Arthritis, Joint Inflammation
Arthritis refers to inflammation of a joint. The inflammation may cause pain, swelling, and stiffness.
What is going on in the body?
The joint inflammation of arthritis can occur for many reasons. Often the lining of the joint, the synovium, becomes inflamed. It reacts by making extra synovial fluid. This causes the joint to become swollen. The smooth white surface of the joint, the hyaline cartilage, can become thin, worn, and rough. Any joint in the body can be affected by some form of arthritis.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
There are many types of arthritis, with a host of different causes, such as:
# ankylosing spondylitis, which affects the spine and other joints
# arthritis caused by mechanical problems, such as a bone fracture or dislocation
# gout, which is caused by an accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joint
# infectious arthritis, which is caused by an infection such as Lyme disease or a gonococcal infection
# osteoarthritis, a degenerative process that is also called wear-and-tear arthritis
# pseudogout, which is caused by an accumulation of calcium pyrophosphate crystals in the joint
# psoriatic arthritis, which develops in some people who have a chronic skin condition known as psoriasis
# reactive arthritis, which may develop after an infection of the urinary tract, bowel, or other organs
# rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder in which the body makes antibodies to its own tissues
Some of the risk factors for arthritis are as follows:
# aging changes in the bones and joints
# bodywide infections that affect the joints
# diabetes
# genetic or hereditary tendency to arthritis
# immunodeficiency disorders, such as HIV
# injury to the joints
# menopause, which increases a woman's risk for osteoarthritis
# overweight or obesity
# smoking, which doubles a woman's risk for rheumatoid arthritis
Knee Pain
Knee Pain, Pain in the Knee, Arthralgia of the Knee
The knee is a joint where the thigh bone, or femur, and shin bone, or tibia, meet. Knee pain refers to any pain or discomfort in this area of the body.
What is going on in the body?
Pain in the knee can occur for many reasons. It can be mild or severe, and involve one or both knees. Most cases of knee pain do not pose a serious threat to a person's health, but a few are serious.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
There are many possible causes of knee pain, including:
# trauma or injury
# overuse of the knee
# arthritis
# infections in or around the knee, such as septic arthritis
# disease or infection throughout the body, which may produce generalized joint pain. Examples include sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and flu.
# gout or pseudogout, which are disorders that can deposit crystals into the joint space
# autoimmune disorders, conditions in which a person produces antibodies against his or her own body for unknown reasons. Autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus can cause knee pain.
# Baker's cyst, a small abnormal sac that may develop behind the knee
# Osgood-Schlatter disease, a condition that usually occurs in teenage boys
# deep venous thrombosis, which is a blood clot in the leg
# a tumor or cancer affecting the bone
The knee is a joint where the thigh bone, or femur, and shin bone, or tibia, meet. Knee pain refers to any pain or discomfort in this area of the body.
What is going on in the body?
Pain in the knee can occur for many reasons. It can be mild or severe, and involve one or both knees. Most cases of knee pain do not pose a serious threat to a person's health, but a few are serious.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
There are many possible causes of knee pain, including:
# trauma or injury
# overuse of the knee
# arthritis
# infections in or around the knee, such as septic arthritis
# disease or infection throughout the body, which may produce generalized joint pain. Examples include sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and flu.
# gout or pseudogout, which are disorders that can deposit crystals into the joint space
# autoimmune disorders, conditions in which a person produces antibodies against his or her own body for unknown reasons. Autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus can cause knee pain.
# Baker's cyst, a small abnormal sac that may develop behind the knee
# Osgood-Schlatter disease, a condition that usually occurs in teenage boys
# deep venous thrombosis, which is a blood clot in the leg
# a tumor or cancer affecting the bone
Etiketler:
Anterior Knee Pain,
Arthralgia of the Knee,
Pain in the Knee
Arthralgia, Pain in the Joints
Arthralgia, Pain in the Joints
Joint pain is a common symptom with many possible causes.
What is going on in the body?
A joint is the place where two bones come together. For example, the knee joint is the place where the thigh bone and shin bone meet. Most people have one or more sore joints at some point in their lives. The joints of the arms and legs are most commonly affected.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
There are many possible causes of joint pain. The causes can be divided into categories:
# wear-and-tear, such as from overuse, injury, or osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, or joint inflammation.
# conditions that affect metabolism, such as gout and pseudogout. These conditions result from materials being deposited into the joints.
# infections of the joint, sometimes called septic arthritis. Infections usually spread to the joint from other areas of the body. Gonorrhea and syphilis, two sexually transmitted diseases, can cause joint pain. Lyme disease, an infection that results from a tick bite, and other infections can also cause arthritis.
# autoimmune disorders, in which a person's body produces antibodies against its own tissues. These disorders include rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.
# reactive arthritis, which means joint pain and inflammation caused by infections in other areas of the body. This type of joint pain can result from infectious diarrhea or the sexually transmitted disease chlamydia.
# bone diseases, such as Paget's disease, which causes inflamed bones and bone tumors or cancer near joints.
# medications, such as penicillin or procainamide
# diseases, such as the flu
Other causes are also possible. In some cases, no cause can be found
Joint pain is a common symptom with many possible causes.
What is going on in the body?
A joint is the place where two bones come together. For example, the knee joint is the place where the thigh bone and shin bone meet. Most people have one or more sore joints at some point in their lives. The joints of the arms and legs are most commonly affected.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
There are many possible causes of joint pain. The causes can be divided into categories:
# wear-and-tear, such as from overuse, injury, or osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, or joint inflammation.
# conditions that affect metabolism, such as gout and pseudogout. These conditions result from materials being deposited into the joints.
# infections of the joint, sometimes called septic arthritis. Infections usually spread to the joint from other areas of the body. Gonorrhea and syphilis, two sexually transmitted diseases, can cause joint pain. Lyme disease, an infection that results from a tick bite, and other infections can also cause arthritis.
# autoimmune disorders, in which a person's body produces antibodies against its own tissues. These disorders include rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.
# reactive arthritis, which means joint pain and inflammation caused by infections in other areas of the body. This type of joint pain can result from infectious diarrhea or the sexually transmitted disease chlamydia.
# bone diseases, such as Paget's disease, which causes inflamed bones and bone tumors or cancer near joints.
# medications, such as penicillin or procainamide
# diseases, such as the flu
Other causes are also possible. In some cases, no cause can be found
Etiketler:
Arthralgia,
Pain in the Joints
Atherosclerosis
Arteriosclerosis, Hardening of the Arteries, Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis refers to fatty deposits formed under the inner lining of the blood vessels. The walls of the vessels become thick and less elastic. The thickened areas are called plaque.
What is going on in the body?
Atherosclerosis occurs when fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium, and other materials build up on the inside lining of the arteries. The buildup is more likely to be in parts of the artery that have been injured. It usually occurs where the artery bends or branches. Once plaque builds up, it may cause the cells in the artery lining to make chemicals that cause more plaque buildup.
Two problems can result from the plaque.
# First, the blood vessel can become narrow, preventing blood flow to the area served by the artery. For example, if an artery to the heart becomes 80% to 90% blocked, a person can develop chest pain.
# Second, the plaque can rupture and send a blood clot streaming through the artery. A blood clot that goes to other parts of the body is called an embolus. The embolus can be deposited in a smaller area of the artery or in another artery, completely cutting off the blood supply. This blockage can cause a heart attack, stroke, pulmonary embolus, or other serious medical problem.
What are the causes and risks of the disease?
There are several factors that increase a person's risk of developing atherosclerosis, such as:
# cigarette smoking and secondhand smoke
# diabetes
# high blood cholesterol, especially a high level of LDL, the bad carrier for cholesterol
# high blood pressure
# high levels of triglycerides in the blood
# increased age
# lack of exercise
# male gender
# obesity
Atherosclerosis refers to fatty deposits formed under the inner lining of the blood vessels. The walls of the vessels become thick and less elastic. The thickened areas are called plaque.
What is going on in the body?
Atherosclerosis occurs when fatty substances, cholesterol, cellular waste products, calcium, and other materials build up on the inside lining of the arteries. The buildup is more likely to be in parts of the artery that have been injured. It usually occurs where the artery bends or branches. Once plaque builds up, it may cause the cells in the artery lining to make chemicals that cause more plaque buildup.
Two problems can result from the plaque.
# First, the blood vessel can become narrow, preventing blood flow to the area served by the artery. For example, if an artery to the heart becomes 80% to 90% blocked, a person can develop chest pain.
# Second, the plaque can rupture and send a blood clot streaming through the artery. A blood clot that goes to other parts of the body is called an embolus. The embolus can be deposited in a smaller area of the artery or in another artery, completely cutting off the blood supply. This blockage can cause a heart attack, stroke, pulmonary embolus, or other serious medical problem.
What are the causes and risks of the disease?
There are several factors that increase a person's risk of developing atherosclerosis, such as:
# cigarette smoking and secondhand smoke
# diabetes
# high blood cholesterol, especially a high level of LDL, the bad carrier for cholesterol
# high blood pressure
# high levels of triglycerides in the blood
# increased age
# lack of exercise
# male gender
# obesity
Etiketler:
Arteriosclerosis,
Atherosclerosis,
Hardening of the Arteries
Arterial Blood Sample
Arterial Blood Sample
An arterial blood sample is a small amount of blood collected from an artery. The blood is then used for testing in the laboratory.
Who is a candidate for the test?
Arterial blood samples are most often used for an arterial blood gas, or ABG, test. ABGs are a series of blood measurements that are ordered as a single test. This test is primarily used to check lung function and acid levels in the body.
An arterial blood sample may also be done to obtain blood for a CHEM-20 or CHEM-7. These tests look at a number of chemicals in the blood serum. Blood cultures for aerobic or anaerobic organisms may also be done on an arterial blood sample. These tests look for bacteria and other organisms in the blood.
How is the test performed?
Arterial blood samples are drawn from an artery. Common sites include the wrist, elbow, or groin. The area is cleaned with an antiseptic. A local anesthetic is injected to numb the area. A sharp, hollow needle is inserted into the artery. Blood is collected using a syringe treated with heparin. Heparin is a blood thinner that keeps the sample from clotting in the syringe. Pressure is applied to the collection site until bleeding stops
An arterial blood sample is a small amount of blood collected from an artery. The blood is then used for testing in the laboratory.
Who is a candidate for the test?
Arterial blood samples are most often used for an arterial blood gas, or ABG, test. ABGs are a series of blood measurements that are ordered as a single test. This test is primarily used to check lung function and acid levels in the body.
An arterial blood sample may also be done to obtain blood for a CHEM-20 or CHEM-7. These tests look at a number of chemicals in the blood serum. Blood cultures for aerobic or anaerobic organisms may also be done on an arterial blood sample. These tests look for bacteria and other organisms in the blood.
How is the test performed?
Arterial blood samples are drawn from an artery. Common sites include the wrist, elbow, or groin. The area is cleaned with an antiseptic. A local anesthetic is injected to numb the area. A sharp, hollow needle is inserted into the artery. Blood is collected using a syringe treated with heparin. Heparin is a blood thinner that keeps the sample from clotting in the syringe. Pressure is applied to the collection site until bleeding stops
Etiketler:
Arterial Blood Sample
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, True Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Disputed Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Arterial Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Thoracic outlet syndrome includes those disorders that result in compression of nerves or blood vessels supplying the arms.
What is going on in the body?
The thoracic outlet is the area of the body between the collarbone and the rib cage. Veins, nerves, and arteries come through this opening. When the blood vessels or nerves are compressed or squeezed, the pressure causes the symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome.
What are the causes and risks of the disease?
Causes of thoracic outlet may include:
# injury to the area of the collarbone or upper ribs
# spinal problems, such as a herniated disk that may compress the nerves
# bony protrusions on the spinal column near the thoracic outlet
# an extra rib or other abnormality present at birth
# pregnancy
# repetitive stress injury from activities that may compress the nerves, arteries, or veins
Sometimes a cause cannot be identified
Thoracic outlet syndrome includes those disorders that result in compression of nerves or blood vessels supplying the arms.
What is going on in the body?
The thoracic outlet is the area of the body between the collarbone and the rib cage. Veins, nerves, and arteries come through this opening. When the blood vessels or nerves are compressed or squeezed, the pressure causes the symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome.
What are the causes and risks of the disease?
Causes of thoracic outlet may include:
# injury to the area of the collarbone or upper ribs
# spinal problems, such as a herniated disk that may compress the nerves
# bony protrusions on the spinal column near the thoracic outlet
# an extra rib or other abnormality present at birth
# pregnancy
# repetitive stress injury from activities that may compress the nerves, arteries, or veins
Sometimes a cause cannot be identified
Arterial Blood Gases
Arterial Blood Gases, ABG, Arterial Blood GAS
Arterial blood gases, called ABGs, are a series of blood measurements that are ordered as a single test. This test is used mainly to check lung function and acid levels in the body.
Who is a candidate for the test?
Any time there is a question about breathing problems, oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange, or acid levels in the body, this test can be helpful. Examples include:
# people with shortness of breath due to lung problems
# people with rapid breathing due to heart or blood conditions
# people who are unconscious
# people who are suspected of having too much or too little acid in the body, such as someone with kidney failure
# people on artificial breathing machines called ventilators. ABGs are done regularly to assure that the machines are set correctly.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample from an artery is needed to do this test. In most cases, an artery on the palm side of the wrist is used to get the blood. Sometimes, an artery in the groin or other area may be used. The skin over the artery is cleaned first. Next, a small needle is inserted through the skin and into the artery. The needle is usually hooked up to a syringe. Blood flows into the syringe once the needle is put into the artery. Pressure is applied over the area after the blood is collected to prevent bleeding. The blood is then sent to the lab for analysis
Arterial blood gases, called ABGs, are a series of blood measurements that are ordered as a single test. This test is used mainly to check lung function and acid levels in the body.
Who is a candidate for the test?
Any time there is a question about breathing problems, oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange, or acid levels in the body, this test can be helpful. Examples include:
# people with shortness of breath due to lung problems
# people with rapid breathing due to heart or blood conditions
# people who are unconscious
# people who are suspected of having too much or too little acid in the body, such as someone with kidney failure
# people on artificial breathing machines called ventilators. ABGs are done regularly to assure that the machines are set correctly.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample from an artery is needed to do this test. In most cases, an artery on the palm side of the wrist is used to get the blood. Sometimes, an artery in the groin or other area may be used. The skin over the artery is cleaned first. Next, a small needle is inserted through the skin and into the artery. The needle is usually hooked up to a syringe. Blood flows into the syringe once the needle is put into the artery. Pressure is applied over the area after the blood is collected to prevent bleeding. The blood is then sent to the lab for analysis
Etiketler:
ABG,
Arterial Blood GAS,
Arterial Blood Gases
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