Allergic reactions 05/02/2010
Allergic reactions are sensitivities to substances, called allergens , that come into contact with the skin, nose, eyes, respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal tract. They can be inhaled into the lungs, swallowed, or injected. Considerations: Allergic reactions are common. The immune response that causes an allergic reaction is similar to the response that causes hay fever. Most reactions happen soon after contact with an allergen. Many allergic reactions are mild, while others can be severe and life-threatening.
Amputation - traumatic 07/29/2008
Loss of a body part Considerations: If an accident or trauma results in complete amputation (the body part is totally severed), the part sometimes can be reattached, especially when proper care is taken of the severed part and stump. In a partial amputation, some soft-tissue connection remains.
Animal bites 01/13/2010
Bites - animals Considerations: If the bite is a puncture wound, it has a greater chance of becoming infected. Rabies is a rare but potentially deadly disease spread through the saliva of a rabid animal. If you believe an animal may be rabid, notify the proper authorities. Do NOT go near an animal that may be rabid. Examples include a raccoon who is active during the day, a stray pet, an animal that is acting strangely, or one who bites unprovoked.
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury 08/26/2009
Cruciate ligament injury - anterior; ACL injury; Knee injury - anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) Considerations: The knee is similar to a hinge joint, located where the end of the thigh bone (femur) meets the top of the shin bone (tibia). Four main ligaments connect these two bones: Medial collateral ligament (MCL) -- runs along the inner part (side) of the knee and prevents the knee from bending inward.
Anterior knee pain 05/05/2008
Runner's knee Considerations: The health care provider will perform a physical examination of the knee to confirm and assess the pain. Tests that may be performed to rule out possible structural damage to the knee or connective tissue include the following: Joint CT scan Joint x-ray MRI scan of the knee Causes: Common causes of runner's knee include rotation (pronation) and lateral (away from the middle) pulling of the kneecap.
Bleeding 01/15/2009
Blood loss; Open injury bleeding Considerations: Always seek emergency assistance for severe bleeding, and if internal bleeding is suspected.
Breathing difficulties - first aid 07/08/2009
Difficulty breathing - first aid; Dyspnea - first aid; Shortness of breath - first aid Considerations: If you are having difficulty breathing, it is almost always a medical emergency (other than feeling slightly winded from normal activity like exercise or climbing a hill).
Broken bone 05/02/2009
Bone - broken; Fracture; Stress fracture Considerations: It is hard to tell a dislocated bone from a broken bone.
Broken or knocked out tooth 02/22/2010
Teeth - broken; Tooth - knocked out Considerations: A permanent tooth that is knocked out can sometimes be reimplanted. In most cases, only permanent, adult teeth are reimplanted into the mouth. Baby teeth are usually left out. Immediately contact your dentist when a tooth is broken or knocked out. If you can find the tooth after the accident or injury, bring it with you when you seek medical help.
Bruise 05/02/2009
A bruise is an area of skin discoloration. A bruise occurs when small blood vessels break and leak their contents into the soft tissue beneath the skin. Considerations: There are three types of bruises: Subcutaneous -- beneath the skin Intramuscular -- within the belly of the underlying muscle Periosteal -- bone bruise Bruises can last from days to months, with the bone bruise being the most severe and painful. Causes: Bruises are often caused by falls, sports injuries, car accidents, or blows received by other people or objects.
