Introduction Burns represent a spectrum of tissue injuries caused by thermal, chemical, electrical, or radiative agents. Minor burns, encompassing superficial (first‑degree) and partial‑thickness (second‑degree) injuries that affect less than 10 % of the body surface area (TBSA), are frequently encountered in domestic settings. These injuries are often self‑treated, yet inadequate management can lead to infection, delayed…
Introduction Definition and Overview The Heimlich maneuver, also known as abdominal thrusts, is a first‑aid technique designed to relieve upper airway obstruction caused by a foreign body. It involves a series of rapid compressions of the diaphragm by applying intra‑abdominal pressure, thereby generating a sudden increase in intrathoracic pressure that expels the obstructing material. The…
Introduction Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving emergency procedure designed to maintain circulatory and respiratory function in patients experiencing cardiac or respiratory arrest until definitive care can be established. The technique has evolved over centuries, from early manual chest compressions described in the 8th century to modern algorithmic approaches endorsed by international resuscitation councils. The…
Introduction Definition and Overview Syphilis is a chronic, systemic infection caused by the spirochete Treponema pallidum. It is transmitted predominantly through sexual contact, but congenital and iatrogenic routes are also recognized. The disease progresses through distinct clinical stages, each characterized by specific manifestations, diagnostic findings, and therapeutic strategies. The importance of understanding the natural history…
Introduction Definition and Overview Human papillomavirus (HPV) represents a group of more than 200 related DNA viruses that primarily infect epithelial tissues. The virus is transmitted predominantly through skin-to-skin contact, with sexual intercourse being the most common route of spread. Certain oncogenic genotypes, notably HPV‑16 and HPV‑18, are responsible for the majority of cervical cancers…
Introduction Herpes simplex virus (HSV) comprises two distinct but closely related serotypes: HSV‑1 and HSV‑2. Both viruses are enveloped, double‑stranded DNA viruses belonging to the Herpesviridae family. HSV infections are among the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide, with significant implications for public health, clinical practice, and pharmacologic intervention. The epidemiology of HSV has…
Introduction Definition and Overview Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae are obligate bacterial pathogens responsible for the most frequently reported sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide. Both organisms are capable of causing mucosal inflammation across a spectrum of anatomical sites, leading to a range of clinical presentations that can be subtle, nonspecific, or overtly symptomatic. Understanding the…
Introduction Definition and Overview Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with functioning or development in children. The core diagnostic criteria are delineated in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM‑5). These criteria require that symptoms be present…
Introduction Definition and Overview Pediatric croup, also known as laryngotracheobronchitis, is an acute viral infection of the upper airway that produces a characteristic inspiratory bark‑like cough, often accompanied by stridor and variable degrees of respiratory distress. The hallmark sound, resembling a harsh, high‑pitched bark, is produced by turbulent airflow through a partially narrowed subglottic region….
Introduction Definition and Overview Chickenpox, or varicella, is a highly contagious vesicular disease caused by the varicella‑zoster virus (VZV). The infection primarily manifests in children, presenting with a characteristic rash, fever, and malaise. The clinical course typically spans 5–7 days, after which lesions crust over and resolve. In the pediatric setting, rapid identification and management…