General Medicine - Exam Notes
Respiratory System
Pleural Effusion: Accumulation of fluid in the pleural space causing breathlessness and
chest pain.
Tuberculosis: A bacterial infection (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) primarily affecting the
lungs.
Pneumonia: Inflammation of lung parenchyma due to infection leading to cough, fever,
and chest pain.
Asthma: A chronic airway inflammatory disease causing wheezing, breathlessness, and
cough.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Irreversible airway obstruction seen in
chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Interstitial Lung Disease: Group of disorders causing scarring of lung tissue affecting
oxygen exchange.
Pneumothorax: Air accumulation in pleural space causing sudden chest pain and
breathlessness.
Bronchiectasis: Irreversible bronchial dilation due to chronic infection or inflammation.
Emphysema: Destruction of alveoli leading to decreased respiratory surface area.
Hepatobiliary System
Acute Liver Injury/Failure: Sudden loss of liver function, often leading to coagulopathy
and encephalopathy.
Drug-Induced Liver Injury (DILI): Liver damage due to adverse drug reactions.
Acute Viral Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver caused by hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, etc.).
Neurology
Introduction to Neurology: Study of nervous system disorders including brain, spinal
cord, and nerves.
Cerebrovascular Accident/Stroke: Sudden loss of brain function due to impaired blood
flow.
Endocrinology
Diabetes Mellitus: Metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels due to
insulin issues.
Hypothyroidism: Decreased thyroid hormone production leading to fatigue, weight gain,
and cold intolerance.
Hyperthyroidism: Excess thyroid hormones causing weight loss, tremors, and
palpitations.
Rheumatology
Approach to Polyarthritis: Evaluation of joint pain involving multiple joints.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Autoimmune arthritis causing symmetrical joint inflammation.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): Multisystem autoimmune disease with varied
manifestations.
Psoriasis: Chronic skin condition sometimes associated with joint involvement
(psoriatic arthritis).
Gastrointestinal System
Ascites: Accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, often due to liver disease.
Acute Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas presenting with severe abdominal
pain.
GERD: Gastroesophageal reflux disease; stomach acid backflow causing heartburn.
Nephrology
Acute Kidney Injury: Sudden decline in kidney function causing retention of waste
products.
Chronic Kidney Disease: Gradual loss of kidney function over time.
Infectious Diseases
HIV/AIDS: Viral infection leading to immune suppression and opportunistic infections.
