Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Disease of the kidney

Polycystic renal disease is an inherited disorder characterized by multiple grape like clusters of fluid filled cysts that enlarge the kidneys and impair normal functioning of the kidney. Progression may be slow showing no symptoms until later in life. PRD is genetically transmitted. The incidence in 2 distinct age groups and different inheritance patterns are unrelated disorders. The adult form usually becomes obvious between ages 30 and 50. While the adult form is a more gradual effect, the infantile form is usually apparent in blood and urine testing. When uremic symptoms develop, PRD is usually fatal with in 4 years. Uremic means there is toxin build-up in the bloodstream. The kidneys become so impaired they are unable to remove wastes from the blood stream and excrete waste products as urine. Thus, the accumulation of toxic build-up.

There is no cure for PRD. The treatment is to preserve renal tissue. Urine cultures and a creatinine clearance test should be every 6 months. Oral antibiotics may be prescribed and surgical drainage of cysts may be done. In the case of renal failure, dialysis. Should you become diagnosed with PRD, please discuss with your doctor what the prognosis is, treatment plans and options and dietary changes.

Good health,
Trisha M. Pacenti RN,BSN
http://www.nurseinsagent.com/

Monday, June 6, 2011

Asthma: Respiratory Inflammation

Asthma is a reversible lung disease characterized by narrowing of the airways which are inflamed and hyper responsive to a variety of environmental stimuli. Asthma symptoms may resolve on its own or with treatment. The symptoms range from mild wheezing and difficulty breathing to life threatening. There are physiological changes that occur in the bronchus of a person suffering from asthma. The bronchus which house the alveoli become thick with mucous, inflamed, enlarged and the membrane surrounding the bronchus thickens.

These changes cause chest tightness, coughing, difficulty breathing and wheezing. Seasonal changes such as increased pollen in the air, dust, pollutants and changes in temperature and humidity may trigger an asthmatic attack. People who are diagnosed with asthma must carry a rescue inhaler. Steroids decrease the amount of inflammation in the bronchus thus decreasing the amount of mucous build-up. The rescue inhaler helps to open the airway spasm by relaxing the smooth muscle around the bronchus. If you suspect you have asthma, seek medical attention.

Good health,
Trisha M Pacenti RN,BSN
www.nurseinsagent.com
drugstore.com, inc.