Introduction Description: A hemorrhoid is a symptomatic dilation of the hemorrhoidal venous plexus that results in perianal swelling, itching, pain, hematochezia, and fecal soiling. The dentate line demarcates internal and external hemorrhoids. Prevalence: Present in 50%–80% of all Americans. Predominant…
Introduction Description: Hematuria is the presence of blood, either microscopically or macroscopically, in the urine. Hematuria is only a symptom and requires further evaluation to establish a cause. Hematuria should be considered an indication of malignancy until proven otherwise for…
Introduction Description: Migraine headaches are recurrent severe headaches that last for 4–72 hours and are accompanied by neurologic, gastrointestinal, and autonomic changes. These may or may not be preceded by a characteristic aura. Prevalence: Migraine headaches affect 15%–20% of women…
Introduction Description: Tension headache, now called tension-type headache, is the most common form of headache and is caused by abnormal neuronal sensitivity and pain facilitation and/or contracted muscles of the neck and scalp. Cluster headaches are a type of recurrent…
Introduction Description: Patients often experience hair loss in the early stages of pregnancy, in the immediate postpartum period, or in the postmenopausal years. For some, this may be of sufficient volume to cause concern or cosmetic problems. “Female-pattern hair loss”…
Introduction Description: The reflux of gastric acid to the sensitive esophagus causing heartburn, the cardinal manifestation of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Prevalence: Common (10%–25% of adults in the United States). Predominant Age: Generally reproductive and beyond. Genetics: No genetic pattern.…
Introduction Description: Gastritis is an inflammatory condition that affects the stomach lining and results in acute or chronic indigestion, bloating, “gas,” and heartburn. Gastropathy (noninflammatory) is usually caused by irritants such as drugs (eg, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents), alcohol, bile, circulatory…
Introduction Description: Any diseases that involve the gallbladder, most commonly because of the formation of cholesterol stones. Obstruction can result in either acute or chronic cholecystitis, leading to serious, sometimes life-threatening complications such as a gallbladder rupture. Approximately 20% of…
Introduction Description: Fibromyalgia presents with chronic, widespread musculoskeletal pain, accompanied by fatigue, cognitive disturbance, psychiatric symptoms, and multiple somatic symptoms. Fibromyalgia is often associated with other conditions that may cause musculoskeletal pain, disruption of sleep, or psychiatric symptoms. Prevalence: 1.75%–5%…
Introduction Description: Anorexia nervosa is a syndrome characterized by an altered body image, significant weight loss, and amenorrhea that are not caused by physical disease. Bulimia is an eating disorder characterized by an altered body image and recurrent binge eating,…