Category: L
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Laxative drugs
Laxatives are medications used to alleviate constipation by facilitating the smoother and faster movement of feces through the intestines. They are also prescribed for individuals with hemorrhoids to minimize straining during bowel movements. Furthermore, they are often administered to prep the intestines before diagnostic tests like colonoscopy or barium enema, as well as prior to…
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Laughing gas
Commonly referred to as nitrous oxide, it’s used alongside oxygen in general anesthesia. Nitrous oxide, a “gas” often used in dental anesthesia.
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Lateral cutaneous nerve entrapment
Compression of the lateral cutaneous nerve in the thigh can result in tingling, burning, and sometimes a condition termed meralgia paraesthetica, causing numbness in the thigh. This nerve, which services the skin on the front and outer parts of the thigh, runs beneath the inguinal ligament in the groin. If this ligament presses on the…
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Laser treatment
Lasers are employed in numerous medical treatments. They have the ability to slice through tissue, cauterize blood vessels, and eliminate abnormal cells. Their precision ensures minimal damage to surrounding tissues during procedures. Various medical laser systems exist, each with its mode of operation. Some release light in short flashes, termed pulsed lasers, while others produce…
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Laryngeal stridor
Stridor is an unusual, high-pitched breathing sound originating from the larynx, or voice box. This sound can be a result of inflammation in the larynx or if an object gets lodged in it. Sometimes, this condition is present at birth or develops shortly after, referred to as congenital stridor. It’s believed to be due to…
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Laryngeal nerve
A member of a paired set of nerves responsible for conveying commands from the brain to the larynx (voicebox) and transmitting sensations from the larynx to the brain.
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Largactil
A trade name for the antipsychotic and anti-emetic medication chlorpromazine.
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Lafora-body disease
A neurological disorder resulting in epilepsy characterizes a degenerative condition of the nervous system. This disorder, which arises from an autosomal recessive genetic anomaly, typically manifests during childhood or adolescence, frequently accompanied by seizures. As the condition progresses, individuals may experience compromised movement, coordination, and cognitive function leading to dementia. Unfortunately, there is no effective…
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Lactamase
An enzyme, known as penicillinase or beta-lactamase, is generated by Staphylococcus bacteria. This enzyme works to deactivate antibiotic medications from the penicillin and cephalosporin categories, rendering these drugs ineffective in combating the bacteria.
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Labetolol
This beta-blocker medication is employed for managing hypertension (elevated blood pressure) and angina pectoris (chest discomfort arising from reduced blood supply to the heart). Potential unfavorable outcomes encompass stomach discomfort and queasiness. In exceptional instances, the medication could induce feelings of depression and, in males, short-term erectile difficulties.