Posts

Liver Function Tests (LFT) :

Image
LIVER FUNCTION TEST:  LFT stands for Liver Function Test, which is a blood test that measures the levels of various enzymes and proteins produced by the liver. These tests are performed to assess the overall health and function of the liver and to diagnose and monitor liver diseases. Role of liver: The liver plays a crucial role in metabolism, detoxification, and production of important proteins. When there is an increase in LFT results, it typically indicates some form of liver damage or dysfunction. Here are a few potential causes: 1. Hepatitis : Viral hepatitis, such as hepatitis A, B, or C, can cause inflammation of the liver, leading to elevated liver enzymes. 2. Alcoholic liver diseas e: Prolonged and excessive alcohol consumption can damage the liver and elevate LFT levels. 3. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) : This condition occurs when excess fat accumulates in the liver, leading to inflammation and liver damage. 4. Medications : Certain medications, such as stati...
Image
Lung cancer: Lung cancer begins in the lungs and may spread to lymph nodes or other organs in the body, such as the brain. Cancer from other organs also may spread to the lungs. When cancer cells spread from one organ to another, they are called   metastases. Lung cancers usually are grouped into two main types called small cell and non-small cell (including adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma). These types of lung cancer grow differently and are treated differently. Non-small cell lung cancer is more common than small cell lung cancer  Causes: 1. Smoking: Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. It is responsible for the majority of cases, and the risk increases with the duration and intensity of smoking. 2 . Secondhand smoke : Being exposed to tobacco smoke from others can also increase the risk of developing lung cancer. 3. Radon gas: Exposure to high levels of radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can seep into buildings, can increase the ...
Image
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD):   COPD is a progressive lung disease that causes airflow limitation and breathing difficulties. Causes: The primary cause of COPD is long-term exposure to irritating gases or particles, most commonly from cigarette smoke. Other factors that contribute to COPD include exposure to air pollution, occupational dust and chemicals, genetic factors (such as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency), and respiratory infections during childhood. Prevention: Prevention strategies for COPD mainly focus on avoiding exposure to risk factors. The most crucial preventive measure is to quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke. Reducing exposure to indoor and outdoor air pollution, workplace chemicals, and dust can also lower the risk. Proper vaccination against respiratory infections, such as influenza and pneumonia, is recommended. Symptoms: COPD symptoms typically develop slowly over time and worsen as the disease progresses. Common symptoms include persistent ...

Arthritis:causes,symptom,prevention and treatment

Image
Arthritis: Arthritis is a term that encompasses various conditions characterized by inflammation and joint pain. The most common types of arthritis include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, but there are several other forms as well. Here is some information about arthritis causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment: Causes: 1. Osteoarthritis: It is primarily caused by wear and tear on the joints over time. Factors such as aging, joint injury, obesity, and genetic predisposition can contribute to its development. 2. Rheumatoid arthritis: It is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, leading to joint inflammation. The exact cause is unknown, but it may involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. 3. Other causes: Arthritis can also be caused by infections, such as Lyme disease or bacterial or viral infections affecting the joints, or by other underlying conditions like gout, lupus, or psoriasis. Symptoms: The sym...

Arrhythmia or disturbance in heart rate: causes,symptoms,prevention and treatment

Image
Arrhythmia or disturbance in Heart Rate: Arrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm characterized by irregularity in the timing, rate, or sequence of heartbeats. It can range from harmless to life-threatening. Here is an overview of causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment of arrhythmia: Causes: 1. Heart conditions: Arrhythmias can occur due to underlying heart conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, heart valve problems, or congenital heart defects. 2 . Age and lifestyle factors: Advancing age, high blood pressure, smoking, excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption, drug abuse, and stress can increase the risk of arrhythmias. 3. Other medical conditions : Certain medical conditions like thyroid disorders, diabetes , sleep apnea, and electrolyte imbalances can contribute to arrhythmias. 4. Medications and stimulants : Some medications, herbal supplements, and stimulants (e.g., certain asthma medications, decongestants, or illegal drugs) can trigger or worse...

Angina Pectoris or Heart pain/ chest pain: causes,symptoms,prevention and treatment

Image
Angina or Heart Pain: Angina is a condition characterized by chest pain or discomfort that occurs when the heart muscle doesn't receive enough oxygen-rich blood. It is usually a symptom of an underlying heart condition, most commonly coronary artery disease (CAD), where the blood vessels supplying the heart become narrowed or blocked by a buildup of fatty plaques. Causes: 1. Coronary artery disease (CAD): The primary cause of angina is the narrowing of the coronary arteries due to plaque buildup, reducing blood flow to the heart. 2. Spasm of coronary arteries : In some cases, the coronary arteries may spasm and temporarily restrict blood flow to the heart, causing angina. 3. Other factors: Angina can also be triggered by conditions such as aortic valve disease, high blood pressure, heart failure, or anemia. Symptoms: The most common symptom of angina is chest pain or discomfort. The pain is often described as a squeezing, pressure, heaviness, or tightness in the chest. Other symp...

Renal Failure: causes,prevention and treatment

Image
Renal Failure or Kidney Failure: Renal failure, also known as kidney failure, is a condition in which the kidneys lose their ability to function properly , resulting in the accumulation of waste products and fluids in the body. It can be classified into two main types: acute renal failure (ARF) and chronic renal failure (CRF). Causes of Renal Failure: 1. Acute Renal Failure: ARF can occur due to factors such as severe dehydration, reduced blood flow to the kidneys, kidney injury or trauma, certain medications, infections, or conditions like acute glomerulonephritis or acute tubular necrosis. 2. Chronic Renal Failure: CRF develops gradually over time and is often caused by underlying conditions that damage the kidneys, such as diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), chronic glomerulonephritis , polycystic kidney disease, recurrent kidney infections, or prolonged use of certain medications. Prevention of Renal Failure: 1. Manage underlying conditions: Control diabetes and hyp...