Esomeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that helps reduce the amount of gastric acid produced in the stomach. Esomeprazole achieves this by inhibiting an ion transport protein called H+/K+ ATPase that is present in the gastric parietal cells. The drug is cleared rapidly, with inactive metabolites such as 5-hydroxymethylesomeprazole and 5-carboxyesomeprazole mainly passed in the urine. This drug is used […]
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There are several types of glaucoma and all of them are characterized by raised intraocular pressure. Symptoms of different types of glaucoma include:- Chronic open-angle glaucoma In this type of glaucoma there is usually no overt symptoms at least in the initial stages. The condition progresses slowly. Damage to sight also takes longer to occur. In this type of glaucoma […]
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Stroke is a serious medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to a part of the brain is suddenly cut off, depriving it of oxygen and essential nutrients. Symptoms vary depending on the intensity of the stroke, which area of the brain is affected, and the type of stroke. The mnemonic FAST provides a handy reminder of how to […]
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An asthma action plan is a written series of steps and management techniques that should be used when a patient with asthma experiences worsening in symptoms of the condition. The aim of an asthma action plan is to enable patients and caregivers to recognize early warning signs of an asthma attack and take the appropriate steps to improve control of […]
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Serotonin is a vital hormone in the normal functioning of the central nervous system. This neurotransmitter is a key regulator of various bodily functions including sleep, mood, appetite, intestinal movement, feeding and body weight. Serotonin is also thought to play a role in some mental health disorders that may lead to problems such as suicidal tendencies, obsessive compulsive disorder, alcoholism, […]
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Heart rate reserve describes the difference between a measured heart rate or the predicted maximum heart rate and the resting heart rate in a person. It indicates the heart rate reserve cardiovascular fitness of a person. How to calculate heart rate reserve The formula used to calculate the heart rate reserve is HRR = HRmax − HRrest. As the heart […]
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Ocular histoplasmosis is a condition that occurs years after a histoplasmosis infection. Histoplasmosis infection is caused by a fungus Histoplasma capsulatum and commonly affects people living in the 'Histo belt', which includes Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee and West Virginia. Histoplasmosis primarily affects the lungs and manifests as a short bout of cold or flu infection. Most persons may be carriers […]
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Leprosy is a chronic infection caused by the bacillus Mycobacterium leprae. It affects the skin, the peripheral nerves and the upper part of the airway, or the testes. It is transmitted by prolonged contact, usually through aerosols containing the nasal secretions, or droplets from these fluids. However, 95% of people are naturally immune to the infection. It can also be […]
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Pregnancy is defined as the implantation and growth of a fertilized ovum. In all normal pregnancies, the implantation occurs within the cavity of the uterus, in the endometrium or inner uterine lining. Image Credits: namtipStudio / Shutterstock.com However, when the conceptus or fertilized ovum is implanted at any location other than the uterine endometrium, it is called an ectopic pregnancy. […]
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Nephrology is a branch of medical science that deals with diseases of the kidneys. What do the kidneys do? The kidneys are vital for life with their complex network of blood vessels and intricate network of tubes and tubules that filter blood of its waste products and excess water. The kidneys maintain the fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base regulation that are […]
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