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COMMON SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Symptom and Site

Possible Causes

Possible Diagnostic Studies

Appetite Loss

Depression and other psychological disorders

Psychological testing

( Note: This is a common component of AIDS, cancer, and many other diseases, and must be studied as part of overall condition)

Digestive disorders

Blood studies, GI x-rays, and other studies depending upon underlying cause condition

Psychological testing Eating disorders

Gallbladder disease

Blood studies, CT scan, ultrasonography, x-rays

Belching
Possible endoscopy and studies to measure gastric acid Gastritis or indigestion

Malabsorption syndromes

Blood studies, stool analysis, endoscopy, colonoscopy, GI series, possible chromosome studies

Peridontal disease

Dental examination

Bleeding and Bruises

Gums

Vitamin deficiency

Diabetes

Blood glucose measurements, eye examination

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Eye hemorrhages
High blood pressure

Eye examination

Eye examination, possible x-rays Injuries

Clotting disorder

Blood studies

Nose
Possible x-rays and other imaging studies Injuries

Examination, possible imaging studies Polyps and tumors

Allergies

Allergy tests to identify allergens

Skin
Blood studies Anemia and other blood and clotting disorders

Cushing's syndrome and other adrenal disorders

Blood and urine studies, measurement of hormone levels, x-rays or other imaging studies of the adrenal and pituitary glands

Leukemia

Blood studies, analysis of bone marrow and cerebrospinal fluid

Lung cancer

Sputum analysis, x-rays, biopsy

Accompanied by sputum
Sputum analysis, x-rays Pneumonia and other lung infections

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Pulmonary embolism

Blood studies, chest x-rays, lung scan, measurement of arterial blood gases

Tuberculosis

Tuberculin skin test, sputum and urine cultures, x-rays, possible biopsy

Bleeding and Bruises

Stool or rectum

Colon cancer, polyps, diverticulitis, colitis, and other intestinal disorders

Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, stool blood tests, biopsy

Fissure, hemorrhoids, and other rectal disorders

Direct examination, perhaps with an anoscope or sigmoidoscope

Stool analysis Intestinal parasites

Endoscopy Peptic ulcers, severe gastritis

Cystitis

Urinalysis, urine culture, cystoscopy

Urine
Urine analysis, blood studies, possible x-rays or other imaging studies

Kidney or bladder stones

Urinary tract cancer

Urinalysis, cystoscopy, urinary tract and kidney x-rays, possible CT scan, biopsy

Prostate disorders

Urinalysis, blood studies including PSA (prostate specific antigen) analysis, possible ultrasonography or other imaging studies, possible biopsy

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Vagina

Cancer of the cervix, uterus, or vagina

Pap smear, pelvic exam, colposcopy, biopsy

Pelvic exam, Pap smear, colposcopy Cervical erosion, polyps, and other cervical disorders

Hormonal disorders

Blood studies to measure hormone levels, possible imaging studies or laparoscopy

Infection

Blood studies, pelvic exam, colposcopy, Pap smear and cultures

Menstrual abnormalities

Blood studies, hormone studies, pelvic exam, possible D&C

Physical examination, possible D&C Miscarriage (or induced abortion)

Cirrhosis of the liver

Accompanied by vomit

Blood studies, liver function tests, x-rays or other imaging studies, possible biopsy

Endoscopy, upper GI series Esophageal tear or varicies

Ulcers

Upper GI series and possibly other imaging studies, gastroscopy

Anemia

Blood studies

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Cardiac arrhythmias
Anxiety

Psychological testing

(Note: An ECG and Holter monitoring may be ordered to rule out heart disease regardless of cause) Caffeine

Possible blood and urine studies

Heart disease

Cardiovascular work-up including ECG, Holter monitoring, heart x-rays, echocardiography, possible tilt-table test, and other heart rhythm studies

Blood glucose tests Hypoglycemia

Pelvic examination, hormone studies Menopause

Blood studies, measurement of thyroid hormones Thyroid disorders

Appendicitis

Blood studies, urinalysis, possible ultrasonography

Constipation
Sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy (Note: diet, inactivity, drugs, laxative overuse, and other life-style factors are most common causes)

Colon cancer, bowel obstruction

Thyroid studies Hypothyroidism

Irritable bowel syndrome

Blood studies, stool analysis, lower GI series, colonoscopy

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Bronchitis

Cough

Sputum analysis, chest x-ray, bronchoscopy, possible pulmonary function tests if problem is chronic

Any of the above depending upon severity of symptoms Common cold, croup, flu, pneumonia, or other respiratory infection

Cystic fibrosis

Laboratory analysis of sweat, stools, and digestive juices

Sputum analysis, chest x-ray, bronchoscopy, biopsy Lung cancer

Alcohol/drug abuse

Blood and urine studies

Delirium
X-rays and CT or MRI scans, EEG, possible blood studies, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis

(Note: A high fever and many serious diseases can cause delirium)

Brain tumor, abscess, or head injury

Blood studies, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, x-rays Encephalitis

Psychological testing Psychosis or other mental illness

Diarrhea

Celiac disease, sprue, and other malabsorption syndromes

Blood and stool studies, x-rays, possible endoscopy, and intestinal biopsy

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(Note: AIDS and many other diseases include diarrhea as a symptom)

Colitis, Crohn's disease, and other inflammatory bowel disorders

Blood studies, GI x-rays, colonoscopy, possible intestinal biopsy

Stool analysis Food poisoning

Blood and stood studies Giardiasis and other intestinal parasitic disorders

Same as above Traveler's diarrhea and other intestinal infections

Blood loss and shock

Fainting

Assessment of vital signs, measurement of blood volume, fluids, and electrolytes

Cardiac arrhythmias, heart attack or other heart conditions

ECG, Holtor monitoring, tilt-table test and other heart studies depending upon underlying cause

Hyperventilation

Possible psychological testing and tests to rule out other causes

Blood glucose measurement Hypoglycemia

Stroke

Blood and cerebrospinal fluid studies, x-rays, CT or MRI scans, neurological work-up

Anemia

Fatigue

Blood studies, possible bone marrow studies, GI studies, and other tests to identify cause

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(Note: Fatigue is a common symptom in many chronic and acute diseases, and must be assessed as part of overall condition)

Tests depend upon type of cancer Cancer

Psychological testing Depression

Infections, including AIDS, mononucleosis, and numerous other diseases

Blood and urine studies, possible cultures, x-rays, and other tests depending upon site and organism

Fever

Common component of many diseases, and must be assessed as part of overall condition

Colic

Flatulence

Possible blood studies and other tests to rule out other diseases

(Note: Diet and other life-style factors should be investigated)

Blood studies, colonoscopy, lower GI x-ray studies Irritable bowel syndrome and other colon disorders

Lactose intolerance

Blood studies, lactose tolerance test, possible GI xrays

Malabsorption syndromes

Blood and stood studies, GI x-rays, possible chromosome studies

Arthritis

Blood studies, x-rays, possible analysis of joint fluid

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Gait Changes
Back disorders

X-rays, CT or MRI scans

Multiple sclerosis and other neuromuscular disorders

Blood studies, EEG, x-rays and CT or MRI scans, possible muscle biopsy

Blood studies, EEG Parkinson's disease

Stroke

Blood and cerebrospinal fluid studies, x-rays, CT or MRI scans, neurological work-up

Cancer

Tests depend upon type of cancer

Hirsutism
Blood and urine studies, measurement of hormone levels, x-rays or other imaging studies of the adrenal and pituitary glands

Cushing's syndrome and other adrenal disorders

Blood studies Drug side effects

Polycystic ovaries and other ovarian or hormonal disorders

Blood studies, laparoscopy, ultrasonography or other imaging studies

Alcohol or caffeine use

Blood studies

Insomnia
Psychological testing (Note: Insomnia is often related to life-style factors such as jet lag or erratic work hours, which must be Anxiety, depression, and other psychological problems

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Blood studies to measure levels of thyroid hormone considered during diagnosis) Thyroid disorder

Allergies

Skin tests and other allergy studies

Itching
Laboratory analysis of skin or nail samples, Wood's lamp inspection

(Note: Itching is a common component of numerous skin conditions that may be readily apparent)

Athlete's foot and other fungal infections

Blood and urine studies, x-rays, and kidney scans Kidney disease

Liver disease

Blood studies, liver function tests, x-rays, possible liver biopsy

Polycythemia

Blood and bone marrow studies, kidney x-rays, radioactive chromium studies

Visual inspection and microscopic study of parasite Scabies and other skin parasites

Psychological testing Stress

Pelvic exam, Pap smear, possible culture Vaginitis

Anemia

Jaundice

Blood studies, possible bone marrow studies, GI studies, and other tests to identify type and cause

Cirrhosis, hepatitis, and other liver disorders

Blood studies, liver function tests, x-rays and other imaging studies, possible liver biopsy

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Gallbladder disease

Blood studies, ultrasonography, possible CT scan and other imaging studies

Pancreatic disorders

Blood and urine studies, radioisotope scans and x-rays, and possible CT scan of pancreas

Alcohol or drug abuse

Blood studies

Lightheadedness or Dizziness
Anemia Blood studies, possible bone marrow studies, GI studies, and other tests to identify type and cause

CT or MRI scans, possible biopsy Brain tumor and other brain disorders

Cardiac arrhythmia and other heart disorders

ECG and other heart tests depending upon underlying problem

Ear examination, possible cultures and blood studies Ear infection

Audiometry, head x-rays Mnire's disease

Stroke or ministroke

Blood and cerebrospinal fluid studies, x-rays, CT or MRI scans, neurological work-up

Memory Loss or Mental Confusion

Alcoholism or drug abuse

Blood and urine studies

CT or MRI scans and other brain studies Alzheimer's disease

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Psychological testing Depression and other mental illnesses

X-rays, CT or MRI scans Head injuries

Stroke or ministroke

Blood and cerebrospinal fluid studies, x-rays, CT or MRI scans, neurological work-up

Alcohol or drug abuse

Blood and urine studies

Mood changes
Psychological testing Depression, stress, and other psychological disorders

Blood glucose measurements Diabetes

Blood tests, hormone studies, possible imaging studies Hormonal disorders

Pelvic examination, possible hormone studies Menopause

Pelvic examination Premenstrual syndrome

Alcohol or drug abuse

Blood and urine studies

Nausea and Vomiting

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(Note: These are components of any illnesses, and must be assessed with other symptoms)

X-rays, CT or MRI scans Head injury

Blood and urine studies Drug reaction

Ear examination, possible blood tests Ear infection

Blood studies, possible stool analysis Food poisoning

Blood studies, CT scan, ultrasonography, x-rays Gallbladder disease

Gastritis or indigestion

Possible endoscopy and studies to measure gastric acid

Tonometry Glaucoma

Heart attack

ECG, blood pressure measurement, cardiac enzyme levels, possible cardiac catheterization, and other tests

Hepatitis and other liver disorders

Blood studies, liver function tests, x-rays, possible liver biopsy

Mnire's disease

Audiometry, water-caloric test, head x-rays, possible CT or MRI scan

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Pregnancy tests Morning sickness

Upper GI barium studies, endoscopy Ulcers

Vertigo

Audiometry, water-caloric test, head x-rays, possible CT or MRI scan

Alcoholism, drugs

Blood studies, psychological testing

Nervousness or Anxiety
Possible psychological testing, otherwise no specific tests

Panic attacks

Premenstrual syndrome

Gynecological examination to rule out organic causes; otherwise no specific tests

No specific tests Stress

Blood tests to measure levels of thyroid hormone Thyroid disorders

Bell's palsy

Possible x-rays and CT scan

Numbness or Tingling
Electromyography, x-rays of hands and wrist Carpal tunnel syndrome

Blood studies, Doppler ultrasonography, angiography Circulatory disorders

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Neurologic studies Neuropathy

Raynaud's disease

Blood studies, x-rays of hands and feet, possible thermography of hands and feet

No special tests other than physical examination Shingles

Appendicitis

Blood studies, urinalysis, possible ultrasonography

Pain
Gastric acid analysis, x-rays studies, possible endoscopy or colonoscopy

(Note: Pain is a common component of most disorders, and must be assessed in context of location and other symptoms)

Digestive disorders

Blood studies, CT scan, ultrasonography, x-rays Gallstones

Abdomen
Possible endoscopy and studies to measure gastric acid

Gastritis or indigestion

Pelvic examination, possible laparoscopy Gynecological disorders

Hepatitis and other liver disorders

Blood studies, liver function tests, x-rays, possible liver biopsy

Arthritis

Blood studies, x-rays, possible arthroscopy

Back
Possible x-rays Muscle spasms or strain

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Blood studies, x-rays, bone density studies Osteoporosis

X-rays, neurological tests, CT or MRI scan Ruptured disk

Angina

Chest

ECG, exercise tolerance tests, chest x-ray, possible angiography and other heart tests

Esophageal disorders

Upper GI barium studies, esophagoscopy, possible endoscopy

Heart attack

ECG, blood pressure measurement, cardiac enzymes, possible catheterization and other heart studies

Heartburn

ECG (to rule out a heart attack), upper GI barium studies, gastric acid analysis, possible endoscopy

Pleurisy

Check x-rays, possible biopsy and analysis of pleural fluid

Pneumonia

Chest x-rays, blood studies, sputum culture, possible arterial blood gases

Chest x-rays Pneumothorax

Infection Pain

Ear examination, blood studies, possible culture of ear discharge

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Ear

Ear examination Foreign body

Conjunctivitis

Ophthalmoscopy, possible culture of eye discharge

Eye
Tonometry Glaucoma

Ophthalmoscopy, possible x-rays or CT scan Foreign body

Iritis

Ophthalmoscopy, blood studies and other tests to identify underlying causes

X-rays of sinuses Sinus infection

Ophthalmoscopy, x-rays or CT scan Injuries

Possible culture Sty

Ophthalmoscopy, x-rays or CT scan, possible biopsy Tumors

Arthritis

X-rays

Foot
X-rays Bunions

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Visual examination Corns and calluses

Blood studies, x-rays Gout

X-rays Neuromas

Visual examination, possible biopsy Warts

Flu

Possible blood studies

Generalized Aches
Blood studies Mononucleosis

Blood studies, x-rays Rheumatoid arthritis

Possible blood studies Shingles

Bell's palsy

Possible x-rays and CT scan

Head and face

Brain tumor

Blood and cerebrospinal fluid studies, x-rays, electroencephalography, CT or MRI scan, possible biopsy

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Dental x-rays Dental disease

Blood studies, possible x-rays, CT or MRI scan Migraine and other headaches

Possible electromyography Muscle tension

X-rays of sinuses Sinusitis

Stroke

Blood and cerebrospinal fluid studies, x-rays, CT or MRI scans, neurological work-up

X-rays of temporomandibular joint TMJ syndrome

Arthritis Pain

X-rays

X-rays

Joint/muscle

Bursitis

X-rays Strains and sprains

X-rays Tendinitis

Arthritis

X-rays

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Knee
Chondromalacia patella

X-rays, possible arthroscopy

Blood studies, possible x-rays Lyme disease

X-rays Strains and other injuries

Circulatory disorders

Leg

X-rays, possible angiography, Doppler ultrasonography

X-rays Fractures and other injuries

Phlebitis

Blood studies, ultrasonography, possible radioactive fibrinogen, venography

X-rays Shin splints

Canker sores

Possible biopsy to rule out oral cancer

Mouth
Possible culture to rule out other infections Cold sores

X-rays Dental cavities and gum disease

Blood studies, possible cultures Infections

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Arthritis

X-rays

Neck
Blood and cerebrospinal fluid analysis Meningitis

Possible x-rays, electromyography Muscle injury

X-rays, CT or MRI scans Ruptured disk

Cold or flu

Possible culture

Throax
Blood studies, culture of throat secretions Strept infection

Blood studies, possible culture Tonsillitis or quinsy

Penile warts

Possible laboratory culture

Painful Intercourse
Blood and urine studies, possible culture In males Prostatic or urethral infection

Menopause In females

Pelvic examination, hormone studies

Pelvic examination Premenstrual syndrome

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Vaginitis

Pelvic examination, Pap smear, possible culture of discharge

In both sexes

Chlamydia, genital herpes, gonorrhea, and other ***ually transmitted diseases

Blood studies and cultures

Psychological testing Psychological problems

Allergies

Blood studies, skin tests and other allergy tests

Rashes
Possible biopsy to rule out other causes Dermatitis and eczema

Possible blood and urine studies Drug reactions

Blood and urine studies, possible cultures Infectious diseases

Lupus

Blood studies, possible x-rays and other imaging studies if joints or internal organs are involved

Possible biopsy to rule out other causes Rosacea

Blood studies, possible blood and other cultures Toxic shock syndrome

Brain tumor

Seizures

Blood and cerebrospinal fluid studies, x-rays, electroencephalography, CT or MRI scan, possible biopsy

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Possible blood and urine studies Drug side effects

Electroencephalography, mental function tests Cerebral palsy

Epilepsy

Blood studies, electroencephalography, x-rays and CT or MRI scan

Fever

Blood studies and other tests, depending upon underlying cause

X-rays and CT or MRI scan Head injuries

Blood glucose studies Hypoglycemia

Kidney failure

Blood and urine studies, renal function tests, x-rays, possible biopsy

Meningitis

Blood and cerebrospinal fluid studies, possible cultures

Blood and urine studies Poisoning

Toxemia of pregnancy

Blood and urine studies, kidney and liver function tests

Alcoholism

Blood studies

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sexual Dysfunction:
Depression and other psychological disorders Male

Psychological testing

Blood studies, glucose tolerance test (Note: Impotence is often due to drug side effects) Diabetes

Blood studies, possible cultures ***ually transmitted diseases

Blood studies to measure hormone levels Hormonal disorders

Multiple sclerosis and other neuromuscular disorders

Blood studies, EEG, x-rays and CT or MRI scans, possible muscle biopsy

Prostatic cancer and other prostate disorders

Urinalysis, blood studies including PSA (prostate specific antigen) analysis, possible ultrasonography or other imaging studies, possible biopsy

Blood studies to measure thyroid hormone levels Thyroid disease

Anemia

Blood studies

Shortness of Breath
Psychological studies Anxiety

Spirometry and other pulmonary function tests Asthma and other lung disorders

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Heart disease

ECG, exercise tolerance tests, chest x-ray, possible angiography and other heart tests

Possible arterial blood gases, psychological tests Hyperventilation

Alcohol abuse

Possible blood and urine studies

Speech Problems
CT or MRI scans and other brain studies, mental function tests

Alzheimer's disease

Possible x-rays and CT scan Bell's palsy

Multiple sclerosis

Blood studies, EEG, x-rays and CT or MRI scans, possible muscle biopsy

Blood studies, electroencephalography Parkinson's disease

Stroke

Blood and cerebrospinal fluid studies, x-rays, CT or MRI scans, neurological work-up

Anxiety

Psychological testing

Swallowing Problems
Throat culture Diphtheria

Esophageal disorders

Upper GI barium x-ray studies, esophagoscopy, possible gastric acid studies, possible biopsy

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Blood studies, throat culture Sore throat

Throat culture Strep throat

Possible throat culture Tonsillitis and quinsy

Anxiety

Psychological testing

Sweating
Blood and urine studies Drug reaction

Tests depend upon underlying cause Fever

Heart attack

ECG, blood pressure measurement, cardiac enzymes, possible catheterization and other heart studies

Blood studies and possible culture Infection

Pelvic examination, hormone studies Menopause

Psychological studies Stress

Thyroid disorders

Blood studies to measure thyroid hormone levels, possible thyroid scan

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Cancer Swelling and Lumps

Blood tests, imaging studies, biopsy

Abdominal

Heart failure

Blood and urine studies, ECG, heart x-rays, echocardiography, possible cardiac catheterization, possible heart muscle biopsy

Blood studies, x-rays Hernia

Internal bleeding

Blood volume studies, x-rays, ultrasonography, and other imaging studies

Possible x-ray studies Intestinal gas

Liver disease

Blood studies, liver function tests, x-rays, possible liver biopsy

Pregnancy tests Pregnancy

Pelvic examination, ultrasonography, possible D&C Uterine tumor

Cancer

Mammography, biopsy

Breast
Mammography, possible biopsy Fibrocystic condition

Possible culture Mastitis

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Pregnancy tests Pregnancy

Anaphylactic reaction

Generalized

Blood tests, possible allergy testing after crisis is past to determine cause

Blood and urine tests Drug reaction

Heart failure

Blood and urine studies, ECG, heart x-rays, echocardiography, possible cardiac catheterization, possible heart muscle biopsy

Hormone disorders

Blood and urine studies, hormone levels, possible imaging studies

Kidney disease

Blood and urine studies, renal function tests, possible scans

Liver disease

Blood studies, liver function tests, x-rays, possible liver biopsy

Thyroid disorders

Blood studies to measure thyroid hormone levels, possible thyroid scan

Arthritis

X-rays, possible blood studies

Joints
X-rays Sprains

Abscess Swelling and Lumps

Possible cultures, blood studies

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Skin or body surface

Possible biopsy Cysts and other benign growths

Blood studies, x-rays and other imaging studies, biopsy Cancer

Blood studies, x-rays and other imaging studies Enlarged or obstructed lymph glands

Possible x-rays and biopsy Ganglion

Allergy tests Hives

Blood studies and cultures Infection

Bell's palsy

Possible x-rays and CT scan

Taste Changes
Blood studies, x-rays and other imaging studies, biopsy

Cancer

Possible blood and urine studies Drug reaction

Gastritis

Possible endoscopy and studies to measure gastric acid

Dental examination and x-rays Gum and dental disease

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Possible x-rays and CT or MRI scan Loss of smell

Pregnancy tests Pregnancy

Blood studies, possible x-rays or CT scan Salivary disorders

Anemia

Blood studies

Thirst
Blood and urine studies, glucose tolerance test Diabetes

Tests depend upon underlying cause Fever

Blood tests Heat exhaustion

Blood tests and cultures Malaria

Anemia

Blood tests

Tinnitus (Ringing in the Ears)

Brain injuries and tumors

Possible cultures Colds and flu

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Blood and urine studies Drug side effects

Ear examination, possible cultures of discharge Ear infections

Audiometry, head x-rays Mnire's disease

Ear examination Earwax buildup

Otosclerosis

Ear examination, hearing tests including audiogram, Rinne test

Vertigo

Audiometry, water-caloric test, head x-rays, possible CT or MRI scan

Alcoholism

Blood and urine tests

Tremor
Psychological testing Anxiety

Blood studies, electroencephalography Parkinson's disease

Thyroid disorders

Blood tests to measure thyroid hormone levels, possible thyroid scan

Urinary Problems

Bladder or kidney infection

Blood studies, cystoscopy, possible cultures

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Discolored urine

Kidney stones

Blood and urine studies, possible x-rays, or ultrasonography

Liver disease

Blood studies, liver function tests, x-rays, possible liver biopsy

Urinary tract cancer

Blood and urine studies, x-rays and other imaging studies, possible laparoscopy, cystoscopy

Aging

Urinalysis, possible nerve and muscle function studies

Incontinence
Urinalysis, cystoscopy Bladder disorder

Nerve studies Nerve deterioration

MRI, nerve studies Spinal injury

Stroke

Blood and cerebrospinal fluid studies, x-rays, CT or MRI scans, neurological work-up

Cystitis

Urinalysis, possible cultures, possible cystoscopy

Urgency
Blood and urine studies, glucose tolerance test Diabetes

Blood and urine studies Drug reaction

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Enlarged prostate

Rectal examination, ultrasonography, possible MRI scan, possible biopsy

Pregnancy tests Pregnancy

Bladder infection

Urinalysis, possible cultures and cystoscopy

Painful urination
Blood studies and possible cultures Gonorrhea and other ***ually transmitted diseases

Urinalysis, renal scan Kidney infection

Prostatitis

Rectal examination, possible ultrasonography and biopsy

Urinalysis and cultures Urethritis

Pelvic examination, Pap smear, possible cultures Vaginitis

Cancer

Pap smear, biopsy

Vaginal Discharge
Pap smear, possible cultures Cervicitis

Blood studies and possible cultures Gonorrhea and other ***ually transmitted diseases

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Pregnancy tests Pregnancy

Vaginitis

Pelvic examination, Pap smear, possible cultures or biopsy

Cataracts

Ophthalmoscopy

Vision Problems
Ophthalmoscopy, possible CT or MRI scan Detached retina

Tonometry Glaucoma

Iritis

Ophthalmoscopy, possible other tests to find underlying cause

Ophthalmoscopy, vision tests Macular degeneration

Stroke and ministroke

Blood and cerebrospinal fluid studies, x-rays, CT or MRI scans, neurological work-up

Ophthalmoscopy Retinopathy

Arthritis

X-rays

Weakness
Blood studies and other tests depending upon site Cancer

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Guillain-Barr syndrome

Blood and cerebrospinal fluid studies, neurological examination

Multiple sclerosis and other neuromuscular disorders

Blood studies, EEG, x-rays and CT or MRI scans, possible muscle biopsy

Heart failure

Weight Changes

Blood and urine studies, ECG, heart x-rays, echocardiography, possible cardiac catheterization, possible heart muscle biopsy

Unexplained gain Hypothyroidism

Blood studies, thyroid hormone levels

Liver disease

Blood studies, liver function tests, x-rays, possible liver biopsy

Toxemia of pregnancy

Blood and urine studies, kidney and liver function studies

AIDS Unexplained loss

Blood studies

Blood studies Anemia

Blood studies and other tests, depending upon site Cancer

Blood and urine studies, glucose tolerance test Diabetes

Psychological testing Eating disorders

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Blood and urine studies, possible cultures Infection

Intestinal disorders Intestinal parasites

Upper and lower GI x-ray series, possible endoscopy, and other studies, depending upon nature of disorder Stool analysis

Malabsorption syndrome

Blood studies, stool analysis, possible colonoscopy, intestinal biopsy

Ulcers

Upper GI x-ray studies, stool analysis for blood, endscopy