Allergic reactions 04/28/2008
Allergic reactions are sensitivities to substances, called allergens , that are contacted through the skin, 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. They occur more often in people with a family history of allergies .
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. Depending on the severity of the injury, the partially severed extremity may or may not be able to be reattached.
Animal bites 06/09/2008
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. DON'T 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 07/17/2008
Cruciate ligament injury - anterior; ACL injury; Knee injury - anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
Considerations: The knee is essentially a modified 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 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. However, both are emergency situations, and the basic first aid steps are the same.
Broken or knocked out tooth 05/28/2008
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.
