Basicmedical Key

17 Skin disease Skin disease is common. Surveys in Europe suggest that approximately 1 in 7–10 of all visits to a primary care physician is for a skin problem. Consultations…

16 Neurological disease The brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves constitute an organ responsible for perception of the environment, a person’s behaviour within it, and the maintenance of the body’s…

9 Respiratory disease Respiratory symptoms are the most common cause of presentation to the family practitioner. Asthma occurs in more than 10% of British adults, and bronchial carcinoma is the…

8 Cardiovascular disease Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in the Western world, with most deaths arising from ischaemic heart disease. Although the incidence of ischaemic heart disease…

13 Liver and biliary tract disease The liver is the largest organ in the body and performs many important functions (Fig. 13.1). Cirrhosis caused more than 25 000 deaths in the…

15 Musculoskeletal disorders Disorders of the musculoskeletal (MSK) system are extremely common, accounting for up to a quarter of new consultations in general practice. They are the single most frequent…

7 Kidney and urinary tract disease Renal medicine ranges from the management of common conditions (e.g. urinary tract infection) to the use of complex technology to replace renal function (e.g….

12 Gastrointestinal and nutritional disorders Diseases of the GI tract are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Approximately 10% of all GP consultations in the UK are for indigestion,…

10 Endocrine disease Endocrinology concerns the synthesis, secretion and action of hormones. These are chemical messengers released from endocrine glands that coordinate the activities of many different cells. Endocrine disease,…

5 Infectious diseases Infectious diseases remain the greatest killers of humankind. Infection differs from other disease processes in that it comprises an interaction between the human body and another organism….