EMR Chapter 8

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)

A condition in which the layers if the aorta in the abdomen weaken. This caused blood to leak between the layers of the artery, causing it to bulge and sometimes rupture.

Atherosclerosis

A disease characterized by a thickening and destruction of the arterial walls and caused by fatty deposits within them; the arteries lose the ability to dilate and carry blood.

Asthma

A disease in which the airway becomes narrowed and inflamed resulting in episodes of shortness of breath because of air being trapped in the small air sacs of the lungs.

COPD

A slow process of destruction of the airways, alveoli, and pulmonary blood vessels caused chronic bronchial obstruction (emphysema).

Dyspnea

Difficulty or pain with breathing.

Bronchitis

Inflammation of the airways in the lungs.

Absence seizures

Seizures that are characterized by a brief lapse of attention. The patient may stare and not respond; aka petit mal seizures.

Cardiac arrest

Sudden cessation of heart function.

Acute abdomen

The sudden onset of abdominal pain caused by a disease or trauma that irritates the lining of the abdomens like cavity and requires immediate medical or surgical treatment.

Angina pectoris

chest pain with squeezing or tightness in the chest caused by an inadequate flow of blood to the heart muscle.