Diagnosis Shigella infection is diagnosed through a combination of a physical exam and laboratory testing. Because many conditions can cause diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, a stool sample is collected either by you or your healthcare professional. The sample is then examined in a lab for the presence of shigella bacteria or toxins produced by the bacteria. Treatment Treatment for shigella …
Diagnosis A child who has been forcefully shaken requires evaluation by multiple medical specialists, including experts in child abuse. The healthcare team examines the child and reviews their medical history to identify injuries and rule out other conditions. Common tests may include: Skeletal survey: Multiple X-rays of bones, including arms, hands, legs, feet, spine, ribs, and skull, to identify fractures …
Diagnosis Diagnosis of a sexually transmitted disease (STD) begins with a detailed sexual history and evaluation of current symptoms. Your healthcare professional may perform a physical or pelvic exam to look for signs of infection, such as rashes, warts, or unusual discharge. Lab tests are used to confirm the presence of infections and can also detect STDs in people who …
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome is a contagious viral respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus. It was first identified in the early 2000s and is known for causing severe pneumonia and respiratory failure in some individuals. The illness spreads mainly through close person-to-person contact and respiratory droplets. Although large outbreaks are currently rare, SARS remains an important example of how rapidly …
Diagnosis When SARS first emerged, there were no specific tests to detect it. Today, various tests can identify the virus, including tests using blood, stool, and samples from the nose and throat. However, there has been no known spread of the virus that causes SARS anywhere in the world since 2004. Treatment There is no proven antiviral treatment for SARS, …
Serotonin syndrome is a potentially serious condition caused by excessive levels of serotonin in the body. Serotonin is a chemical that helps regulate mood, digestion, and other important functions. When too much serotonin builds up, usually due to medications or drug interactions, it can overstimulate the nervous system. The condition can range from mild to life-threatening and requires prompt medical …
Diagnosis No single test can definitively diagnose serotonin syndrome. Doctors typically make a diagnosis by ruling out other possible conditions. The diagnostic process usually begins with: Asking about your symptoms, medical history, and medications you are taking Conducting a physical examination Additional tests may be used to confirm that symptoms are caused by serotonin syndrome rather than another condition. These …
Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when the body has an extreme and dysregulated response to an infection. Instead of fighting the infection in a controlled way, the immune response triggers widespread inflammation that can damage tissues and organs. Sepsis can progress rapidly and may lead to septic shock, organ failure, and death if not treated promptly. Sepsis …
Diagnosis Doctors often order several tests to identify the underlying cause of infection in sepsis. Blood testsBlood samples may be analyzed to check for: Evidence of infection Blood-clotting problems Abnormal liver or kidney function Low oxygen levels Electrolyte imbalances Other lab testsAdditional tests might include samples of: Urine Wound fluid Mucus or saliva from the respiratory tract Imaging testsIf the …
Separation anxiety disorder is a mental health condition characterized by excessive and persistent fear or anxiety about being separated from attachment figures such as parents, caregivers, or loved ones. While separation anxiety is a normal part of early childhood development, it becomes a disorder when the fear is intense, lasts longer than expected for the individual’s age, and interferes with …