2.5 Common Diseases and Conditions
Key Takeaways
The "3 Ps" of diabetes are polyuria (excessive urination), polydipsia (excessive thirst), and polyphagia (excessive hunger)
Hypertension is classified as Stage 1 (130-139/80-89) and Stage 2 (140+/90+); a hypertensive crisis is systolic >180 and/or diastolic >120
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease with reversible bronchospasm; managed with controller medications (inhaled corticosteroids) and rescue inhalers (albuterol)
Heart disease risk factors include hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, family history, and age
Cancer warning signs follow the CAUTION acronym: Change in bowel/bladder habits, A sore that doesn't heal, Unusual bleeding, Thickening or lump, Indigestion/difficulty swallowing, Obvious change in wart/mole, Nagging cough/hoarseness
Infectious diseases follow the chain of infection and are controlled through vaccination, hand hygiene, isolation precautions, and antimicrobial therapy
Medical assistants must understand common diseases and conditions to effectively support patient care, education, and clinical decision-making.
Diabetes Mellitus
| Feature | Type 1 | Type 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Autoimmune destruction of beta cells | Insulin resistance ± decreased production |
| Onset | Usually childhood/adolescence | Usually adulthood (increasing in youth) |
| Body type | Often thin/normal weight | Often overweight/obese |
| Insulin | Always required (no insulin production) | May or may not require insulin |
| Treatment | Insulin injections, glucose monitoring | Lifestyle changes, oral meds, possibly insulin |
| DKA risk | High (diabetic ketoacidosis) | Low (more likely hyperosmolar state) |
The "3 Ps" of Diabetes:
- Polyuria — Excessive urination (glucose pulls water into urine)
- Polydipsia — Excessive thirst (dehydration from polyuria)
- Polyphagia — Excessive hunger (cells cannot use glucose for energy)
Diabetic Emergencies:
| Emergency | Blood Glucose | Symptoms | Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hypoglycemia | <70 mg/dL | Shaking, sweating, confusion, rapid heartbeat | Conscious: 15g fast-acting sugar; recheck in 15 min |
| Hyperglycemia | >250 mg/dL | Thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision | Follow provider orders; may need insulin adjustment |
| DKA | Very high; ketones present | Fruity breath, Kussmaul breathing, nausea, abdominal pain | Medical emergency — call 911 |
Cardiovascular Diseases
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD):
- Atherosclerosis (plaque buildup) narrows coronary arteries
- Can lead to angina (chest pain) or myocardial infarction (heart attack)
- Risk factors: hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, family history
Heart Failure:
- Heart cannot pump blood effectively
- Symptoms: shortness of breath, edema (swelling), fatigue, weight gain
- Left-sided: pulmonary congestion (fluid in lungs)
- Right-sided: peripheral edema (swelling in legs/feet/abdomen)
Respiratory Diseases
| Disease | Description | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Asthma | Chronic airway inflammation with reversible bronchospasm | Wheezing, cough, chest tightness; triggered by allergens, exercise, cold air |
| COPD | Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (emphysema + chronic bronchitis) | Progressive, irreversible airflow limitation; most commonly caused by smoking |
| Pneumonia | Infection of lung tissue | Fever, productive cough, dyspnea; bacterial, viral, or fungal |
| TB | Tuberculosis (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) | Cough >3 weeks, night sweats, weight loss; airborne transmission |
Cancer Warning Signs (CAUTION)
| Letter | Warning Sign |
|---|---|
| C | Change in bowel or bladder habits |
| A | A sore that does not heal |
| U | Unusual bleeding or discharge |
| T | Thickening or lump in breast or elsewhere |
| I | Indigestion or difficulty swallowing |
| O | Obvious change in a wart or mole |
| N | Nagging cough or hoarseness |
The "3 Ps" of diabetes mellitus are:
Pain, pallor, pulselessness
Polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia
Pyrexia, pruritus, petechiae
Paralysis, paresthesia, ptosis
Which type of diabetes requires insulin injections from the time of diagnosis?
Type 1 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes
Gestational diabetes
Prediabetes
In the CAUTION cancer warning signs acronym, the "U" stands for:
Unexplained weight loss
Unusual bleeding or discharge
Unilateral swelling
Upper respiratory symptoms
Sections you finish are checked off in the contents.