Abdominal aortic aneurysms often grow slowly and usually without symptoms, making them difficult to detect. Some aneurysms will never rupture. Many start small and stay small, although many expand over time. Others expand quickly. Predicting how fast an abdominal aortic aneurysm may enlarge is difficult.
As an abdominal aortic aneurysm enlarges, some people may notice:
• A pulsating feeling near the navel
• Deep, constant pain in your abdomen or on the side of your abdomen
• Back pain
When to see a doctor
You should see your doctor if you have any of the symptoms listed above.
Anyone age 60 and older who has risk factors for developing an abdominal aortic aneurysm, such as smoking or a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysm, should consider regular screening for the condition. Because being male and smoking significantly increase the risk of abdominal aortic aneurysm, men ages 65 to 75 who have ever smoked cigarettes should have a one-time screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm using abdominal ultrasound.
If you have a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysm, your doctor may recommend an ultrasound exam to screen for the condition.
There are no specific screening recommendations for women. Ask your doctor if you need to have an ultrasound screening based on your risk factors.
Causes
Most aortic aneurysms occur in the part of your aorta that's in your abdomen. Although the exact cause of abdominal aortic aneurysms is unknown, a number of factors may play a role, including:
• Tobacco use. Cigarette smoking and other forms of tobacco use appear to increase your risk of aortic aneurysms. In addition to the damaging effects that smoking causes directly to the arteries, smoking contributes to the buildup of fatty plaques in your arteries (atherosclerosis) and high blood pressure. Smoking can also cause your aneurysm to grow faster by further damaging your aorta.
• Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Atherosclerosis occurs when fat and other substances build up on the lining of a blood vessel, increasing your risk of an aneurysm.
• Infection in the aorta (vasculitis). In rare cases, abdominal aortic aneurysm may be caused by an infection or inflammation that weakens a section of the aortic wall.
Aneurysms can develop anywhere along the aorta, but when they occur in the upper part of the aorta, they are called thoracic aortic aneurysms. More commonly, aneurysms form in the lower part of your aorta and are called abdominal aortic aneurysms. These aneurysms may also be referred to as AAA or triple A.
Source: Mayoclinic
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Abdominal aortic aneurysm Risk factors
Abdominal aortic aneurysm risk factors include:
• Age. Abdominal aortic aneurysms occur most often in people age 65 and older.
• Tobacco use. Tobacco use is a strong risk factor for the development of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The longer you've smoked or chewed tobacco, the greater your risk.
• Atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis, the buildup of fat and other substances that can damage the lining of a blood vessel, increases your risk of an aneurysm.
• Being male. Men develop abdominal aortic aneurysms much more often than women do.
• Family history. People who have a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysm are at increased risk of having the condition. People who have a family history of aneurysms tend to develop aneurysms at a younger age and are at higher risk of rupture.
• Age. Abdominal aortic aneurysms occur most often in people age 65 and older.
• Tobacco use. Tobacco use is a strong risk factor for the development of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The longer you've smoked or chewed tobacco, the greater your risk.
• Atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis, the buildup of fat and other substances that can damage the lining of a blood vessel, increases your risk of an aneurysm.
• Being male. Men develop abdominal aortic aneurysms much more often than women do.
• Family history. People who have a family history of abdominal aortic aneurysm are at increased risk of having the condition. People who have a family history of aneurysms tend to develop aneurysms at a younger age and are at higher risk of rupture.
Symptoms of Absence seizure
An indication of simple absence seizure is a vacant stare, which may be mistaken for a lapse in attention that lasts 10 to 15 seconds, without any subsequent confusion, headache or drowsiness. Signs and symptoms of absence seizures include:
• Sudden stop in motion without falling
• Lip smacking
• Eyelid flutters
• Chewing motions
• Finger rubbing
• Small movements of both hands
Absence seizures generally last 10 to 15 seconds, followed immediately by full recovery. Afterward, there's no memory of the incident. Some people have dozens of episodes daily, which interfere with school or daily activities.
A child may have absence seizures for some time before an adult notices the seizures, because they're so brief. A decline in a child's learning ability may be the first sign of this disorder. Teachers may comment about a child's inability to pay attention.
When to see a doctor
Contact your doctor:
• The first time you notice a seizure
• If this is a new type of seizure
• If the seizures continue to occur despite being placed on anti-seizure medication
Seek immediate medical attention:
• If you observe prolonged automatic behaviors — activities such as eating or moving without awareness — or prolonged confusion, possible symptoms of a condition called absence status epilepticus
• After any seizure lasting more than five minutes
Source: Mayo Clinic
• Sudden stop in motion without falling
• Lip smacking
• Eyelid flutters
• Chewing motions
• Finger rubbing
• Small movements of both hands
Absence seizures generally last 10 to 15 seconds, followed immediately by full recovery. Afterward, there's no memory of the incident. Some people have dozens of episodes daily, which interfere with school or daily activities.
A child may have absence seizures for some time before an adult notices the seizures, because they're so brief. A decline in a child's learning ability may be the first sign of this disorder. Teachers may comment about a child's inability to pay attention.
When to see a doctor
Contact your doctor:
• The first time you notice a seizure
• If this is a new type of seizure
• If the seizures continue to occur despite being placed on anti-seizure medication
Seek immediate medical attention:
• If you observe prolonged automatic behaviors — activities such as eating or moving without awareness — or prolonged confusion, possible symptoms of a condition called absence status epilepticus
• After any seizure lasting more than five minutes
Source: Mayo Clinic
Symptoms of Acanthosis nigricans
Skin changes are the only signs of acanthosis nigricans. You'll notice dark, thickened, velvety skin in body folds and creases — typically in your armpits, groin and neck. The skin changes appear slowly, sometimes over months or years. The affected skin may also smell bad or itch.
When to see a doctor
Consult your doctor if you notice changes in your skin — especially if the changes appear suddenly. You may have an underlying condition that needs treatment.
Source: Mayo Clinic
When to see a doctor
Consult your doctor if you notice changes in your skin — especially if the changes appear suddenly. You may have an underlying condition that needs treatment.
Source: Mayo Clinic
Symptoms of Achalasia
Achalasia is a rare disorder that makes it difficult for food and liquid to pass into your stomach. Achalasia occurs when the food tube (esophagus) loses the ability to squeeze food down, and the muscular valve between the esophagus and stomach doesn't fully relax.
The reason for these problems is damage to the nerves in the esophagus, which may be caused by an abnormal immune system response. There's no cure, but achalasia symptoms can usually be managed with minimally invasive therapy or surgery.
Source: Mayo Clinic
The reason for these problems is damage to the nerves in the esophagus, which may be caused by an abnormal immune system response. There's no cure, but achalasia symptoms can usually be managed with minimally invasive therapy or surgery.
Source: Mayo Clinic
Symptoms of Achilles tendinitis
The pain associated with Achilles tendinitis typically begins as a mild ache in the back of the leg or above the heel after running or other sports activity. Episodes of more severe pain may occur after prolonged running, stair climbing or sprinting.
You might also experience tenderness or stiffness, especially in the morning, which usually improves with mild activity.
When to see a doctor
If you experience persistent pain around the Achilles tendon, call your doctor. Seek immediate medical attention if the pain or disability is severe. You may have a torn (ruptured) Achilles tendon.
Source: Mayo Clinic
You might also experience tenderness or stiffness, especially in the morning, which usually improves with mild activity.
When to see a doctor
If you experience persistent pain around the Achilles tendon, call your doctor. Seek immediate medical attention if the pain or disability is severe. You may have a torn (ruptured) Achilles tendon.
Source: Mayo Clinic
Achilles tendon rupture Symptoms
Although it's possible to have no signs or symptoms with an Achilles tendon rupture, most people experience:
• Pain, possibly severe, and swelling near your heel
• An inability to bend your foot downward or "push off" the injured leg when you walk
• An inability to stand on your toes on the injured leg
• A popping or snapping sound when the injury occurs
When to see your doctor
Seek medical advice immediately if you feel a pop or snap in your heel, especially if you can't walk properly afterward.
Source: Mayo Clinic
• Pain, possibly severe, and swelling near your heel
• An inability to bend your foot downward or "push off" the injured leg when you walk
• An inability to stand on your toes on the injured leg
• A popping or snapping sound when the injury occurs
When to see your doctor
Seek medical advice immediately if you feel a pop or snap in your heel, especially if you can't walk properly afterward.
Source: Mayo Clinic
ACL injury Symptoms
At the time of an ACL injury, signs and symptoms may include:
• A loud "pop" sound
• Severe pain and inability to continue activity
• Knee swelling that usually worsens for hours after the injury occurs
• A feeling of instability or "giving way" with weight bearing
When to see a doctor
Most people seek immediate medical attention after an ACL injury.
Source: Mayo Clinic
• A loud "pop" sound
• Severe pain and inability to continue activity
• Knee swelling that usually worsens for hours after the injury occurs
• A feeling of instability or "giving way" with weight bearing
When to see a doctor
Most people seek immediate medical attention after an ACL injury.
Source: Mayo Clinic
Acne Symptoms
Acne signs and symptoms vary depending on the severity of your condition:
• Whiteheads (closed plugged pores)
• Blackheads (open plugged pores — the oil turns brown when it is exposed to air)
• Small red, tender bumps (papules)
• Pimples (pustules), which are papules with pus at their tips
• Large, solid, painful lumps beneath the surface of the skin (nodules)
• Painful, pus-filled lumps beneath the surface of the skin (cystic lesions)
When to see a doctor
If home care remedies don't work to clear up your acne, see your primary care doctor. He or she can prescribe stronger medications. If acne persists or is severe, you may want to seek medical treatment from a doctor who specializes in the skin (dermatologist).
The Food and Drug Administration warns that some popular nonprescription acne lotions, cleansers and other skin products can cause a serious reaction. This type of reaction is quite rare, so don't confuse it with the redness, irritation or itchiness where you've applied medications or products.
Seek emergency medical help if after using a nonprescription skin product you experience:
• Faintness
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the eyes, face, lips or tongue
• Tightness of the throat
• Whiteheads (closed plugged pores)
• Blackheads (open plugged pores — the oil turns brown when it is exposed to air)
• Small red, tender bumps (papules)
• Pimples (pustules), which are papules with pus at their tips
• Large, solid, painful lumps beneath the surface of the skin (nodules)
• Painful, pus-filled lumps beneath the surface of the skin (cystic lesions)
When to see a doctor
If home care remedies don't work to clear up your acne, see your primary care doctor. He or she can prescribe stronger medications. If acne persists or is severe, you may want to seek medical treatment from a doctor who specializes in the skin (dermatologist).
The Food and Drug Administration warns that some popular nonprescription acne lotions, cleansers and other skin products can cause a serious reaction. This type of reaction is quite rare, so don't confuse it with the redness, irritation or itchiness where you've applied medications or products.
Seek emergency medical help if after using a nonprescription skin product you experience:
• Faintness
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the eyes, face, lips or tongue
• Tightness of the throat
Symptoms of Acoustic neuroma
The signs and symptoms of acoustic neuroma develop from direct effects on the main nerve or from the tumor pressing on adjacent nerves, nearby blood vessels or brain structures.
As the tumor grows, it may be more likely to cause signs and symptoms, although tumor size doesn't always determine effects. It's possible for a small tumor to cause significant signs and symptoms.
You may experience signs and symptoms such as:
• Hearing loss, usually gradual — although in some cases sudden — and occurring on only one side or more pronounced on one side
• Ringing (tinnitus) in the affected ear
• Unsteadiness, loss of balance
• Dizziness (vertigo)
• Facial numbness and very rarely, weakness
In rare cases, an acoustic neuroma may grow large enough to compress the brainstem and threaten your life.
When to see your doctor
See your doctor if you notice hearing loss in one ear, ringing in your ear or trouble with your balance. Early diagnosis of an acoustic neuroma may help keep the tumor from growing large enough to cause serious consequences, such as total hearing loss or a life-threatening buildup of fluid within your skull.
Source: Mayo Clinic
As the tumor grows, it may be more likely to cause signs and symptoms, although tumor size doesn't always determine effects. It's possible for a small tumor to cause significant signs and symptoms.
You may experience signs and symptoms such as:
• Hearing loss, usually gradual — although in some cases sudden — and occurring on only one side or more pronounced on one side
• Ringing (tinnitus) in the affected ear
• Unsteadiness, loss of balance
• Dizziness (vertigo)
• Facial numbness and very rarely, weakness
In rare cases, an acoustic neuroma may grow large enough to compress the brainstem and threaten your life.
When to see your doctor
See your doctor if you notice hearing loss in one ear, ringing in your ear or trouble with your balance. Early diagnosis of an acoustic neuroma may help keep the tumor from growing large enough to cause serious consequences, such as total hearing loss or a life-threatening buildup of fluid within your skull.
Source: Mayo Clinic
Symptoms of HIV/AIDS
The symptoms of HIV and AIDS vary, depending on the phase of infection.
Primary infection
The majority of people infected by HIV develop a flu-like illness within a month or two after the virus enters the body. This illness, known as primary or acute HIV infection, may last for a few weeks. Possible signs and symptoms include:
• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Rash
• Chills
• Sore throat
• Mouth or genital ulcers
• Swollen lymph glands, mainly on the neck
• Joint pain
• Night sweats
• Diarrhea
Primary infection
The majority of people infected by HIV develop a flu-like illness within a month or two after the virus enters the body. This illness, known as primary or acute HIV infection, may last for a few weeks. Possible signs and symptoms include:
• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Rash
• Chills
• Sore throat
• Mouth or genital ulcers
• Swollen lymph glands, mainly on the neck
• Joint pain
• Night sweats
• Diarrhea
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