Diagnosis Diagnosis of polymyositis typically involves a physical exam and an assessment of muscle strength. Several tests can help confirm the condition and rule out other causes of muscle weakness. • Blood tests may show higher levels of muscle enzymes, which suggest muscle damage. They can also detect autoantibodies linked with specific symptoms of polymyositis.• Electromyography involves placing a thin …

Diagnosis A physical exam along with laboratory tests can help your healthcare professional determine the cause of pain and stiffness. The evaluation often includes checking the joints and the nervous system in a neurological exam. During this process, your healthcare professional may gently move your head, arms and legs to assess the range of motion and identify areas of discomfort. …

Diagnosis A healthcare professional can usually diagnose polymorphous light eruption after reviewing your symptoms, examining your skin, and discussing when the rash appears. In some cases, additional tests may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other causes. Skin biopsyA small sample of the affected skin may be removed and examined in a laboratory. This helps identify features …

Diagnosis Polyhydramnios is usually diagnosed with a fetal ultrasound, which uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of your unborn baby. Health care professionals assess amniotic fluid levels by measuring:• The single largest pocket of fluid around the baby, called the maximum vertical pocket (MVP)• The fluid in all four quadrants of the uterus, called the amniotic fluid index (AFI) …

Diagnosis Polycythemia vera is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and specialized tests. Blood testsBlood tests may reveal:• Higher than normal red blood cell counts, and sometimes elevated white blood cells or platelets• Increased hematocrit, the proportion of red blood cells in total blood volume• Elevated hemoglobin, the iron-rich protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen …

Diagnosis Polio, also known as poliomyelitis, is usually suspected based on symptoms and exposure history. A healthcare provider will consider whether the patient has been in an area where polio is still present or has not been vaccinated. Diagnostic steps may include:• Physical examination to check for muscle weakness, paralysis, or decreased reflexes• Reviewing recent medical history and possible exposure …

Diagnosis A poison ivy rash is usually diagnosed based on your recent exposure history and the appearance of the skin. A healthcare provider will examine the affected area, noting the typical signs of an allergic reaction to urushiol, the oil found in poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. Signs that suggest poison ivy include:• Redness and inflammation• Itchy, raised …

Diagnosis A healthcare professional diagnoses POEMS syndrome by taking a detailed medical history and performing a physical exam. A neurological exam is also conducted to check the function of the nervous system. POEMS syndrome can be difficult to diagnose because it involves multiple organs and complex symptoms. TestsSeveral tests may be performed to confirm a diagnosis:• Electromyographic studies (EMG). Small …

Diagnosis To diagnose pneumonitis, your doctor reviews your medical and family history, discusses your symptoms, and asks about any medicines or previous treatments, such as cancer therapy. They may also inquire about repeated or ongoing exposure to dust, chemicals, birds, or mold through home, work, or hobbies. During a physical exam, a healthcare professional listens to your lungs with a …

Diagnosis Your doctor will begin by reviewing your medical history and performing a physical exam, including listening to your lungs with a stethoscope for abnormal bubbling or crackling sounds that suggest pneumonia. Additional tests that may be recommended include: • Blood tests. Used to confirm infection and attempt to identify the type of organism causing it, though precise identification is …