Introduction to General Medical Conditions

Genevieve Ludwig

• Publisher: Momentum Press
• Year: 2017
• ISBN:
  9781945612930
• Topic: Medicine
• Subtopic: Sports Medicine

Introduction to General Medical Conditions explains the most common non-orthopedic maladies seen in the active population.

The text is designed to be a reference tool for students and professionals who work with athletes or a physically active population. Each chapter covers a specific body part or system. Also discussed are preventative measures to avoid developing these conditions. Coaches, students in allied health professions, physical education teachers, parents, and athletes will benefit from reading this text. The first unit of the text gives an introduction to general medicine concepts. It starts by providing an introduction to clinical pathology, common medical procedures, the basics of pharmacology, and lastly, introduces common contagious illnesses.

The second unit of the text discusses body systems and complications that may arise in each system. Common conditions and illnesses of the respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, urinary, reproductive, neurological, and endocrine systems are introduced. Additionally, the second unit covers dermatological conditions and issues that may arise in the eyes or ears. Each illness and condition in the text provides the associated signs and symptoms, most common treatment plan and recommended preventative measures.

PART I

Introduction to General
Medical Concepts

CHAPTER 1

Introduction to Clinical Pathology

Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the basic principles of clinical pathology and provides the reader with an explanation as to why having a foundation in general medical condition and treatment is vital when serving as a parent, coach, personal trainer, instructor, or athletic trainer. This chapter will start by providing several definitions and a basic guide to general medical evaluation techniques, as well as how these techniques differs from orthopedic joint evaluations.

Understanding common medical conditions and how they present is crucial in any setting. Commonly, coaches, parents, and athletic trainers are the first to see an athlete when a general medical condition arises. Thus, having knowledge about common conditions and the ability to recognize the need for referral to a medical doctor is an important first step in process of providing care. Understanding clinical pathology is also crucial because certain conditions may affect an athlete’s ability to participate and the disease may require certain precautions when the athlete is allowed to play. Lastly, understanding basic principles of clinical pathology is necessary to determine if and how a specific condition can affect musculoskeletal injuries as well as required recovery time before an athlete is allowed to return to play.

Definitions

Pathology: The study of biological causes, effects, and processes of disease.

Pathogenesis: Refers to the physiological or biological origin that leads to the diseased state. Commonly noted by the development and progression of signs and symptoms over time as well as the nature of the disease (acute, chronic, or recurrent). Commonly thought of as synonymous with etiology.

Etiology: Explains the underlying mechanisms and causes of disease, studying the development of a disease. Commonly, etiology is explained in historical terms.

Sign: Observable indication of a pathology. Objective finding that can be measured. For example, rash, swelling, discoloration, bleeding, changes in blood pressure or heart rate, temperature, and sweating.

Symptom: Abnormal function, description, appearance, or sensation that a patient describes. Symptoms are subjective in nature. For example, pain, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, numbness, and lightheadedness.

Diagnosis: The specific injury, illness, disease, or condition a patient develops as determined by a medical evaluation. It is considered the “art of naming a disease.” Clinical diagnoses are based on signs, symptoms, taking a thorough history from the patient and conducting a physical examination. Commonly, lab work or imaging studies are also performed to aid in the decision process. Differential diagnoses are provided when two or more diseases present with similar signs and symptoms and further evaluation techniques need to be performed in order to differentiate and determine the diagnosis.

Medical History

Taking a medical history is the first step in determining an individual’s potential clinical pathology. The purpose of the medical history is to try and determine the potential pathogenesis (i.e., how and when the signs and symptoms presented and progressed) of the disease state. This is a question and answer time when you gather information from the athlete or individual to determine the severity of any existing signs and symptoms. During the history, it is also important to identify whether there are any other co-existing conditions, and if so, to what extent they may be affecting the athlete. Lastly, the interviewer should ask questions that address any past medical conditions and if any contraindications are present, as these responses may aid in treatment decisions (i.e., allergies to medications). The information gathered from the history will then be used to guide the physical examination.

Common Components to a General Medical History

Chief Complaint: Refers to the primary symptom, as stated by the patient, for seeking medical treatment or medical advice.

Present History: Time of symptom onset and rate of progression since the onset. How signs or symptoms have changed over time for the current condition or chief complaint.

Past History: Previously diagnosed conditions, diseases, and illnesses. This includes any past issues related to heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, or blood pressure as well as any surgeries or hospitalizations.

Family History: Major health problems within the athlete’s immediate family.

Social History: Current or past history of usage of alcohol, substance abuse, stress level, depression, safety in the home or work environments.

Review of Systems: Includes addressing at least one question that screens each organ system of the body (circulatory, respiratory, endocrine, urinary, integumentary, reproductive, digestive, nervous, lymphatic, and musculoskeletal).

Determining the Severity of the Condition and Red Flag Warnings

The severity or seriousness of a general medical condition can be determined, in part, by the associated signs and symptoms. Conditions that cause a change in vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration rate) are more severe in nature and can be life thre...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title
• Copyright
• Preface
• Part I Introduction to General Medical Concepts
• Part II Conditions by Body System
• About the Authors
• Index
• Adpage
• Backcover