suddenly blocked by a small blood clot called a thrombus. A physician can order blood tests to diagnose hyperlipidemia. Individuals can naturally lower cholesterol through dietary and lifestyle changes and with medications when necessary.
Hypertension
Hypertension, or elevated blood pressure, is one of the most common conditions treated by physicians. Regular screening for hypertension is of vital importance, as leaving it untreated can increase the strain on the heart and arteries, which may eventually cause damage to the organs. Hypertension increases the risk of heart failure, heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. A physician can evaluate and treat this often symptom-less condition. Lowering salt intake is one of the first steps in helping to reduce blood pressure. Other treatments include exercise, weight loss, and medications.
Irritable bowel syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition of the gastrointestinal system. Most commonly, patients experience abdominal pain and a change in bowel habits. Unfortunately, the cause of this diagnosis is still not very clear. Some theories suggest the bowels undergo spasm and this is what causes the cramping and pain that is common with IBS. Symptoms can be alleviated by reducing stress and eliminating certain foods. A physician can help determine the next steps in care, which can sometimes include a referral to a gastroenterologist.
Kidney stone
Kidney stones can develop when a high level of substances, such as calcium, oxalate, or uric acid are present in the urine. These substances form small crystals, which can become lodged in the kidney and, if they gradually increase in size, can form kidney stones. The stone can pass if it is small. However, if the size is large, the stone can block the flow of urine and may require a procedure for removal. Kidney stones can sometimes be prevented by drinking plenty of water and avoiding certain foods. A physician can help determine what other measures can be used to help prevent stones from forming.
Leg cramps
Leg cramps often occur at night and can be severe enough to awaken a person from sleep. Leg cramps may not have an obvious cause, but common causes include electrolyte deficiencies, medication side effects, exercising, and pregnancy. Labs tests may be ordered to determine the cause. Treatments include stretching exercises, avoiding caffeine intake, and warm baths.
Obesity
Obesity is a condition when a person weighs too much for their height. People who consume a high calorie diet, are not sleeping enough at night, or are not active are all at risk for developing obesity. Obesity can lead to a number of health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and obstructive sleep apnea. People with obesity should reduce their weight by eating a diet high in vegetables and fruit and avoiding sugary desserts or beverages. Exercise should be incorporated into a regular routine as well. A physician can work with a patient to develop the best weight loss strategies.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis refers to the wear and tear of the joints and is the most common type of arthritis. The most commonly affected joints are the hands, knees, hips, and lower spine. As we age, the cartilage breaks down and the bones begin to rub over each other, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. A physician can assess for various types of arthritis using x-rays. Resting when joints hurt, reducing weight, and applying compresses can help alleviate symptoms.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition in which the bones are weak and are at an increased risk of developing a fracture. This condition does not cause symptoms unless a fracture occurs. A bone density test is performed to detect osteoporosis. Women older than 65 and men older than 70 years old can be considered for osteoporosis screening. Treatment options include prescription medications, calcium supplements, and lifestyle modifications.
Palpitations
Palpitation is the sensation that the heart is beating irregularly or too fast. This can be caused by a variety of different things, including a dysfunction in the conduction of electricity through the heart, anxiety, thyroid disorders, or arrhythmias, among others. A physician can do an electrocardiogram and blood tests to help diagnose the cause of palpitations. Patients with palpitations may be referred to a specialist of the heart called a cardiologist for a more in-depth evaluation.
Peripheral arterial disease
Peripheral arterial disease is a condition in which fat deposits in the arteries, particularly those of the legs, causing decreased blood flow. This can cause symptoms such as leg pain with activity that improves with rest. Peripheral arterial disease is diagnosed with a history, a physical exam, and an ultrasound, or by taking different blood pressure measurements in the arms and legs. Treatment includes lifestyle modifications such as smoking cessation and walking, and controlling chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs. Symptoms may include cough, difficulty breathing, and fever, as well as other upper respiratory symptoms. Pneumonia can be diagnosed with a physical examination by a physician and a chest X-ray. It is treated with oral or intravenous antibiotics, depending on the severity of the infection.
Rash
A rash is a skin condition with many possible causes. The skin can become red, itchy, and painful. A rash can have many causes, including a drug allergy, food allergy, infection, or direct contact with substances that irritate the skin. A physician can sometimes determine the cause by examining the skin. Treatments may include steroid creams, oral steroids, and dressing applications.
Sore throat
Sore throat is most commonly caused by viral or bacterial infections, while rare causes can include cancer. Physicians will conduct a careful examination of the ears, throat, and neck to help identify the cause. Sometimes, a throat swab may be obtained for lab testing. Most sore throats resolve spontaneously, but occasionally antibiotics may be prescribed.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is inflammation of the sinus cavity of the face, commonly due to infection. Symptoms can include facial pressure, nasal congestion, fever, or discharge from the nose. Symptoms usually resolve spontaneously within 1 to 2 weeks. Prolonged symptoms or worsening symptoms will require a physician’s evaluation. Sometimes, antibiotics will be prescribed to treat sinusitis.
Thyroid disorders
Thyroid disorders may be due to the thyroid gland making too much or too little thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones are responsible for metabolism, temperature control, and a variety of other functions. Thyroid disorders can be diagnosed with a blood test that checks various thyroid hormone levels. Treatment varies depending on whether the hormone level is too high or too low, but the most common treatment is medications that are prescribed by a primary care physician or an endocrinologist.
Urinary tract infection
A urinary tract infection is an infection of the bladder or kidney. Symptoms can include a burning sensation during urination, fever, and back pain. A urine test and culture may be ordered by a physician to diagnose the condition, and antibiotics are usually prescribed as treatment.
