Diagnosis Plantar fasciitis is usually diagnosed based on your medical history and a physical examination. During the exam, your healthcare professional will check for areas of tenderness in your foot. The location of your pain can help identify the cause. Imaging tests are not commonly required, but your healthcare professional might suggest them to rule out other conditions, such as …
Heat Rash
Diagnosis Most cases of heat rash can be diagnosed through a simple physical examination. Your healthcare provider will typically identify it by visually inspecting the skin. No laboratory or imaging tests are usually needed. A similar-looking condition, called transient neonatal pustular melanosis (TNPM), can sometimes be mistaken for heat rash. TNPM mainly affects newborns with brown or Black skin and …
Heat Exhaustion
Diagnosis If you seek medical attention for heat exhaustion, your healthcare team will first check your body temperature using a rectal thermometer. This method provides the most accurate reading and helps confirm the diagnosis while ruling out heatstroke, a more serious condition. If heatstroke is suspected, additional tests may be performed to assess organ function and detect potential complications. These …
Heartburn
Diagnosis To determine whether your heartburn is a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a healthcare professional may recommend several diagnostic tests to evaluate the structure and function of your esophagus and stomach. These tests help identify the severity of acid reflux and rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. Common diagnostic tests for GERD include: X-ray: Helps …
Heart Palpitations
Diagnosis To diagnose heart palpitations, a healthcare provider begins with a detailed physical examination and listens to the heart using a stethoscope. The provider may also look for signs of other medical conditions that could cause palpitations, such as a swollen thyroid gland. You will likely be asked questions about your medical history, lifestyle, and any medications or supplements you …
Heart Murmurs
Diagnosis Heart murmurs are often detected during a routine physical exam done for another reason. During the evaluation, your healthcare provider will review your personal and family medical history and listen to your heart using a stethoscope. When listening to the heart, the provider assesses specific characteristics to determine whether the murmur is innocent or may indicate an underlying heart …
Heart Attack
Diagnosis A heart attack is typically diagnosed in an emergency setting, where every minute matters. During regular checkups, healthcare providers may also screen for risk factors that can lead to a heart attack. When a heart attack occurs, immediate medical attention is critical to restore blood flow and minimize heart damage. Diagnosis begins with checking vital signs such as blood …
Hearing Loss
Diagnosis Diagnosing hearing loss involves a series of simple and detailed tests to determine the type, cause, and severity of the condition. The evaluation helps healthcare professionals create a personalized treatment plan to improve hearing and quality of life. Common diagnostic methods include: Physical exam: A healthcare provider examines your ear for causes of hearing loss such as earwax buildup, …
Illness Anxiety Disorder
Diagnosis Diagnosis for illness anxiety disorder typically begins with a physical exam and any tests your primary care provider recommends. These steps help identify whether any medical conditions need treatment and prevent unnecessary lab tests, imaging or referrals.Your provider may also refer you to a mental health professional for further evaluation. A mental health evaluation may include: Discussing your symptoms, …
Headaches in Children
Diagnosis Diagnosing headaches in children involves a detailed understanding of symptoms, medical history, and a physical examination. Your child’s doctor will try to determine the cause of the headaches and rule out any underlying conditions. The diagnostic process often includes: Headache history: The doctor may ask you and your child to describe the headaches in detail, including frequency, intensity, duration, …









