What does asymptomatic mean?
Apr 15, 2022 · Asymptomatic COVID cases are COVID-positive individuals who didn’t present any of the ordinary symptoms traditionally associated with SARS-CoV-2—coughing, difficulty breathing, and the rest of the usual suspects. While generally not more lethal than a normal case of COVID-19, asymptomatic cases do bring one major risk to the people and the ...
What are the benefits of having an asymptomatic condition?
May 11, 2021 · Asymptomatic COVID-19 patients and mild cases can be treated at home, with basic medication, ample hydration, wholesome diet, stated in this blog.
What does it mean when you are asymptomatic during recovery?
Sep 28, 2021 · Asymptomatic means that people experience a condition without developing any of the symptoms associated with it. SARS-CoV-2 can still transmit from asymptomatic people despite them showing no...
What is the asymptomatic phase of disease?
Dec 03, 2011 · The increasingly frequent detection of gallstones (GS) due to ubiquitous availability and use of diagnostic ultrasound for a wide range of abdominal complaints as well as ‘routine check-ups’, coupled with the recent advent and rapid establishment of laparoscopic cholecystectomy as the gold standard treatment of GS has refocussed attention on the issue …
How common is asymptomatic COVID-19 infection?
An analysis of multiple studies in the journal, PLOS Medicine, found that approximately 20-to-30% people infected with SARS-CoV-2 remained asymptomatic throughout the course of their infection.Nov 5, 2020
Should you take cold medications if you have COVID-19 without symptoms?
If you have COVID-19 but don't have symptoms, don't take cold medications, acetaminophen (Tylenol), or over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen (Advil®) and naproxen (Aleve®). These medications may hide the symptoms of COVID-19.Jan 12, 2022
What is the difference between presymptomatic and asymptomatic cases of COVID-19?
A presymptomatic case of COVID-19 is an individual infected with SARS-CoV-2 who has not yet exhibited symptoms at the time of testing but who later exhibits symptoms during the course of the infection.An asymptomatic case is an individual infected with SARS-CoV-2 who does not exhibit symptoms at any time during the course of infection.
How long does it take before COVID-19 symptoms appear?
Signs and symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may appear two to 14 days after exposure. This time after exposure and before having symptoms is called the incubation period.
Which medications can help reduce the symptoms of COVID-19?
In terms of specifics: acetaminophen (Tylenol), naproxen (Aleve) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help lower your fever, assuming you don't have a health history that should prevent you from using them. It's usually not necessary to lower a fever – an elevated temperature is meant to help your body fight off the virus.Dec 21, 2021
Should I take a decongestant if I have COVID-19?
Over-the-counter cold medications will not make COVID-19 go away faster, but they can help if you're coughing, have a sore throat, or have nasal congestion (a stuffy nose). Do not use a decongestant if you have high blood pressure.Jan 12, 2022
What is a pre-symptomatic case of COVID-19?
A pre-symptomatic case of COVID-19 is an individual infected with SARS-CoV-2 who has not exhibited symptoms at the time of testing, but who later exhibits symptoms during the course of the infection.
How long is COVID-19 contagious?
Here's what we know from studies of prior variants, including Delta: On average, people can begin spreading the virus 2-3 days before their symptoms begin, but infectiousness peaks 1 day before their symptoms begin. On average, people can continue to spread the virus another 8 days after their symptoms began.
How long is someone contagious after they test positive for COVID-19?
"A person with COVID-19 is likely no longer contagious after 10 days have passed since testing positive for coronavirus, and 72 hours after resolution of his or her respiratory symptoms and fever," Dr. Septimus explains.Jan 5, 2022
What are some of the first symptoms of COVID-19?
Early symptoms reported by some people include fatigue, headache, sore throat or fever. Others experience a loss of smell or taste. COVID-19 can cause symptoms that are mild at first, but then become more intense over five to seven days, with worsening cough and shortness of breath.Jan 27, 2022
Who is considered a close contact to someone with COVID-19?
For COVID-19, a close contact is anyone who was less than 6 feet away from you for a combined total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period. An infected person can transmit SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, starting 48 hours (2 days) before they have symptoms or before they were tested.
What are some of the symptoms of COVID-19?
• Signs and symptoms of COVID-19 can include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, nasal congestion or rhinorrhea, vomiting or diarrhea, and skin rashes.
What does it mean to be asymptomatic?
An asymptomatic finding could also mean a subclinical infection. Examples are people without symptoms who have a positive test for strep throat, genital herpes, HIV, or hepatitis. Being aware of the asymptomatic infection could help reduce the spread of illnesses to others.
What is an asymptomatic infection?
An asymptomatic infection is one in which a bacteria, virus, fungus, or parasite has invaded the body but has not yet caused any symptoms ( like fever or a cough). Your body may fight off the invader and you may never know it was there. Or, you may develop symptoms of the illness after an asymptomatic phase.
What questions should I ask my doctor?
Questions to Ask Your Doctor 1 What are the chances that I will develop the disease for which I'm now asymptomatic? How might that change with treatment? 2 What might treatment entail? What are the pros and cons? 3 What are the chances that nothing would happen if did nothing about the finding? (Sometimes looking at statistics is helpful.) 4 Is there concern that this condition is overdiagnosed? 5 What would you do if you were in my shoes?
Why do we need screening tests?
And because you're unlikely to change your behaviors when you feel well, if what you have is transmissible, it's likely that you are passing it to others. Screening tests are used to detect various conditions in those who are asymptomatic, allowing monitoring or early treatment.
Is cancer asymptomatic or asymptomatic?
A developing cancer may be asymptomatic for an extended period, growing and spreading until it begins to affect a body function and produce symptoms. Other conditions that may be asymptomatic during at least part of their course include high blood pressure (hypertension) and diabetes .
Comments by Allan Zelinger, MD, and Roberto Wayhs, MD
The case presentation is that of an asymptomatic middle-aged man with coronary risk factors including a strong family history and abnormal serum lipid levels.
Follow-up Information and Editorial Comments
Because of the abnormal coronary calcification level and stress echocardiographic results, the patient strongly desired to know the exact extent of his coronary artery disease.
What is AF in medical terms?
Asymptomatic atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a significant cause of morbidity and health care expenditures. Patients with AF suffer a variety of symptoms including chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
Is AF asymptomatic or asymptomatic?
Some patients have no symptoms, a condition referred to as asymptomatic or "silent" AF. Asymptomatic AF has significant clinical implications.
Is AF asymptomatic or silent?
Some patients have no symptoms, a condition referred to as asymptomatic or " silent" AF. Asymp …. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a significant cause of morbidity and health care expenditures. Patients with AF suffer a variety of symptoms including chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
What is asymptomatic bacteriuria?
INTRODUCTION The term asymptomatic bacteriuria refers to the presence of a positive urine culture in an asymptomatic person. Most patients with asymptomatic bacteriuria have no adverse consequences and derive no benefit from antibiotic therapy.
What is the blood glucose level of asymptomatic hypoglycemia?
Clinically, a bout of asymptomatic hypoglycemia involves a measured plasma glucose below ≤70 mg/dL (≤3.9 mmol/L), not accompanied by some or all of the typical symptoms of hypoglycemia. While usually mild, asymptomatic hypos are having an effect and taking a toll on the body.
How many people have undiagnosed diabetes?
Screening for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Asymptomatic Adults William H. Herman, MD, MPH, and Michael M. Engelgau, MD, MS In the United States, 5.4 million people have undiagnosed diabetes. This number represents approximately one-third of all diabetes. At diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, 239% of patients have diabetic retinopathy, 818% have nephropathy, 513% have neuropathy, and approximately 8% have cardiovascular disease. Based on the large number of people with undiagnosed diabetes and the high prevalence of complications at diagnosis, it seems intuitive that earlier diagnosis and treatment should reduce the burden of diabetes and its complications. Unfortunately, at the present time, there is no evidence of benefit from screening asymptomatic adults for undiagnosed diabetes. Clearly, if a person exhibits symptoms of diabetes such as polydipsea, polyuria, nocturia, or unintentional weight loss, fasting glucose testing is indicated. Such testing, when based on symptoms or other clinical cues, must be distinguished from screening. Screening is defined as the examination of asymptomatic individuals to differentiate an individual at high risk from one at low risk of having a disease. Screening the asymptomatic population for undiagnosed type 2 diabetes requires substantial resources, and the yield (that is, the proportion of people who are screened who subsequently undergo definitive diagnostic testing, are found to have diabetes, and receive follow-up care) has generally been low. The greatest opportunity for case-finding is in the clinical setting. Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for undiagnosed diabetes in individuals with risk factors such as advanced age, obesity, physical inactivity, history of abnormal glucose tolerance (including gestational diabe Continue reading >>
Who is Roberta Rabinek's husband?
Here’s what you can do about it. After 26 years of marriage to someone with Type 1 diabetes, Roberta Rabinek has grown to learn when her husband, George, is having a hypoglycemic attack, even if he can’t tell it’s happening. “He’ll tell me he’s fine and to leave him alone,” says Rabinek, who lives in Baltimore.
What is diabetes mellitus?
Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both . Type 2 diabetes, the most prevalent form of the disease, is often asymptomatic in its early stages and can remain undiagnosed for many years. The chronic hyperglycemia of diabetes is associated with long-term dysfunction, damage, and failure of various organs, especially the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and blood vessels. Individuals with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes are also at significantly higher risk for stroke, coronary heart disease, and peripheral vascular disease than the nondiabetic population. They also have a greater likelihood of having dyslipidemia, hypertension, and obesity. Because early detection and prompt treatment may reduce the burden of diabetes and its complications, screening for diabetes may be appropriate under certain circumstances. This position statement provides recommendations for diabetes screenings performed in physicians’ offices and in other health care settings. This position statement does not address screening for type 1 diabetes or gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Because of the acute onset of symptoms, most cases of type 1 diabetes are detected soon after symptoms develop. Widespread clinical testing of asymptomatic individuals for the presence of autoantibodies related to type 1 diabetes cannot be recommended at this time as a means to identify persons at risk. Reasons for this include the following: 1) cutoff values for some of the immune marker assays have not been completely established in clinical settings; 2) there is no consensus as to what action should be taken when a positive autoantibody test result is obtained; and 3) because the incidence of type 1 diabetes is low Continue reading >>
Is diabetes a risk factor for CAD?
Diabetes is an important risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD) as reflected by the four-fold greater incidence of CAD in diabetic patients compared with the general population.1 Cardiovascular death is the most common cause of mortality in the type 2 diabetic population and, once diagnosed with CAD, patients with diabetes have a considerably poorer prognosis than their non-diabetic counterparts. Accordingly, early detection of CAD in patients with diabetes may be of paramount importance and could improve outcome substantially. However, a complicating issue is the silent progression of CAD in patients with diabetes. Consequently, the disease is frequently already in an advanced state when it becomes clinically manifest.2 In addition, recent studies have indicated that conventional coronary risk factors are of limited value for detection of CAD in asymptomatic type 2 diabetes patients.3,4 These observations have raised the question of whether or not asymptomatic patients with diabetes should be screened for CAD. To determine whether or not it is appropriate to screen asymptomatic individuals, several questions should be addressed. First, the prevalence of CAD in the population should be high enough to justify testing for the disease. A relatively low prevalence will result in a relatively high percentage of false-positive test results, leading to unnecessary further testing. On the other hand, if the prevalence is too high, testing will not be effective and will result in a high number of false-negative results. Second, the proposed test should have sufficient accuracy and should allow accurate distinction between low-risk and high-risk patients. In addition, the proposed screening strategy should be cost-effective. Finally, the test results should have consequen Continue reading >>
Is asymptomatic hyperglycaemia a risk factor for CVD?
The issue of whether asymptomatic hyperglycaemia is a risk factor for CVD and whether the risk is graded has been debated for at least two decades. Recently, a new surge of interest in the relationship between asymptomatic hyperglycaemia and CVD risk has developed following the recent revision of diagnostic criteria for diabetes and milder degrees of hyperglycaemia in 1997 (1-2). The most convincing evidence of increased CVD risk related to asymptomatic hyperglycaemia was provided by the DECODE (Diabetes Epidemiology: collaborative analysis Of Diagnostic criteria in Europe) study. In this study, data from 10 prospective European cohort studies including 15388 men and 7126 women aged 30-89 years were collaboratively analysed (3-4). Multivariate Cox proportional hazard analyses showed that the risk for death from all-cause, CVD, coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke increased significantly in subjects with asymptomatic diabetes defined according to either the fasting plasma glucose 7.0 mmol/l or to the 2-hour post-load plasma glucose 11.1 mmol/l. People with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) also had high risk of death compared with those without IGT, but subjects with impaired fasting glucose (IFG) did not have increased risk of death compared with Continue reading >>
Asymptomatic Illnesses
Detection
- Depending on the concern, the detection of asymptomatic illness may be done via a variety of testing methods, such as lab tests or imaging. This may be done because of an awareness of risk factors or exposure, but some asymptomatic illnesses are missed when neither of these are relevant to a patient. They simply don't know there's reason to be screened. The majority of canc…
Asymptomatic Findings
- An asymptomatic condition could refer to any one of a number of different situations. It's often hard to know whether an asymptomatic condition will progress. The finding of an asymptomatic condition could be an early sign, which if heeded, could improve your long-term quality of life or survival. An example of this would be the early detection of lung cancer on computed tomograp…
Overdiagnosis Controversy
- There has been considerable controversy concerning the use of screening tests, even those for cancer.2 Colon cancer screeningand lung cancer screening clearly save lives. But it's still not certain whether prostate screening or even breast cancer screening play a significant role in improving survival (weighing the benefits to some vs. risks to others). Certainly, these screenin…
Next Steps
- There are situations in which treatment of an asymptomatic condition clearly makes a difference. Because of that, any asymptomatic finding needs to be carefully considered. When talking to your healthcare provider about how an asymptomatic finding should be interpreted and what (if anything) to do about this new information, ask a lot of questions. The decision on whether to a…