Directory of Diseases
Cat bites are very likely to become infected. The cat's teeth can penetrate deeply into the tissue causing a bacterial infection. The most common organism to infect a cat bite is a bacteria called Pasteurella multocida. It is important to quickly and carefully clean the wound throughly with soap and large amount of water; this can prevent infection. If there is bleeding, a clean towel or gauze should be pressed to the wound to slow or stop the bleeding. Cat bites that are considered "high risk" are bites where the tooth has actually penetrated the barrier of the skin and drawn blood. Bites associated with increased risk also may come from an unidentified cat. If bitten by a cat, a person may need tetanus immunizations, rabies immunization, and antibiotics.
Cat Scratch Fever is caused by the bacteria called Bartonella henselae. This bacteria is transmitted to humans from cats by a scratch, bite, or cat saliva that enters an open wound. About 2 weeks after being scratched or bitten, lymph node swelling (swelling of glands) occurs. These are usually swollen glands in the armpit of neck. People usually have loss of appetite, general fatigue, and fever before the swelling starts. The disease often will go away without treatment but in some cases antibiotics are needed.
Cauda Equina syndrome occurs when the nerve roots of the lower spinal cord become compressed by something. The nerve compression can be from large herniated discs, arthritis, spinal stenosis, cancer, bleeding from lumbar puncture, or infection/inflammation. This is a true emergency and must be cared for in an emergency room. Without treatment it can lead to permanent nerve damage. People often have weakness in the legs, urinary incontinence, loss of bowel control and numbness in the groin or buttock area.
Since you have ingested a chemical that is causing pain in your throat, you require an immediate evaluation in the ER. You must go to the ER or call 911. If you feel that you are not in immediate danger, you may also call Poison Control for more information by calling 1-800-POISON1. Symptify can help you find the nearest ER and give you the option to send your information to prepare them for your impending arrival.
Cellulitis is a potentially serious bacterial infection of the skin in the arm. This can start from a scratch, a pimple or a hair follicle that becomes infected. Even minor breaks in the skin can lead to this condition. People with cellulitis may develop hot, red skin and fever. This infection can spread to multiple parts of the body. This condition needs to be treated with antibiotics. If a person thinks they have this condition, they should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Vertigo is described as an abnormal sensation of movement or "dizziness" regarding the way a person perceives his or her environment. There are two different types of vertigo- central and peripheral. Central vertigo, unlike peripheral vertigo, is not dependent on position, less predictable cases of nausea and vomiting, and presents more gradually. Central vertigo is more constant and more mild than peripheral vertigo, but may be associated with loss of coordination, while individuals suffering from peripheral vertigo have intact motor movement. Sometimes dizziness or vertigo can be the result of poor circulation to the brain, bleeding in the brain, tumors or stroke. Central vertigo is generally not as severe as the peripheral (inner ear) caused vertigo.
Headaches can be caused by many factors. Although most headaches are not serious, if a headache is accompanied by certain neurological symptoms, it must be evaluated by a physician. Based on the symptoms you have described, you will need to be evaluated by a physician immediately to find out the cause of your headache.
