CHRONIC COUGH
12 CHRONIC COUGH General Discussion The cough reflex is complex, but cough generally results from irritant stimulation of one or more receptors in the respiratory system. Estimating the duration of…
HYPOTHYROIDISM
43 HYPOTHYROIDISM General Discussion Hypothyroidism usually results from decreased thyroid hormone production and secretion by the thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism can either be primary or central, which involves the pituitary gland…
INFERTILITY, FEMALE
44 INFERTILITY, FEMALE General Discussion Infertility affects one couple in six and becomes more common with increasing age. Clinical evaluation of infertility is indicated if a pregnancy has not occurred…
HYPOKALEMIA
41 HYPOKALEMIA General Discussion Hypokalemia is defined as a serum potassium level less than 3.6 mEq per liter. Hypokalemia has been associated with an increased risk of hypertension, ischemic stroke,…
HYPERTHYROIDISM
39 HYPERTHYROIDISM General Discussion Hyperthyroidism is a hypermetabolic state that results from excess synthesis and release of thyroid hormone, usually from the thyroid gland. The overall incidence of subclinical and…
HYPOGLYCEMIA
40 HYPOGLYCEMIA General Discussion Symptoms of hypoglycemia begin at plasma glucose levels of approximately 60 mg/dL, and impairment of nervous system function begins at approximately 50 mg/dL. Clinical hypoglycemia is…
HYPERTENSION
38 HYPERTENSION General Discussion The relationship between blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular disease is continuous, consistent, and independent of other risk factors. As the blood pressure rises, so…
HYPERKALEMIA
36 HYPERKALEMIA General Discussion Hyperkalemia is defined as a serum potassium concentration greater than 5.0 mEq/L and can become life threatening when the potassium concentration rises above 6.5 mEq/L. Hyperkalemia…
HYPERCOAGULABLE STATES
35 HYPERCOAGULABLE STATES General Discussion Hypercoagulable conditions are classified as primary (an inherited condition) or secondary (an acquired state). The inherited disorders include factor V Leiden, prothrombin G20210A gene mutation,…
HYPERNATREMIA
37 HYPERNATREMIA General Discussion Hypernatremia is defined as a serum sodium concentration exceeding 145 mEq/L. In contrast to hyponatremia, which usually results from a defect in renal water handling, the…
