PhilMedicsPlus

These are PhilMedicsPlus articles. PhilMedicsPlus articles are written for doctors, nurses and other medical people and so the language can be technical.

Topics

Gastroenterology

Intestinal Obstruction and Ileus – The term ileus has changed in meaning over the years. It is now most frequently used to imply non-mechanical intestinal obstruction. The term paralytic ileus is sometimes used when the problem is inactivity of the bowel.

Acute Diarrhea in Adults – Diarrhoea can be acute (sudden onset and lasts less than two weeks) or chronic (persistent). This leaflet deals with acute diarrhoea, which is common. In most cases diarrhoea clears over several days, but sometimes takes longer. The main risk is dehydration. The main treatment is to have lots to drink; often this is with special rehydration drinks. Also, once any dehydration is treated with drinks, to eat as normally as possible.

Cardiology

Acute Myocardial Infarction – Myocardial infarction is now considered part of a spectrum referred to as acute coronary syndromes, which refers to a range of acute myocardial ischaemia, that also includes unstable angina and non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Endocrinology

Diabetes Mellitus – (DM) is a disease caused by deficiency or diminished effectiveness of endogenous insulin. It is characterised by hyperglycaemia, deranged metabolism and sequelae predominantly affecting the vasculature.

Nephrology

Kidney Stones – The cause of most kidney stones is not known. A stone may cause no problems, but often it causes pain. Most kidney stones are small and pass out with the urine. Some stones become stuck in a ureter or kidney and cause persistent symptoms or problems. There are various treatment options to remove a stuck stone. About half of people who have a kidney stone develop another one at a later time in their life. Drinking plenty of water each day may prevent a recurrence.