NSAID are used for relieving pain, alleviating fever, and in higher doses, anti-inflammatory. They are non-narcotic, and thus can be used as a non-addictive alternative to narcotics. They are non-steroidal,...

Antiviral are drugs used to Tx viral infections. Like antibiotics (for bacteria), specific antivirals can Tx specific viruses. Unlike most antibiotics, antivirals don't destroy the target pathogen, but rather inhibits their...

Heparin (from Greek "hepar" meaning "liver") is an injectable anticoagulant. [faq]What is heparin? It's a drug, that prevents blood from clotting, which we call an anticoagulant. It's injected, as supposed to warfarin which...

Atelectasis (from Greek "atelec" meaning "incomplete", and "ectasis" meaning "extension") is collapse/closure of the lung, causing reduced/absent gas exchange. Pathophysiology It may affect part or all of 1 lung Condition where the alveoli...

Body temperature (shorthand Temp) is measured by a thermometer. Pathophysiology It depends on a number of factors, including: Location of measurement, typically from highest to lowest, being internal (rectal, vaginal), oral, and then skin....

Polio[myelitis] (aka infantile paralysis) is an infectious disease, caused by the poliovirus. [faq]Polio, is that related to the fashion brand, Ralph Lauren? No, that's polo ;). Polio is an infection caused by...

Diuretics promote production of urine. [faq]What's a diuretic? It's a drug that makes you pee more.[/faq] Classification Loop diuretic (aka high ceiling), which may cause substantial diuresis of up to 20%, of filtered load of...

Edwards syndrome (aka trisomy 18) is a chromosomal abnormality, caused by the presence of all, or part of, an extra 18th chromosome. Pathophysiology Almost always results from nondisjunction during meiosis Epidemiology Named after the...

Dysgeusia (aka parageusia) is distortion of the sense of taste. Pathophysiology The sense of taste is tied together with other sensory systems Cause Chemotherapy Ashma Tx w/ salbutamol Zinc deficiency Various drugs can also alter taste, and...

MRI ([nuclear] magnetic resonance imaging, aka magnetic resonance tomography) is a radiological Ix used to Ix the anatomy and physiology of the body. It uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves...