Stidor is a harsh, vibratory sound, caused by turbulent airflow through an obstructed upper airway. Sx Stridor is best heard over the upper airways It usually occurs on inspiration → inward pressure exerted on...

Quadriplegia (aka tetraplegia) is paralysis caused by an illness/injury, that results in the partial/total loss of use of all their limbs/torso. Tetraparesis (aka quadriparesis) means muscle weakness affecting all 4...

Ablation is the removal of part of biological tissue, usually by surgery. Method Chemical ablation Laser ablation, where a laser dissolves a material's molecular bonds. This requires the power density or fluence to...

Pharyngitis (from Greek "pharynx" meaning "throat", and "itis" meaning "inflammation) is inflammation of the pharynx (i.e. region in the back of the throat). Sx Quite painful throat Very large tonsils, which can cause trouble...

Hematuria is presence of RBC in urine. Hemoglobinuria is specifically Hg in urine. [faq]What is hematuria? It's where we find blood in urine. Specifically, red blood cells. Wait, what different sorts of blood...

Peptic ulcer [disease] is a break in the lining of the stomach (aka stomach ulcer) [or even the first part of the small intestine (aka duodenal ulcer), or the lower esophagus]. [faq]What is a...

Breast cancer is cancer in breast tissue. [faq]I know breast cancer is cancer of the breast. But what is the breast exactly? I know the chicken breast is that part of...

Visceral pain is pain due to activation of nociceptors of the thoracic, pelvic, or abdominal viscera (organs). Sx Pain that is: Diffuse Difficult to localize Sickening Deep Squeezing Dull Referred to a distant, usually superficial, structure Nausea Vomiting Changes in vitals Emotional manifestations Pathophysiology Visceral...

Erectile dysfunction (aka impotence) is sexual dysfunction involving inability to develop or maintain an erection of the penis, during sexual activity. Pathophysiology A penile erection is the hydraulic effect of blood entering,...

Crackles (aka crepitations, rales, from French "rale" meaning "rattle") are discontinuous crackling/clicking/rattling noises made by either/both lungs in Pt's with a respiratory disease. Sx Discontinuous, non-musical, and brief Much more common during inspiration than...