Facts Ideas Information

A family medical history is important The physician asks for a family medical history
Fact 1: Kim
because it records health information for several reasons:
is a
about close relatives. Physicians ask for it
27-year-old
to understand the patient's genetic risk for 1. Genetic predisposition: Many medical
woman and 1. Why
physically must diseases. It helps assess the likelihood of conditions, including Graves' disease, have a
active in the certain conditions based on family hereditary component. Having a family history of
sports. She physic patterns, enabling early detection and a particular condition can increase an
decides to ian prevention. Knowing family history aids in individual's risk of developing the same
visit her ask tailoring treatments considering genetic condition. By gathering information about the
physician for a factors. It supports informed family medical history, the physician can better
after family decision-making for patients and assess the patient's risk factors and make
experiencing medic healthcare providers regarding healthcare informed decisions regarding diagnosis and
gradual onset al choices and preventive measures. treatment.
of fatigue, histor Additionally, family medical history is
anxiety, and a y? valuable for ongoing healthcare 2. Early detection and prevention: Some
feeling of her 2. What management and can contribute to diseases or conditions may have early warning
"heart is research and public health interventions signs or symptoms that are more likely to occur
pounding". grave when anonymized. Overall, it helps in individuals with a family history. By knowing
During the diseas personalise medical care and enhance about the family medical history, the physician
history-taking e? preventive measures. can be more vigilant in monitoring and screening
, the 3. What the patient for specific conditions, allowing for
physician is Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder early detection and preventive measures.
learns that anxiet that affects the thyroid gland, a small
Kim’s mother y? butterfly-shaped organ located in the 3. Treatment considerations: In certain cases, a
has Graves
neck. Autoimmune diseases, is when family history can influence treatment decisions.
disease.
body produces an inappropriate immune For example, some medications may be
response against its own tissues contraindicated or require careful monitoring in
 Example: Antibodies attack its own cells
or T cells attack normal cells because
some part of their structure resembles a
part of infecting microorganismExamples
of autoimmune disease: Rheumatoid
arthritis, SLE (systemic lupus
erythematosus), MS (multiple sclerosis)
To treat autoimmune disease,
immunosuppression, medication which
decrease immune response is used. In
individuals with Graves' disease, the
immune system mistakenly attacks the
thyroid, leading to the overproduction of
thyroid hormones. This condition is
characterised by hyperthyroidism, where
the thyroid gland becomes overactive and
produces excessive amounts of
hormones, primarily thyroxine (T4) and
triiodothyronine (T3).
What: Anxiety is a common emotion when
dealing with daily stresses and problems.
But when these emotions are persistent,
excessive and irrational, and affect a
person’s ability to function, anxiety
becomes a disorder. There are different
types of anxiety disorders, including
phobias, panic and stress disorders, and
obsessive compulsive disorder.
Symptoms: Apprehension, confusion, on
edge, a sense of helplessness, repeated
individuals with certain genetic predispositions
or family history of adverse drug reactions. By
knowing the family medical history, the physician
can personalise the treatment plan accordingly.
Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that
affects the thyroid gland. It is named after Sir
Robert Graves, an Irish physician who first
described the condition in the early 19th century.
In Graves' disease, the immune system
mistakenly produces antibodies that stimulate
the thyroid gland, leading to excessive
production of thyroid hormones
(hyperthyroidism).
The exact cause of Graves' disease is not fully
understood, but it is believed to involve a
combination of genetic and environmental
factors. The antibodies produced in Graves'
disease, known as thyroid-stimulating
immunoglobulins (TSIs) or thyroid-stimulating
hormone receptor antibodies (TSH-R Abs), bind
to the receptors on the thyroid gland and mimic
the action of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
This leads to the overproduction of thyroid
hormones, which regulate various bodily
functions and metabolism.
negative thoughts, muscle tension,
palpitations and difficulty breathing.
Treatment and help: Simple strategies,
such as relaxation techniques and regular
exercise, are effective in reducing anxiety
and contributing to emotional well-being.
Psychotherapy can help and is
sometimes used together with
medication to reduce and eliminate signs
and symptoms.
Common symptoms of Graves' disease include
rapid heartbeat (palpitations), weight loss
despite increased appetite, anxiety, irritability,
heat intolerance, fatigue, tremors, and enlarged
thyroid gland (goiter). The condition can also
affect the eyes, causing a bulging appearance
(exophthalmos) and eye-related symptoms such
as dryness, redness, double vision, and
sensitivity to light.
Anxiety is a normal and often temporary
emotional response to stress or a perceived
threat. It is a natural part of the human
experience and can serve as a protective
mechanism. However, when anxiety becomes
excessive, persistent, or interferes with daily
functioning, it may be classified as an anxiety
disorder.
Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health
conditions characterised by excessive and
uncontrollable feelings of worry, fear, or unease.
These disorders can manifest in various ways,
including generalised anxiety disorder (GAD),
panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific
phobias, and more.
The symptoms of anxiety can vary but
commonly include feelings of restlessness,
 irritability, difficulty concentrating, muscle
tension, sleep disturbances, and an increased
heart rate. In some cases, anxiety can also be
accompanied by physical symptoms such as
shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, or
gastrointestinal discomfort.

Anxiety disorders can be caused by a

combination of factors, including genetics, brain
chemistry, personality traits, life experiences,
and environmental factors. Treatment for anxiety
disorders often involves a combination of
therapy (such as cognitive-behavioural therapy)
and, in some cases, medication to help manage
symptoms and improve overall well-being.

1. Is the
Fact 2: She
extre These physical examination findings,
experienced
me including warm and moist skin along with a
continued
fatigu slightly elevated pulse, may suggest
extreme
e and hyperthyroidism, which is consistent with
fatigue as
muscl Graves' disease. Hyperthyroidism is
well as
e
muscle characterised by an overactive thyroid gland,
weakn
weakness. On leading to increased production of thyroid
ess
physical hormones. The symptoms and physical signs
cause
examination, observed align with the excess thyroid
d by
her skin feels hormone levels seen in Graves' disease.
her
warm and
being
moist and her
active
pulse is
in
slightly sports
elevated. ?
2. What
is the
norma
l pulse
rate
for an
adult
woma
n?
3. Is it
norma
l to
have a
warm
and
moist
skin?
Fact 3: Kim’s
1. How Kim's routine activities, particularly her
joint pain has
does computer-related work, may contribute to the
been present
her development of certain symptoms:
for about one
routin Joint Pain (especially in the hips and fingers):
month and
e Prolonged periods of sitting, as often occurs
that her pain
activit with computer work, can lead to stiffness and
in the hip
ies discomfort in the joints. Poor ergonomics at
lasts for
develo the workstation may contribute to improper
about 30 to
p posture and strain on the joints, potentially
60 minutes
these exacerbating joint pain. Repetitive movements
each
sympt or prolonged periods of typing and mouse use
morning.
oms? may contribute to strain on the finger joints.
Among other
symptoms 2. What Dry Eyes: Extended periods of staring at a
that have kind computer screen can lead to decreased
developed are of blinking, causing dry eyes. Insufficient
dry eyes, lifesty blinking reduces the distribution of tears,
intermittent le or leading to dryness and discomfort.
headaches, things Intermittent Headaches: Prolonged screen time
and pain in to do and poor ergonomics can contribute to eye
the finger to strain, leading to headaches. Incorrect posture
joints of both reliev and neck strain during computer use may also
hands, all of e the be associated with tension headaches.
which she sympt Pain in the Finger Joints (resolved with rest):
attributes to oms? Repetitive typing or mouse use, common in
too much 3. Shoul computer work, may contribute to overuse of
time working d Kim the finger joints. Taking breaks and allowing
on the be the joints to rest may help alleviate pain
computer at experi associated with repetitive strain
her job. The encing It's important to note that while routine activities
pain in her these may contribute to these symptoms, there
fingers sympt could be underlying medical conditions such
resolves with oms? as Inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid
rest. arthritis or osteoarthritis to explain the joint
pain.
Fact 4: She 1. How The symptoms Kim is experiencing, such as
also begins to does occasional pain and stiffness in both hips,
have the intolerance to cold weather with painful and
occasional occasi discolored extremities, and mood swings with
pain and onal occasional depression, could be indicative of
stiffness in pain various underlying conditions. Here's how
both hips, and each aspect may be explained:
especially in stiffne
the morning. ss in 1. **Occasional Pain and Stiffness in Both
Also she both Hips:**
becomes hips - Potential causes for hip pain and stiffness
intolerant to occur include inflammatory arthritis, such as
cold weather, ? rheumatoid arthritis or an autoimmune
with her 2. How disorder affecting the joints.
hands and does - Inflammatory processes can lead to joint
feet the inflammation, pain, and stiffness, particularly
becoming cold noticeable in the morning.
painful and weath
discoloured er/tem 2. **Cold Weather and Painful, Discolored
when she is peratu Extremities (Raynaud's Phenomenon):**
exposed to re - Cold-induced pain and discoloration of the
cold. She also affect hands and feet are characteristic of Raynaud's
begins to the phenomenon, a condition where blood vessels
have mood pain? constrict excessively in response to cold or
swings, and 3. What' stress.
occasionally s the - Reduced blood flow to the extremities during
depressed cause cold exposure can cause pain, numbness, and
of her changes in skin color, often turning them
mood white or blue.
swing
and 3. **Mood Swings and Occasional Depression:**
occasi - Mood swings and depression can have
onal multiple causes, and they may be related to
depres the physical symptoms Kim is experiencing.
sion? - Chronic pain, fatigue, and the impact of an
underlying medical condition can contribute
to mood disturbances.
- Autoimmune and rheumatic disorders are
sometimes associated with mood disorders,
and the inflammation they cause may affect
the central nervous system.
 It's important to emphasize that these are potential
explanations, and a definitive diagnosis would
require a comprehensive medical evaluation.
Kim should consult with a healthcare
professional, such as a rheumatologist, who
can conduct appropriate tests, including blood
tests, imaging studies, and a detailed medical
history, to identify the underlying cause of her
symptoms.

A multidisciplinary approach, involving

rheumatology, neurology, and mental health
professionals, may be necessary to address the
diverse set of symptoms and provide
comprehensive care for Kim's well-being.
Fact 5: Based 1. Whats
1. **Normal or Average CBC and RFT Results
on the the
for a 27-Year-Old Female:**
description of norma
- Normal ranges can vary slightly between
her l or
different laboratories, but generally, for a
symptoms, averag
27-year-old female:
the physician e
- White Blood Cells (WBC): 4,000 to 11,000
orders a CBC
cells/mcL.
complete and
- Red Blood Cells (RBC): 4.0 to 5.5 million
blood count RFT
cells/mcL.
(CBC) and result
- Hemoglobin (Hb): 12.0 to 15.5 g/dL.
rheumatoid for a
- Hematocrit (Hct): 34.9% to 44.5%.
factor test. 27 yo
- Platelets: 150,000 to 450,000/mcL.
Her CBC femal
- Reference ranges may vary, so it's essential to
shows the e
interpret results in the context of the specific
following 2. What
laboratory's values.
result: White specifi
blood cells: c
9677 comp 2. **CBC Components for Anemia or
cells/mcL onents Infection:**
Red blood of the - For anemia: Focus on Hemoglobin (Hb),
cells: 2.3 × CBC Hematocrit (Hct), and Red Blood Cell Count
10 12/L would (RBC). Low values in these components may
Haemoglobin you suggest anemia.
: 8.3 gm/dL focus - For infection: White Blood Cell Count (WBC)
on is crucial. Elevated WBC may indicate an
when infection.
consid
ering 3. **Potential Implications of an Elevated
a Rheumatoid Factor (RF) in the Absence of
diagn Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms:**
osis of - An elevated RF does not confirm rheumatoid
anemi arthritis (RA) but may suggest increased
a or autoimmune activity.
infecti - Elevated RF may be present in other
on? autoimmune conditions or even in some
3. What healthy individuals.
is the - Further evaluation, including clinical
potent symptoms, other blood tests, and imaging
ial studies, is needed for a comprehensive
implic diagnosis.
ations
of an 4. **Diseases Diagnosed from CBC and
elevat Rheumatoid Factor Test:**
ed - CBC: Anemia, infections, leukemia, and
rheum various blood disorders.
atoid - Rheumatoid Factor Test: Rheumatoid arthritis,
factor but it can also be elevated in other
in the autoimmune disorders, infections, and some
absen non-rheumatic conditions.
 ce of
rheum 5. **Contribution of Rheumatoid Factor Test to
atoid Autoimmune Disorder Diagnosis:**
arthrit - The rheumatoid factor is an antibody that may
is be elevated in autoimmune disorders,
sympt especially rheumatoid arthritis.
oms? - A positive RF, along with clinical symptoms
4. What and other tests, can support the diagnosis of
other rheumatoid arthritis.
diseas - However, RF is not specific to rheumatoid
e can arthritis and can be elevated in other
be autoimmune conditions or infections.
diagn
osed In autoimmune disorders, a combination of
from clinical assessment, blood tests (including
CBC rheumatoid factor), and imaging studies helps
and establish a diagnosis. Elevated rheumatoid
rheum factor alone does not confirm a specific
atoid diagnosis and needs to be considered in the
factor broader clinical context. Further tests may be
test? required to determine the specific autoimmune
5. How condition present.
does
the
rheum
atoid
factor
test
contri
bute
to the
diagn
osis of
autoi
mmun
e
disord
ers?