Diagnosis Frostbite is diagnosed based on your symptoms and a review of your recent exposure to cold temperatures. A healthcare professional will assess the affected skin for color, texture, and sensation changes. They may also ask about how long you were exposed to the cold and whether you noticed numbness or pain before the injury. To evaluate the severity of …

Diagnosis To find out if you have a stress fracture, your doctor asks about your health history and performs a physical exam. In many cases, imaging tests are needed to confirm the injury. These may include: X-rays. Stress fractures often do not appear on early X-rays taken soon after symptoms begin. It may take several weeks before signs show up. …

Diagnosis Growth plate fractures can be challenging to identify because the growth plates have not yet hardened into solid bone. Doctors may use the following methods: X-rays of both the injured limb and the opposite limb for comparison Repeat X-rays in three to four weeks if the fracture is not initially visible, as new bone healing will become apparent Advanced …

Diagnosis A patent foramen ovale (PFO) is often discovered when tests are done for another health concern. If a healthcare provider suspects a PFO, imaging tests of the heart may be recommended. People who have had a stroke may be referred to a neurologist, a doctor specialized in brain and nervous system conditions. Tests used to diagnose a PFO include …

Diagnosis A healthcare professional diagnoses food poisoning — also known as foodborne illness — through a physical examination and a review of symptoms and recent activities that could explain vomiting, diarrhea, or other digestive issues. Your healthcare provider may ask about: The type and timing of your symptoms Foods or drinks you’ve recently consumed Whether others who ate the same …

Diagnosis To diagnose focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a healthcare professional reviews your medical history and performs several tests to evaluate kidney function. Testing may include: Urine tests: A 24-hour urine collection measures the amount of protein and other substances in the urine to check for kidney damage. Blood tests: A test called glomerular filtration rate (GFR) determines how well the …

Diagnosis To diagnose pericardial effusion, a healthcare professional reviews your medical history, asks about symptoms, and examines you. Listening to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope helps detect abnormal sounds. Tests used to confirm pericardial effusion may include: • Echocardiogram. Sound waves create images of the beating heart, showing heart chambers, valves, and fluid accumulation. This test can determine …

Diagnosis of Influenza and H1N1 Flu Your healthcare provider may perform a physical exam to check for symptoms of influenza, including H1N1 flu, often referred to as swine flu. In some cases, your symptoms may be reviewed over the phone. Testing for influenza may be done, but not everyone with flu symptoms requires a test. In many cases, knowing that …

Diagnosis Diagnosis of influenza often begins with a review of symptoms and a physical exam. Additional tests may be recommended in certain situations. Tests used to diagnose influenza include:• Rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) – Provide quick results by detecting viral antigens.• PCR tests – More accurate and detect flu virus genetic material.• Chest X-ray – Used when complications like …

Diagnosis To diagnose pulmonary fibrosis, a healthcare professional reviews your medical and family history, conducts a physical exam, and discusses your symptoms. You may also be asked about long-term or frequent exposure to dust, chemicals, gases or other substances, especially in a work setting. During the physical exam, the healthcare professional listens to your lungs while you breathe. Pulmonary fibrosis …