Category: R

Blockage of a blood vessel that carries blood to the retina. The blockage usually results from a fat deposit or a blood clot that cuts off the blood supply to the retina, damaging the affected portion. The principal symptom of retinal artery occlusion is sudden blurring or blindness in one eye. Emergency treatment consists of…

Infectious disease of any of the organs or structures involved in breathing. When the infections affect the upper area of the respiratory system, they are generally referred to as common colds. Lower respiratory tract infections may involve the larger airways in the lungs, causing bronchitis, or the smaller airways in the lungs, producing bronchiolitis. Viral…

A program of evaluation, treatment, and care for people with breathing problems and chronic lung conditions, including asthma and emphysema. Respiratory therapy may also provide life-support treatment in emergency medical situations to treat heart failure, drowning, or shock. This form of therapy includes the use of devices that provide oxygen or medication that is inhaled…

High blood pressure caused by disorders of the blood vessels that supply the kidneys with blood. About 20 percent of the blood pumped from the heart passes through the kidneys. The blood enters through the renal artery (a major branch of the aorta), is filtered by the kidneys, and returns to the heart via the…

A condition that produces an acidic imbalance as the result of the inability of the kidneys to excrete adequate amounts of the acid normally generated by chemical processes in the body. The normal pH balance of the body is slightly alkaline. In renal tubular acidosis, the pH balance is tipped toward acidic. Acidity causes problems…

A diet prescribed in cases of chronic kidney (renal) failure. In individuals with kidney damage, the kidney may be less efficient at eliminating waste in the urine. Consequently, these waste products, normally cleared by the kidneys, build up in the blood. In such cases, doctors recommend a renal diet, which limits the intake of protein,…

Methods of reducing the symptoms of stress and anxiety by eliminating tension held in the body. Relaxation techniques lower heart and breathing rate, decrease oxygen consumption, and reduce the levels of chemicals in the blood that rise in response to stress. Stress alleviation employs a variety of methodologies. Physical activity, biofeedback, hypnosis, and mindfulness meditation…

A preparation designed to treat de¬ hydration due to diarrhea. Watery diarrhea can rapidly cause a loss of body fluids and crucial body salts. Left untreated, this depletion can lead to shock. Young children and older people are particularly at risk. Oral rehydration fluid is available over-the-counter at pharmacies. It contains water, salts, and glucose.…

An operation that can improve or correct the ability of the eye to focus by permanently changing the shape of the cornea (the clear outer layer of the eye). Refractive surgery may eliminate the need to wear glasses or contact lenses or reduce the strength of the correction. Various types of refractive surgery can be…

Also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome or RSDS, a chronic condition characterized by severe burning pain accompanied by swelling, excessive sweating, and extreme sensitivity to touch, pressure, motion, or temperature change. An abnormal response of the nerves of the face or an extremity, marked by pain, autonomic dysfunction, vasomotor instability, and tissue swelling. Although…