I. Integumentary system
Scabies
Definition: Scabies is an itchy skin condition caused by an infestation by the itch mite Sarcoptes scabies.
Causes
Ø Scabies is caused by a microscopic mite called Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis.
Ø The scabies mite causes symptoms when it digs a little tunnel below the skin and causes a type of allergic reaction.
Ø If the person has never been exposed to scabies before, he or she may not show symptoms until four to six weeks after the initial infestation.
Ø Individuals who have been exposed in the past usually show symptoms within a few days.
Spread
Ø Scabies is almost always spread by protracted skin-to-skin contact with the infected person.
Ø Scabies infestation can happen through the sharing of clothes and bedding. Theoretically, you can get scabies from touching something that the mite is on.
Treatment
Self-Care at Home
Ø Wash all clothing, towels, and bed linens that are used in the last three days.
Ø Use hot water.
Ø Use the dryer at high heat rather than air drying.
Ø Place the objects that are not machine washable into a bag and store for a week.
Ø Use the medication as prescribed and instructed.
Ø You can also treat itching with antihistamine medications.
Ø Cut your nails, and clean under them thoroughly to remove any mites or eggs that may be present.
Ø Thoroughly vacuum your rugs, furniture, bedding, and car interior and throw the vacuum-cleaner bag away when finished.
Ø Try to avoid scratching. Keep any open sores clean.
Prevention
Ø safely keep the clothes of an infected person
Ø Avoid the contact with the infected person.
Breast cancer
Definition: Breast cancer is cancer of the breast. Cancer is a disease in which cells begin to grow rapidly and out of control. Cancer cells can travel through the body by way of blood or lymph nodes. They can then come to rest and start growing in other parts of the body.
Symptoms of breast cancer
Ø A change in how the breast or nipple feels
Ø A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area
Ø A change in how the breast or nipple looks
Ø A change in the size or shape of the breast
Ø A nipple turned inward into the breast
Ø The skin of the breast, areola, or nipple may be scaly, red, or swollen. It may have ridges or pitting so that it looks like the skin of an orange.
Causes
Researchers do not know how normal cells suddenly become cancerous. Thus, the fundamental cause or causes of breast cancer are still a puzzle. They know that certain risk factors are related to the development of breast cancer. These factors include:
Ø Family history of breast cancer occurring in mother or sister.
Ø Early onset of menstruation and late menopause.
Ø Reproductive history. Women who have no children or have children late in life have increased risk.
Ø Women who have never breast-fed also have increased risk.
Ø History of abnormal breast biopsies
Treatment
Ø Biopsy:-Your doctor may refer you to a surgeon or breast disease specialist for a biopsy.
Ø Fluid or tissue is removed from your breast to help find out if there is cancer.
Doctors can remove tissue from the breast in different ways:
Ø Fine-needle aspiration: Uses a thin needle to remove fluid from a breast lump. If the fluid appears to contain cells, a pathologist at a lab checks them for cancer with a microscope. If the fluid is clear, it may not need to be checked by a lab.
Ø Core biopsy: uses a thick needle to remove breast tissue. A pathologist checks for cancer cells.
Ø Surgical biopsy: removes a sample of tissue. A pathologist checks the tissue for cancer cells.
Ø An incisional biopsy takes a sample of a lump or abnormal area.
Ø An accessional biopsy takes the entire lump or area.
Prevention
Ø There is no way to prevent breast cancer. The best way to deal with the disease is to perform regular self-examinations and have regular mammograms. For women who have had breast cancer, tamoxifen treatments appear to be a promising factor in preventing reoccurrence of the disease.
Skin cancer
Definition: Skin cancer is a malignant growth on the outer layer of the skin.
Causes
Ø Heredity is thought to be an important factor in the development of melanomas.
Ø Exposure to sunlight is probably the most important environmental factor.
Ø People who work with certain chemicals may be at risk for the disease.
Ø People with weakened immune systems, such as those who have AIDS, may be more likely to develop some kinds of skin cancer.
Symptoms
Ø The first sign of a cancer is usually a change in the appearance of an existing mole, the presence of a new mole, or a change in the appearance of an area of the skin.
Ø Basal cell cancer usually appears as a small lesion in the skin that lasts for at least three weeks.
Ø A squamous cell cancer generally begins as a small raised bump on the skin. It usually does not itch or cause pain.
Ø A common symptom of melanoma is a change in an existing mole.
Prevention
Ø The less one is exposed to sunlight, the less the risk of skin cancer.
Ø At the least, one should avoid the sun during the hottest part of the day, between 11 A.M. and 1 P.M when one is in the sun.
Ø He or she should use sunscreen.
Ø Regular self-examinations can also be helpful.
Treatment
Ø Treating any form of skin cancer is surgery.
Ø Radiation treatments are sometimes recommended for older people or in cases where surgery is not possible or desirable.
Ø Surgical removal of a cancer may be followed by cosmetic surgery.
II. SKELETAL SYSTEM
Fracture
Definition: A break in bone or cartilage.
Causes
Ø Usually it is the result of trauma.
Ø A fracture can be caused by an acquired disease of bone such as osteopoesis
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of a fracture are:
Ø Swelling around the injured area
Ø Loss of function in the injured area
Ø Bruising around the injured area
Ø Deformity of a limb
Treatment
Ø Initial treatment for fractures of the arms, legs, hands and feet in the field include splinting the extremity in the position it is found, elevation and ice.
Ø Immobilization will be very helpful with initial pain control.
Ø Once the fracture has been diagnosed, the initial treatment for most limb fractures is a splint.
Ø Surgery
Prevention
Ø Wear protection while participating in adventurous activities/driving. The protection can be in the form of helmets, elbow pads, knee pads, and shin pads.
Ø Ensure a safe atmosphere.
Ø Stairways should be gated if possible.
Ø Any liquid spilled should be swabbed and the area must be wiped dry.
Ø The use of handrails on staircases and non-skid mats near bathrooms and other places is recommended.
Ø Prevent falls by not standing on chairs, counter tops, or other unstable objects.
Osteomyelitis
Definition: Osteomyelitis is an acute or chronic bone infection. Usually, the original site of infection is elsewhere in the body, and spreads to the bone by the blood.
Symptoms
Some of the most common symptoms of osteomyelitis are:
Ø Pain in the bone
Ø Local swelling
Ø Redness, and warmth
Ø High fever
Ø Nausea
Ø An abscess at the site of infection.
Ø Restriction of movement
Causes
Ø Bacteria or fungus may cause the infection. It occurs through open fractures, penetrating wounds, or surgical operation.
Ø Infecting microorganisms may also reach the bone via the bloodstream.
Treatment
Ø Use of Antibiotics: - If the infection is caused by the bacteria, it's often treated with antibiotics.
Ø The most commonly used antibiotics are:
Ø Nafcillin (Nafcil, Unipen)
Ø Cefazolin (Ancef)
Ø Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
Ø Ceftazidime (Fortaz, Ceptaz)
Ø Clindamycin (Cleocin)
Ø Vancomycin (Vancocin)
Ø Surgery: - Surgery is usually necessary, especially if the infection is chronic or if a patient has some hardware implanted such as metal plates or artificial joints.
Prevention
Ø Reducing your risk of infection will also reduce your risk of developing osteomyelitis.
Ø In general, be careful and take precautions to avoid cuts and scrapes, which give germs easy access to your body. If you do get any cuts and scrapes, clean the area immediately and apply a clean bandage.
Ø Check wounds frequently for signs of infection.
Gout
Definition: Gout is a kind of arthritis. It can cause an attack of sudden burning pain, stiffness, and swelling in a joint, usually a big toe.
Causes
Ø Gout is caused by too much uric acid in the blood.
Ø Many people with high levels in their blood never get gout.
Ø When uric acid levels in the blood are too high, the uric acid may form hard crystals in your joints.
Ø Your chances of getting gout are higher if you are overweight, drink too much alcohol, or eat too much meat and fish that are high in chemicals called purines. Some medicines, such as water pills (diuretics), can also bring on gout.
Symptoms
Ø Nighttime attack of swelling, tenderness, redness, and sharp pain in your big toe.
Ø It attacks in your foot, ankle, or knees.
Ø Last a few days or many weeks before the pain goes away.
Treatment
Ø Take a shot of corticosteroids.
Ø The doses will get smaller as your symptoms go away and relief from a gout attack often begins within 24 hours if you start treatment right away.
Ø . Taking ibuprofen or another anti-inflammatory medicine can also help you feel better.
Prevention
Ø To prevent future attacks, your doctor can prescribe a medicine to reduce uric acid buildup in your blood. If your doctor prescribes medicine to lower your uric acid levels, be sure to take it as directed. Most people continue to take this medicine for the rest of their lives.
Ø Paying attention to what you eat may help you manage your gout.
Ø Eat moderate amounts of a healthy mix of foods to control your weight and get the nutrients you need.
Ø Avoid regular daily intake of meat, seafood, and alcohol (especially beer).
Ø Drink plenty of water and other fluids.
Leukemia
Definition
Leukemia is a form of cancer in which the body produces too many white blood cells. Many forms of leukemia have been identified. They are divided into two general types: acute and chronic. An acute condition comes on fairly quickly. A chronic disorder develops more slowly over time.
Causes:
Ø Smoking and tobacco use.
Ø Being exposed to large amounts of radiation.
Ø Exposure to certain chemicals in the work place.
Ø Past chemotherapy or radiation for another cancer.
Symptoms:
Ø Fevers and night sweats.
Ø Frequent or unusual infections.
Ø Weakness and fatigue.
Ø Headaches
Ø Joint pain
Ø Bond pain
Ø Swelling in the belly or pain on the left side of the belly or in the left shoulder from a swollen spleen.
Ø Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit neck or groin.
Ø Decreased appetite.
Preventions:
Ø Avoid high doses of radiation.
Ø Exposure to the chemical benzene and smoking should be abstained.
Ø Other tobacco use or certain types of chemotherapy use to treat other types of cancer.
III. DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
Gastritis
Definition: Gastritis is an inflammation, irritation, or erosion of the lining of the stomach. It can occur suddenly or gradually.
Causes
Ø Irritation due to excessive alcohol use, chronic vomiting, stress, or the use of certain medications such as aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs.
Ø Helicobacter pylori: lives in the mucous lining of the stomach. It leads to ulcer, and in some people, stomach cancer.
Ø Pernicious anemia: A form of anemia that occurs when the stomach lacks a naturally occurring substance needed to properly absorb and digest vitamin B12.
Ø Bile reflux: A backflow of bile into the stomach from the bile tract.
Ø If gastritis is left untreated, it can lead to a severe loss in blood, or in some cases increase the risk of developing stomach cancer.
Symptoms
Symptoms of gastritis vary among individuals, and in many people there are no symptoms. The most common symptoms include:
Ø Nausea or recurrent upset stomach
Ø Abdominal bloating
Ø Abdominal pain
Ø Vomiting
Ø Burning or gnawing feeling in the stomach between meals or at night
Ø Loss of appetite
Ø Vomiting blood or coffee ground-like material
Ø Black, tarry stools
Treatment
Treatment for gastritis usually involves:
Ø Taking antacids and other drugs to reduce stomach acid, which causes further irritation to inflamed areas.
Ø Avoiding hot and spicy foods.
Ø For gastritis caused by H. pylori infection, take a prescribe regimen of several antibiotics plus an acid blocking drug.
Ø If the gastritis is caused by pernicious anemia, B12 vitamin shots will be given.
Prevention
The mainstay of gastritis prevention is to avoid those things that irritate or inflame your stomach's lining.
Ø Aspirin
Ø NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen Smoking
Ø Caffeine and other caffeine like substances
Ø Alcohol
Ø The medication may be very important for your health
Diarrhea
Definition: frequent and watery bowel movements; can be a symptom of infection or food poisoning or colitis or a gastrointestinal tumor
Causes
Short-term diarrhea is usually a symptom of gastroenteritis, which is an infection of the bowel. Gastroenteritis may be caused by:
Ø A virus, such as nor virus or rotavirus,
Ø Food poisoning
Ø Bacterial infection
Ø Antibiotics
Ø Contaminated food or water
Ø Emotional upset or anxiety,
Ø Drinking too much alcohol and coffee
Ø The side effect from some medicines.
Ø A bacterial or viral infection, laxatives and poor diet
Symptoms
Ø The main symptom of diarrhea is having loose, watery stools.
Ø Going to the toilet more often than normal.
You may also get:
Ø Vomiting
Ø Stomach cramps
Ø A fever.
Ø Feeling thirsty
Ø Not needing to urinate as often
Ø Having dark-colored urine
Ø Having dry skin
Ø Feeling sleepy.
Treatment
Ø Diarrhea often goes away without treatment after a few days, because your immune system will automatically fight the infection.
Ø Don't become dehydrated:- You can avoid becoming dehydrated by drinking lots of fluids.
Ø Rehydration drinks: - Rehydration drinks do not help to cure diarrhoea, but can prevent or treat dehydration.
Ø Eat as soon as you can: - The old advice was to not eat anything for a day or two, but now it is recommended that you eat foods high in carbohydrates and other foods as soon as you feel like it. Salty foods such as soup can help replace salt lost from your system.