Diagnostic Tests for West African Trypanosomiasis
West African Trypanosomiasis Tests: Book Excerpts
Home Diagnostic Testing
These home medical tests may be relevant to West African Trypanosomiasis:
- Sleep Disorders: Home Testing
West African Trypanosomiasis Diagnosis: Book Excerpts
Tests and diagnosis discussion for West African Trypanosomiasis:
See your health care
provider who will order several tests to look for the parasite. Common
tests include blood samples and a spinal tap. Your physician may also take
a sample of fluid from swollen lymph nodes. (Source: excerpt from West African Trypanosomiasis: DPD)
Diagnostic Tests for West African Trypanosomiasis: Online Medical Books
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for more information about the diagnostic tests for West African Trypanosomiasis.
SLEEP APNEA:
DIAGNOSTIC WORKUP
(Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs)
The most important diagnostic test is an all-night polygraphic recording (polysomnography). This will differentiate between obstructive and nonobstructive sleep apnea. If obstructive sleep apnea is suspected, a referral should be made to an ear, nose, and throat specialist. If there are abnormalities on the neurologic examination, a neurologic consultation should be sought. If idiopathic nonobstructive sleep apnea is suspected, the patient should be referred to a pulmonologist. A therapeutic trial of continuous positive airway pressure may be done. Some cases should have evaluation for a pituitary tumor, a thyroid profile, and a trial of tricyclic drugs and progesterone.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Algorithmic Diagnosis of Symptoms and Signs, 2003
Introduction: Infection:
Accurate assessment vital
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
Accurate assessment helps identify infectious diseases and prevents avoidable complications. Complete assessment consists of patient history, physical examination, and laboratory data. The history should include the patient's sex, age, address, occupation, and place of work; known exposure to illness and recent medications, including antibiotics; and date of disease onset. Signs and symptoms, including their duration and whether they occurred suddenly or gradually, should be included in the history as well as precipitating factors, relief measures, and weight loss or gain. Detail information about recent hospitalization; blood transfusions; blood donation denial by the Red Cross or other agencies; recent travel or camping trips; exposure to animals; and vaccinations. (See Immunization schedule.) If applicable, ask about possible exposure to sexually transmitted diseases or about drug abuse. Also, try to determine the patient's resistance to infectious disease. Ask about usual dietary patterns, unusual fatigue, and any conditions, such as neoplastic disease or alcoholism, that may predispose him to infection. Notice if the patient is listless or uneasy, lacks concentration, or has any obvious abnormality of mood or affect.
In suspected infection, a physical examination must assess the skin, mucous membranes, liver, spleen, and lymph nodes. Check for and make note of the location and type of drainage from any skin lesions. Record skin color, temperature, and turgor; ask if the patient has pruritus. Take his temperature, using the same route consistently, and watch for a fever, which is the best indicator of many infections. (Keep in mind that some patients, such as those who are immunocompromised, are unable to spike a fever.) Note and record the pattern of temperature change and the effect of antipyretics. Be aware that certain analgesics may contain antipyretics. With a high fever, especially in children, watch for seizures.
Check the pulse rate. Infection commonly increases the pulse rate, but some infections, notably typhoid fever and psittacosis, may decrease it. Also observe for increased respiratory rate or a change in mental status. In severe infection or when complications are possible, watch for hypotension, hematuria, oliguria, hepatomegaly, jaundice, bleeding from gums or into joints, and an altered level of consciousness. Obtain laboratory studies and appropriate cultures as ordered.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Sleep Disorders:
Diagnostic Approach
(Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis)
Insomnia may occur as difficulty falling asleep, multiple awakenings from sleep, or awakening early and being unable to fall back to sleep. If the presenting symptom is excessive daytime somnolence or fatigue, the problem may have to be reframed as one of insomnia.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis, 2007
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Diagnosis of West African Trypanosomiasis
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