Diagnosis Diagnosing common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) can be challenging because its symptoms often resemble other immune or infectious disorders. A healthcare professional typically reviews your medical history, symptoms, and family history, followed by specific blood and diagnostic tests. Tests may include: Blood tests to measure immunoglobulin (antibody) levels such as IgG, IgA, and IgM. People with CVID usually have low …

Diagnosis A healthcare professional can usually diagnose a common cold in a baby based on symptoms. If a bacterial infection or another condition is suspected, tests such as a chest X-ray may be used to rule out other possible causes. Treatment Most common colds in babies improve without treatment within seven to ten days. However, a cough may continue for …

Diagnosis When a person is in a coma, they cannot communicate, so healthcare professionals rely on physical signs and information from family members or friends. Providing detailed background information is essential to help identify the cause. This may include: Events before the coma, such as vomiting or headaches. How the loss of consciousness occurred — suddenly or gradually. Any symptoms …

Diagnosis If you have difficulty seeing certain colors, an eye care professional can perform specific tests to identify a color vision deficiency. The evaluation usually includes a comprehensive eye exam and special picture tests made of colored dots that form numbers or shapes in contrasting colors. If you have a color vision deficiency, it may be difficult or impossible to …

Diagnosis Screening for colon polyps is essential to detect and remove them before they become cancerous. These screening tests can also help find colorectal cancer early, when treatment is most effective. Screening Methods Colonoscopy A colonoscopy is the most effective screening method for colon polyps and colorectal cancer. A thin, flexible tube with a light and camera is inserted through …

Diagnosis A pneumothorax is usually diagnosed using a chest X-ray. In some cases, a computerized tomography (CT) scan may be needed to provide more detailed images. Ultrasound imaging can also be used to identify a pneumothorax. Treatment The primary goal in treating a pneumothorax is to relieve pressure on the lung and allow it to re-expand. A secondary goal, depending …

Diagnosis Diagnosing microscopic colitis involves a complete medical history, a physical examination and appropriate testing. Your healthcare professional will review your symptoms, ask about medicines you take and check for other conditions that can cause long-lasting diarrhea, such as celiac disease. Because the colon often appears normal in people with microscopic colitis, the diagnosis cannot be made by visual inspection …

Diagnosis Ischemic colitis is often mistaken for other digestive conditions, especially inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), because their symptoms overlap. Diagnosis usually involves symptom evaluation and imaging tests to confirm the condition and rule out other causes. Common diagnostic tests include: Abdominal CT scan: Provides detailed images of the colon and helps rule out disorders such as IBD. Colonoscopy: Offers a …

Diagnosis Your baby’s healthcare provider will perform a complete physical examination to identify possible causes of distress. The evaluation includes: Measuring height, weight, and head circumference Listening to the heart, lungs, and abdomen Examining the limbs, fingers, toes, eyes, ears, and genitals Assessing the baby’s response to touch or movement Checking for rashes, inflammation, infections, or allergies Usually, lab tests …

Diagnosis You usually don’t need medical care for a common cold. But if symptoms get worse or do not go away, see your healthcare provider. Most people with a common cold can be diagnosed based on their symptoms. Your healthcare provider may take a nasal or throat swab to rule out other infections. A chest X-ray may be done to …