May 16, 2024

Definition of disorders

Definition of disorders

Cardiovascular system

Hypertension:

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a chronic medical condition characterized by elevated blood pressure levels persistently exceeding the normal range. It puts extra strain on the blood vessels and the heart, increasing the risk of various complications, such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.

Hypotension:

Hypotension refers to low blood pressure, where the pressure in the arteries is abnormally low. It can cause symptoms like dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, and fatigue. In some cases, hypotension may indicate an underlying medical condition or be a side effect of certain medications.

Arteriosclerosis:

Arteriosclerosis is a general term that refers to the thickening, hardening, and loss of elasticity of the arteries. It is often associated with aging and can lead to reduced blood flow and increased blood pressure. Arteriosclerosis is a broad term that encompasses different conditions, including atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis:

Atherosclerosis is a specific type of arteriosclerosis characterized by the buildup of plaque inside the arteries. Plaque consists of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances. Over time, the plaque hardens and narrows the arteries, limiting blood flow to the organs and tissues. Atherosclerosis is a major cause of various cardiovascular conditions, including heart attacks and strokes.

Angina:

Angina is chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t receive enough oxygen-rich blood. It is often a symptom of underlying coronary artery disease, which is caused by atherosclerosis. Angina may manifest as pressure, squeezing, or tightness in the chest and can also radiate to the arms, jaw, neck, or back.

Myocardial infarction:

Myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, occurs when there is a sudden blockage of blood flow to a part of the heart muscle. It typically happens due to a blood clot forming in a coronary artery that is narrowed by atherosclerosis. Without prompt medical intervention, a heart attack can cause permanent damage to the affected area of the heart.

Congestive heart failure:

Congestive heart failure is a chronic condition in which the heart’s ability to pump blood is impaired. It occurs when the heart muscle weakens or becomes stiff, leading to inadequate blood circulation. This results in a backup of fluid in the lungs, legs, and other body tissues, causing symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling.

Cardiac arrhythmias:

Cardiac arrhythmias are abnormal heart rhythms that can occur due to various factors, including electrical disturbances in the heart. Arrhythmias can cause the heart to beat too fast (tachycardia), too slow (bradycardia), or irregularly. Some arrhythmias are harmless, while others can be life-threatening and require medical treatment or intervention.

Respiratory system

Hypoxia:

Hypoxia is a condition characterized by an inadequate supply of oxygen to the body’s tissues and organs. It occurs when there is a decrease in the oxygen level in the blood or a reduced ability of the blood to deliver oxygen to the tissues. Hypoxia can be caused by various factors such as high altitudes, lung diseases, heart problems, or carbon monoxide poisoning. It can lead to symptoms like shortness of breath, confusion, dizziness, and in severe cases, organ damage or failure.

Asphyxia:

Asphyxia refers to a condition in which there is a severe deprivation of oxygen supply to the body, leading to unconsciousness or death. It typically occurs when there is an obstruction or restriction of the airway, preventing the entry of air into the lungs. Common causes of asphyxia include choking, suffocation, drowning, or severe respiratory distress. Immediate intervention is necessary to restore oxygen supply and prevent permanent damage or loss of life.

Dybarism:

The term “dybarism” seems to be a misspelling or an uncommon term. It is possible that you meant “barotrauma” instead. Barotrauma is a condition that occurs due to a sudden change in pressure, particularly in the context of diving or aviation. It happens when there is a rapid decrease or increase in pressure, causing damage to body tissues, especially the ears, sinuses, lungs, and intestines. Barotrauma can lead to symptoms like ear pain, dizziness, lung collapse, or intestinal gas bubbles. Proper precautions and equalization techniques are important to minimize the risk of barotrauma during pressure changes.

Oxygen therapy:

Oxygen therapy is a medical treatment that involves the administration of supplemental oxygen to individuals with low oxygen levels in their blood. It is used to increase the oxygen supply to the body’s tissues and alleviate symptoms of hypoxia. Oxygen therapy can be delivered through various methods, such as nasal cannula (a small tube inserted into the nostrils), face mask, or through more specialized devices like oxygen tents or ventilators. The specific method and oxygen flow rate depend on the severity of the condition and the healthcare professional’s recommendation.

Resuscitation:

Resuscitation refers to the emergency medical procedures performed to revive someone who has suffered cardiac arrest or has stopped breathing. The primary goal of resuscitation is to restore circulation and provide adequate oxygen supply to the vital organs. Techniques commonly used in resuscitation include cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which involves chest compressions and rescue breathing, as well as defibrillation (delivering an electric shock) to restore the heart’s normal rhythm. Prompt initiation of resuscitation can significantly improve the chances of survival and minimize the risk of permanent brain damage.

Digestive system

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD):

This condition occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, leading to symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing.

Peptic Ulcer Disease:

Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop in the lining of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine. They are often caused by an infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria or prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and vomiting.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD):

This chronic condition includes two main types, namely Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. These disorders cause inflammation and damage to the lining of the digestive tract, resulting in symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, weight loss, and fatigue.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS):

IBS is a functional disorder characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort, along with changes in bowel habits (such as diarrhea, constipation, or both). It does not cause structural damage to the intestines but can significantly impact quality of life.

Celiac Disease:

It is an autoimmune disorder triggered by the ingestion of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Celiac disease damages the lining of the small intestine, leading to malabsorption of nutrients and causing symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, and weight loss.

Diverticulitis:

Diverticula are small pouches that form in the wall of the large intestine. When these pouches become inflamed or infected, it is called diverticulitis. Symptoms include abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and changes in bowel movements.

Gallstones:

These are hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder, a small organ that stores bile. Gallstones can cause abdominal pain, indigestion, bloating, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) if they block the bile ducts.

Suggested readings:

First Year Pharm D Subjects Syllabus, Notes, PDF Books, MCQ

1.1Human Anatomy and Physiology
1.2Pharmaceutics
1.3Medicinal  Biochemistry
1.4Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry
1.5Pharmaceutical Inorganic Chemistry
1.6Remedial Mathematics/ Biology