Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a term used to describe conditions that affect the arteries that provide nutrients, blood, and oxygen to the heart. Atherosclerosis, a known cause of CAD, is characterized by deposits within the walls of the arteries which are made up of cholesterol, fatty compounds, calcium, and fibrin. These plaques narrow arteries, … Read more
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a form of head injury that causes damage to the brain resulting from an external mechanical force. It can result in temporary or permanent impairment in sensory perception, cognition, mobility, or behavior. Overview Major causes of TBI include falls, assaults, motor vehicular accidents, and injuries resulting in a blow to … Read more
Pyelonephritis is an infection of the kidneys and is most commonly caused by a bacterial infection of the lower urinary tract. Escherichia coli is considered the most common organism causing pyelonephritis. Pyelonephritis can be categorized as acute or chronic. Acute pyelonephritis is referred to as an active bacterial infection of the kidneys while the chronic type … Read more
Compartment syndrome is a condition characterized by increased pressure within a muscle compartment (muscles, nerves, and vessels within the fascia). While this condition presents primarily in the limbs, it can occur in the buttock, shoulder, hand, and abdomen. Acute compartment syndrome occurs after a severe injury, fracture, or surgical procedure and is a medical emergency. … Read more
Acute kidney injury (AKI), also known as Acute Renal Failure (ARF) occurs when the kidneys lose their filtering ability resulting in the build-up of waste products in the blood. This condition develops rapidly, in hours or days, and is common in critically ill patients. This condition affects other organs in the body if not treated … Read more
Pleural effusion is characterized by the accumulation of excess fluid between the lining of the chest wall and the lining of the lungs, known as the pleural space. Normally, there is a minimal amount of fluid in the pleural space that acts as lubrication to facilitate breathing. There are two main types of pleural effusion: … Read more
Metoprolol is a beta-blocker that improves blood flow and circulation by relaxing blood vessels and slowing the heart rate. It is used to treat chest pain, heart failure, hypertension, myocardial infarction, and atrial fibrillation. Generic names: Metoprolol succinate (extended-release), metoprolol tartrate Brand names: Toprol, Toprol-XL (extended-release), Lopressor Pharmacologic class: Beta-adrenergic blocker Therapeutic class: Antihypertensive, antianginal … Read more
Acetylsalicylic acid, better known as aspirin, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is often used to treat mild pain, fever, and swelling. It has additional uses as a blood thinner and can effectively reduce the risk of a heart attack and stroke. Generic names: Aspirin Brand names: Ecotrin, Bayer, Aspergum, Aspirtab Pharmacologic class: Nonsteroidal … Read more
Acetaminophen is a p-aminophenol derivative commonly known as Tylenol or Paracetamol. It is an OTC medicine used to relieve mild to moderate pain and fever. It does not have any anti-inflammatory properties. Generic names: Acetaminophen Brand names: Tylenol, Abenol (CAN), Acephen, Altenol, Aminofen, Apra, Atasol (CAN), Cetafen, Calpol, Dolono, Febrol, Genapap, Genebs, Mapap, Panadol Pharmacologic … Read more
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition that can occur after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic or terrifying event. PTSD can be a lasting consequence of the traumatic event, even years later. Examples of traumatic events include war, terrorism, natural disasters, motor vehicle accidents, the unexpected death of a loved one, a life-threatening … Read more