Differential diagnosis of jaw pain in the elderly
Article Abstract:
Jaw pain in the elderly may have many causes. Dentists' diagnoses are complicated by patients' underlying medical conditions, age-associated physical changes, and the increased rate of some jaw diseases in the elderly. Facial pain may result from brain tumors that encroach on the neurologic structures or from a bone infection called osteomyelitis. Chest pain caused by insufficient blood flow to the heart radiates to the jaw in 9% to 18% of cases. Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux may mimic chest pain and can affect the jaw. Diseases that involve the nerves and jaw fractures can cause facial pain. Cranial arteritis is an inflammation of the blood vessels in the head that may produce pain in the chewing muscles. Arthritis may develop in the temporomandibular joint, producing pain. Changes in dentition and oral habits developed to support ill-fitting dentures may produce jaw pain. Jaw pain may also be a physical manifestation of depression.
Publication Name: Journal of the American Dental Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-8177
Year: 1995
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A rhinovirus outbreak among residents of a long-term care facility
Article Abstract:
Nursing home residents may be susceptible to outbreaks of rhinovirus that may cause mild to severe respiratory illness, particularly in residents with a history of lung disease. Researchers reviewed the records of a 685-bed nursing home following a two-week outbreak of rhinovirus. Among the 128 residents who developed new respiratory illnesses during the outbreak, rhinovirus was the only virus identified in the residents tested. Most of the infected residents lived in clusters in two of the four residential buildings. Residents who developed mild to moderate respiratory illnesses reported symptoms such as cough, runny nose, hoarseness, and wheezing. Residents with underlying lung disease were more likely to have the infection last longer, require antibiotics, develop spasms in the airways, and have difficulty breathing. Two residents with underlying lung disease required emergency treatment. One of these two residents died.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1995
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The fetal origins of diseases of old age
Article Abstract:
Diseases in old age which include stroke, heart disease, hypertension, obstructed lung disease and diabetes were theorized to be rooted during early fetal life and infancy. A study on diseases in the elderly show that cardiovascular diseases are related to retarded growth in fetal life. Certain factors such as birth weight and adult manifestations of genetic disease wereassessed. It was concluded that the correlation of retarded growth and adult disease results form prolonged traumatic assaults by adverse environment on the physiology and metabolism of the individual.
Publication Name: European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0954-3007
Year: 1992
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