Antihypertensives Antihypertensives are a group of drugs that are used to lower blood pressure. They mainly consist of vasodilators and diuretics Antihypertensives, their major side effects, and their indications Class Side effects Indications Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors (ACEi) Hyperkalemia, Cough,…
Hypertension is defined as blood pressure >140-90mmHg on 3 separate readings. Hypertension has many causes and many complications. The majority of patients with hypertension are asymptomatic. This is why screening should be performed every 3 years. Hypertension is the greatest…
The time is 0830hrs on a Monday morning, at the hospital ICU. Mr M. and I have headed there early, hopeful to catch the morning care routine of a patient with a tracheostomy tube. This is for learning purposes in…
Overview Lung cancer refers to tumors from respiratory epithelium, including bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli. Globally, it is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer deaths among both sexes combined. It occurs more in males than in…
Overview Sarcoidosis is a multi-systemic inflammatory disease characterized by non-caseating granulomas. It is of unknown etiology and predominantly affects the lungs and surrounding lymph nodes. Important differential diagnoses for granulomas need to be made when sarcoidosis is suspected, and these…
Overview Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is defined as a disease state characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow obstruction. 75% of COPD patients are long-time smokers. COPD includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis and most patients have features of both.…
Overview Asthma is an acute or sub-acute inflammation of the airways, precipitated by a variety of factors that result in bronchial hyperactivity and airway obstruction. The cause is idiopathic. Varies in degrees of severity and chronicity. Mild attacks may linger…
Epiglottitis is an acute inflammation of the supraglottic region of the oropharynx. It affects the epiglottis, vellecula, arytenoids, and aryepiglottic folds. It is the most deadly upper airway condition and is a true paediatric emergency. Differences between Epiglottitis and Laryngotracheobronchitis…
Overview Cervical screening is one of the cornerstones of a gynaecological visit. Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is commonly diagnosed between 20 and 30 years. Carcinoma in Situ is commonly diagnosed between 35 and 45 years. It takes approximately 10 years…
Overview An autopsy is the scientific examination of a dead person through dissection of the body for medical, legal, and/or scientific purposes. It is derived from the Greek word ‘autopsia’ meaning to see for oneself. The root Auto stands for…