Allergic Rhinitis and Pharyngitis Overview

A negative deflection on an ECG indicates that the electrical activity is moving away from the positive electrode.

The P wave precedes the QRS complex, indicating that atrial depolarization occurs before ventricular depolarization.

A prolonged PR interval suggests slowed conduction through the AV node, which can lead to heart block.

A narrow QRS complex indicates rapid conduction through the ventricles, usually less than 0.12 seconds.

A wide QRS complex indicates slow ventricular conduction, often caused by problems within the ventricles.

Deep inverted T waves are seen in ECGs, especially in conditions like hypokalemia (low potassium in blood) or myocardial ischemia (reduced blood flow to heart muscle).

A potentially life-threatening situation that requires immediate medical attention. It could be linked to heart rhythm abnormalities, heart attack, or severe blood pressure issues.

Vagal maneuvers trigger a response in the vagus nerve, which can help slow the heart rate. These maneuvers are sometimes used to treat certain types of fast heart rhythms.

A fast, irregular heartbeat that can be caused by a variety of factors, including heart disease, electrolyte problems, and medication side effects.

Interrupting a rhythmic pattern, like a dance, to break the flow and stabilize the heart rhythm.

ST elevation on an ECG is a sign of myocardial infarction (heart attack), where the heart muscle tissue dies due to a lack of blood flow.

ST depression on an ECG indicates ischemia (inadequate blood supply) to the heart muscle.

T wave changes on an ECG can suggest various heart conditions, including ischemia, hypertrophy (enlargement of the heart muscle), and electrolyte abnormalities. Prominent T wave inversion, which signifies the opposite of normal T wave direction, is common in young athletes. While the causes of T wave changes can be diverse, analyzing them is important for understanding heart health.

A first-degree heart block is characterized by a prolonged PR interval on an ECG, reflecting a delay in the conduction of electrical impulses from the atria to the ventricles.

A second-degree heart block (Mobitz 1, also known as Wenckebach) is identified by a progressively prolonging PR interval on an ECG, culminating in a dropped QRS complex. The heart rhythm is often irregular, and the patient may experience fatigue, skipped beats, and even syncope (fainting).

A second-degree heart block (Mobitz 2) is characterized by a consistent PR interval, but with missing QRS complexes, meaning the signal from the atria doesn't always reach the ventricles. This type of block can be more serious than Wenckebach and may require a pacemaker.

A third-degree, or complete, heart block is a serious condition characterized by a complete blockage of electrical signals from the atria to the ventricles, resulting in separate and independent atrial and ventricular rhythms. This condition requires a pacemaker.

A bacterial infection that affects the urinary system. It is characterized by symptoms such as pain during urination, frequent urination, cloudy or bloody urine, a strong odor, and possible fever.

A skin reaction that can manifest as redness, itching, swelling, bumps, or blisters. Common causes include allergies, infections, and medications.

Feeling sick to your stomach and throwing up. It is often caused by infections, food poisoning, medications, and other factors.

A condition where there is an abnormally low level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. It can be caused by excessive insulin production, insufficient food intake, or strenuous exercise.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for people with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, often due to complications like heart attacks, strokes, or high blood pressure.

A condition characterized by a distinctive bulls-eye rash and potentially affecting multiple organ systems, often transmitted by infected ticks.

Redness at the site of a potential tick bite, suggesting a possible exposure to a tick-borne pathogen like Lyme disease.

The most appropriate initial step in managing a potential exposure to Lyme disease, involving observation and monitoring for any developing symptoms.

A diagnostic test used to confirm the presence of Lyme disease, particularly in cases where symptoms are present.

A potential course of action to prevent the development of Lyme disease if symptoms arise or when there is a high likelihood of exposure.

A clinical prediction tool helps determine which patients are at high risk for a pulmonary embolism and therefore need a d-dimer test. This helps avoid unnecessary testing.

A chest x-ray is NOT used to diagnose a pulmonary embolism. It can rule out other conditions, like pneumonia, but is not specific for pulmonary embolism.

Once pulmonary embolism is confirmed, it's crucial to find the source of the clot. Investigations include exploring clotting disorders or underlying cancer.

Latent tuberculosis is a dormant infection that may reactivate later. The local health department is contacted for public health measures and guidance.

Lung cancer screening recommendations consider smoking history, including the number of years and packs smoked daily. Quitting smoking significantly reduces lung cancer risk.