H Halitosis Halitosis describes any breath odor that’s unpleasant, disagreeable, or offensive. This common sign is usually easy to detect, but an embarrassed patient may take measures to hide it….
E Earache [Otalgia] Earaches usually result from disorders of the external and middle ear associated with infection, obstruction, or trauma. Their severity ranges from a feeling of fullness or blockage…
O Ocular deviation Ocular deviation refers to abnormal eye movement that may be conjugate (both eyes move together) or disconjugate (one eye moves separately from the other). This common sign…
WXYZ Weight gain, excessive Weight gain occurs when ingested calories exceed body requirements for energy, causing increased adipose tissue storage. It can also occur when fluid retention causes edema. When…
F Facial pain Facial pain may result from various neurologic, vascular, or infectious disorders. The most common cause of facial pain is trigeminal neuralgia (tic douloureux). In this disorder, intense,…
U Uremic frost Uremic frost—a fine white powder, believed to be urate crystals, that covers the skin—is a characteristic sign of end-stage renal failure, or uremia. Urea compounds and other…
N Nasal flaring Nasal flaring is the abnormal dilation of the nostrils. Usually occurring during inspiration, nasal flaring may occasionally occur during expiration or throughout the respiratory cycle. It indicates…
G Gag reflex abnormalities [Pharyngeal reflex abnormalities] The gag reflex—a protective mechanism that prevents aspiration of food, fluid, and vomitus— normally can be elicited by touching the posterior wall of…
L Leg pain Although leg pain commonly signifies a musculoskeletal disorder, it can also result from a more serious vascular or neurologic disorder. The pain may arise suddenly or gradually…
J Janeway’s lesions Slightly raised but usually flat, irregular, and nontender, Janeway’s lesions are small (1 to 4 mm in diameter), erythematous lesions on the palms and soles that disappear…
