Monthly Archives: May 2013

Adrenal glands

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Adrenal glands The adrenal glands (also known as suprarenal glands) are endocrine glands that sit at the top of the kidneys; in humans, the right adrenal gland is triangular shaped, while the left adrenal gland is semilunar shaped. They are chiefly responsible for releasing hormones in response to stress through the synthesis of corticosteroids such as cortisol and catecholamines such as epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine. They also produce androgens. The adrenal glands affect kidney function through the […]

Ascites

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Ascites The term Ascites defines fluid accumulation in the peritoneal cavity.The condition is also known as peritoneal cavity fluid, peritoneal fluid excess, hydroperitoneum or more archaically as abdominal dropsy.The abnormal intraperitoneal accumulation of a fluid containing  large amounts of protein and electrolytes .Ascites may be accompanied by the general abdominal swelling,hemodilution,edema or a decrease in urinary output. Ascites is a complication of  cirrhosis, congestive heart failure,nephrosis,malignant neoplastic […]

Anaphylaxis with it’s Signs,Symptoms,Management and Precautions

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Anaphylaxis Anaphylaxis is a potentially life threatening systemic reaction mediated by IgE or possibly IgG4. It occurs within few minutes of exposure to susceptible antigen in previously sensitized individuals. Signs and symptoms of Anaphylaxis Flushing pruritus, diaphoresis, urticaria in chest, shock, arrhythmia, hypotension, G.I. symptoms and angiodema. Anaphylactoid reactions are non immunologically medicated reactions with […]

Hypokalemia Causes,Diagnosis and Management

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Hypokalemia Hypokalemia is a american english word Hypokalaemia in British english.It is also known as also hypopotassemia or hypopotassaemia Hypokalemia is the condition in which the concentration of potassium (K+) in the blood is low.The prefix hypo- means under,kal– refers to kalium, the Neo-Latin for potassium, and -emia means “condition of the blood”. Normal Plasma Potassium Levels Normal plasma potassium levels are between 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L at least 95% of the […]

Food Values

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Food Values Food values or nutritional values is the topic for the determination on how healthy a food or drink item is. Being classified as healthy — or having a high nutritional value — involves consideration of the amount of calories, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals the item has. If a food or drink item […]

Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) in adults and children

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Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) Atrial septal defect (ASD) is a type of congenital heart disease that enables blood flow between two upper compartments of the heart called the left and right atrium. Normally, the right and left atriums are separated by a septum called the inter-atrial septum. If this septum is defective or absent, then […]