Medical dictionary

What is acidosis? Acidosis is an abnormal state characterised by an excessive amount of acids in the blood and tissues. Here are the different types of acidosis: Diabetic ketoacidosis: occurs when known substances (e.g. ketone bodies or acids) accumulate in the body. Hyperchloraemic acidosis: caused by excessive loss of sodium bicarbonate from the body. Lactic acidosis: c

What is kidney failure? Renal failure, or kidney failure, occurs when the kidneys are damaged so are no longer able to fully perform their functions, leading to accumulation of dangerous waste products in the body, elevation of blood pressure and retention of excess fluids. If your kidneys fail, you will need regular treatment sessions that carry out the functions they used to carry out. D

What is it?      The kidneys are located under the ribcage, on either side of the spine. They are the urinary tract organs that get injured most often. The kidneys are protected by the spine, the back muscles, and the lower ribcage, as well as a cushion of fat. A kidney injury may affect part of the kidney and severity may vary. There can be many causes for a kidney

What is amyloidosis? Amyloidosis is a disorder in which abnormal proteins build up in organs and tissues. These proteins are known as amyloids and can hinder tissue and organ function. This disease can affect the intestines, the tongue, the skeletal and smooth muscles, ligaments, skin, liver, kidneys, spleen, heart, nervous system and digestive tract. Amyloidosis can cause serious d

What is atheroembolic renal disease? Atheroembolic renal disease occurs when minute particles become dispersed along the small blood vessels in the kidneys. These particles are made of solidified fat and cholesterol, and other substances. What are the symptoms of atheroembolic renal disease? It should be borne in mind that the disease may be asymptomatic. If there are symptoms, t

What is a bruised kidney? A bruised kidney, also known as a renal haematoma, is an injury caused by trauma to the kidney. In most cases, this is due to a road traffic accident or sports accidents. The trauma results in bleeding inside the kidney, which can be serious. 10 per cent of people with abdominal traumatic injury have renal haematoma and about thr

What is cardiovascular disease? Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a group of disorders that affect the heart and the blood vessels. It is associated with the build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries, which is known as atherosclerosis. It often involves hypertension, which can be both a cause and result of CVD. The disorder is one of the main causes of death in the UK yet can often be prevente

What is Conn’s syndrome? Primary hyperaldosteronism/aldosteronism, which is sometimes known as Conn’s syndrome, is a condition where the adrenal gland produces and releases too much aldosterone hormone into the bloodstream. Aldosterone is the hormone that regulates blood pressure and the water-salt metabolism.    Most cases are caused by a benign tumour growing

What is a coronavirus? Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause mild to moderate upper-respiratory illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe illnesses such as pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). Almost everyone will get infected by a coronavirus at least once in their life, and most of the time t