Basicmedical Key

Palpitations Palpitation is an awareness of the heartbeat; although benign in the vast majority, palpitations are occasionally a manifestation of a life-threatening disorder. Causes Sinus Tachycardia • Anxiety/emotional stress • Caffeine • Nicotine…

Mouth Ulcers Ulceration in the mouth is common. It is important to be able to distinguish between simple benign ulcers, e.g. traumatic or aphthous, and those that are malignant. Tongue…

Vaginal Discharge Vaginal discharge can occur at any age but is usually a symptom of reproductive years. Causes • Candidiasis • Bacterial vaginosis • Trichomonas vaginosis (Fig. 63) • Cervicitis, e.g. gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, herpes…

Oedema Oedema is the accumulation of excessive fluid in the subcutaneous tissue. When oedema results from lymphatic stasis, the term lymphoedema is used. Oedema may be pitting or non-pitting. Subcutaneous…

Leg Ulcers An ulcer is a discontinuity of an epithelial surface. Leg ulcers are common and the site of an ulcer on the leg may provide a clue to its…

Kidney Swellings Kidney swellings are not uncommon. They may present silently or may be associated with haematuria, urinary tract infections and pyrexia. Causes Congenital • Polycystic kidney Acquired Infective • Perinephric abscess…

Leg Swellings Swelling of the lower limb may be unilateral or bilateral. Bilateral swellings are usually due to medical conditions such as cardiac, renal or hepatic failure. Unilateral swellings are…

Leg Pain This section deals with causes of pain arising from local lesions within the leg, or referred into the leg. Pain in the leg is a common complaint and…

Lip Lesions Lip lesions are common. They may be extremely painful and interfere with speech and feeding. They may be socially embarrassing for the patient. They may also prevent appropriate…

Vomiting Vomiting is the forceful ejection of gastric contents through the mouth. It occurs when the vomiting centre in the medulla oblongata is stimulated. This may be due to direct…