Snakebite accounts for more than 100000 deaths annually worldwide. In Pakistan, it is estimated that 40000 snake bites are inflicted every year, out of which about 10000 patients die. Most of these bites are inflicted during the monsoon season (July to September). Men aged 20 to 60 years are affected more probably because of the …
Protein is an essential component of the human diet, However, excessive intake of protein should be avoided especially in patients with kidney & liver diseases. Meat is a very rich source of proteins, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. Compared to iron derived from plant sources, iron derived from animal proteins is readily absorbed. Apart from …
Excessive intake of protein – Effects & Side effects Read More »
Liver diseases are very prevalent worldwide. Abnormal LFTs (liver function tests) are frequently detected in asymptomatic individuals during screening. A study in the US found that 8.9% of healthy individuals had abnormal ALT. This high number of abnormal ALT levels were in part related to the obesity epidemic. In the western world, alcohol and obesity …
LFTs (liver function tests) – Is my liver failing? Read More »
Painkillers can be classified as narcotics and non-narcotics or steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). This article focuses on the adverse effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Adverse effects of other painkillers especially acetaminophen or paracetamol (Tylenol) shall be discussed in some other article. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the most overused drugs Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory …
Nail changes can give us important clues to some very important underlying systemic diseases. Identifying these changes and correlating them with the patient’s symptoms is very important. Diseases affecting the nails can lead to social, psychological and physical damage. Nails provide protection to the tips of the fingers and toes and help in grasping objects. …
PCOS or Polycystic ovarian syndrome and polycystic ovaries are two different conditions which are often used synonymously. Polycystic ovaries refer to a condition in which at least one of the ovaries contain twelve or more follicles. Thus polycystic ovary is a radiological diagnosis. In contrast to polycystic ovaries, the polycystic ovarian syndrome is a triad …
PCOS or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome – an Overview Read More »
Low dose aspirin is widely used in the primary and secondary prevention of vascular diseases. However, weight-based dosing of aspirin is probably more effective in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, especially in obese patients weighing more than 70 kgs. Aspirin (chemical name Acetyl-salicylic acid) is a drug used in the treatment of pain, fever, inflammatory …
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The pituitary gland is a pea-sized structure located in the base of the brain responsible for secreting a variety of hormones. These hormones are either directly or indirectly controlling the metabolic activities of the body and other functions. Anatomy and physiology of the pituitary gland The pituitary gland has two distinct structures. Anterior pituitary and …
Pituitary gland hormones- The controller hormones! Read More »
Dulaglutide is a long-acting GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1) agonist that enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion and delays gastric emptying, thus it controls postprandial blood sugars. Chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension require a timely intake of medications. Diabetes may be controlled with diet and exercise early in its course. As time progresses blood sugars increase owing …
Kidney transplant patients might be relieved of the burdens of hemodialysis but life after kidney transplantation is not devoid of complications. Apart from managing the financial and social burdens of kidney transplantation, medical problems are of the utmost importance to be timely evaluated and managed. Medical Complications in a Kidney Transplant patient: Patients after kidney …
Complications and problems in Kidney transplant patients Read More »