31 Swelling of the Legs Swelling of one or both legs is a frequent presenting complaint. Common causes are systemic edema states, (heart failure, nephrotic syndrome, and cirrhosis) acute and…

11 Dizziness/Lightheadedness and Vertigo Dizziness is the most common reason why patients older than 75 years visit their doctors. However, most patients who complain of dizziness do not have an…

35 Voiding Disorders and Incontinence Voiding disorders and incontinence are common disorders of micturition that are presented to the physician. They occur more frequently in elderly persons; currently, about 15%…

9 Cough When evaluating patients with a cough, the physician should remember that: 1. Most healthy people seldom cough. 2. The main function of coughing is airway clearance. The complaint…

21 Menstrual Pain Dysmenorrhea means painful menstruation. It may begin shortly before menstruation. Approximately 60% of postpubescent women experience dysmenorrhea; 10% of these women are incapacitated by pain for 1…

19 Insomnia Patients usually describe insomnia as poor quality or quantity of sleep despite adequate time for sleep, resulting in daytime fatigue, irritability, and decreased concentration. Of all the sleep…

22 Nausea and/or Vomiting Without Abdominal Pain Chronic nausea and vomiting are not uncommon in primary care practice. Approximately 3% of the population has reported nausea once a week, and…

18 Heartburn, Indigestion, and Dyspepsia Heartburn and indigestion are common presenting complaints. Because these symptoms are often vague, it is difficult for the physician to determine a precise cause, and…

16 Forgetfulness Forgetfulness and loss of memory are common complaints, particularly in elderly patients. Often their families raise the issue. Age-associated memory impairment (AAMI) is an impairment in episodic memory…

6 Chest Pain Chest pain is one of the most common complaints of adult patients. Whether the patients admit it or not, they are usually concerned that this pain is…