Basicmedical Key

Hypertension Hypertension is the elevation of blood pressure. An individual is classified as hypertensive when there is a sustained rise in blood pressure to more than 140/90 mmHg on three or…

Voice Disorders Voice disorders can be caused by a number of conditions. Change in the quality of the voice ranges from mild hoarseness to aphonia. It is extremely important to…

Penile Lesions Penile lesions are common. They interfere with sexual intercourse. The majority of surgical conditions of the penis relate to problems with the foreskin and glans and the need…

Neck Pain Neck pain is a common problem. The majority of cases are due to poor posture or cervical spondylosis. If there has been a history of trauma, extreme care…

Intestinal Obstruction Mechanical obstruction of the bowel may be simple (one-point obstruction) or closed loop (obstruction at two points enclosing a segment of bowel). If the bowel is viable, the…

Jaundice Jaundice is yellow discoloration of the tissues, noticed especially in the skin and sclera (Figs 28, 37), due to accumulation of bilirubin. For jaundice to be clinically apparent, the…

Hepatomegaly Hepatomegaly is enlargement of the liver. The most common causes in the UK are cirrhosis, cardiac failure and secondary malignancy. Causes Hepatitis/Infection Acute • Alcohol • Viruses • Bacteria • Protozoans • Parasites Chronic…

Weight Loss Unintentional weight loss is often a manifestation of significant underlying disease and should never be ignored. Causes Systemic Disease • Malignancy • Cardiac failure • Chronic respiratory disease • Renal failure • Liver…

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…

Visual Problems As the sense of sight is critical, patients who present with visual disturbance are often very distressed. Below is a list of common conditions that may give rise…