In some cases, non-invasive methods will not work for the intended purpose, so medical technology has developed minimally-invasive methods, such as hypodermic injection (using the syringe), endoscopy, percutaneous surgery, laparoscopic surgery, coronary catheterization, angioplasty, stereotactic surgery and many others. The benefits for the patient are self-evident. ...

See also:

Non-invasive medical, Non-invasive medical - Diagnostic images, Non-invasive medical - Diagnostic signals, Non-invasive medical - Therapy

Read more here: » Non-invasive medical: Encyclopedia II - Non-invasive medical - Therapy

The figure below is a lateral photograph of the bones of the forelimb distal to the carpus: Equine forelimb anatomy - Metacarpal Bones. The equine forelimb contains three metacarpal bones. These are analogous to the bones within the human palm. The large third metacarpal (informally the cannon or shin bone) provides the major support of the body weight. The smaller second and fourth metacarpals are positioned medially and laterally respectively, toward the palmar side of ...

See also:

Equine forelimb anatomy, Equine forelimb anatomy - Bones of the Distal Forelimb, Equine forelimb anatomy - Metacarpal Bones, Equine forelimb anatomy - Proximal Sesamoids, Equine forelimb anatomy - Proximal Phalanx, Equine forelimb anatomy - Middle Phalanx, Equine forelimb anatomy - Distal Phalanx, Equine forelimb anatomy - Distal Sesamoid

Read more here: » Equine forelimb anatomy: Encyclopedia II - Equine forelimb anatomy - Bones of the Distal Forelimb

A lumbar puncture requires aseptic technique and performance by qualified and skilled medical practitioners. In performing a lumbar puncture (in an adult), first the patient is usually placed in a left (or right) lateral position with his/her neck bent in full flexion and knees bent in full flexion up to his/her chest, approximating a fetal position as much as possible. It is also possible to have the patient sit on a stool and bend his/her head and shoulders forward. The area around the lower back is prepared using aseptic technique. ...

See also:

Lumbar puncture, Lumbar puncture - Indications, Lumbar puncture - Procedure, Lumbar puncture - Risks, Lumbar puncture - Diagnostics

Read more here: » Lumbar puncture: Encyclopedia II - Lumbar puncture - Procedure

Physical examination - Height. Height is the anthropometric longitudinal growth of an individual. A statiometer is the device used to measure height although often a height stick is more frequently used for vertical measurement of adults or children older than 2. The patient is asked to stand barefoot. Height declines during the day because of compression of the intervertebral discs. Children under age 2 are measured lying horizontally.

Physical examination, Physical examination - Vital Signs, Physical examination - Temperature, Physical examination - Blood pressure, Physical examination - Pulse, Physical examination - Basic biometrics, Physical examination - Height, Physical examination - Weight, Physical examination - Pain, Physical examination - Structure of the written examination record, Physical examination - General appearance, Physical examination - Organ systems, Physical examination - Special examinations

Read more here: » Physical examination: Encyclopedia II - Physical examination - Basic biometrics

In medicine, 50% of all diagnoses can be made by a thorough medical history, and lung diseases are no different. The pulmonologist will conduct a general review and focus on: hereditary diseases affecting the lungs (cystic fibrosis, alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency) exposure to toxins (tobacco smoke, asbestos, exhaust fumes, coal mining fumes) exposure to infectious agents (certain types of birds, malt processing) an autoimmune diathesis that might predispose to certain conditions (pulmonary ...

See also:

Pulmonology, Pulmonology - Diagnosis, Pulmonology - Treatment, Pulmonology - Training, Pulmonology - Diseases managed by the pulmonologist, Pulmonology - Scientific research

Read more here: » Pulmonology: Encyclopedia II - Pulmonology - Diagnosis

From the AJCC 6th edition (2002) and UICC 6th edition. Prostate cancer staging - Evaluation of the primary tumor 'T'. TX: cannot evaluate the primary tumor T0: no evidence of tumor T1: tumor present, but not dectable clincally or with imaging T1a: tumor was incidentally found in less than 5% of prostate tissue resected (for other reasons) T1b: tumor was incidentally found in greater than 5% of prostate tissue resected ...

See also:

Prostate cancer staging, Prostate cancer staging - TNM staging, Prostate cancer staging - Evaluation of the primary tumor 'T', Prostate cancer staging - Evaluation of the regional lymph nodes 'N', Prostate cancer staging - Evaluation of distant metastasis 'M', Prostate cancer staging - Evaluation of the histologic grade 'G', Prostate cancer staging - Overall staging, Prostate cancer staging - Whitmore-Jewett staging, Prostate cancer staging - Risk groups

Read more here: » Prostate cancer staging: Encyclopedia II - Prostate cancer staging - TNM staging

In Central and South America, the most common incidence of chronic megacolon is that observed in ca. 20% of patients affected with Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, a flagellate protozoan transmitted by the the feces of an hematophagous insect, the assassin bugs, or by contamination through blood transfusion or pregnancy. There are several theories on how megacolon (and also megaesophagus) develops in Chagas disease. The Austrian-Brazilian physician and pathologist Fritz Köberle was the first to propose a coherent hypothesis base ...

See also:

Megacolon, Megacolon - Aganglionic megacolon, Megacolon - Toxic megacolon, Megacolon - Megacolon in Chagas disease, Megacolon - Signs and symptoms, Megacolon - Diagnosis, Megacolon - Treatment

Read more here: » Megacolon: Encyclopedia II - Megacolon - Megacolon in Chagas disease

As with any surgical procedure, complications are possible. Fortunately, major complications due to thin needle aspiration biopsies are fairly uncommon, and when complications do occur, they are generally mild. The kind and severity of complications depend on the organs from which a biopsy is taken or the organs gone through to obtain cells. After the procedure, mild analgesics are used to control post-operative pain. Aspirin or aspirin substitutes should not be taken for 48 hours after the procedure (unless aspirin is prescribed for ...

See also:

Needle aspiration biopsy, Needle aspiration biopsy - Applications, Needle aspiration biopsy - Preparation, Needle aspiration biopsy - Procedure, Needle aspiration biopsy - Post-operative care and complications, Needle aspiration biopsy - Source

Read more here: » Needle aspiration biopsy: Encyclopedia II - Needle aspiration biopsy - Post-operative care and complications

To diagnose pneumonia, health care providers rely on a patient's symptoms and findings from physical examination. Information from a chest X-ray, blood tests, and sputum cultures may also be helpful. The chest X-ray is typically used for diagnosis in hospitals and some clinics with X-ray facilities. However, in a community setting (general practice), pneumonia is usually diagnosed based on symptoms and physical examination alone. Diagnosing pneumonia can be difficult in some people, especially those who have other illnesses. Occasionally a chest CT scan or other tests may be needed to dist ...

See also:

Pneumonia, Pneumonia - Symptoms, Pneumonia - Diagnosis, Pneumonia - Physical examination, Pneumonia - Chest X-rays sputum cultures and other tests, Pneumonia - Pathophysiology, Pneumonia - Viruses, Pneumonia - Bacteria, Pneumonia - Fungi, Pneumonia - Parasites, Pneumonia - Types of pneumonia, Pneumonia - Early classification schemes, Pneumonia - Combined clinical classification, Pneumonia - Other types of pneumonia, Pneumonia - Treatment, Pneumonia - Complications, Pneumonia - Respiratory and circulatory failure, Pneumonia - Pleural effusion empyema and abscess, Pneumonia - Prognosis and mortality, Pneumonia - Prevention, Pneumonia - Epidemiology, Pneumonia - History

Read more here: » Pneumonia: Encyclopedia II - Pneumonia - Diagnosis

There are many ways which blood can be obtained from someone. The best method varies with the age of the patient, equipment available and tests required. Vacutainers are a type of test tube that contain a vacuum that automatically aspirates blood into itself. They are commonly used in hospitals, private doctors offices and community labs, and are effective in most adult patients and older children. Equipment needed includes: a plastic needle holder or "barrel", hypodermic needles designed specifically for the needle holder, an adjustable tourniquet, appropria ...

See also:

Venipuncture, Venipuncture - Venipuncture with vacuum tubes vacutainers, Venipuncture - Venipuncture with needle and syringe

Read more here: » Venipuncture: Encyclopedia II - Venipuncture - Venipuncture with vacuum tubes vacutainers

Physical examination - Temperature. Temperature recording gives an indication of core body temperature which is normally tightly controlled (thermoregulation) as it affects the rate of chemical reactions. It does though vary with time of day and body conditions but prolonged significant temperature elevation (hyperthermia) or depression (hypothermia) are incompatible with life. See also:

Physical examination, Physical examination - Vital Signs, Physical examination - Temperature, Physical examination - Blood pressure, Physical examination - Pulse, Physical examination - Basic biometrics, Physical examination - Height, Physical examination - Weight, Physical examination - Pain, Physical examination - Structure of the written examination record, Physical examination - General appearance, Physical examination - Organ systems, Physical examination - Special examinations

Read more here: » Physical examination: Encyclopedia II - Physical examination - Vital Signs

Physical examination - General appearance. Obvious apparent features as the patient enters the consulting room and in the course of taking the history (e.g. mobility problem or deafness) JACCOL, a mnemonic for Jaundice, suggestion of Anaemia (pale colour of skin or conjunctiva), Cyanosis (blue coloration of lips or extremities), Clubbing of fingernails, Oedema of ankles, Lymph nodes of neck, armpits, groins. Physical examination - Organ systems. Card ...

See also:

Physical examination, Physical examination - Vital Signs, Physical examination - Temperature, Physical examination - Blood pressure, Physical examination - Pulse, Physical examination - Basic biometrics, Physical examination - Height, Physical examination - Weight, Physical examination - Pain, Physical examination - Structure of the written examination record, Physical examination - General appearance, Physical examination - Organ systems, Physical examination - Special examinations

Read more here: » Physical examination: Encyclopedia II - Physical examination - Structure of the written examination record

Individuals who are treated for CAP outside of the hospital have a mortality rate less than 1%. Fever typically responds in the first two days of therapy and other symptoms resolve in the first week. The x-ray, however, may remain abnormal for at least a month, even when CAP has been successfully treated. Among individuals who require hospitalization, the mortality rate averages 12% overall, but is as much as 40% in people who have bloodstream infections or require intensive care.^{See also:}

Community-acquired pneumonia, Community-acquired pneumonia - Symptoms, Community-acquired pneumonia - Diagnosis, Community-acquired pneumonia - Pathophysiology, Community-acquired pneumonia - Microorganisms causing CAP, Community-acquired pneumonia - Infants, Community-acquired pneumonia - Children, Community-acquired pneumonia - Adults, Community-acquired pneumonia - Treatment, Community-acquired pneumonia - Newborn infants, Community-acquired pneumonia - Children, Community-acquired pneumonia - Adults, Community-acquired pneumonia - The decision to hospitalize, Community-acquired pneumonia - Prognosis, Community-acquired pneumonia - Complications of CAP, Community-acquired pneumonia - Sepsis, Community-acquired pneumonia - Respiratory failure, Community-acquired pneumonia - Pleural effusion and empyema, Community-acquired pneumonia - Abscess, Community-acquired pneumonia - Special circumstances leading to CAP, Community-acquired pneumonia - Obstruction, Community-acquired pneumonia - Lung disease, Community-acquired pneumonia - Immune problems, Community-acquired pneumonia - Epidemiology, Community-acquired pneumonia - Prevention

Read more here: » Community-acquired pneumonia: Encyclopedia II - Community-acquired pneumonia - Prognosis

Some people have an underlying problem which increases their risk of getting an infection. Some important situations are covered below: Community-acquired pneumonia - Obstruction. When part of the airway (bronchi) leading to the alveoli is obstructed, the lung is not able to clear fluid when it accumulates. This can lead to infection of the fluid resulting in CAP. One cause of obstruction, especially in young children, is inhalation of a foreign object such as a marble or toy. The object is lodged i ...

See also:

Community-acquired pneumonia, Community-acquired pneumonia - Symptoms, Community-acquired pneumonia - Diagnosis, Community-acquired pneumonia - Pathophysiology, Community-acquired pneumonia - Microorganisms causing CAP, Community-acquired pneumonia - Infants, Community-acquired pneumonia - Children, Community-acquired pneumonia - Adults, Community-acquired pneumonia - Treatment, Community-acquired pneumonia - Newborn infants, Community-acquired pneumonia - Children, Community-acquired pneumonia - Adults, Community-acquired pneumonia - The decision to hospitalize, Community-acquired pneumonia - Prognosis, Community-acquired pneumonia - Complications of CAP, Community-acquired pneumonia - Sepsis, Community-acquired pneumonia - Respiratory failure, Community-acquired pneumonia - Pleural effusion and empyema, Community-acquired pneumonia - Abscess, Community-acquired pneumonia - Special circumstances leading to CAP, Community-acquired pneumonia - Obstruction, Community-acquired pneumonia - Lung disease, Community-acquired pneumonia - Immune problems, Community-acquired pneumonia - Epidemiology, Community-acquired pneumonia - Prevention

Read more here: » Community-acquired pneumonia: Encyclopedia II - Community-acquired pneumonia - Special circumstances leading to CAP

CAP is a common illness in all parts of the world. It is a major cause of death among all age groups. In children, the majority of deaths occur in the newborn period, with over two million worldwide deaths a year. In fact, the WHO estimates that one in three newborn infant deaths are due to pneumonia.[16] Mortality decreases with age until late adulthood; elderly individua ...

See also:

Community-acquired pneumonia, Community-acquired pneumonia - Symptoms, Community-acquired pneumonia - Diagnosis, Community-acquired pneumonia - Pathophysiology, Community-acquired pneumonia - Microorganisms causing CAP, Community-acquired pneumonia - Infants, Community-acquired pneumonia - Children, Community-acquired pneumonia - Adults, Community-acquired pneumonia - Treatment, Community-acquired pneumonia - Newborn infants, Community-acquired pneumonia - Children, Community-acquired pneumonia - Adults, Community-acquired pneumonia - The decision to hospitalize, Community-acquired pneumonia - Prognosis, Community-acquired pneumonia - Complications of CAP, Community-acquired pneumonia - Sepsis, Community-acquired pneumonia - Respiratory failure, Community-acquired pneumonia - Pleural effusion and empyema, Community-acquired pneumonia - Abscess, Community-acquired pneumonia - Special circumstances leading to CAP, Community-acquired pneumonia - Obstruction, Community-acquired pneumonia - Lung disease, Community-acquired pneumonia - Immune problems, Community-acquired pneumonia - Epidemiology, Community-acquired pneumonia - Prevention

Read more here: » Community-acquired pneumonia: Encyclopedia II - Community-acquired pneumonia - Epidemiology

In addition to treating any underlying illness which can increase a person's risk for CAP, there are several additional ways to prevent CAP. Smoking cessation is important not only for treatment of any underlying lung disease, but also because cigarette smoke interferes with many of the body's natural defenses against CAP. Vaccination is important in both children and adults. Vaccinations against Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae in the first year of life have greatly reduced their role in CAP in childr ...

See also:

Community-acquired pneumonia, Community-acquired pneumonia - Symptoms, Community-acquired pneumonia - Diagnosis, Community-acquired pneumonia - Pathophysiology, Community-acquired pneumonia - Microorganisms causing CAP, Community-acquired pneumonia - Infants, Community-acquired pneumonia - Children, Community-acquired pneumonia - Adults, Community-acquired pneumonia - Treatment, Community-acquired pneumonia - Newborn infants, Community-acquired pneumonia - Children, Community-acquired pneumonia - Adults, Community-acquired pneumonia - The decision to hospitalize, Community-acquired pneumonia - Prognosis, Community-acquired pneumonia - Complications of CAP, Community-acquired pneumonia - Sepsis, Community-acquired pneumonia - Respiratory failure, Community-acquired pneumonia - Pleural effusion and empyema, Community-acquired pneumonia - Abscess, Community-acquired pneumonia - Special circumstances leading to CAP, Community-acquired pneumonia - Obstruction, Community-acquired pneumonia - Lung disease, Community-acquired pneumonia - Immune problems, Community-acquired pneumonia - Epidemiology, Community-acquired pneumonia - Prevention

Read more here: » Community-acquired pneumonia: Encyclopedia II - Community-acquired pneumonia - Prevention

Physical examination - Height. Height is the anthropometric longitudinal growth of an individual. A statiometer is the device used to measure height although often a height stick is more frequently used for vertical measurement of adults or children older than 2. The patient is asked to stand barefoot. Height declines during the day because of compression of the intervertebral discs. Children under age 2 are measured lying horizontally. Physical examination - Weight. Weight is the anthropometric ...

See also:

Physical examination, Physical examination - Vital Signs, Physical examination - Temperature, Physical examination - Blood pressure, Physical examination - Pulse, Physical examination - Basic biometrics, Physical examination - Height, Physical examination - Weight, Physical examination - Pain, Physical examination - Structure of the written examination record, Physical examination - General appearance, Physical examination - Organ systems, Physical examination - Special examinations

Read more here: » Physical examination: Encyclopedia II - Physical examination - Basic biometrics

A classical method for quantifying the JVP was described by Borst & Molhuysen in 1952. It has since been modified in various ways. The patient is positioned under 45°, and the filling level of the jugular vein determined. In healthy people, it is maximum several (3-4) centimetres above the sternal angle. Some doctors employ a venous arc, an instrument to measure the JVP more accurately. A pen-light can aid in discerning the jugular filling level. The JVP is elevated in venous hypertension (e.g. right-sided heart failure) and parad ...

See also:

Jugular venous pressure, Jugular venous pressure - Method, Jugular venous pressure - Differentiation of the JVP from the carotid pulse, Jugular venous pressure - Reference

Read more here: » Jugular venous pressure: Encyclopedia II - Jugular venous pressure - Method

Most cases of pneumonia can be treated without hospitalization. Typically, oral antibiotics, rest, fluids, and home care are sufficient for complete resolution. However, people with pneumonia who are having trouble breathing, people with other medical problems, and the elderly may need more advanced treatment. If the symptoms get worse, the pneumonia does not improve with home treatment, or complications occur, the per ...

See also:

Pneumonia, Pneumonia - Symptoms, Pneumonia - Diagnosis, Pneumonia - Physical examination, Pneumonia - Chest X-rays sputum cultures and other tests, Pneumonia - Pathophysiology, Pneumonia - Viruses, Pneumonia - Bacteria, Pneumonia - Fungi, Pneumonia - Parasites, Pneumonia - Types of pneumonia, Pneumonia - Early classification schemes, Pneumonia - Combined clinical classification, Pneumonia - Other types of pneumonia, Pneumonia - Treatment, Pneumonia - Complications, Pneumonia - Respiratory and circulatory failure, Pneumonia - Pleural effusion empyema and abscess, Pneumonia - Prognosis and mortality, Pneumonia - Prevention, Pneumonia - Epidemiology, Pneumonia - History

Read more here: » Pneumonia: Encyclopedia II - Pneumonia - Treatment

Sometimes pneumonia can lead to additional medical problems called complications. Complications are more frequently associated with bacterial pneumonia than with viral pneumonia. The most important complications include: Pneumonia - Respiratory and circulatory failure. Because pneumonia affects the lungs, often people with pneumonia have difficulty breathing, and it may not be possible for them to breathe well enough to stay alive without support. Non-invasive breathing assistance may be helpful, such as w ...

See also:

Pneumonia, Pneumonia - Symptoms, Pneumonia - Diagnosis, Pneumonia - Physical examination, Pneumonia - Chest X-rays sputum cultures and other tests, Pneumonia - Pathophysiology, Pneumonia - Viruses, Pneumonia - Bacteria, Pneumonia - Fungi, Pneumonia - Parasites, Pneumonia - Types of pneumonia, Pneumonia - Early classification schemes, Pneumonia - Combined clinical classification, Pneumonia - Other types of pneumonia, Pneumonia - Treatment, Pneumonia - Complications, Pneumonia - Respiratory and circulatory failure, Pneumonia - Pleural effusion empyema and abscess, Pneumonia - Prognosis and mortality, Pneumonia - Prevention, Pneumonia - Epidemiology, Pneumonia - History

Read more here: » Pneumonia: Encyclopedia II - Pneumonia - Complications

With treatment, most types of bacterial pneumonia can be cured within one to two weeks. Viral pneumonia may last longer, and mycoplasmal pneumonia may take four to six weeks to resolve completely. The eventual outcome of an episode of pneumonia depends on how ill the person is when he or she is first diagnosed. One way to predict outcome is to use the Pneumonia Severity Score, which takes into account the severity of symptoms, any underlying diseases, and age.[3] This score can be helpful ...

See also:

Pneumonia, Pneumonia - Symptoms, Pneumonia - Diagnosis, Pneumonia - Physical examination, Pneumonia - Chest X-rays sputum cultures and other tests, Pneumonia - Pathophysiology, Pneumonia - Viruses, Pneumonia - Bacteria, Pneumonia - Fungi, Pneumonia - Parasites, Pneumonia - Types of pneumonia, Pneumonia - Early classification schemes, Pneumonia - Combined clinical classification, Pneumonia - Other types of pneumonia, Pneumonia - Treatment, Pneumonia - Complications, Pneumonia - Respiratory and circulatory failure, Pneumonia - Pleural effusion empyema and abscess, Pneumonia - Prognosis and mortality, Pneumonia - Prevention, Pneumonia - Epidemiology, Pneumonia - History

Read more here: » Pneumonia: Encyclopedia II - Pneumonia - Prognosis and mortality

There are several ways to prevent infectious pneumonia. Appropriately treating underlying illnesses (such as AIDS) can decrease a person's risk of pneumonia. Smoking cessation is important not only because it helps to limit lung damage, but also because cigarette smoke interferes with many of the body's natural defenses against pneumonia. Evidence-based research shows that there are several ways to prevent pneumonia in newborn infants. Testing pregnant women for Group B Streptococcus and Chlamydia trachomatis, and then giving a ...

See also:

Pneumonia, Pneumonia - Symptoms, Pneumonia - Diagnosis, Pneumonia - Physical examination, Pneumonia - Chest X-rays sputum cultures and other tests, Pneumonia - Pathophysiology, Pneumonia - Viruses, Pneumonia - Bacteria, Pneumonia - Fungi, Pneumonia - Parasites, Pneumonia - Types of pneumonia, Pneumonia - Early classification schemes, Pneumonia - Combined clinical classification, Pneumonia - Other types of pneumonia, Pneumonia - Treatment, Pneumonia - Complications, Pneumonia - Respiratory and circulatory failure, Pneumonia - Pleural effusion empyema and abscess, Pneumonia - Prognosis and mortality, Pneumonia - Prevention, Pneumonia - Epidemiology, Pneumonia - History

Read more here: » Pneumonia: Encyclopedia II - Pneumonia - Prevention