Book excerpt: Thoroughly updated and now in full color, the Sixth Edition of this comprehensive manual covers over 550 signs and symptoms. More than 300 of the most important signs and symptoms are organized alphabetically; each entry includes a description, emergency interventions (where appropriate), history and physical examination, causes, associated signs and symptoms, special considerations, pediatric pointers, geriatric pointers, and patient counseling. Over 500 illustrations, tables, and flowcharts are included. Appendices describe 250 less familiar signs and symptoms and provide English/Spanish translations of common signs and symptoms. This edition includes signs and symptoms of important emerging diseases.