Other Systems

AIDS CD4 counts

200-500/ mL

Normal CD4 counts

800-1200/ mL.

Functions of liver

A major waste disposal and storage system, breaking down unwanted substances so that they can be eliminated or detoxified to prevent damage to the body. It is also a storage area for several vitamins such as A, B12, D, E and K and minerals such as copper and iron. It also converts ammonia, a waste product of metabolism that is toxic, into urea, and diverts it to the kidneys for excretion.

General signs and symptoms of digestive system diseases

Abdominal pain, excessive flatulence, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.

Celiac spruce

Also called celiac disease or gluten enteropathy, is a chronic, immunological, malabsorption disease specific to the small intestine resulting from intolerance to a protein in gluten called gliadin in the diet. The protein gluten is found in wheat, rye, oats, and barley products. Intolerance to gluten causes damage to the lining of the small intestine in susceptible individuals, which interferes with the absorption of nutrients from food. Tends to run in families and women are affected for than men.

Acid reflux

Also known as heartburn is a condition in which the acidic contents of the stomach and the intestine regurgitate up into the lower esophagus. The muscles of the sphincter may be weak or may relax at the wrong times. Another cause may be a slow emptying of the stomach contents into the intestines, may also have a hiatal hernia in which part of the stomach herniates through the diaphragm. Increased risk with pregnancy, obesity, and scleroderma. Signs and symptoms include a burning sensation or pain in the central part of the anterior chest deep to the sternum after meals, worsened while laying supine. Belching, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, and difficulty swallowing.

Tetanus

An acute bacterial disease also known as lockjaw. Bacteria found in soil, house dust, and both animals and humans. Can stay alive in soil more than 40 years. The spores enter the body through an open wound and attack the CNS by interfering with neural transmission. Onset 2 days and 2 months. Tetanic muscle contraction, starts near site of wound.

Typhus

An acute infectious disease transmitted to humans by fleas and lice. Rare, variety of rickettsia bacteria. Fleas from flying squirrel. Fever, headache, joint pain, abdominal pain, flu like symptoms, cough, nausea, vommitting, lasting about 2-3 weeks. Can cause CNS problems and death but usually treated.

Diphtheria

An acute infectious disease, very rare. Toxins create a reaction with the lining of the tonsils, pharynx, or nasal cavity that causes a characteristic pseudomembrane to form across the pharynx that can prevent breathing. Spreads through respiratory droplets. 2-5 days onset cough, fever, chills, blocking of airway. Vaccine.

Mumps

An acute, viral infection usually affecting children. Caused by paramyxovirus which is transmitted through respiratory droplets from an infected person who coughs or sneezes or through contact with urine, touching contaminated toys or surfaces. Onset of 12 to 25 days. Disease can last from a few days to a few weeks the most infectious stage is 3 days before the onset of the parotitis and 5 days after. Fever, fatigue, muscle aching, and loss of appetite.

Hantaviruses

Are RNA viruses transmitted by infected rodents or with rodent urine or feces. Most commonly is contracted when sweeping and inhale dust. In the US the disease is called hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). HPS is rare but deadly form. Hemorrhagic fever, kidney damage, pulmonary symptoms, and death. Incubation is 1 to 5 weeks. Fatigue, fever, headache, dizziness, pain in abdomen, low back, and lower extremities, hypoxia, hypotesion, SOB, cough, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. More than 50% of people infected die from respiratory failure.

Cytokines

Are molecules that link immune cells with other tissues and organs.

Macrophages

Are the accessory cells that process and present antigens to the lymphocytes.

Lymphocytes (T and B)

Are the primary cells of the immune system.

Carcinoma of the mouth

Areas affected include lips and tongue or any part of the oral cavity. Salivary glands can also be affected, inflammation of the salivary glands is called sialadenitis and is usually caused by viruses such as mumps. Many start with a precancerous lesion two types include leukoplakia which is a white area of tissue or erythroplakia is a red area of tissue, both types may become malignant but erythroplakia tends to be more prone. Squamous cell carcinomas are the most common. Those who smoke and drink are 100 times more likely get get cancer in the mouth. Pipe smoking increases risk for cancer of the lip, chewing tobacco increases the risk for cancer in the gums, insides of cheeks, and inner surface of lips. Exposure to UV light on lips also increases risk. HPV and chewing betel nuts common in asian culture and those whose diet is low in fruits in vegetables. Sores that do not heal, bleeding in mouth for no reason, difficulty chewing, voice problems. May assist in strengthening facial muscles.

Alcoholic hepatitis signs and symptoms

Ascites, nausea, fever, loss of appetite, excessive thirst, dry mouth, pallor, rapid and unexplained weight gain, trachycardia, anemia, confusion, hypertension, varices, bleeding in GI tract.

Indirect contact pathogens

BActeria (pseudomonas aeruginosa), viral, MRSA, VRE, C. difficile.

Gonorrhea

Bacterial STD, curable. Urethritis in men, and cervicitis in women. Urethritis starts with burning and whitish discharge upon urination and progresses to painful with yellowish, greenish discharge. Women signs and symptoms may go unnoticed and can lead to internal abscesses and infertility.

Syphilis

Bacterial STD, transmitted through contact with the open sores. Also called genital herpes. If undetected and untreated after a year a reddish brownish rash will appear on palms of hands and soles of feet and is also contagious. Can affect the nervous system. Life threatening without diagnosis and treatment.

Direct contact

Blood or blood fluid enters clinician via skin break or mucous membrane. Clinician has unprotected contact with herpes virus while providing care, fecal-oral route via hands or food. Wear gloves and wash hands.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Can be viable up to 7 days outside of the body through body fluids. Is a DNA virus, blood borne pathogen, sexual contact. Can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months from contamination to develop. Loss of appetite, low-grade fever, joint and muscle pains and aches, and possible skin rash. Damage to liver from infection can lead to jaundice. Usually only a few weeks if acute.

Nosocomial infections

Causes are bacteria, viruses and fungi. Hospital-aquired infections. Fever, skin rash, fatigue and general malaise, and trachycardia.

Meningitis

Causes can be from viruses, bacteria, fungi, brain tumors, and drug allergies. Inflammation of the meninges of the brain and spinal cord. Lasts up to 2 weeks. Viral less severe, bacterial more severe. Fever, nausea, vomiting, photophobia, severe headaches, stiffness in neck, altered levels of consciousness, seizures, trachypnea, agitation, opisthotonus, and reduced appetite.

Norovirus (known as stomach flu or viral gastroenteritis)

Causes inflammation of stomach and intestines. Signs and symptoms include diarrhea, emesis, nausea, fever, stomach ache, body aches, headache. Transmitted through contact of vomit or stool. Commonly transmitted through food that was contaminated by infected person. Spreads rapidly in confined environments.

Rotavirus

Causes inflammation of stomach and intestines. Signs and symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain. Commonly transmitted through fecal oral route or by contaminated surface or object.

Varicella

Chickenpox. Is a common, highly infectious viral disease. Infection with the herpes zoster virus. Onset is 10 to 21 days. Highly contagious 2 days before rash and 5 days after. Transmitted through respiratory droplets or by contact with open rash. Mild fever, anorexia, cough, runny nose, sore throat, general malaise and rash.

Indirect contact

Clinician transmits pathogen from host to another individual via contaminated hands, gait belt, etc. Wear gloves, gown and mask.

Immune system

Consists of immune cells, central immune structures where immune cells are produced (the bone marrow and thymus), and the peripheral immune structures (lymphnodes, spleen and other accessory structures).

Signs and symptoms of Celiac spruce

Diarrhea, odoriferous feces, flatulence, abdominal bloating, weight loss, anorexia, and steatorrhea (fat in stools). When the disease causes malnutrition the symptoms become more severe. Anemia due to low intestinal absorption of vitamin B12 and iron, edema of the distal LEs resulting from low levels of protein in the blood, infertility and amenorrhea (cessation of menses) in women, muscle weakness and peripheral neuropathy due to low levels of potassium and magnesium, and osteoporosis resulting from low calcium absorption, some get dermatitis.

Rocky mountain spotted fever

Eastern US, rickettsia bacteria transmitted through rocky mountain wood tick bites. Flu like symptoms and a rash that will appear after several weeks on the wrists and ankles. Long term complications include gangrene, loss of bladder control, movement disorders, hearing loss, and even paralysis of the LEs. Neuro symptoms encephalis, seizures, cranial nerve damage, blindness, and deafness. Most prevalent between april and september.

Influenza

Flu, an acute viral disease affecting the upper respiratory tract. Droplet disease. Infectious from 1 day before start of symptoms to 5 days after symptoms. Wild birds can transmit virus A. The types are constantly changing and require constant vaccinations. Cough, high fever, sore throat, dyspnea, muscle aching, headache, diarrhea and vomiting, and general debility

Botulism

Food poisoning. Can be found in improperly canned, bottled, and prepared food. Onset ranges from 6 hours to 10 days. Abdominal cramping, double vision, dry mouth, nausea, respiratory problems. PT for weakness after recovery.

Gastritis and peptic ulcer disease

Gastritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach, main types are errossive (hemorrhage may occur) and non errosive also called chronic gastritis. Ulcers are smooth or crater like lesions in the lining of the stomach, duodenum, or even lower esophagus. Causes use of NSAIDs, heavy alcohol intake, acid reflux, smoking, viruses, ingested poisons, or stress caused by illness, surgery, or portal hypertension. Signs and symptoms include abdminal pain, particularly after eating spicy foods, ingestion, lack of appetite, signs of bleeding in dark colored stools. Substances such as caffeine or spicy food may cause irritation to the lining of the stomach. Resolves with the use of medications and lifestyle changes. Relaxation exercises to reduce the overall feelings of stress.

Rubella

German measles. Viral infectious disease that can cause fetal damage if contracted by woman during 20th week of pregnancy. Droplet disease, onset is 14 to 23 days infectious 1 week before rash and 1 week after. Fever, headache, lymphadenopathy (cervical), runny nose, conjunctivitis, pink and red dots on the face spreading to the trunk and limbs.

Toxic shock syndrome

Has been linked with many kinds of bacteria including pneumonia, osteomyelitis, and skin and gynecological infections, as well as infections from the use of tampons in women. High fever, hypotension, trachycardia, cardiac arrhythmias, diarrhea with abdominal pain, vomiting, sore throat, altered mental status including confusion, headaches, arthralgia and myalgia, and a body rash.

Direct contact pathogens

Herpes simplex virus, norovirus, hep A.

Variola signs and symptoms

High fever, severe headaches, and backaches, and a rash that starts off pink or red and turns into pus filled spots which then crust over, vomiting, severe diarrhea, hemorrhage, and extreme fatigue. Sometimes necrosis of organs such as intestines and lungs. 30% mortality.

TMJ dysfunction

If teeth have been removed from peridontal disease such as gingevitis, peridontitis, grinding teeth in sleep, or cavities this can cause imbalances in the bite causing TMJ dysfunction and pain. Signs and symptoms include facial, neck, and jaw pain, stiffness of the muscles of the neck and jew, limited ability to open the mouth, and painful motion of the TMJ including clicking and grinding sensations. Usually resolves on its own, can be helped by a PT who specialized in TMJ. Exercise, manual therapy, relaxation, and postural advice and corrections can be useful.

Droplet

Infected individual sneezes or coughs. Wear mask, utilize standard precautions and contact precautions.

Airborne

Infected individuals talk, cough or sneeze. Special air handling is required and ventilation system. Specifically designed masks are required (typical mask is ineffective).

Appendicitis

Inflammation of the vermiform (worm-like) appendix. Usually acute in nature with sudden onset. The appendix is attached to the cecum at the distal end of the small intestine and connects with the colon. Caused by a blockage of the appendix with a fecalith (fecal matter that hardens int a rock-like consistency) , a tumor, or in some cases, parasites such as intestinal worms. Inflammation og the lymphatic tissue of the appendix, which blocks the appendix. After the appendix is blocked, bacteria can invade the internal wall of the appendix and cause further inflammation. If the appendix ruptures, an abscess may form, this pus filled abscess can be an on going site of infection. Generalized pain in the abdomen, leading to intense, right lower abdominal pain in the area known as McBurney's point. Diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

Droplet pathogens

Influenza, SARS, A streptococcus, mycoplasma pneumonia, small pox (variola virus), GI viruses (norovirus, rotavirus).

Coryza

Irritation and inflammation of the mucous membrane inside the nose

Alcoholic hepatitis

Is a chronic and serious condition of the liver from extreme alcohol intake, women are more susceptible than men. The damage to the liver is caused by acetaldehyde one of the toxic by-products of the breakdown of alcohol by the liver.

Antigen (immunogen)

Is a foreign molecule that elicits the immune response. Antibodies or immunoglobulins are the proteins that are engaged to tag antigens.

Fecal occult blood test

Is a hematology test preformed on feces. The presence of blood in the feces may indicate the presence of a lesion in the intestines, such as cancer, polyps, or hemorrhoids, because these may result in blood loss from the rectum. Screen those who have a family history fo intestinal cancer, people must stop eating meat, fish, and root vegetables such as turnips and not to use NSAIDs or asprin for 72 hours before the test to prevent false positive results.

Spleen

Is a large lymphoid organ located in the upper left abdominal cavity between the stomach and the diaphragm. It functions to filter antigens from the blood and produce leukocytes, monocytes, lymphocytes, and plasma cells in response to infection.

Legionellosis

Is a respiratory disease and type of pneumonia, incubation is 2 and 14 days. Contaminated water droplets inhaled into lungs. High fever, chills, productive cough, headache and muscle ache. Milder form is called pontiac fever.

Malaria

Is a serious infectious disease transmitted by plasmodium parasite via the female anopheles mosquito. In subtropical climates such as mexico, south america, africa, and india. The parasites grow in the liver of the human. Incubates 6 to 10 days. Fever, chills, profuse sweating, GI disturbances, dizziness, back ache, muscle and joint pains, and cough. Complications include kidney failure, anemia, and cerebral malarial infection.

Hepatitis C (HCV)

Is a viral infection affecting the liver. Is an RNA virus transmitted by infected blood. Incubation period is approximately 6 or 7 weeks. Reduction of appetite, fatigue, abdominal pain and TTP over liver, muscle and joint pain. At risk for liver failure if chronic and can lead to death. PTA can help with arthritis or fibromyalgia.

AIDS

Is an RNA retrovirus which attaches itself to the CD4 receptor on the T lymphocytes, resulting in CD4 T lymphocytopenia. T lymphocytes are the white blood cells of the immune system that are responsible for destroying unrecognized cells like those infected with viruses or cancer cells. Takes 10-15 years to progress. It is transmitted through contact of infected body fluids (saliva, blood, semen, breast milk, vaginal secretions). Cannot be contracted through human waste (urine, sweat or vomit) or respiratory inhalation. Start out fluish, fever, sweating, diarrhea, headaches, joint and muscle pain, fatigue, blurred vision, swollen lymph nodes, SOB, cough, rash, weight loss, weakness, joint arthritis. Can impact neurological system.

Hepatitis A (HAV)

Is an acute liver diease also known as traveler's disease because it is prevalent in underdeveloped countries where sewage treatment facilities are nonexistent or poor. Is an RNA virus transmitted through contact with body fluids, feces, and ingestion of contaminated food and drinking water. The disease can transmit infection several months outside of the body and self incubates within 28 days.

Plague

Is an infectious bacterial disease infecting humans and animals. Most occurrences in new mexico, northern arizona, southern colorado and cali, nevada, and oregon. Can be transmitted from bite from infected animal or bite from infected animal flea. Swollen lymph nodes then become inflamed, necrotic and hemorrhagic. Fever, headaches, delirium, trachycardia, and meningitis. Can spread to internal organs.

Gastroenteritis

Is generalized inflammation of the stomach and intestine caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Spreads easily from person to person if regular hand washing is not practiced. May be caused from an allergic reaction to a food or medicine, common among travelers in association with gastric influenza and food poisoning. Two viruses cause it, rotavirus or norvirus formally called Norwalk virus. Signs and symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, sweating, nausea, vomiting, abdominal bloating, flatulence, fatigue, headache, and dehydration. Regular hand washing and cooking meats well to prevent contracting this condition.

Barium enema

Is used to detect lesions in the colon, such as polyps, colon cancer, inflammatory bowel syndrome, or diverticula (pockets within the wall of the intestines). Preparation is a liquid that coats the lining of the colon with an opaque medium that allows the internal outline of the colon to be visualized with a radiograph. Painless. Photos are taken of the intestine.

Arthralgia

Joint pain.

Most common Nosocomial infections

MRSA, strep, ecoli, antrococci, and more.

Rubeola

Measles, highly infectious viral disease, RNA virus. Spread through droplets in air by coughing and sneezing. Replicates in lymph nodes then spreads throughout body. Onset 7 to 21 days , infectious period is 4 days before the rash and 4 days after it first appeared. Cant be vaccinated until 12 months old. Bright red skin rash, fever, photophobia, cough, coryza, and conjunctivitis.

Bilirubin test

Measures the amount of bilirubin present in the blood serum and amounts are high in liver and gallbladder diseases. The rate in which blood coagulates is measured using the prothrombin time (PT) and the partial thromboplastin time (PPT). Increases in these values may indicate liver or gallbladder disease.

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC)

Membrane molecules that recognize foreign threat from self (autoimmune response).

HPV

Most common STD, 6 and 11 cause warts, and 16 and 18 cause cancer.

Rabies

Most common animals with rabbies include raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes. Transmitted from the saliva of an infected animal. The disease then travels up to the brain along the nerve pathways and then spreads throughout the whole nervous system then affects the salivary glands and then they can spread infection. Symptoms start 3 to 7 weeks after bite. Flu like symptoms, mental confusion, paralysis, hallucinations, difficulty swallowing, hypersalivation, hydrophobia. Once it affects the brain, the disease is fatal.

Infectious mononucleosis

Most commonly found in teenagers and young adults. In europe and UK it is called glandular fever. Known as the "kissing disease" an acute disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or the cytomegalovirus. Incubation is 4-6 weeks. In the body for life, in dormant stage is thought to play a part in Burkitt's lymphoma and nasopharyngleal carcinoma. Fever, sore throat, loss of appetite, headache, general feelings of fatigue, muscle aching and stiffness, swollen lymph nodes, sometimes rash.

Components of the digestive system

Mouth, tongue, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), appendix, rectum, and anus. Other structures include liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and spleen.

Airborne pathogens

Myobacterium TB, aspergillis spp, measles (rubeola virus), SARS (severe aquired respiratory syndrome).

Colonoscopy

People over 50 should be regularly screened for colon cancer. People at average risk for colon cancer are screened every 5 to 10 years whereas those at higher risk may be screened annually. This procedure involves passing a flexible fiberoptic tube with a camera through the rectum into the colon looking at the descending, transverse, and ascending colons. If polyps are found they are removed during the procedure and sent off for testing. Preparation for this test includes a cleansing of the intestinal system stating approximately 48 hours before the test with an intestinal cleaning solution, a liquid diet, and oral laxatives.

Virtual colonoscopy

Performed using a CT scanner, a small tube is inserted into the anus and inject air into the colon for better viewing during the CT scan, this is not as accurate as the traditional colonoscopy, because lesions may be flattened areas and overlooked, and polyps cannot be removed during this procedure.

West nile virus

Potentially serious viral infection affecting humans, mammals, and birds. Group of flavivirus, incubation period of 2-14 days. Only 20% of people infected actually develop symptoms fever, headache, stiff neck, and occasionally swollen lymph nodes. Can advance to neurological problems which PTAs can treat.

Bile

Produced in the liver (through gallbladder), fat emulsification, secreted and breaks down food in the small intestine.

Trypsin

Produced in the pancreas, breaks down polypeptides into peptides, works on food in the small intestine.

Trypsinogen

Produced in the pancreas, converts to trypsin in the small intestine.

Lipase

Produced in the pancreas, turns fats into fatty acids and glycerol, works on foods in the small intestine.

Maltase

Produced in the small intestine, converts maltose into glucose, works on food in the small intestine.

Lactase

Produced in the small intestine, turns lactose into glucose and galactose. Works on food in the small intestine.

Peptidases

Produced in the small intestine, turns peptides into amino acids, works on food in the small intestine.

Sucrase

Produced in the small intestine, turns sucrose into glucose and fructose, works on food in the small intestine.

Pepsin

Produced in the stomach, breaks down proteins into polypeptides, acts on foods in the stomach.

Hydrochloric acid (HCL)

Produced in the stomach, maintains acid pH balance in the stomach to kill pathogens and acts on food in the stomach.

Tabes dorsalis

Progressive locomotor a taxia, associated with hands on the healthcare team.

Whipple's disease

Rare bacterial, infectious disease most commonly diagnosed in men between ages 40 and 60. Causes malabsorption and can result in an arthritis-type condition. Caused by tropheryma whippelii bacteria that settles in the small intestine, but can affect other areas of the body including the brain, joints, heart, and lungs. The villin of the internal surface of the small intestine is damaged resulting in malabsorption. Can be fatal if not treated. PTA includes improving independence through mobility reeducation, endurance activities, ADLs, reduction of pain and inflammation, and improvement of joint mobility.

Cytomegalovirus

STD related to herpes. Present in all body fluids, saliva, tears, etc. Close personal contact. Fever, fatigue, joint and muscle pains, sore throat, lymph node swelling, thrombocytopenia, enlarged spleen. If transmitted to baby can lead to low birth weight, small brain, respiratory problems, mental retardation, motor delay and movement coordination deficits, seizures, hearing and vision loss, jaundice, and CNS problems.

Chancroid

STD, incubation is 1-14 days, starts as a pustule that then opens up and turns into an ulcer. Fever, fatigue, inguinal lymph node swelling, may turn into an abscess. Curable.

Chlamydia

STD, transmitted parasite. Goes undetected in 75% of women and 50% of men, can cause PID, pain with urination, abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, low back pain, long term infection can cause infertility. Curable.

Amylase

Salivary and pancreatic, converts starches to maltose. Works on food in the mouth.

Gastrin

Secreted by the mucosa of the stomach and in turn stimulates the release of hydrochloric acid by the stomach to start the break down of food.

CD molecules (CD4 helper cells)

Serve as master regulators of the immune response by influencing the function of all other immune cells.

Variola

Smallpox, has been erradicated in 1977, but is preserved in labroratories around the world so is a threat for terrorism. Caused by variola virus. The disease is extremely infectious and spread by saliva droplets and by secretions from the skin rash on the bedding and clothing.

Opisthotonos

Spinal contraction as a result of muscle tetany.

Anthrax

The bacteria is commonly found in herbivorous animals such as cattle, sheep, goats, camels, and deer. Highly infectious, caused by cutaneous, inhalation, or intestinal. Most infections are caused by handling the meat or products of infected animals such as wool, leather, or meat. When transmitted through a skin lesion, looks like bug bite then develops into ulcer with necrotic center. Start out with cold symptoms then progresses to pulmonary problems. If intestinal, GI problems and systemic shock. Intestinal can be fatal.

Barium swallow

The patient swallows a barium solution and the contours of the upper gastric tract is observed through radiographic imaging to look for abnormalities.

Thymus

The primary central gland of the immune system. It is located behind the sternum above the heart and extends into the neck region to the lower edge of the thyroid gland. It produces mature T lymphocytes.

Carcinoma of the stomach

Those at risk are those over 72 years old, eating a diet high in smoked, pickled, and salty foods; smoking; a history of gastritis or previous stomach surgery; pernicious anemias; and infection with helicobacter pylori. Remain undetected until later stages when symptoms start such as weight loss, dyspepsia, nausia, vomiting, and minimal abdominal pain. Mobility training as a result of reduced ambulatory and functional status before or after surgery.

Ileus and small intestinal obstruction

Two types, obstructive (caused by adhesions or material blocking the lumen, crohn's disease, hernias) and paralytic (paralysis from a spinal cord injury, damaged nerves, ineffective nerves). Symptoms include fever, trachycardia, severe abdominal cramping, with abdominal pain and distension, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, and bad breath.

Esophageal cancer

Two types: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma which derives from the mucus-producing cells. Higher risk in those who consume alcohol and smoke. Lower risk when diet includes plenty of fresh vegetables especially broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and other green or yellow vegetables or fruit. May be caused by infection with HPV, malnutrition, acid reflux. Barrett esophagus is a condition of the esophagus that predisposes toward adenocarcinoma. In barrett esophagus, the columnar epithelial cells of the lining of the esophagus undergo metaplasia into abnormal cells. Signs include difficulty swallowing, weight loss, chronic hiccups, hoarseness of the voice, and pain with swallowing.

Flexible sigmoidoscopy

Uses a flexible tube with a camera at the end to screen for lesions only in the rectum (last one third of the column). Not a good test because most cancers are located further into the large intestines.

Dengue fever

Viral infection transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquito. Common in Southeast Asia. 1 person could contract this virus up to 4 times. Incubation period is 3 to 15 days. High fever, bradycardia, hypotension, fatigue, headaches, muscle and joint pain. Can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Most people must be hospitalized and can be fatal.

Yellow fever

Viral infectious disease affecting humans and monkeys. A flavivirus transmitted by several types of mosquitos. The incubation period is from 3 to 6 days. Fever, headache, backache, muscle pains, loss of appetire, nausea, vomiting, slow pulse, jaundice, abdominal pain, kidney problems, severe hepatitis, and hemorrhagic fever with bleeding from the mouth, nose, eyes, and stomach. Either have no symptoms or recover quickly within a few days. 50% die within 10 days and 50% fully recover.

Hepatitis A signs and symptoms

Vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever, joint pain, dark colored urine, clay feces, and jaundice.

Pertussis

Whooping cough. Highly infectious bacterial upper respiratory tract infection. The disease main affects children under 2. Caused by gram negative bacteria bordetella pertussis/ parapertussis. Respiratory droplets, onset 4 to 21 days, first stage (catarral) 1-2 weeks cold like symptoms. After 2 weeks, hacking cough (paroxysmal stage) the third stage is the recovery stage and can last for weeks or months.

Diseases transmitted through mosquitos

Yellow fever, malaria, dengue, and west nile fever.