Any inflammatory condition within the urethra may cause a discharge. It is important to diagnose sexually transmitted diseases so that appropriate treatment is given, not only to the patient but also to sexual contacts via contract tracing. Causes ● Prostatitis…
A tremor is an involuntary rhythmic oscillation of a body part and usually refers to the movements around the small joints of the hands. Causes Resting tremor ● Parkinsonian tremor Action tremor ● Idiopathic ● Benign essential tremor ● Physiological…
Tongue disorders are extremely common, ranging from minor furring of the tongue to extensive inflammation and even malignancy. Tongue disorders can also be a manifestation of systemic disease. Causes Furring ● Gastrointestinal disease ● Dehydration ● Smokers ● Antibiotics Colour…
Lesions of the toes are extremely common. They are caused by a variety of conditions ranging from simple ingrowing toenails to severe pain and ulceration caused by ischaemia. Deformities of the toes are also exceptionally common, particularly in the elderly.…
Tiredness or physical fatigue with no obvious cause is a very common complaint. It is normal to feel tired at times, e.g. after working long hours, unaccustomed exertion or sleepless nights. However, it is important to differentiate between tiredness due…
A sore throat is an extremely common symptom, especially in children and young adults. Persistent sore throat in an elderly patient is a cause for concern, as it may indicate the presence of neoplasia. Causes Infective ● Tonsillitis ( Fig.…
Thirst as a symptom, is usually associated with two other symptoms, i.e. drinking excessive amounts of water (polydipsia) and excessive urination (polyuria). Causes Inadequate fluid intake ● General debility/frailty ● Neurological disease ● Anorexia Excessive fluid loss ● Vomiting ●…
Syncope is the transient loss of consciousness due to impaired cerebral blood flow. Causes Cardiovascular ● Myocardial infarction (when complicated by arrhythmia or cardiogenic shock) ● Pulmonary embolism ● Aortic stenosis ● Carotid sinus hypersensitivity ● Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy Vasovagal…
Excessive sweating is often brought to the attention of the physician when it becomes socially unacceptable. The underlying cause ranging from trivial to serious. Causes Excessive sweating ● Primary hyperhidrosis ● Hypoglycaemia Infections ● Any systemic infection Malignancy ● Brain…
Stridor is a high-pitched inspiratory sound produced by upper airway obstruction. Causes Congenital ● Laryngomalacia (congenital flaccid larynx) Acquired ● Foreign body ● Infection ● Epiglottitis (green in countries without universal Hib vaccination) ● Retropharyngeal abscess ● Iatrogenic ● Post-tracheostomy…