Connective Tissue Diseases

Dyspnea is the subjective sensation of breathing discomfort. Dyspnea is a normal manifestation of heavy physical or psychologic exertion, but also may be caused by underlying conditions (both pulmonary and extrapulmonary). The medical history and physical exam of a patient presenting with dyspnea should be used to rule out certain conditions or suggest the most likely cause of the respiratory discomfort. Management focuses on treating the underlying condition.

Hand and wrist pain is very common among the general population. Up to 30% of adults will have hand pain during their lives, and half of all cases progress to chronic pain. The causes of hand and wrist pain can be classified into mechanical (e.g., fractures, inflammation, ligament tear), neurologic (e.g., nerve entrapment), and systemic (e.g., autoimmune arthritis). Reaching an accurate diagnosis involves following an evidence-based systematic approach. Treatment includes reducing stress on the ligaments, pain management, and surgery.