Medicine

A suture refers to each of the multiple loops or knots used to close and secure the edges of a wound or surgical cut. These loops, often referred to as stitches, are typically made with a material similar to thread and are placed by healthcare professionals to bring together the tissues, encouraging healing and reducing the risk of infection. Sutures are a critical part of surgical procedures and wound management, providing support until the tissue heals properly on its own.

A draft is a precisely measured quantity of liquid medication prescribed to be taken orally. It is the amount of medication that is intended to be taken in one dose, usually measured using a marked device such as a syringe or measuring cup. Drafts are commonly used for liquid medications like syrups, solutions, or suspensions, ensuring accurate dosing according to the prescribed instructions. They are frequently prescribed for antibiotics, liquid pain relievers, pediatric formulations, cough syrups, and medications for conditions like hypertension or diabetes that require accurate dosing adjustments.

A lozenge is a small, typically flavored tablet designed to dissolve slowly in the mouth to deliver medication directly to the throat and mouth. They release their active ingredients gradually as they dissolve, providing targeted relief. Lozenges are commonly used to calm sore throats, relieve coughs, or treat mouth infections.

A prophylactic is a preventive measure used to reduce the risk of disease or infection. It can include medications, treatments, vaccines, or behaviors aimed at protecting individuals from illness before it occurs. Prophylactics are commonly used in healthcare settings, such as giving vaccines to prevent diseases like influenza or providing antibiotics to prevent infection after surgery. It can also involve lifestyle changes, such as maintaining proper hygiene or using protective equipment like masks to prevent the spread of diseases or reduce exposure to germs.

A hypnotic is a medication that helps cause sleep. These medications are prescribed to treat insomnia or other sleep disorders by relaxing the body and mind, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. Hypnotics work on the brain to slow down activity, leading to sleepiness.

A decongestant is a type of medication that helps relieve nasal blockage by reducing swelling and inflammation of the nasal passages. Decongestants work by narrowing the blood vessels in the nose, which reduces blood flow and decreases fluid buildup, allowing for easier breathing. These medications are commonly used to ease symptoms of blockage caused by allergies, colds, or sinus infections.

An anticoagulant is a type of medication that helps prevent blood clotting. Anticoagulants work by slowing down the clotting process in the blood, thereby reducing the risk of blood clots forming in the arteries or veins. These medications are prescribed by healthcare providers to treat or prevent conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, stroke, and heart attack.

Homeopathy is a form of alternative medicine that uses substances from plants and minerals, which are weakened by adding water to them to encourage the body's natural healing processes. Practitioners believe that these weakened substances, which can cause symptoms in healthy individuals, can treat similar symptoms in those who are unwell. Homeopathic remedies are thought to work by activating the body's self-healing abilities. Practitioners prescribe these remedies based on a person's specific symptoms and overall health. While homeopathy is popular in some regions, its effectiveness is debated in standard medicine due to the lack of scientific evidence supporting its claims.

An antidote is a substance or treatment given to neutralize the effects of a poison or toxic substance in the body. It helps to reduce or reverse the harmful effects caused by the poison. Antidotes are given in emergency situations to prevent serious harm to the affected individual, and their effectiveness depends on the specific poison harming an individual and how quickly they are given to help the individual.

An antiviral is a type of medication that is used to treat infections caused by viruses. These medications work by targeting specific viruses and stopping their ability to reproduce or spread in the body. Antivirals can be used to treat a variety of viral infections, including influenza, HIV, AIDS, and hepatitis. They are prescribed by healthcare providers to help reduce symptoms, shorten the duration of illness, and prevent complications associated with viral infections.

A prognosis is a professional prediction about how a disease or medical condition is likely to progress and what the outcome might be. It is based on a patient’s current health, medical history, and test results. A prognosis helps guess how well a patient might recover, the potential for complications, and the overall future of their health.

An amylase test is a medical test used to measure the level of amylase, an enzyme, in the blood or urine. Amylase helps break down carbohydrates into simpler sugars during digestion. This test is often used to diagnose or monitor conditions related to the pancreas, such as pancreatitis, which is the inflammation of the pancreas, or other digestive issues. High levels of amylase in the blood or urine can indicate that the pancreas is inflamed or not working properly, while normal levels show that these conditions are not present.