Pathology – General Pathology: Key Concepts & Terms (Part 1)
General Pathology: Key Concepts & Terms (Part 1)
Concepts & Terminology
The concept of signs and symptoms were introduced in the previous lesson (Client Assessment section), but they are worth reviewing here in the Pathology section.
Signs are indications of a condition that can be observed or detected by someone else. Signs can be objectively assessed & measured.
Examples of signs of an underlying pathology or dysfunction include:
- Yellowish skin (jaundice) indicating a possible liver problem
- “Shopping cart sign” indicating pain at the low back, likely due to lumbar stenosis.
- Trendelenburg sign indicating weakness at the hip abductor muscles
- Crepitus (palpable or audible grating sensation when a joint is moved), indicating a pathology at the joint
- Swollen limb (many possible reasons)
- Foot drop, likely indicating a neurological problem of the nerves that innervate the dorsiflexor muscles
Symptoms are indications of a problem that are felt by the affected person. Symptoms typically cannot be directly detected by someone else, but must be reported by the patient. Kind of like the wind, you can’t see the wind but you can see the effects of the wind.
Examples of symptoms of an underlying pathology or dysfunction include:
- A client reports “dizziness” when rolling over or sitting up (symptom of vertigo).
- A client reports “lightheadedness” when sitting up or standing up too quickly (symptom of orthostatic hypotension).
- A client reports decreased sensation at their bilateral lower legs (a common symptom of peripheral neuropathy).
- A client reports having a headache, sensitivity to light and nausea, (symptoms associated with a migraine).
*Massage therapists do not diagnose pathology. It is important to be able to recognize abnormal signs and symptoms in order to withhold massage when it is contraindicated, and make appropriate referrals to a physician if needed.
Conjunctivitis (Pinkeye)
Pathology Profile
Description: inflammation of the conjunctiva of one or both eyes. It is highly contagious and children often get it.
Causes: can be caused by a viral (most common), bacterial, fungal or parasitic infection. Also can be caused by irritants such as dirt, smoke, pollen, dust, or other allergic reactions.
Massage is contraindicated until the condition has resolved, because it is potentially contagious.
Concepts & Terminology (Continued)
Infection: when one or more pathogenic agents (virus, bacteria, fungus, protozoa, etc.) invade the body, proliferate (multiply), and harm the body. This can result in tissue damage or disease. An infection can be localized, or it can be systemic (sepsis).
- Sepsis is an infection that spreads throughout the body and can be life-threatening.
Pathogen: an agent or microorganism that causes disease. A pathogen can be a virus, bacterium, fungus or protozoa. Microorganisms are only considered pathogenic if they proliferate to the point where they cause disease.
*Infections can be caused by one or more pathogens. Some illnesses, pneumonia for example, can be caused by a virus or bacteria.
Etiology: the study of the origin and progression of a disease or abnormal condition.
Prognosis: a prediction or forecast of the anticipated course and outcome of a disease. A prognosis indicates the expected timeframe and likelihood of recovery. A medical prognosis is made based on known disease progression, statistical references and individual factors (the patient’s age, comorbidities, etc.).
Signs of Infection
It is important for massage therapists to be able to recognize the common signs and symptoms of infection. The specific signs and symptoms will vary depending on what pathogen is causing the infection, and what part of the body is infected. Signs and symptoms can be localized, or systemic.
- Fever
- Sweating or chills
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Redness around a wound, particularly red streaking
- Skin warmth and/or swelling (inflammation)
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Pain or body aches
- Nausea or loss of appetite