functional illness
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func·tion·al dis·or·der
a disorder characterized by physical symptoms with no known or detectable organic basis. See: behavior disorder, neurosis.
Synonym(s): functional disease, functional illness
Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
illness
(il'nis)1. Sickness; disease.
2. An ailment.
catabolic illness
Rapid weight loss with loss of body fat and muscle mass that frequently accompanies short-term, self-limiting conditions such as infection or injury. This condition may be associated with diabetic ketoacidosis, multiple organ system failure, and chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer.
Treatment
Inflammation should be reduced and appropriate nutrients provided.
catastrophic illness
An unusually prolonged or complex illness, esp. one that causes severe organ dysfunction or threatens life. Catastrophic illnesses often make exceptional demands on patients, caregivers, families, and health care resources.
decompression illness
Aeroembolism due to an excessively rapid ascent to the surface by a deep-sea diver. Synonym: bends; caisson disease; Synonym: diver's palsy See: aeroembolism
Treatment
Affected patients should be transported to specialized treatment centers where recompression or hyperbaric chambers are available.
folk illness
A disease or condition found only in specific societies, ethnic groups, or cultures. Often the culture has causal explanations for these illnesses, as well as preventive and treatment measures. Well-known examples are present in the Hispanic American culture (e.g., empacho, caida de mollera, mal de ojo, susto). These are diagnosed and treated by folk healers called curanderos. Some other examples of folk illnesses include amok and piblokto, though numerous other examples exist within multiple cultures. See: amok; piblokto
functional illness
Functional disease.heat illness
A general term used to describe the harmful effects on the human body of being exposed to high temperature and/or humidity.
See: tableheat cramp; heat exhaustion for table; heatstroke; syncopeinfluenza-like illness
Abbreviation: ILIAny disease of the respiratory tract that causes cough, fever, malaise, headache, sore throat, and fatigue. ILI can be caused by rhinoviruses, respiratory syncytial virus, coronaviruses, adenoviruses, rickettsia, and other infectious microorganisms.
mass psychogenic illness
Mass sociogenic illness.mass sociogenic illness
Abbreviation: MSIAn unexplained, self-limiting illness characterized by nonspecific symptoms among people in a social setting such as a school, workplace, church, or military group. The onset is usually rapid and may occur after an unusual or peculiar odor is detected. Symptoms may include dizziness, weakness, headache, abdominal pain, rash, itching, blurred vision, nausea and vomiting, and fainting. There are no laboratory studies to confirm an etiologic agent. Resolution of the mass illness may occur when those affected are reassured that it is not due to a toxic substance or disease.
Synonym: mass psychogenic illnessmental illness
Any disorder that affects mood or behavior.
occupational illness
Any acute or chronic disorder associated with or caused by an individual's occupation.
See: table; chronic lead poisoning| Condition | Exposed Workers |
|---|---|
| Anemia | Lead (battery reclaimers, shipyard workers) |
| Asbestosis | Shipyard workers and others exposed to asbestos fibers |
| Asthma | Meat wrappers, woodworkers, those exposed to platinum, nickel, solder, ammonia, cotton dust, formaldehyde, pesticides |
| Byssinosis | Cotton textile workers |
| Cancer | People who work with radioactive materials (health care, lab workers), x-ray workers (industrial and health care), miners |
| Carpal tunnel syndrome | Typists, computer programmers, and other people who work with their hands |
| Contact dermatitis | Health care workers using latex gloves, and florists |
| Decompression sickness | Divers, marine salvage workers |
| Hearing impairment | People who work in noisy environments without adequate ear protection |
| Leptospirosis | Veterinarians |
| Pneumoconiosis | Coal miners |
| Pneumonitis | Wood workers (esp. red cedar), mushroom growers, cheese handlers, and farmers |
| Silicosis | Miners, foundry workers |
| Skin granulomas | Beryllium workers (e.g., in auto or aircraft industries) |
| Tennis or golfer's elbow | Carpenters, plumbers, and athletes |
| Vibration syndrome, including Raynaud's phenomenon | Truck drivers, hand-vibrating drill operators, jackhammer workers |
| Evaluation Finding | Heat Cramps | Heat Syncope | Heat Exhaustion | Heat Stroke |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hydration Status | Dehydrated | Dehydrated | Dehydrated | Dehydrated |
| Core Temperature* | Within normal limits** | Within normal limits | 102° – 104°F (38.9° – 40°C) | Greater than 104°F (40°C) |
| Skin Color and Temperature | Within normal limits | Within normal limits | Cool/clammy | Hot |
| Pale | Red | |||
| Pulse | Within normal limits | Decreased | Rapid and weak | Increased |
| Blood Pressure | Within normal limits | A sudden, imperceptible drop in blood pressure, which rapidly returns to normal | Low | High |
| Respiration | Within normal limits | Within normal limits | Hyperventilation | Rapid hyperventilation |
| Mental State | Within normal limits | Fatigue | Dizziness | Dizziness |
| Possible fatigue | Dizziness | Fatigue | Drowsiness | |
| Fainting | Slight confusion | Confusion/ disorientation | ||
| Emotional instability | ||||
| Violent Behavoir | ||||
| Neuromuscular Changes | Cramping in one or more muscles | Muscle cramps | Weakness | |
| Weakness | Decerebrate posture | |||
| Gastrointestinal and Urinary Changes | Intestinal Cramping | Nausea | ||
| Nausea | Vomiting | |||
| Vomiting | Diarrhea | |||
| Diarrhea | ||||
| Decreased Urinary output | ||||
| Central Nervous System | Syncope | Headache | ||
| Headache | Unconsciousness | |||
| Seizures | ||||
| Coma | ||||
| Other Findings | Thirst | “Tunnel vision” may be reported | Thirst | Dilated pupils |
| Loss of appetite (anorexia) | ||||
| Chills |
psychosomatic illness
See: somatoform disorderSouthern tick–associated rash illness
See: Southern tick–associated rash illnessterminal illness
A final, fatal illness.
Patient care
The health care professional supports the patient and family by anticipating their loss and grief and helps the patient to deal with fear, pain and suffering, hopelessness, dependency, disability, loss of self-esteem, and loss of pleasure. Hospice care is provided if desired and available. The patient receives caring comfort and help in adjusting to decreased quality of life to ensure that death occurs with dignity.
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